[Dagger]

The first time I rode a cruiser I hated it.. Trying to get my balance with my feet not below me seemed like an insane task… Now after having my bike for a month I’m already looking at extension kits to move my pegs another 3″ forward… I’m 6’1″, 185lbs and mostly leg… The forward controls on my bike are set up for your feet to be at an upward angle.. Unfortunately, with my long legs, I end up riding it more like a standard.. So I’m hoping the extensions will allow me to stretch out my legs and angle my feet more properly..

As for what’s a better type of bike.. Like most have said.. It’s what fits you.. You have to get out and sit on bikes.. When you find the one that’s right for you, you’ll know.. I knew the second I saw my bike that it was the one I wanted.. Someday I may move up to the 1100, but for now, I’m very content with her.. I have my MSF’s coming up next week so hopefully soon I’ll be able to take her out on the highway..

Dagger

I just want to make it out of this life alive…

[Dagger]

Congrats on the new ride! Definietly get some pics up…

I just want to make it out of this life alive…

[Dagger]

Hmm.. Harley.. Triumph.. No offense but are you looking to get a bike to ride or just looking for something to impress people on? If you just want something to show off then honesty I’d go with a nice Triumph.. I think they have more class and style than a Harley these days.. If you’re looking for a bike to learn how to actually ride then there are several smaller cruisers in the Harley “style” that you could learn on for a quarter of the price..

I just want to make it out of this life alive…

[Dagger]

Glad you’re excited about riding.. It’s a great way to get around as well as a great hobby.. This web site has been a wealth of information to me and it’s wonderful to have so many other new riders to talk with and learn from their experiences..

Dagger

I just want to make it out of this life alive…

[Dagger]

I think most of the helmets that are stolen off of bikes are just done for kicks.. The helmets are pretty useless without the chin strap and like someone else said, most riders won’t buy a used helmet.. I went with a pretty standard helmet for now.. So if it gets stolen I’m not out much.. If I had a nice Shoei I might carry it with me wherever I go though..

I just want to make it out of this life alive…

[Dagger]

As for bike size.. It’s whatever you feel comfortable and confident on.. If you feel like you’re on a bike that’s driving you then it’s too big for you.. I had a lesson on a Rebel 250 and after 15 minutes on it my hip was already hurting me..Of course I’m 6’1 185lbs..I checked out a number of 650’s (Never got around to looking at the Vulcan 500.. The only one I found for sale was a 2hr drive from my house) and finally decided on the Yamaha V-Star 650 Custom.. Also bear in mind that I did have prior riding experience as a kid.. So it was not completely new to me.. So far I’ve been completely delighted with the bike..

Here’s a good review on 250’s..

http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/roadtests/250cc_cruiser_comparison/index.html

As for gear.. Even though you see most cruiser riders wearing skull caps.. While I’m still re-learning and getting back into it.. I went with a full face helmet.. Also I just bought a jacket and boots off of LeatherUp.com that came in the mail a few days ago and I’m very happy with them.. As most people say.. You might want to order a size up from what they recommend on the jackets.. I fell right between L and XL on their chart and went with the XL thinking it would be a lil loose.. But it’s pretty much a snug perfect fit.. Would have liked the sleeves about an inch longer.. But other than that.. Fits great.. The boots I love.. Very comfortable.. May put some gel insets in them but I’ve been wearing them to work for four days now without any problems..

http://leatherup.com/p/Mens-Motorcycle-Jackets/Mens-Advanced-Armored-Padded-Black-Motorcycle-Jacket/42527.html

http://leatherup.com/p/Mens-Motorcycle-Boots/Mens-Advanced-Motorcycle-Lace-Up-Biker-Comfort-Boots/41688.html

Dagger

I just want to make it out of this life alive…

[Dagger]

Not much of a sport bike rider myself.. But I came from dirt bikes as well.. From what I hear the Ninja’s are pretty dependable bikes.. But others here know more about them than I do.. Also, what size dirt bikes are you use to riding? Whatever you get.. Take it easy.. Big difference between dirt and streets.. Be safe and have fun..

Dagger

I just want to make it out of this life alive…

[Dagger]

I have a similar issue with my V-Star except it’s with 1st gear.. If I down shift into 1st while still rolling it’s fine.. But if I forget and try to down shift to 1st after I’m stopped it sometimes has a hard time getting it into 1st..

I did have a lesson on an older Rebel and I know that the clutch would jump between 1st and 2nd real easy.. Which made finding neutral tough some times.. Would have to go back and forth a few times before I could find neutral..

Dagger

I just want to make it out of this life alive…

[Dagger]

Medical conditions aside and not knowing the road conditions in Guam.. You might want to check out something like this..

http://www.suzukicycles.com/Products/DRZ400SMK9

I just want to make it out of this life alive…

[Dagger]

Nice bike.. Look like you got it into showroom shape.. I love those pipes…

Dagger

I just want to make it out of this life alive…

[Dagger]

I couldn’t wait either… But yes.. Winter is definitely the time to get a bike.. A lot go on sale so you should have your pick.. And welcome to the group!

Dagger

I just want to make it out of this life alive…

[Dagger]

Welcome to the crew… I’m sure you’ll love riding out there.. Wish we had more open roads out here in SoCal.. *sighs at all the traffic*

Dagger

I just want to make it out of this life alive…

[Dagger]

I lock my handlebars and use a disk lock.. Like ranette said.. Once you get your key into the LOCK position.. Turn your handlebars back to the right slightly and the key should pop out fine… Then when unlocking (at least with my V-Star) I have to turn the bars slightly to the right to get the key to unlock the bars..

Dagger

I just want to make it out of this life alive…

[Dagger]

You mean I’m not supposed to knee drag on my cruiser?

I just want to make it out of this life alive…

[Dagger]

Of the bikes you listed I would suggest you look into the Virago… The rebel will be too small for your body size I would think.. As well as the Savage.. Even at 650cc’s it a pretty small bike.. I went with the V-Star 650 and am very happy with it.. Not as heavy as it’s bigger brothers but has a nice look and feel to it.. As was said in another thread.. Get out there and sit on as many bikes as you can.. Have the dealer help hold the bikes so you can get both feet up on the pegs and find one that feels comfortable to you.. If you start to look into the 650’s I’d say check out the Yamaha V-Star and the Honda Shadow… Those would be my two choices for 650’s..

Whatever you chose, just take your time and learn to ride safe and smart..

Dagger

I just want to make it out of this life alive…

[Author]

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