Hi - I'm a relative newbie and am looking to buy a bike. Last rode about 20 yrs ago on a 350 Honda SL, so its been a while. I am looking for a reasonable sized bike and thus far have found a couple that seem to fit me and my 28" inseam fairly well. I commute about 33 miles round trip, part of which is on an interstate so I need something with the ability to travel at 55+ but don't anticipate any long cruising.
Lots of new technology I'm finding so I have a number of questions.
1) Shaft drive vs chain or belt - any ideas???
2) Liquid vs Air cooled- advantages/disadvantages
Are the two bikes I listed a reasonable place to start for a mid-fifties, overweight commuter???
Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Comparing a Honda VT600CD vs: Yamaha V Star 650 Classic
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Ron Bonnette
- Tricycle Squid
- Posts: 1
- Joined: Tue Jul 15, 2008 9:27 am
- Sex: Male
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blues2cruise
- Moderator
- Posts: 10182
- Joined: Fri Apr 22, 2005 4:28 pm
- Sex: Female
- Years Riding: 16
- My Motorcycle: 2000 Yamaha V-Star 1100
- Location: Vancouver, British Columbia
First off......
to TMW.
I just started riding in my early 50's and started with a V-Star 650 Classic.
Shaft drive is less maintenance than a chain drive and a belt drive will give you a slightly smoother take off than a shaft.....
I have only ridden the shaft bike and it has been no problem.
As for the air-cooled engine.....this bike had been in plenty of long line ups in the hot sun and has ridden loaded down for touring through some mountain highways and never had an issue.
The only time is was an issue (but only because I didn't know) was coming through the mountains in cold temperatures used a bit more fuel.
I have no knowledge of the Honda you listed, so I can only comment on the V-Star. It would be a great bike for you to start with and use for commuting and getting on and being on the interstate.
I took my 650 from Vancouver BC all the way down to SF Cal and back and had no problems at all with any of the interstates.
to TMW.I just started riding in my early 50's and started with a V-Star 650 Classic.
Shaft drive is less maintenance than a chain drive and a belt drive will give you a slightly smoother take off than a shaft.....
I have only ridden the shaft bike and it has been no problem.
As for the air-cooled engine.....this bike had been in plenty of long line ups in the hot sun and has ridden loaded down for touring through some mountain highways and never had an issue.
The only time is was an issue (but only because I didn't know) was coming through the mountains in cold temperatures used a bit more fuel.
I have no knowledge of the Honda you listed, so I can only comment on the V-Star. It would be a great bike for you to start with and use for commuting and getting on and being on the interstate.
I took my 650 from Vancouver BC all the way down to SF Cal and back and had no problems at all with any of the interstates.
If your commute entails lots of stop and go traffic the liquid cooled would be a better choice. If not then the air cooled is less maintenance (never would have a coolant leak).
All the above drives have pluses and minuses. Shaft drive is less maintenance but can be costly if something fails. Chain requires more maintenance but is cheaper. I guess it depends if you are going to be doing your own repairs/maintenance. If not definately the shaft or belt.
I think you will find people that have either one of those bikes and will tell you they are great because they are both very good.
and welcome to the site.
All the above drives have pluses and minuses. Shaft drive is less maintenance but can be costly if something fails. Chain requires more maintenance but is cheaper. I guess it depends if you are going to be doing your own repairs/maintenance. If not definately the shaft or belt.
I think you will find people that have either one of those bikes and will tell you they are great because they are both very good.
and welcome to the site.