Total Motorcycle Community Forums

First of all, I've been driving this:
http://www.bikez.com/motorcycles/kawasa ... 0_1978.php
Second of all, it can't go worth diddle for Highway speeds and I'm moving up. I have two inquiries that I'm more serious about and would like to know which one is better. Taking into consideration, the most I've ridden is a 2004 Suzuki 250 GZ at the BRC ( http://www.bikez.com/motorcycles/suzuki_gz_250_2004.php ), please help me figure out which one weight wise/height wise (I'm only 5'2 here and only 110 lbs) would work out the best. Basically, I'm looking for a 80s-90's bike bigger than a 250, and these are the responses I've gotten. I think a XZ 550, is the same thing as a Yamaha Vision isn't it? Here are the two bikes,
http://www.bikez.com/motorcycles/yamaha ... t_1982.php
http://www.bikez.com/motorcycles/honda_ ... t_1982.php
I don't have pictures yet of either of them, but I have the opportunity to see them n real life. Before I go out of my way to schedule in the time to see the Yamaha (it's farther away), I'd like to know, can someone who has been driving that peace of crap you see on top, handle a bike that would be a bit more considerable weight heavier? Also, take into account, I'm NOT an experienced rider of many years. I'm a newbie with a few months behind me and with my endorsement, that wants to be able to stop getting honked at on my way to anywhere (meaning I want to be able to go on backroads at about 55 mph, but don't want a sportbike w/ way too much power to do it). Sorry if this is confusing. I wish I knew what the seat height of what I have now is to relate to these other two, but I don't cuz I'm away from the location I have it stored at for a few more days.

A Yamaha XV535 or XV750 would fit the bill. I have an XV535 and it has no problem accelerating right through 75 on the interstate with two passengers.

Even the 750, since it's a V-twin on a cruiser, should be more than mild enough to be easily handled.

There are lots of other possibilities, too..

It's between these two. I'm not looking for new. I'm looking for used. Is the XZ 550 too much power? Is the seat height way too high? Thanks for your help! It's nice to know that these bigger bikes aren't that bad to handle.

if these are the bikes you're considering, did you find them for sale local to you? Best bet would be to go with the one that's in better condition. And the power isn't really an issue (unless you go supersport, heh) since you know where everything is. How many miles on your current ride from you?

Oh the Vision! My favorite bike and I ride alot of bikes. The Vision cuts through corners like you wouldn't believe and is nice and torque through it's whole range. It's a great ride but there are a few things to know. First, don't be concerned about the power. The bike can move but it's a nice linear line but you'll have no problem getting to 100 mph if you need to. I regulary cruiser at 80 mph at 6500 rpm. Second, it's a taller bike. If you're 5'2'' you're going to have serious problems. My girlfriend is 5'6'' and she can just flat foot it.

The Vision isn't too much power but there are a few things you'll want to know about them.

1.) The bike has a few design flaws that you'll need to fix.
-The oil seal in the starter goes bad and floods the starter with oil. Means no start. $40 and you'll never worry about it again
-Starter clutch bolts start backing out because Yamaha didn't torque them down. $40 fix
-origional stator will not surpass 20k in most cases. Replacement is $160 in parts.
2.) The carbs need to stay clean

luckily there's a website www.ridersofvision.net where they will not only walk you through everything, they will send you any extra parts they have laying around and in some cases come out to do the work for you. It's a very tight relationship between Vision owners.


Unfortunately at 5'2'' you might have problems (though try sitting on it as I know ways to easily lose 2 inches).


The honda is a good bike, but she shakes at speeds around 55 and you'll feel like you're going alot faster than you actually are.

If you're going to look at the Vision PM me and I'll give you a list of things to look for

The wife is 5'3" (and 3/4", she always adds ) and finding her a non-cruiser was a real trial.

She got a Ninja 500-R, which in general is not a problem. Sometimes backing it up is a problem, but she's learned to pull in places where she can exit going forward. If you are a comfortable rider, you probably will not have a problem one-footing at stoplights (left leg down, right on the peg typically).

The Ninja 250-R is a very short bike, which she can flat foot.

Powerwise, the 500-R is very fast and rides great, but it is probably not too much for you. It will do over 100mph, but I have not had a problem with unintentional wheelies.

There are always lowering options. Many people tell you not to mess with the factory setup, but if you are not planning to race I don't think some minor alterations would be out of order.

Good luck, and let us know what you get.

--Dave

It sounds like a ninja 250 would fit the bill for what you want.

It is a lot stronger than your current bike, and will get you to 110mph if you want to go that fast. I wouldn't discount more modern 250's.