Total Motorcycle Community Forums

i keep thinking that my 750 shadow is too small...took it to the MSF course last night and did the maneuvers in their lot....the circle, the straight line etc. if i was testing on it, i don't know if i would have passed. I guess what i am getting at is that i could probably handle a 1300 or even an 1800, and could have started out on one, but i have yet to master a 750 so i think i need a bit more practice

YMMV

I rode a few 600cc Ninjas in college, not legally, but gained some idea of riding a bike.

17 years went by and I got the bug to get a bike and make it my only form of transportation.

Got a new bike. Got a large-displacement bike.

I am enjoying it immensely and have taken the Basic Rider Course, and plan on taking the ERC after I get a few thousand miles on this M109R.

I think it matters very little what kind of bike you get, just that you use judgement and always try to learn something new.

Oh yeah, anybody want to buy a Scion tC?

I got an '06 V-Star 1100 back in March and it was fine up until about a month ago when I was heading around a 90 degree corner and the back tire decided to contact some rocks and down we went. I was fine and the bike is fixed now as well, except for a scratch on the clutch and the wounded pride.

But, I am now trying to sell the bike as I have decided to purchase a '98-'03 maybe cbr or r6 or ninja...

MY POINT IS>>> make sure you want a cruiser before you buy. Don't get me wrong, it's not the bikes fault, it's all personal preference as to what kind of bike you need to get. But trust me, it's cheaper to get the right bike the first time than buying one and selling it and taking the hit that I am likely to take on mine.

By the way, if you're interested in buying it, I'm located in NW Arkansas and would like to get about 7,500 out of it.

originally learned on dirtbikes...had ridden my former brother in laws 600katana a bit (my hips wont tolerate that leg position for long tho) and still bought an 800 kaw to start on.

The fact is is most of the time the weight isnt an issue...but do you really want to be making that slow turn with 800 pounds pulling you over or the easier to handle 500? If you think it is expensive to resell, wait til your replacing a tank on that big crusier because of a low speed drop. It happens to experienced riders too....jus tmor elikely with someone who hasnt dealt with it alot.

You can hurt yourself on any bike. from a 50cc Metropolitan II (top speed of about 22mph) to a Turbo Busa al la Ghost Rider.

Buy what is comfortable and what you think your maturity level can tolerate. You are most likely 18 or above and of legal voting age. Make your choice.

A 24 year old beat down small displacement cruiser was good enough for me, but then again, I am a slow learner.

Hope this doesn't come out preachy or lecture - just my own personal experience in hopes that it helps someone with their decision.

I have been riding dirt since I was 13 and switched to street at 19 then stupidly sold my Honda Nighthawk 450 to buy an engagement ring. Rode snowmobiles (i.e. Polaris 800 RMK) for the last 6 years then decided to get back on a bike after 12 years. Took the MSF course for safety and to gain confidence on my skills.

MSF course is HIGHLY recommended before buying ANY bike. Thought the course was going to be a waste of my time and money but boy was I wrong. I learned so much that I didn't know and refreshed many critical skills. Esp on paying attention when riding and how to avoid accidents and hazards.

Before the course, I thought I would just buy a 450 or other smaller bike and then work my way up. After my MSF instructors saw my skills, esp confidence in curves & aced the test at end of class, they told me not to waste my time with the small bikes and to go out and get what I ultimately wanted/could afford.

Bought a 2006 Suzuki M109R (1760 cc/694lbs/130hp/118ft/lb tourque.) First time out on the bike was obviously a little nervous (thought it would be very hard to keep the speed/control) but quickly realized that the bike was actually easier to ride/manuever than the Buell 450 I took the MSF course on. TOOK MY TIME getting to know the bike and rode it very easy the first couple of times out in open spaces with little or no traffic. After each ride I became more and more comfortable on the bike. 4th time out on the bike actually forgot about the bike and I being two seperate entities and started riding like we were one (rode like you would use your hand to grab a cup/foot to take a step etc...)

The bike is VERY powerful and I have to always keep that respect in the back of my mind by not exceeding my riding ability/experience. That doesn't mean riding in fear and not pushing my limits and continuing to learn and build my skill/ability, it means riding with respect and safety in mind. In my teens, dropped the dirt bike many times in SOFT ground and even once had a serious wreck (again on SOFT ground.) From these experiences I learned to understand the importance of riding safely. Asphalt and cagers aren't soft like dirt.

If you are not mature enough/willing to accept these facts of riding a motorcyle, don't buy ANY bike. The most frightening and dangerous rider is the one who just jumps on a bike without knowing the facts first. Don't know many people who would jump out of a plane without instruction but will jump on a motorcycle like it's a bicycle. Way too many serious injuries/fatalities from this stupidity. The MSF course will give you a very good idea of what you are getting yourself into and show you your skill potential in a controlled environment (no cagers to run over you if you fall, etc..)

I originally wanted a sport bike, 1000 CBR or 1000GSXR but from my brother and others who rode these bikes advised against it until I built up my skill level again. Still don't know if I totally agree with them (I'll be sure to try one/buy one someday) but I felt that the cruiser would be more forgiving based on it's similarity to what I was riding before. Again, based on an honest reflection of my current ability/skill level.

This is a big decision. Do what feels right in your heart. I ultimately believe it's better to start a little less than your dream and work your way up rather than to get ahead of your skill level and do damage to yourself, the bike or others. Much cheaper to have to lose a couple $grand on a resale to upgrade than the alternative.

Ride smart..ride safe!

I have been riding for about 1.5 years now. I ride a Suzuki Intruder 1500. It took a little time to get used to it, but I love it now. The advice I got from everyone I talked to is, get the bike you want, not one that you are settling for. If you get a bigger bike, you will grow into it will time and experience. As opposed to buying a smaller bike, and out growing it in a matter of months, depending on how often you ride.

I thought about the same thing, starting on something smaller, but now I am happy that I just got the bike that I wanted, and was most comfortable on.