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Have not rode regular since I was 16 (21 years ago) and that was on a Honda CB350. Having a lot of trouble finding a decent beginner bike in the $3000 price range. Seems like everything is at least a couple thousand more or is less but I get the feeling I'll spend more time getting it worked on than riding. Test rode the 1400 tonight and it was certainly by far the biggest and most powerful I have ever ridden but I kind of fell in love with it. It is in very nice shape. I was a little nervous cause it is so big and it's been a while but I didn't have any trouble handling it. I'm abut 6'1" and 295lbs but pretty athletic. So am I making a really big mistake starting back on this bike or if I start slow and am very careful can this work out alright. Got grandfather on the motorcycle license so I don't need to take the class, I'm licensed and ready to go....but slow and careful.

Thanks, Monty (first post though I have lurked here a little)

Go ahead and take the MSF course... see if the Basic Rider II is available.

It will really help smooth your return to riding.

the 1400 is a big bike, but it's a cruiser so it doesn't have jackrabbit throttle or brake response of a sportbike, so you are less likely to end up wheelieing yourself off the seat.

The main issue is going to be slow speed handling, due to the weight.

Not ideal, but you could do worse.

P

Lion_Lady wrote:Go ahead and take the MSF course... see if the Basic Rider II is available.

It will really help smooth your return to riding.

the 1400 is a big bike, but it's a cruiser so it doesn't have jackrabbit throttle or brake response of a sportbike, so you are less likely to end up wheelieing yourself off the seat.

The main issue is going to be slow speed handling, due to the weight.

Not ideal, but you could do worse.

P

Thanks L_L, I'll look into the courses. Was talking to a buddy last night who has had a good deal of training and I'm starting to think the instruction could be more beneficial than I initially believed. Think I'll pass on the 1400 but I sure don't wanna I've been on the blacktop and lost some major skin before, don't care to repeat the experience.

Thanks, Monty