Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Hi. I am 34 years old, 6'1" and 265 lbs. (I'm big-boned ). My wife is 35, and is 120 lbs. I am seriously contemplating the purchase of a cruiser, which we would both ride together on leisurely day trips. I live in east-central Alabama, so there is very little traffic. As a teenager I rode a Suzuki RM80, which I was very proficient at, but have never owned a street bike.

Now in the short time I've read these threads here the common advice is to take the BRC first, which I will definitely be doing. The other trend I've noticed is the advice to go smaller to start with.

Now to the bike I am considering: a new honda VTX1300. Why a VTX1300? I don't really want to buy a smaller bike, knowing that I am going to get rid of it within a year. Now I hold Honda's in high regard in terms of value and quality, and this bike seems to have plenty of room and power for the two of us to ride comfortably. I'm not interested in cruising at 120 MPH, but as I get more comfortable I want to grow into the bike, not outgrow it.

I'm not looking for anybody's approval or endorsement, but I am interested in getting both sides of the coin before making a final decision.

If you ace the BRC and feel confident go for it... if you feel a little nervous etc maybe buy a crappy bike for a season. You won't lose any money buying an older bike to learn on then selling it in a year.

My is that a smaller, older cruiser will be able to carry you two easily enough to be comfortable, and god forbid you dump it, it's on a cheaper bike.

some advice from someone in a similar weight class as you with similar experiences to back it all up.

A 750 will cruise you and her around okay, but you will want something bigger like an 1100 or 1300 if you want to hit the highway for any length of time.

The key here is that you shouldn't really ride with a passenger until you are really ready for it. Most people say a year is a good length of time to get experienced enough to carry a rider (depending on how smart the rider is too).

i would suggest getting a 750 or 800cc cruiser for a year while you learn and then get a newer bigger bike next spring when it's time to start riding together.

even if you jump in right away and get the 1300, still ride for a few months before taking a passenger. the weight difference is tough to get a grip on at first and if you are learning to ride while she is learning to be a passenger it makes it more dangerous for both of you.

bok wrote:The key here is that you shouldn't really ride with a passenger until you are really ready for it. Most people say a year is a good length of time to get experienced enough to carry a rider (depending on how smart the rider is too).

Sorry, I left that part out. My wife, who is behind this 100% by the way and is looking forward to the rides together, completely understands that it will be many weeks or even months before we can ride together.

We own a small business together and usually work six days a week, and I am excited at finding something we can do together outside of work.

has she experienced any desire to ride herself? there are many more woman showing up to the MSF classes these days. even if she didn't want a license, if she thought she might like to take the course it would make her a better passenger as well.

i think it also depends on if you find a wicked deal on a 1300 too i guess

oh and since you were looking for sage advice, here is something imparted to me by someone more knowledgeable than I about riding with other people:

"if either of you don't think you (or the other) is ready to ride then put it off until you are, the road will always be there"

bok wrote:has she experienced any desire to ride herself? there are many more woman showing up to the MSF classes these days. even if she didn't want a license, if she thought she might like to take the course it would make her a better passenger as well.

i think it also depends on if you find a wicked deal on a 1300 too i guess

Afraid not. She wrecked a scooter twice in the same day a few years ago in Key West. It was actually pretty funny because she was unhurt. But in her mind handlebar=steering wheel, just turn and go. Also, why do women apply the gas when they lose control?!?

But that does bring up another question: If we are both wearing full-face helmets, how hard is to hear each other?

it's not bad, you have to raise your voice a bit and/or open the face shield...or you can get two way communicators that hook on to the helmet as well

I want to grow into the bike, not outgrow it.

that is the *wrong* attitude. Bikes are not cars. They really do take a lot of skill to ride, so it is never a good idea to buy something beyond your skill level. You should *expect* to get a new bike within a year or two. You will learn faster, be safer, and save a *lot* of $$$ on financing, insurance, depreciation, etc. (Big bikes depreciate very fast, starter bikes keep their value much much better).

Funny but a rider posed pretty nearly the EXACT same question... INCLUDING the bike choice (VTX1300) here:

http://forum.motorcycle-usa.com/default ... 1&m=262347

Have a look.

Pam