Big beginner, cruiser bike choices?

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sandnessmj · Sat Apr 08, 2006 10:02 am

I'm a complete new guy when it comes to the biking world. I have practically no experience, but I'm SO anxious to start. I will be taking the MSF course prior to anything, but I was wondering what I should be looking for in beginner cruisers?

I'm 6'2", have a 34" inseam, and weigh 235lbs. What are some recommendations of older (read: less expensive) cruisers that I would fit on that would be good to start off with?

I like the look of Viragos, but not sure if they'd be too small? Would a XV1000N be too much bike for me? (There's one nearby for sale at a decent price). I also don't want something that I immediately have to upgrade, as finances wouldn't necessarily allow that. Looking in the sub $3000 category.

Any and all help is appreciated.

#2 Unread post by **Sev** » Sat Apr 08, 2006 10:14 am

Sub 3 grand you're going to be looking at used, and probably below 1000cc's. This is where everything becomes a personal choice. What you have to do, and I mean have to. Is go to a dealership. Don't go to buy, go to look. Sit on every bike you can find that is below 1000cc's (you most likely aren't going to find anything bigger then that in your price range unless there's something seriously wrong with it). Do not limit yourself to a particular model or manufacturer. Take your time, and find something that fits you just right, because every bike has different ergonomics. When you find something that feels good to you, then start checking the want adds.

VermilionX · Sat Apr 08, 2006 10:15 am

people say you can buy and then sell a good starter bike for the same price. so they say you don't have to worry about changing it and losing money.

that's what i heard at least, i didn't go that way, i got the bike i want immediately.

anyway... the pattern they follow here is to keep it around 50hp for your 1st bike.

i dunno exactly how much hp a XV1000 has but i think it's above 50hp, maybe 80hp or something. you might wanna look for a smaller bike ...if you want.

#4 Unread post by **Sev** » Sat Apr 08, 2006 10:20 am

You can usually buy a used starter bike then resell it within $100 of what you paid for it.

A new one is going to lose a fair bit of value soon as you drive it off the lot.

sandnessmj · Sat Apr 08, 2006 10:21 am

Sevulturus wrote:Sub 3 grand you're going to be looking at used, and probably below 1000cc's. This is where everything becomes a personal choice. What you have to do, and I mean have to. Is go to a dealership. Don't go to buy, go to look. Sit on every bike you can find that is below 1000cc's (you most likely aren't going to find anything bigger then that in your price range unless there's something seriously wrong with it). Do not limit yourself to a particular model or manufacturer. Take your time, and find something that fits you just right, because every bike has different ergonomics. When you find something that feels good to you, then start checking the want adds.

Sounds like a good idea to me! You say that over 1000cc is out of my price range, but should I even consider that being a brand new rider?

sandnessmj · Sat Apr 08, 2006 10:23 am

Sevulturus wrote:You can usually buy a used starter bike then resell it within $100 of what you paid for it.

A new one is going to lose a fair bit of value soon as you drive it off the lot.

I'm definitely not looking to buy new. Any suggestions, then on cruiser-style beginner bikes to be had for relatively cheap for a big guy?

VermilionX · Sat Apr 08, 2006 10:26 am

try to sit on a suzuki boulevard C50. i think you'll fit nice on it.

#8 Unread post by **Sev** » Sat Apr 08, 2006 10:35 am

No such thing as the C50 in what he'll be looking for, you want to check out the yamaha v-star 605, honda shadow, kawasaki vulcan (i think) or the suzuki marauder

sandnessmj · Sat Apr 08, 2006 10:58 am

Sevulturus wrote:No such thing as the C50 in what he'll be looking for, you want to check out the yamaha v-star 605, honda shadow, kawasaki vulcan (i think) or the suzuki marauder

The V-star is beautiful, IMO, and the others aren't far behind. Finding one in the price range is possible, but not really easy.

Any clue on the Viragos? There's a lot of them out there. I know about the starter slip problems they have, but the 80's models can be had for pretty cheap. They also seem to have a cult following.

Another bike that I love, but is quite heavy, is the older goldwings (ie. 1980-1984 style) without all the fairings and luggage. Probably too heavy for a beginner, right?

sandnessmj · Sun Apr 09, 2006 4:43 am

sandnessmj wrote:Any clue on the Viragos? There's a lot of them out there. I know about the starter slip problems they have, but the 80's models can be had for pretty cheap. They also seem to have a cult following.

Another bike that I love, but is quite heavy, is the older goldwings (ie. 1980-1984 style) without all the fairings and luggage. Probably too heavy for a beginner, right?

Anyone have any input on these? There's a nice XV1000 for sale locally that I might be able to get for less than 2 grand, which is ideal, really.