- This topic has 28 replies, 11 voices, and was last updated 14 years ago by Sean_D.
NEW RIDER!! need help
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March 29, 2010 at 5:25 am #3816Tucker ChapmanParticipant
i have a few questions for yall. i am thinking about getting a bike, however i am new to the motorcycle world. im 6.3 and 310pounds, and i am looking for a cruiser type bike, do you have any suggestions on what i should look into?
thank you for yalls timeMarch 29, 2010 at 2:44 pm #25256WeaponZeroParticipantYamaha V-Star 650. Kawasaki Vulcan 500 is another good choice but the seating position might feel cramped due to your size. The V-Star 650 has the same size dimensions as the full size V-Star 1100, since it’s built on the same frame and uses most of the same parts, aside from the engine. Honda Shadow 750 is another good choice and is a far better bike but it costs a fair bit more than the V-Star and at your skill level I’m not sure it’s worth spending the extra $2000 or so.
March 29, 2010 at 2:45 pm #25257briderdtParticipant…if you haven’t already taken it.
As for cruiser type bikes, there’s the Yamaha Virago, Suzuki S40 and C50 (Volushia in older versions), Honda Fury (for the “chopper” look, though it’s got a pretty small tank).
March 29, 2010 at 2:47 pm #25258WeaponZeroParticipantThe Virago was the predecessor to the V-Star. The V-Star 650 was the replacement for the Virago 535 which was a great bike. Its final year of production was either 2000 or 2001 before it was replaced by the V-Star 650.
March 29, 2010 at 5:19 pm #25260Sean_DParticipant.. My wife has a V-Star 650. I am 6’2″ 230ish and I feel insanely cramped when trying to ride her V-Star 650. To the point where it really bothers the heck out of my hips and knees. I just can’t ride it for any length of time. I find the seat height low and the riding position uncomfortable for my height.
You should really spend some time going around looking at bikes and spending some time in the seat and I mean more than just 5 minutes. I thought her bike felt comfortable when I sat on it at the dealership, but after taking it for a ride after she got it home, all I can say is I am glad it is her bike and not mine. It does well for her, but she is 5″8. I think that 5-6″ can make a big difference in long term comfort.
March 29, 2010 at 5:39 pm #25261MunchParticipantBare in mind also that adjustments can be made. Assuming any bike stock will fit every one will be foolish, thats why they make things such as handle bar risers, peg/floorboard relocation’s and even some bikes like my 9 you can rotate the handle bars up for an even more custom fit.
March 29, 2010 at 5:58 pm #25263Sean_DParticipant.. I am just suggesting that spending some time in the seats and finding a bike that fits comfortably with minimal adjustments can often be a better and less expensive start for a new rider rather than changing this, that and the other thing and maybe still not finding a fit you like. I know everyone is built differently and has different preferences. The V-Star 650 probably works fine for many people, but IMHO if I have to make that many changes and spend money on add ons and mods to be comfortable on a bike, I figure there are probably better choices out there for me. My wife loves hers and it works great for her, so that is all that really matters as far as that bike goes
March 29, 2010 at 6:11 pm #25264TrialsRiderParticipantHonda Fury ! @ $13,000, 1312 cc engine on a 663 pound bike and a 71 inch wheelbase. lol ….you’ve got to be kidding, right ?
March 29, 2010 at 7:43 pm #25266briderdtParticipantSad thing is it’s about the lightest chopper around.
March 29, 2010 at 9:50 pm #25268IBA270ParticipantNot taking a dig, but if I had a dime for every time somebody asked “I’m “x” foot, “xx” inches and “umpteen” thousand pounds…what kind of bike should I look for?” I could stop looking for a job tomorrow.
Again, not digging…but, let’s say you wanted to jump out of airplane tomorrow. Would your first question be “What kind of parachute should I buy?” Of course not…it would be “where can I learn to skydive?”
I assure one is much more dangerous and probably requires more skill and coordination. I’ll let you guess which one it is…but a hint…we discuss it here on this forum.
March 29, 2010 at 11:30 pm #25271TrialsRiderParticipantMaybe a more appropriate analogy would be, what kind of horse does he ride a Pinto or a Belgian
Good Cruiser class starter bikes are difficult to even define, because Cruisers really are all about excess. Equipment developed in 1930 to 1960 America with a riding position inspired and popularized by the chopper, the formula is a total cash cow for both bike manufacturers and insurance companies. Cruisers have little to do with performance, features or R&D, and everything to do with ‘the Look’.
March 30, 2010 at 12:21 am #25273MunchParticipant“because Cruisers really are all about excess.”……”cruisers have little to do with performance, features or R&D, and everything to do with ‘the Look’.”
Uh…. what?
Cruisers just shy of choppers and bobbers have little to do with excess. Matter of fact comparatively sport bikes represent most of that “excess”. Between the high volume of fiberglass aesthetics to overpowered engines for the weight ratio. The only style bike that goes beyond that is the tourer types such as Goldwings and HD’s Electra’s. How can one represent “excess” and yet lack “performance, features or R&D, and everything to do with ‘the Look’.”??
I think you may be referencing the stereo typing that was given to the Lawyer/Doctor/week end warrior types that look for the butt jewelry and minimally represent the lifestyle that of “cruiser type enthusiasts”. The same could be said by comparing or grouping rather an owner of a naked GS whatever to a blinged and stretched ‘Busa.Beginner cruisers are easy to judge… mostly by a limit of less then 750 cc’s. Also take in the weight of the bike. A Sporty would not be a good ( all though not inconceivable) good beginner bike due to how heavy it is (amazing for how tiny it seems) and the nature for which it was designed. Heck the name gives you a clue. However take a V-star 650 or Kawi Vulcan 500…lower CC’s Lower over all weight…. the only test it would need to pass is the butt test and what if anything can be or would be willing to adjust to fit you.
March 30, 2010 at 2:44 pm #25286TrialsRiderParticipantFound this page After I wrote my comment, by google searching “motorcycle Cruiser excess”
please read; http://www.flamesonmytank.co.za/Cruiser.htm then tell us how far off base my comment was.
…and there’s nothing excessive about ape hangers, rightMarch 31, 2010 at 1:17 am #25311MunchParticipantread it and stick with my original point. As the author himself says the trade off between “butt jewelry” of the customizers and the performance constant upgrades of sport bikes riders for more power and speed are at best even.
I largely disagree with his cataloging of the names. An intruder as a chopper…. you kidding me. Maybe its a location thing .Also his comments read to me as being a victim of the same stereotyping that I mentioned in my first response. Ape hangers…. yea not everyone has them or want them. Those that do ( at least folks I know) go to swap meets to do a trade out. Or….they know many other folks that can and do do fab work and get them extremely low in price but largely better in quality. I will give you the custom paint jobs… but there again… it washes with those of the sport bike world that do the same if not stopping there but going and buying a whole new fairing set. Pipes…both are guilty. Otherwise Yoshimura (sp?) and the likes would not have a business.
oh and some of his “stats ” are out dated. The Kawasaki Vulcan 500 breaks two of his listings. It IS a cruiser and not only does it have a chain drive but it also breaks his theory of being standard 1,000 cc’s. And why no mention of Bobbers? Maybe because it may make his point a tad off base to being as they are core minimalists when it comes to their bikes. Cruiser based with everything non essential taken off for a cleaner, rougher, basic look.
The word excess would imply “big pimpin” types or those from the Hummer world that have the stereotype of go big or go home. Style….. closer….
I would prefer personalization. Though …. .What rider doesn’t do that?
March 31, 2010 at 2:57 am #25314SantaCruzRiderParticipantDoes seem a bit odd that no Harleys were harmed in the production of that article.
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