Total Motorcycle Community Forums

At least, I'm pretty sure it was an '01 VT1100...

So, I'm 6' 5" and paranoid about looking overwhelmingly large on my first bike. While perusing a local Yamaha dealership -- to sit on a few bikes and get more of a feel for what's out there -- I happened to come across an '01 VT1100 for around $4,500.

I know the engine size is bigger than the Classic 650, but so's the bike. I don't feel so gargantuan riding it.

Would I be biting off more than I can chew, or is this a decent choice without being too overwhelming?

It's a decent choice . Remember that Cruisers are far more forgiving than sports bikes .
Regards, Wizzard

Wizzard wrote:It's a decent choice . Remember that Cruisers are far more forgiving than sports bikes .

Cool, that's what I was hoping.

Having no basis-for-comparison, though, what exactly does the difference in engine size feel like to a motorcycle rider? Obviously, I know about cars: the accelerator's a little more touchy, a little more handling, all that fun stuff.

I'll be taking my training courses relatively soon. Should I decide on something like the 1100 I saw, what differences can I expect to feel versus a bike on which I'd be field-trained?

any bike will be different than the MSF bike, but here are the things i noticed when i went from the 250s at my course, to the 750 shadow spirit (which still feels big enough, maybe check it out)

Big things:
- Throttle response, when you twist it there is a lot more low end grunt there
- Weight, more of it and easier to drop if you don't practice
- Clutch, the friction point will be a lot different and it might be easier to "pop" it **be careful**
- Handling, with more weight and possibly controls that are more forward countersteering will take some practice
- Brakes, it will take a different amount of effort and your stopping distance will be greater unless you practice some hard braking when you get the bike

Minor things:
- petcock and key positions will be different
- controls that you didn't use much like the bright lights will take getting used to
- you will have to lube your chain (unless you go shaft drive)


basically no matter what bike you get, take it to an empty lot or practice in your street some of the lessons learned at the MSF before you take it out on the roads for the first time. Dealers will often deliver your bike to your house for you so don't think that you have to ride it away when you buy it.

More thoughts....................
With your size you may want to consider the VT1100. I am not that tall but I have 3" forward controls on my 2003 VT1100 and love it. You can stretch out and be more comfortable. There is a considerable difference with or without the forward controls.

The 1100 will have more low end torque. That will be greatly appreciated when traveling. With me and the wife my 1100 is great, plenty of power to get up and go. Mileage is great also!

Also, if you do your own service you may want to check out what it takes to do the service. I was told that to change the oil filter on the 650 you will need to loosen the exhaust. On the 1100 all you need is a filter wrench and a low sided pan to get under the bike. Changing oil on the 1100 is a breeze! Full service can be done in under an hour. Also, I was told that the 650 has mechanical lifters and they will need adjusting where as the 1100 has hydraulic lifters which never require adjustment. (please verify first)