Looking for Riders Who Started on Bigger Cruisers

[Z (fka Sweet Tooth)]

Im with earwig, take the class first...then you'll know what you can handle. My husband started on a Honda Shadow Sabre 1100 and my brother on a Honda VTX 1300 both are very happy. My Husband is now on a Vulcan 1600 and wanted me to ride the Honda, but it was just too top heavy for me, so im on a Vulcan 800. It just depends on the person and how they've mastered thier skills.

[JustJames]

I'd say you won't feel much different between 650 and 1100. I'd say if weight of the bike doesn't matter then you should be okay with 1100. Just take it easy at first couple hundreds miles.

On side note thou, if you plan to ride a lot in FWY traffic, I'd suggest getting a lighter weight bike. It is alot easier to handle than those 6-700lb bike.

[K9]

WOW

[SilveradoGirl]

I started on a V-star 650. My boyfriend wanted me to start on an 1100. NO WAY I could have done that. My confidence was shook just thinking about the 650 and how much it weighed.

You obviously don't have those hang ups. If the weight of the bike isn't a problem, I'd say go for it. Just remember, you only have to use part of the throttle, not the whole thing...at least not until your comfortable with the bike.

If you're still not real sure what to do, maybe you could rent a bike for a weekend, or an afternoon, and see how it feels....take a test ride from your dealership on both the 650 and the 1100. You're really the only one who knows if you can or can't handle the 1100.

[life's too short]

Here's my two bits, I had a twenty year gap between riding my KZ650 and getting a 2005 Suzuki Boulevard C90T.I just really liked the looks of this bike, so i pick one up. I don't believe there is must of a difference in the bikes as far as riding other than the weight. As long as you use your head you should do fine. It's not all about power. Common sense it the key. Take the time to get comfortable with your bike,take a safety course. I'm taking one this coming May.Watch out for the cagers...

[Pongo]

I love the people that say ( it sounds like you made up your mind anyway and are just looking for people to go along with what you want ) Some people say it with class and still offer good ideas. Then there are the others that act like big old dirt bags- you know who you are. So freeking what if thats what they are looking for--big deal. They feel excited about what they want to do and are looking for help any way. Do you rather they not ask any questions and have nothing to go by? You think you know it all, that is the trouble with you.( Your gona do it any way so why bother me ). That is what you sound like. Dirt Bags!!!! These people are here to be part of the deal, not to be made to feel like "crumb". Its not just with this one poster, it happens a lot on the board. But you know what, you have the right to your say. So go ahead and have your say, and when its crapy I hope to catch it and try to make you feel crapy right back. Bite Me

The originator of the thread had already asked opinions about starting on a large bike. When he didn't get a ringing endorsement he started this thread. You can't blame people for suggesting he's already made up his mind.

I gather he did get his V Star1100 and then this happened http://totalmotorcycle.com/BBS/viewtopi ... ght=#54497

[biker_rach]

Pongo you are clever to have noticed that! haha anyway, I agree with silverado girl. I am not that big and I started on a 750cc cruiser... it was a tad intimidating at first thats for sure. But I love the bike; glad I got it. I also know an older gal about 45 (I dont mean OLD just older than me) who is a lot smaller than me (she's like 5'2") and she started on a 1100cc cruiser. It can be done, you just have to be mature about learning.

[King Frog]

I started on an old GL1000 Stripped Gold Wing and never regretted it. YOu will get used to any bike you start with. Don't waste money on a 650 if you have big bike needs ESPECIALLY in the cruiser world. YOu will TIRE OF IT SOONER THEN YOU THINK AND TRADE IN ON A BIKE IS..WELL PUT IT THIS WAY A 2006 SHADOW SPIRIT 1100 WILL BRING 5440 ON A TRADE...lol I dont need to tell ya what a 650 would bring in a year.......


I would say do NOT buy a new bike as your first though. IN fact I always bought used becasue the depreciation is huge as well....and insurance is much less if you buy used and pay cash.

YOu can learn on any bike the physics are the same.and only in slow speeds will you really be able to notice a huge difference.

[BubbaGump]

Doesn't Triumph make a 2250cc bike? Sounds like that would be a good starter...

[Bachstrad37]

I had very little issues with starting out on a 1500cc cruiser. Then again, I had experience with riding dirtbikes and ATVs while younger. Didn't ride at all for 20 years and am doing fine with a big bike. MSF taught me a lot of survival skills and I strongly recommend it. Had I not taken the MSF course, I don't think I'd have the same confidence - and confidence can make all the difference in the world. Just don't mistake confidence with being cocky.

Can't say you'll have the success I did. Just too many variables that can't be determined without seeing you exercising the basic operating skills. You really can't go wrong with starting out small to medium bikes. You want to build confidence while understanding limitations. It's better to have good beginning experiences rather than have horror thoughts in the back of your mind whenever you hop on a bike.