Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Sit on them both, whichever feels the most comfortable is the one to buy.

you shouldn't have much trouble moving up to a sportbike. you will just have to adjust to the much higher power level and much sharper handling.

I also vote for Gixxer 750.

just out of curiousity what 500cc honda do you have?

Probably a CX, GL, or Ascot.

CX500, why does this seem so oddly familiar. oh wait I have one LOL

That would be the bike. CX500

I am considering purchasing my first motorcycle in the next few months.

I have a few hours of experience on a buddy's 600cc Hurricane and Ninja several years ago. I felt fairly confident on those bikes, but I was also aware of my inexperience so I did not push the bikes too much.

My last career (pilot) was all about speed, safety and managing risk, and I am used to doing a lot of preparation and training.

I have been reading these forums for a bit. Most of the experienced riders here suggest getting a small bike and moving up from there.

The problem is the bike I REALLY WANT is the new Suzuki M109R. Of course, I did not think it was a problem until I started reading some of the people here who warned against such a bike for a "newbie".

I am about 230 pounds and 6'3".

Another candidate is the Buell Lightning. I like the unique nature of it's design, and would love to own an American bike.

Yes, I know they are two different classes of bike, but I like them both.

Now, I realize that the 109 is one powerful beast, but this does not concern me as much as the sheer weight of the bike at low speeds. I am not interested in racing this thing or operating it in a reckless fashion. It is just the most beautiful bike I have ever seen, and I want one.

It is my opinion that anybody in a motorcycle can kill themselves just as quickly regardless of the size of the bike. Just like a powerful sports car. If you push the machine, it will bite you back.

If I am deterred away from these bigger more powerful machines, what would you folks recommend? I really like cruisers, and the only sport bike that attracts me is the Buell.

Whatever bike I purchase, I am going to do a Rider's course.

I appreciate any input you folks have.

Thanks!

At 6'3" the buell might be a little small for you. But they did just introduce the lightning long ... may want to go sit on one before you make up your mind about it

As for the big cruiser ... You've probably read my sticky on the top of the page ... so I won't go through that again. What I will say is that , yeah an m109 is alotta bike for a beginner. You probably won't kill yourself if you get one and take it easy.

However - buying something cheap and used to start off with isn't going to kill you either. As a pilot, you didn't start off with the ultimate jets - you started with a trainer. You, more than most, should understand the concept of why starting off with a trainer is important. the same applies to motorcycles.

In your market, I'm sure there are a huge amount of used bikes within a 1hr radius of you - might want to give those classifieds a once-over before you commit to something new and expensive.

TechBMW wrote:At 6'3" the buell might be a little small for you. But they did just introduce the lightning long ... may want to go sit on one before you make up your mind about it

As for the big cruiser ... You've probably read my sticky on the top of the page ... so I won't go through that again. What I will say is that , yeah an m109 is alotta bike for a beginner. You probably won't kill yourself if you get one and take it easy.

However - buying something cheap and used to start off with isn't going to kill you either. As a pilot, you didn't start off with the ultimate jets - you started with a trainer. You, more than most, should understand the concept of why starting off with a trainer is important. the same applies to motorcycles.

In your market, I'm sure there are a huge amount of used bikes within a 1hr radius of you - might want to give those classifieds a once-over before you commit to something new and expensive.

Thanks for your advice. I picked up a Cycle Trader but have not seen anything that interests me yet.

Also, why is it that Harleys hold their value so well? I know that their quality has improved a lot recently, but I would assume (like with cars) that the Japanese makes would hold their value better than Harleys. Any thoughts?

TechBMW wrote:As for the big cruiser ... You've probably read my sticky on the top of the page ... so I won't go through that again. What I will say is that , yeah an m109 is alotta bike for a beginner. You probably won't kill yourself if you get one and take it easy.

I think you're less likely to kill yourself on an M109 than you are to just dump the bike and have expensive damage. TechBMW is right, don't start with the ultimate. Think of it this way: if the bike is a handful, it will initimidate you -- you'll "extend" yourself less as a rider, which means you'll learn less and learn more slowly. You learn from exploring your control limits on a bike - the M109's limits are not a place for a new rider.

As for Harleys....... well, that can be an emotional topic 'round here. I'll let the Harley owners jump in.

What about a Suzuki M50?