When to consider going to a bigger bike?

[Lion_Lady]

I do worry about upgrading too soon, but by the same token, I am actively exploring the limits of my bike and am improving at a rate much quicker than I had expected. I am currently racking up around 300 miles per week on it, both controlled course and general traffic riding.

What made me start exploring the upgrading question was a 120 mile ride last weekend-I was fine on the secondary higways power-wise, but the merge onto 95 was scary. I have been on the local interstates, but that merge left me thinking "if I needed the top end to make an emergency maneuver, could I?" and the answer was no. I would have to brake. So I stuck to the secondaries on the way home.

So the answer to the trips question is I am already doing some moderate-distance trips and would like to be able to wander further at a moment's notice. I'm one of those. But, unless I feel absolutely sure about upgrading, I won't. I'm not there yet.

The key to riding safely is that scanning ahead and paying attention. So the "emergency situations" you encounter become fewer and farhter between. That scanning is a learned skill as well.

If you feel you need to upgrade just so you've got more 'get outta the way oomph,' then IMHO, what you really need is more time on the roads learning how to read traffic more accurately.

P

[SCgurl]

The key to riding safely is that scanning ahead and paying attention. So the "emergency situations" you encounter become fewer and farhter between. That scanning is a learned skill as well.

If you feel you need to upgrade just so you've got more 'get outta the way oomph,' then IMHO, what you really need is more time on the roads learning how to read traffic more accurately.

P

SCgurl wrote:

....
Let me reiterate-I don't what this to turn into an argument over whether or not to get a bigger bike now. I'm not getting a bigger bike now. I was looking for a better sense of readiness than time; just as some poeple may be ready after 3 months of riding, I'm sure there are others who aren't ready for a few years. The skills questions were helpful, though.

SCgurl wrote:

My rides have been relatively uneventful, with one or two exceptions, but I attribute that to anticipating other drivers doing something stupid before they do it and having a plan. That's why I don't necessarily brake when a cager does something "unexpected".

Defensive driving is not the sole domain of the motorcycle rider. The MSF did not "invent" this concept. It's been around since I took the defensive driving courses in the '80s. In fact, I was taught to scan at least 15 seconds ahead, as opposed to 12 seconds in the MSF BRC. I am quite good at reading traffic; I have always considered myself invisible whether I'm on the bike, in my SUV, or in my sports car and it has served me well. The appropriate response considering ability is where car and motorcycle diverge.

Now, my question was NOT "Am I ready for a bigger bike?" as the answer is clearly "no". My question is "At what point does one know they are ready for a bigger bike?" in relation to anything other than time.

[Lion_Lady]

Sorry, I had my safety hat pulled down over my eyes.

When to move up... Hmmm. When you realize that your bike doesn't meet your needs any more.

We talk about not buying brand new because until you've got your skills down and start to really ride, you can't know what sort of riding makes you happy. So you can't choose the right "tool" for the job.

Long trips? Commuting? Short jaunts? Do you want to go fast or far? And is the bike comfortable for you for your preferred ride type?

You might start with "what would I change on THIS bike to make it perfect for my needs." Then step back and look at that list as a starting point.

When I was riding my f650, I realized that the light weight of the bike was a bit of a problem for long trips. 18 wheelers would blow me around, as would some cross winds. I didn't like that it took a bit longer to get up to highway speed when fully loaded. I could keep up with bigger bikes, but sometimes it was a pain to play catch up on long rides. I had plenty of "emergency" acceleration if needed. Also, to get "hard" luggage, I had to go with an aftermarket company.

I really like the flat twin BMW engine. Easy to work on. At the time, I hadn't even decided it was timie to move up... then my bike was in the shop for warranty work and I needed a bike to get to a BMW club meeting. I lucked into the sales demo R1150R Rockster... the rest as they say, is history. A middle step might have made for an easier transition, but I'm happy with the bike now.

P

[MZ33]

Is there some secret way to get to try out other types of bikes? Most places have policies against test-riding a bike even if I'm interested in buying that one, let alone just to see if something else would suit me better. I certainly understand why, but then I hear about people who get "demo days" and stuff like that. How does that work? And how do you get a loaner bike?

[Lion_Lady]

Local motorcycle dealers (particularly bigger ones) will often manage to hook up with a manufacturer "demo trailer" for a special event or weekend.

The manufacturer sends an 18 wheeler loaded with the latest of their bikes and a support crew. All you gotta do is show up, sign whatever waivers are required and you're in.

Next time you stop in a dealer, ask about "demo days." Not all dealers do them. Some are linked to events, others to holidays, etc.

At the AMA Women's Conference I attended, every manufacturer had their demo fleet available for test rides. The Harley Davidson trailer was parked right out front of the convention center.

P

[MZ33]

Aha! Good to know! Thanks, Lion Lady.

[IcyHound]

I don't think I outgrew my first bike... (I did get hit by a deer and it totaled..) but more that once I was able to focus on riding and not just focus on staying on I found it uncomfortable and not suited to me.

I may get something bigger next year. Not because I've outgrown my current bike but because I want to sample more and different.