For the BEGINNER BIKER

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muz · #11 Unread post by **muz** » Wed Mar 16, 2005 12:34 pm

my first bike was (and still is after 2 years) a 1981 Honda CB900 cruiser.

Every smaller cc bike I test drove was either too cramped or too underpowered - I'm 6'1" 210#. The CB900 was big enough that I was comfortable, but not so powerful that it scared me to twist the throttle open. The main problem I had was the curb weight - over 600lbs! As a newbie I'm still not very nimble in my slow speed control - but thankfully I have yet to drop her. The good thing about a lot of these larger cruisers is that the center of gravity is pretty low. Also I figured that it was only a matter of time until I dropped the bike, so I might as well have an older one.

my .02

Toyuzu · #12 Unread post by **Toyuzu** » Wed Mar 16, 2005 3:02 pm

63GibsonSG wrote:I'm a newbie to the world of motorcycling but I am taking the MSF course. Would a 1976 XS650 be a beginner bike?

Chris

Chris, Kudos on taking MSF. Wise choice there. The XS 650 is probably a decent choice. Just make sure it's in good running condition, considering it's age.

mimix · #13 Unread post by **mimix** » Wed Mar 16, 2005 7:11 pm

In australia riders are limited to 250cc bikes for the first year of their licence and as I am going for my learners permit on friday I was wondering if someone could recommend some bikes in this range?

Im 18, 6 foot tall and 82 kg if thats of any importance

#14 Unread post by **Skier** » Wed Mar 16, 2005 7:33 pm

I'll provide a second recommendation to give Hough's books a read. I learned a lot reading the two books mentioned in the first post. Besides, how else are you going to spend winter? Trying to ride in the snow? Just crack open one of those books and start learning!

mimix · #15 Unread post by **mimix** » Wed Mar 16, 2005 7:46 pm

come to oz, no snow here

people dont put there bikes away for the winter... there is no winter!

jsanford · #16 Unread post by **jsanford** » Fri Mar 18, 2005 7:05 pm

mimix wrote:come to oz, no snow here people dont put there bikes away for the winter... there is no winter!

Oz has those neat-looking Hondas reminiscient of Ducati Monsters...alas, not here in the US.

How used is too used? And how does having a non-private garage affect the answer?

#17 Unread post by **Kal** » Mon Mar 21, 2005 4:43 pm

I second the Honda CG125 - I love mine.

She is pretty docile in traffic so I can concentrate on what the car drivers around me are doing.

Light enough that those few times I have had to lift her (dont ask) I havent had a problem.

Simple to operate and forgiving of minor things (Like sneezing at 70mph)

Indistructable (Between thieves 'having a go', my riding inexperience and 4x4 parking on her I'm convinced)

Cheap (1996 example - £350, MOT £15, Road Tax £15, Insurance £125)

Cheap to run (I'm getting about 100mpg)

and finally she isnt too slow, between 0-55mph she pulls like a train before levelling out and cruising up to 70mph

As a first bike she is stunning. So stunning that after I pass my test and move up displacement I intend to keep her on the road as my reserve bike.

Let the record show that despite owning and enjoying such a little bike I am 6'4, 170lbs with GSOH and two cats.

Speed Trader · Mon Mar 21, 2005 8:24 pm

Does anyone have any experience with the Suzuki LS650? How is it compared to the Kawa Vulcan 500 as a beginner's cruiser? I've been looking to buy a used Vulcan for months. I've had no luck. I found a good deal on a used LS650. As far as I can see, it's a 100 lbs lighter but also less powerful. How does it handle?

Toyuzu · #19 Unread post by **Toyuzu** » Mon Mar 21, 2005 8:53 pm

Speed Trader wrote:Does anyone have any experience with the Suzuki LS650? How is it compared to the Kawa Vulcan 500 as a beginner's cruiser? I've been looking to buy a used Vulcan for months. I've had no luck. I found a good deal on a used LS650. As far as I can see, it's a 100 lbs lighter but also less powerful. How does it handle?

Calling Sevulturus!

He's the guy you need to talk to. That's what he rides.

Power wise, the Vulcan is a bit better than the Suzuki. Talk to Vulcanman500 about that one.

They're both good starter bikes. Both are cruisers. If this will be your first bike, the Savage is an excellent choice. But so is the Vulcan.

Jeff? Chris?

ronboskz650sr · Tue Mar 22, 2005 10:37 am

Chris is sleeping...night shift, ya know. I can tell you he's very happy with the vulcan in every way I can think of. He can elaborate . My experience with his bike is...Plenty of power to haul me around at 215 plus gear. I rode with him two up once, and it still had power around town. We didn't go on the highway. I also saw him do a legitimate 45 degree wheelie on it using throttle and clutch only

. We were just messing around, spur of the moment. I wish I'd had the camera set up.

"She's fast enough for you, old man." -Hans solo

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