- This topic has 2 replies, 2 voices, and was last updated 15 years ago by swing848.
Old rider returning to the road
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April 16, 2009 at 1:53 am #2712swing848Participant
I will introduce myself with a short version of my motorcycling history.
I am not sure when I began riding motorcycles, my best guess would be somewhere in the early 1970s. I began with no instruction, riding a Honda 175. I purchased larger motorcycles through the years, the largest that I rode was a Honda CB 750, and back then it was considered a large motorcycle. I did not like that motorcycle because it was top heavy and too tall for me, as I am only 5’6″ and weighed about 125 pounds.
I stopped riding around 1998 or 1999, so it has been a while since I have been on a bike.
Recently I purchased a Yamaha Virago 700 that came with bags and a comparatively small windshield. Because my 60th birthday is only three weeks or so away I wanted a motorcycle that was comfortable, low [to allow both of my feet to be on the ground, my inseam is 28 inches], shaft drive, non-spoke wheels [easier to fix a flat tire], at least 45 mpg [the more the better], windshield, bags, smooth running at 65 mph, enough power for the mountains of West Virginia, and hydraulic valves.
The biggest miss with the Virago is that it uses mechanical lifters.
The motorcycle that I most wanted was a Kawasaki Vulcan 750, my second choice was a Honda VT 750, and the Yamaha Virago 700 or 750 was a distant third.
Because of limited funds I was unable to find my first or second choice either because they sold before I got to them or, in the case of one Honda, there were too many mechanical problems that needed repaired [although it rode well]. Eventually I found an old 1985 Yamaha Virago 700 for $1575 that is in outstanding mechanical condition and looks very good, only one dent on a chrome side cover, the rest of the bike looked almost new [ a 9 out of 10], with only the smallest road rash [ a few 1/16 inch paint chips on one small area of the gas tank, so small you have to look for them].
The day I picked up the motorcycle I had to ride it almost 100 miles to my home. The temperature at the beginning of the ride was about 38 degrees and forecast rain. I have not purchased leather yet, however, I did purchase a good rain suit, unfortunately, the ride was still cold. I had planned to wear long underwear under my pants and had forgotten to put them on. Thank God that at that low temperature it did not begin to rain until I was about 10 miles from home.
The trip was mostly flat, open highway, but there were some back roads that had twists and hills, one of which was long and steep, plenty of power from those 700ccs though and the Virago climbed with ease.
After putting the motorcycle away I changed my wet socks and shoes [my boots were too large for the location of the shifter to safely use, new boots are next], then I settled on the sofa with a large glass of hot tea with honey.
I have read many posts from people asking questions about which should be their first motorcycle purchase. For those of you wondering about purchasing a new motorcycle to ride on the highway or street I suggest you visit dealers and sit on as many as you can. Have one of the staff, in cycle shops, hold on to the front tire to see if you can put both feet on the ground and let you move the bike slightly from side to side, to let you get a feel for the center of gravity [ease of movement leaning the bike left and right, not you, just the bike], don’t lean the bike too far, you do not want to drop a heavy motorcycle that belongs to someone else.
For those that are considering a cruiser, they easily fit most people from 5’6″ to just under 6′ tall [height can be changed in various ways if you are too short]. If you are over 6′ 1″ see if you can enjoy the motorcycle you want to purchase before buying it [which means you will have to be insured if you ride]. Also, cruisers, especially medium to large, are long and low, which means they turn different than other types of motorcycles, and even people that have ridden light standard or dirt bikes will find it more difficult to turn at very low speed, it is something you will have to master.
If you have no experience riding, I suggest a motorcycle in the 250cc range and pass a safety course. Small riders will have no trouble getting to 70 mph, riders up to 235 pounds should expect up to 65 mph on most motorcycles with this engine size [unless you are very heavy, 350+ pounds], on flat ground. If you want to climb mountains then the 250cc will strain uphill, even with light riders. I do not suggest two light weight people on a bike this small on anything other than short trips around town or on less traveled two lane highways, level ground.
If are new to motorcycles and want to take long road trips in all areas of the country, I still suggest a small motorcycle to begin riding, then sell the bike [the internet is a great way to sell to individuals], and then purchase a larger motorcycle. For single riders, even heavy ones, 500cc is plenty of engine for almost any Eastern mountains. If you want to ride two up in the mountains, then a larger engine should be looked at, at least 750cc.
As for the Yamaha Virago I purchased, it rides very smooth up to about 50mph, then begins to slowly increase vibration as speed increases. This motorcycle has no “cruse control” aka an inexpensive friction lock, so I accidentally hit 75mph a few times on the freeway and vibration had not nearly reached what I would call bad, in other words, cars were still clearly visible in the rear view mirrors. Roll on power was smooth and non-abrupt through all ranges. There are quicker motorcycles out there in the 750cc class, however, one of my criteria was good fuel economy and this motorcycle is advertised to get 50mpg combination city/highway, I will soon find out for myself.
Fuel economy was the reason that I ruled out Honda Magna, as they average about 38mpg city/highway. That motorcycle is basically a cruiser with a racing engine, which means higher RPM [which means lower fuel economy] to reach comparable speeds of other cruisers. Great bike, poor fuel economy in my opinion.
After a long absence from riding do I like this motorcycle? Yes. It was not my first choice, but it is good enough to pass muster.
Thank you for reading and enjoy safe riding.
April 16, 2009 at 2:12 am #17796megaspazParticipantWelcome! For a second I thought you might’ve had a ducati 848 from your nick…
April 16, 2009 at 3:05 am #17799swing848ParticipantMy nick is a long story.
The short story is that I always wanted to use swingman, however, everywhere I went that nickname was used, as well as variables, so I finally stopped trying to use that nickname and settled on swing848 for many of the forums I visit.
And, thank you for the welcome!
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