- This topic has 6 replies, 4 voices, and was last updated 14 years, 7 months ago by eon.
Introducing myself
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September 27, 2009 at 9:53 pm #3463wxduffParticipant
Hi all, I’m new to the forums, and I’m excited to get my first bike. I took the MSF course this summer with my younger brother (were both in college) and got our licenses. My old man is taking the course in spring sometime.
We recently decided to get into motorcycling to find something we could all do together. We already snowmobile in the winter time, and enjoy the day spent discovering new places. With the winters seemingly getting shorter were looking to extend these types of outings to 4 seasons. Motorcycling seemed like a good idea.
So my dad, influenced by his age and his friends at work, is heart-set on a Harley. Something like a Fat Bob/Boy. It’s a bit large but he’s a big guy, 220 pounds, works with his hands, etc. I told him he might want to start small and he said he would look at the sportsters first. We’ll see.
My younger brother knows exactly what he wants. A Harley Nightster (Sportster 1200). He did great in the MSF course, he got a 100 on the written test and a 95 in the road test (I beat him though with a 100 and a 97). He’s also a big strong guy 180 pounds, all muscle, he goes to the gym each week. I’m not too worried about him starting out that big.
I am still very lost with what bike to get. There are a lot of choices for me, and I’m struggling to make up my mind. Maybe I should tell you a little about me to help give perspective. I’m 200 pounds flat, not obeise (anymore), but I’ve got a little gut, so I’m not jacked. I run three times a week and do a workout before going to bed. I used to play football and wrestle, so my friends know they would loose a fight, lol. Even my brother wont fight me, if that goes to show anything. Lol. But I’m short. 5’6″ and 30″ pants are still a bit too long for me. So thats been one of the most difficult parts of finding a bike.
The first bike I looked at seriously was the Suzuki M50. I liked it because it wasn’t as classic cruiser in looks as the C cruisers, and I don’t feel like spending the money to get a harley. I went to a dealer and sat on one, and my feet were flat on the ground, and the whole thing felt pretty good.
However, I started looking around and found out that next year the M50 is going to look like the M109 and M90, which I think are ugly as hell. So that got me looking around.
I landed on a type of bike while I was looking around that really interested me. The Standard. I liked the sportier feel to the looks and handling.
After spending some time looking, here is the list of bikes I am trying to pick from.
Suzuki Gladius (I like how it looks, which seems to big the only thing people don’t like)
BMW G 650 GS
BMW F 650 GS
BMW F 800 ST (I sat on and loved this bike. The only problem is the price tag, but I’m hoping to find one used. http://www.maxbmwmotorcycles.com/machine/details.asp?ID=1891 This one at the local dealer would be prime.
Kawasaki ER-6nThe BMW’s are all a bit expensive, but do come with a nice 3 year warranty and seems to make an effort to appeal to people with a shorter stature, like myself. The 800 ST I sat on had the lowered suspension and low seat, and it felt like I belonged. I also sat on a F 650 GS, and felt pretty good as well.
Basically I’m looking for advice on my list, and some suggestions regarding my height.
September 28, 2009 at 2:40 am #22551owlieParticipantWelcome to the forums.
In all cases (family included), you would do well to consider a smaller bike for a season or so (maybe the Vulcan 500?). The problem with the big bikes isn’t just the weight, it is also getting comfortable with the power and controlling the bike using the clutch, brakes and throttle. Those three don’t need strength (though they will give your hands one heck of a workout). They need fine control and repetitive practice. The smaller bikes have less power and are generally more forgiving for the types of mistakes inexperienced riders make.
Maybe you three can chip in together for a bike to share for the summer while you each get comfortable with riding? It isn’t really considered the wisest choice in the world to start off with long group rides with a bunch of inexperienced riders anyway…
Just my two cents. Anyone need some kindling? That darn soapbox keeps popping up…
September 28, 2009 at 3:42 am #22556owlieParticipantI’ve never been on a snow machine, so I didn’t realize that they are a manual transmission. Are the throttle inputs as sensitive as they are on a bike? Just curious.
I started on a 650 single cylinder, and it has been quite the experience. As you point out, you aren’t stepping into this cold turkey as I did. For each person, it really comes down to what they are comfortable with. I honestly don’t have any experience with any bikes other than what I started with.
September 28, 2009 at 5:22 am #22559wxduffParticipantSnowmobiles arn’t stick, I was referring to my car . I feel like snowmobile experience is helpful on a motorcycle because a snowmobile track will lock up easier than a car or motorcyle wheel will, and both snowmobile and motorcycle breaks are done by hand, but on the opposite side. My car is a standard so I understand how the friction zone works and how to time shifts, etc.
September 28, 2009 at 5:23 am #22554wxduffParticipantAt least for myself, I’m pretty sure I picked some appropriate sized bikes, no?
The BMW G 650 is a single 650, that is defiantly appropriate.
The Gladius is probably my first choice right now, is the same engine as the SV650 which this site highly recommends, and the ER-6n is supposed to be slightly more tame then the Gladius. The F650 was only a few more ponies then those too, not much at all.
The F 800 ST is the highest powered bike in my picks, and also the least likely purchase. It’s not a ricer 4 stroke. It’s not a race replica.Also, when it comes to the issue of clutch, brake, and throttle, between driving stick for years and have years of snowmobile experience, I have a good idea how this stuff works. Locking up a snowmobile track is a lot easier then a motorcycle wheel, And in the MSF Course my instructors were surprised at how natural I looked at doing pretty much everything. I didn’t include that stuff in my first post.
But I came here for advice so if the ST is to much then by all means I will remove it from the list. Is everyone cool with the Gladius for a first bike then?
September 28, 2009 at 2:05 pm #22571JtownJJAParticipantLooks like you had a good visit to a BMW dealer with so many of their models listed. (ha ha) Anyway, the BMW models don’t get mentioned too often here, but I have been taking a look at them myself. I’ve sat on the G 650 GS and it felt pretty tame, and very comfortable in it’s riding position. Also, by what I’ve read on it, and with your experience, I would bet that it would be a good beginner bike for you. The other BMW models, however, sound like too much to me. They are around 800CC (including the F 650 GS), which I wouldn’t recommend to anyone for their first bike. If you look around on this site, I know there is at least one other person who recently got a Gladius for their first bike, and they love it. It could be right for you as well. It definitely has the price advantage if you’re going to start with a brand new bike. No matter which you choose, just take it slow and cautious at first, as I’m sure you plan to do, and Ride Safe!
September 28, 2009 at 2:59 pm #22574eonParticipantThe advice given to beginners obviously has to cover a wide range of talent so take it with a pinch of salt. To me the most important thing is understanding your own limitations and attitude. You come across as being a level headed kind of guy who is interested in staying safe so I think you would do fine on any of the bikes you mention.
I have been looking at the F650GS as my second bike and I have heard many people comment on how fast it is. For a beginner it could be too much but that all depends on the beginner and how much risk you want to take. Owlie’s comment on the sensitivity of the throttle is important. Even my 40hp scooter can throw you backwards if you are not prepared for it.
I’m glad you aced the MSF but don’t read too much into that. It is just toodling around in a parking lot after all. Learning to be safe on the road is a whole different set of skills to learn than brake/clutch/throttle control. But I’m sure you know that
Good luck with your search. Sounds like you have some very cool bikes lined up.
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