How much is too Much for a Beginner???

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sandog · #21 Unread post by **sandog** » Mon Jun 27, 2005 6:14 am

i didn't know they make extenders for the pegs. How does that work? Does it make it uncomfortable shifting?

JustJames · Tue Jun 28, 2005 6:44 am

I will also toss in my .02 here

I own V-Star 650 and I'd say it is a very great bike for beginner and not so. Don't look at only engine size, the 650 and 1100 are not much different only about 10-15 hp (1000 rpm) and the size-wise they are about near identical. After my air-intake modification ( gain from 32 hp to around 40 hp) I think I can complete with 1100 anyday any time.

Will I out grow my bike, yes of course becuz I love riding fast (about 90mph) on FWY but I do love and will keep my V-Star since that the limit I would go.

sandog · #23 Unread post by **sandog** » Tue Jun 28, 2005 8:13 am

I own V-Star 650 and I'd say it is a very great bike for beginner and not so. Don't look at only engine size, the 650 and 1100 are not much different only about 10-15 hp (1000 rpm) and the size-wise they are about near identical. After my air-intake modification ( gain from 32 hp to around 40 hp) I think I can complete with 1100 anyday any time.

I check the website and these are the stats:
Suzuki C50(volousia) - Dry Weight: 246kg (542 lbs.)
Yamaha vstar 650 - Dry Weight 544 lbs.
Yamaha vstar 1100 - Dry Weight 600 Lbs.

whats funny is that the 800 is 2lbs lighter than the 650...
couldn't find the HP

earwig · #24 Unread post by **earwig** » Tue Jun 28, 2005 8:43 am

This is just my opinion... I listened to everyone and started with what most people consider small now-a-days, I started with a Honda Shadow Spirit 750, and I am regretting it; I have only had the bike for a few months and already want something larger/faster. I rode my friends 1100 on the highway and it was smoother and held the rode better (the extra weight I guess). Also, when we go for rides through the mountains if they get on the gas a little bit I have a hard time keeping up. In my opinion, take the MSF course, buy a super cheap/small bike to learn/practice with, then buy the larger bike

Buelligan · Tue Jun 28, 2005 2:11 pm

My husband has the Honda Aero 750, same engine as the spirit but has shaft drive and different body design. He says the same thing as Earwig, not enough power, good for local and around town, but not enough for the freeway. In retrospect he would rather have bought an 1100.

If we could do it again, I think it would have been better to get an older bike to practice on, and then purchase the larger cruiser.

#26 Unread post by **ZooTech** » Tue Jun 28, 2005 2:43 pm

I've ridden the Shadow Ace 750, the Suzuki C50, and the V-Star Classic 1100 and ergonomically they all feel the same to me. Of the three, I prefer the C50 due to its looks, fit and finish, and standard features (price is nice, too). To find any real noticeable difference in physical size and overall power, however, you really need to leave that class behind and look at bikes like the Kawasaki 1500 Classic. It's only $1,000 more than the V-Star 1100 but it's a world of difference. And anyone who can ride any of the aforementioned bikes should be right at home on the 1500 Classic, save for the smallest of riders already at their limits on those bikes.

jdrestore · Thu Jun 30, 2005 6:37 am

I mistakenly called them extenders. What I actually have is a forward control kit which moves the pegs and the levers further forward by about 3 inches. Shifting and braking are the same as they would be in the stock position because they move with the pegs.

sandog · #28 Unread post by **sandog** » Thu Jun 30, 2005 9:34 am

Are they made by the manufacturer?
And are they easy to put on?
thanks

jeff_connors · Sat Jul 02, 2005 3:46 pm

I agonized over this for several months. I went super conservative with the Rebel. I had never been on a cycle before so leared the controls on it. My 18 year old son will probably use it to learn on also. I got it used for a good price so won't be hurt too much by it. I have only had my Vulcan 800 for a few weeks but wow, (compared to the Rebel which is my exp level) it's great. Now if I put a few thousand miles on it, I may feel like moving up. I have not had a rider with me yet either. I really want to hit the road..oops, I mean take some trips with my wife. After having two people on it and move though some hills or mountains, I may feel like having more power.

jdrestore · Thu Jul 07, 2005 6:44 am

They were on the bike when I bought it. Looking at the kits online, it doesn't look that difficult to do. Looks like a straight forward install, but I guess it would depend on how comfortable you are with a wrench.