BRAND new? Which bike should I get?

fftique · 11-21-2010, 03:26 PM

Hello all. I am BRAND new to motorcycles (I've never ridden before), but I've waited long enough. I'm going through the MSF course soon, and then using some of my tax refund (hopefully) for a good used bike. As a firefighter, I have a strong prejudice towards Harleys, but after reading some of the other posts here, I'm concerned that those bikes (particularly the Road King or Softail) may be way too big for a beginner. I love the look of those two bikes, but the name does not matter if the price is right. I'm 6'3", 240 lbs...... mostly muscle I swear.......

My concern with getting a smaller "beginner" bike (500cc or so) is that I am too big for the smaller bikes. Any opinions/suggestions? Sport bikes are not a consideration - it will be a cruiser.

Thanks in advance!

Dodsfall · 11-21-2010, 07:30 PM

I'd recommend a dual sport to learn on for people over 5' 10 or so.

DoM3K · 11-21-2010, 08:16 PM

Got sit on some reasonable cruisers. Just don't be "Well I can handle it"

And when it comes to starer bikes or most smaller bikes they have a greater resale value. Also on top of that now is the best time to buy a motorcycle. The prices go up quite abit in spring.

CookinBeans · 11-22-2010, 05:58 PM

Everyone hates to hear old farts say this; Get a good used standard to learn on for the first year. Peronally, I consider a cruiser an advanced riding technique because you have less control while your feet are forward and your hands are relatively high.
I would reconnend an 80's BMW R65, Kwaskai W650, Triumph Bonneville, a dual sport or motard -something like that. Just a year. Develope your skills. You'll be so much happier in the long run.

fftique · 11-22-2010, 06:05 PM

Interesting thoughts on the standards....... Although I feel that I would greatly prefer a cruiser, apparently a standard is the way to go. This would be mostly for riding in the suburbs, probably wouldn't sniff a freeway until I am quite comfortable. Would the ninja 250 provide enough hp given my size?

As far as cruisers go, I was considering a Shadow 750 or Vulcan 900....... Any thoughts on these?

sunflashmace7 · 11-30-2010, 08:43 AM

the shadow 750 isnt a bad first bike and it has enough power to keep you happy with it for awhile. If you are responsible about it and go slow learn at your pace you shoud be fine. BTW your pace is NOT what you feel you can handle it is what you know you can handle. Get your bearings for slow maneuvers before you even touch real roads and you should be fine.

Jesterrace · 11-30-2010, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fftique

Interesting thoughts on the standards....... Although I feel that I would greatly prefer a cruiser, apparently a standard is the way to go. This would be mostly for riding in the suburbs, probably wouldn't sniff a freeway until I am quite comfortable. Would the ninja 250 provide enough hp given my size?

As far as cruisers go, I was considering a Shadow 750 or Vulcan 900....... Any thoughts on these?

At 6'3" and 240lbs I would say that the Ninja 250 will be a bit small for you, it has enough hp but I think if you sat one one you would feel cramped. I concur that an old cruiser or standard bike (ie 650 or 750) would be the way to go for someone of your height and build.

benny hedges · 11-30-2010, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fftique

My concern with getting a smaller "beginner" bike (500cc or so) is that I am too big for the smaller bikes.
Thanks in advance!

ok, so say you were getting into horseriding and not biking...
you'd be sort of limited to the power output of your ride...
you don't want a donkey and you don't want a showjumper...

there was a very valid point i was trying to make, but this beer is very strong.

just have a good look around and see what fits you best.
as a learner, power output & cc isn't as important as comfort & ergos.

fftique · 11-30-2010, 09:46 PM

Thanks for all your help guys. Great advice moving forward.

KMWilliams · 11-30-2010, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by benny hedges

there was a very valid point i was trying to make, but this beer is very strong.
.

Put down the real draft ale and step away form the keyboard.

I'm 6'6" 275 and ride a Yamaha V-Star 650. The only must have mod is a different seat. The stock one sucks. Once you have some experience, get the HD of your choice.

Posting while on McClelland's

Thank you for risking your life to save some schmucks property. We need more like you.

fftique · 11-30-2010, 10:11 PM

Is that what I do??? I always thought I got to wear cool clothes, scream down the road in a big red truck with bright lights and loud sirens, and basically do what every kid (and cop.....) wishes they could do.

Good to know about your size and the 650. I didn't think it would be big enough for my size.

StarCruizer · 12-01-2010, 07:01 PM

I used to ride 250's and 305's when I was younger. I quit for about 15 years. In June I bought a used 2006 Star Roadliner as my first bike in a long time. I took it real easy and got use to the larger bike over time. I road mostly in the country to avoid traffic until I got a good feel for the bike. I'm 6 foot, about 215, in good shape, and 62 years old. I road about 3,000 miles this summer and have really enjoyed my bike. No matter what you ride I'm sure you will enjoy it.

TORQ · 12-05-2010, 08:46 PM

The 2 bikes that you like I think would be fine. Your a big guy, so as far as handling the weight ETC I don't see a problem. And they only have maybe 87HP and at 800 pounds there not going to throw you off! And you should be able to pick up a used one, for short money. Very good friend of mine just bought a 08 street guild with everything ABS Alarm system & 3,000 miles for 15k OTD. And he's a new rider!

copper.mason · 12-19-2010, 11:08 AM

+1 for shadow 750

rowboy85 · 12-22-2010, 08:36 PM

I'm kinda new to biking, so advice is with a grain of salt. But the msf course uses 250's. So after learning on that, you should be fine taking it easy on slightly bigger bikes, like a shadow, with no prob.

CaptCrashIdaho · 12-23-2010, 09:05 AM

Here's an odd thought:

Your first bike isn't your last bike AND your first year or two of riding are about learning! So I would recommend a used bike (so if you drop it you won't be too upset) and a smaller bike so it won't punish you if you make a rookie mistake.

TeutonicBeemerMan · 12-23-2010, 09:15 AM

I had an opportunity to ride a triumph america as a loner for a few days and I being 5'8/145 thought it felt like a toy compared to my K12RS. I had always wanted one but am glad I did not get one. Secret is to test drive a lot of different brands and get the one that feels right. You will know it when you ride it.

kauai1800 · 12-23-2010, 04:06 PM

I'm learning on one of the classic beginner bikes, the Buell Blast. It's a 500cc thumper and I love it. Super easy to repair, great online community for service info, nice size, not heavy, and uses HD parts. Plus it's something a little different.

gammaqueen · 12-23-2010, 08:03 PM

I went about learning differently than most. I bought a brand new 1200 Sportster, took the class, and THEN learned how to ride it. Less than a year later, I put on an extended front end and apes. Seems like I did all I could to make it harder to ride. I don't regret any of it. After riding that beast for 60,000 mile, I can confidently say that I can ride the he** out of anything now. LOL. That said, I've always been the wild one in my family. Rationality is not in my vocabulary! ROFLMAO!

TORQ · 12-23-2010, 11:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kauai1800

I'm learning on one of the classic beginner bikes, the Buell Blast. It's a 500cc thumper and I love it. Super easy to repair, great online community for service info, nice size, not heavy, and uses HD parts. Plus it's something a little different.

ALOHA BRADDA, HOWZIT? And I know what you mean about having a Great Forum for your ride, I've got one for my 9.

11-21-2010, 03:26 PM	#1
fftique Newbie Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 4	BRAND new? Which bike should I get? Hello all. I am BRAND new to motorcycles (I've never ridden before), but I've waited long enough. I'm going through the MSF course soon, and then using some of my tax refund (hopefully) for a good used bike. As a firefighter, I have a strong prejudice towards Harleys, but after reading some of the other posts here, I'm concerned that those bikes (particularly the Road King or Softail) may be way too big for a beginner. I love the look of those two bikes, but the name does not matter if the price is right. I'm 6'3", 240 lbs...... mostly muscle I swear....... My concern with getting a smaller "beginner" bike (500cc or so) is that I am too big for the smaller bikes. Any opinions/suggestions? Sport bikes are not a consideration - it will be a cruiser. Thanks in advance!

11-21-2010, 07:30 PM	#2
Dodsfall Administrator Join Date: May 2008 Location: Illinois, USA Posts: 15,834	I'd recommend a dual sport to learn on for people over 5' 10 or so. __________________ 2008 XL1200R To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

12-01-2010, 07:01 PM	#12
StarCruizer Verified Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Lansing, MI Posts: 43	New Rider Too I used to ride 250's and 305's when I was younger. I quit for about 15 years. In June I bought a used 2006 Star Roadliner as my first bike in a long time. I took it real easy and got use to the larger bike over time. I road mostly in the country to avoid traffic until I got a good feel for the bike. I'm 6 foot, about 215, in good shape, and 62 years old. I road about 3,000 miles this summer and have really enjoyed my bike. No matter what you ride I'm sure you will enjoy it.

12-23-2010, 08:03 PM	#19
gammaqueen Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: North Carolina Posts: 802	I went about learning differently than most. I bought a brand new 1200 Sportster, took the class, and THEN learned how to ride it. Less than a year later, I put on an extended front end and apes. Seems like I did all I could to make it harder to ride. I don't regret any of it. After riding that beast for 60,000 mile, I can confidently say that I can ride the he** out of anything now. LOL. That said, I've always been the wild one in my family. Rationality is not in my vocabulary! ROFLMAO! __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Ness Vision AKA Maj Tom & 1200XLL

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11-21-2010, 08:16 PM	#3
DoM3K Verified Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 99	Got sit on some reasonable cruisers. Just don't be "Well I can handle it" And when it comes to starer bikes or most smaller bikes they have a greater resale value. Also on top of that now is the best time to buy a motorcycle. The prices go up quite abit in spring.

11-22-2010, 05:58 PM	#4
CookinBeans Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Asheville Posts: 1,045	Everyone hates to hear old farts say this; Get a good used standard to learn on for the first year. Peronally, I consider a cruiser an advanced riding technique because you have less control while your feet are forward and your hands are relatively high. I would reconnend an 80's BMW R65, Kwaskai W650, Triumph Bonneville, a dual sport or motard -something like that. Just a year. Develope your skills. You'll be so much happier in the long run.

11-22-2010, 06:05 PM	#5
fftique Newbie Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 4	Interesting thoughts on the standards....... Although I feel that I would greatly prefer a cruiser, apparently a standard is the way to go. This would be mostly for riding in the suburbs, probably wouldn't sniff a freeway until I am quite comfortable. Would the ninja 250 provide enough hp given my size? As far as cruisers go, I was considering a Shadow 750 or Vulcan 900....... Any thoughts on these?

11-30-2010, 08:43 AM	#6
sunflashmace7 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Pensacola Fl Posts: 496	the shadow 750 isnt a bad first bike and it has enough power to keep you happy with it for awhile. If you are responsible about it and go slow learn at your pace you shoud be fine. BTW your pace is NOT what you feel you can handle it is what you know you can handle. Get your bearings for slow maneuvers before you even touch real roads and you should be fine.

11-30-2010, 09:46 PM	#9
fftique Newbie Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 4	Thanks for all your help guys. Great advice moving forward.

11-30-2010, 10:11 PM	#11
fftique Newbie Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 4	Is that what I do??? I always thought I got to wear cool clothes, scream down the road in a big red truck with bright lights and loud sirens, and basically do what every kid (and cop.....) wishes they could do. Good to know about your size and the 650. I didn't think it would be big enough for my size.

12-05-2010, 08:46 PM	#13
TORQ Master At Arms Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 156	The 2 bikes that you like I think would be fine. Your a big guy, so as far as handling the weight ETC I don't see a problem. And they only have maybe 87HP and at 800 pounds there not going to throw you off! And you should be able to pick up a used one, for short money. Very good friend of mine just bought a 08 street guild with everything ABS Alarm system & 3,000 miles for 15k OTD. And he's a new rider!

12-19-2010, 11:08 AM	#14
copper.mason Newbie Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 3	+1 for shadow 750

12-22-2010, 08:36 PM	#15
rowboy85 Verified Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Natchez Posts: 23	I'm kinda new to biking, so advice is with a grain of salt. But the msf course uses 250's. So after learning on that, you should be fine taking it easy on slightly bigger bikes, like a shadow, with no prob.

12-23-2010, 09:05 AM	#16
CaptCrashIdaho Safety Hooligan Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: SW Idaho! Posts: 1,677	Here's an odd thought: Your first bike isn't your last bike AND your first year or two of riding are about learning! So I would recommend a used bike (so if you drop it you won't be too upset) and a smaller bike so it won't punish you if you make a rookie mistake.

12-23-2010, 09:15 AM	#17
TeutonicBeemerMan Verified Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: I live behind the Zion curtain in Northern Utah Posts: 58	I had an opportunity to ride a triumph america as a loner for a few days and I being 5'8/145 thought it felt like a toy compared to my K12RS. I had always wanted one but am glad I did not get one. Secret is to test drive a lot of different brands and get the one that feels right. You will know it when you ride it.

12-23-2010, 04:06 PM	#18
kauai1800 Newbie Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Island of Kauai Posts: 4	I'm learning on one of the classic beginner bikes, the Buell Blast. It's a 500cc thumper and I love it. Super easy to repair, great online community for service info, nice size, not heavy, and uses HD parts. Plus it's something a little different.