Why wait on bigger bike??????

[scan]

One last thing about Mr_X up there. A Katana is not a cruiser, so the ball of wax is different. That is to say, we have been talking a lot about cruisers here, but when you put sportys in the mix, the equation if quite different. V-twin cruisers, even on the big side are more power forgiving. The inline 4 bikes which are most sport bikes have a progressive power band that can surprise a new rider. So when I talk about cruisers I usually talk about weight and size of the bike, but when I talk sporty bikes I talk power and torque. There are exceptions, but I'd say most cruiser style riders are good to start lighter to get use to the controls and movement of a cruiser. Sport riders are good to start smaller so they can learn how to wring out the power without wringing their neck. IMHO.

[ronboskz650sr]

I became confident and able enough to move up to a KZ650, and now I feel like I can safely move up to a Shadow 1100 with no worries if I can handle it or not...
(gotta love UJMs). ..
BTW, when I got my KZ650, I was really glad I started on a smaller bike... just the added weight was definitely a new challenge, and being a much quicker bike, I was very glad to already have experience with throttle and clutch control.

This brings up an important side note...UJMs Rock! Oh, sorry, here's the note...When you buy a UJM, do everything you can to find out what's been done to it! My bike had very little history information, other than the three owners before me. On the outside, there was some evidence of typical performance upgrades to the suspension, and controls, exhaust, etc. Still, my bike will lift the front wheel quite easily in the first three gears, and was kindof a handful when I thought it was just a kz650. They are quite top-heavy as well, and I had been tooling around our property on my son's vulcan 500 for a couple of weeks. I hadn't ridden for over 30 years, and felt like a complete beginner. My bike was not very forgiving of my mistakes, although it turned out all right in the end. I had quite a few interesting throttle-related moments when leaving stop signs in traffic, until I got used to it (especially on right turns onto narrow streets). I recently rode with a guy who has a similar kz650 from the same time...When he opend his up on the fourlane from a stop, I was behind him. I opened my up, too, and proceded to run right up his tail in very short order. Almost in scary short order. Luckily, he has no mirrors, so he doesn't know it. ( I'm not telling, either...just going to help him soup his up a little. ) There can be that much difference! Many old UJMs have been modified, just find out eveything you can... you may end up keeping it for a project bike!

[Mr_X]

I'm glad I started with an 1100, granted that I have had some accidents.. I feel comfy on the bike.. altho I have yet to drive anything else, so I guess htis is bias

I speed to much tho still :-\ and its only gonna get me in trouble

I guess what I should say is I'm glad I took the time to read about the topic of a first bike and that I went with a USED bike.

I would have quit riding If I would have downed a brand new bike, it would have destroyed my confidence and my budget.

Bigger Bike = Me Happy
Cosmetics on me and the bike as a result = Not so happy

I know I would'nt have dropped a 600 once..

thx scanevalexec for pointing that out.

[Kal]

For what its worth I'm glad you are still with us

[Mr_X]

ty Kal and cb360 , I dont plan on going anywhere

[BobMielke]

You showed a lot of maturity in your statements about selecting your first bike. Your physical size dictate what would be comfortable for you. I'm 5'10" and 300 lbs. For me to ride a 650 would be like sitting on a moped. I got this feeling when a swapped bike for an afternoon with my best friend. I was on his 650 Yamaha & he was on my K1200LT BMW. My bike was 300 pounds heavier with 15 inches added to his wheelbase. At highway speed I was intimidate while I noticed him kicked back relaxed. Most novice riders feel more comfortable on a small to mid-sized bike because it allows them to get both feet on the ground flat footed. In the MSF course I took 20 years ago I was already experience but wanted to support my wife in her attempt to learn to ride. I was riding a full dress GS850G Suzuki at the time. One memorable fact surfaced in the 3 day class. The further we went into the course the more the students fought for the opportunity to ride the biggest bike donated for the class, a 350 Honda. They discovered quickly that the bigger the bike the less effort in controlling it after you got moving. Good luck on your decision. Choose what makes you feel comfortable.