Total Motorcycle Community Forums

I agree with the start out smaller and used suggestions above. You can always trade up and there are plenty of good used bikes on the market. I went from a 250 to a 650 to a 950 Yamaha VStar. Personally I like leather saddle bags on a cruiser instead of the plastic ones. It’s all in the eye of the beholder. Loud doesn’t bother me and the way cagers drive these days I have seen where it warns them I am near. Actually my 950 isn’t as loud as my 650 was.

going to a motorcycle dealership isn't it like going to a car dealership where they come close to harassing you into buying something?

Depends on the dealership. Some are cool about it, some not so much. Ask permission before you sit on the bikes. Be open with them about what you're doing - you're a noob looking to figure out what you like. If they have half a brain, they'll give you some space at that point, knowing there might be a sale in it. (But expect them to watch just to make sure you don't drop or knock over a bike).

If they start pressuring you to look at huge heavy cruisers or liter-class sportbikes, walk. If they use the line about "not buying too small a bike because you'll just have to upgrade in 6 months", walk.

Dealerships can also be a source of decent condition used bikes.

How do you like your triumph. I was actually looking at a Bonneville recently.

It's a fine, basic motorcycle. It's noob-friendly: standard riding position, neutral steering, mass very centralized directly beneath the rider. Engine is 800+ cc, but the power curve is so linear it's very very easy to control the power. Engine is bulletproof, and there's many aftermarket accessories, it's a good starting point for modifications. Current models are all FI, which cures the issue the carb'd models have with being cold-blooded to start.

I recommend the basic Bonneville or SE over the T100 for a noob. Seat height is a bit lower, and shorter wheelbase, smaller diameter wheel, and less rake/trail make sharper steering.

All Bonnevilles are quiet with stock pipes. If you want loud, you'll need aftermarket pipes (there are many choices) and a FI re-map. By the way, "loud" on a 360-crank vertical twin is different than loud on a Harley big twin - less rumble, more bark. Throttle blip sounds more like "BrrraaaaaAAAApp!"

Nice. Thanks.

jstark47 wrote:Throttle blip sounds more like "BrrraaaaaAAAApp!"

That sounds more like a British Thumper...

Also, don't be afraid to go look at bikes other than Harleys. If you compare the price tag of a 2 year old Harley Dyna or Sportster to a 2 year old Honda Shadow or Yamaha V-Star, the Honda or Yamaha are going to be about 3 to 5 grand less than the Harley and the 950 V-Star is a damn nice bike. Not to mention, Yamaha puts out tons of after market parts for the V-Star line.

I'm really happy to see some oustanding advice has already been given above for Stan.

I'd like to add that since all the big Harley-Davidsons use the "same" size V-Twin there really isn't much difference at all between the loudness of stock H-D pipes. Now, the CVO series uses the "Screamin' Eagle" pipes, which are a little louder but then you pay for the option of having them.

All the Japanese make some nice cruiser options (you can even get a Victory 8-Ball that's near the same price point)...

It all comes down to ... So many of options, not enough garage space.

Mike

vendicate wrote: What's the loudest HD out there?

I always thought it was the Shovel...