Question About Larger CC'ed Motorcycles for Beginners

[steven_mckenz]

Ok, let me start by saying that I'm not going to be asking for permission to buy a GSX-R, or a >600cc sportsbike, or whatnot. I've already posted a thread in the Introducing Yourself forum about myself, and what I have - a 1983 Yamaha XV750 Virago.

Now, I've never ridden a sportsbike in my life, nor do I plan to for at least a year, until I get the hang of the riding experience, and decide whether or not I'd like to add another two wheels to my arsenal. However, after reading a bunch of threads (and I mean a BUNCH!), it seems that the norm is to buy a <600cc sports bike, if you're planning on buying a sportsbike as the first bike.

So, my confusing question is, the bike that I bought (a traditional), is a 750cc bike. Quite obviously, it's not a sportsbike by any sense of the word. However, it DOES have an engine greater than the recommended size for a sportsbike. But, it doesn't feel to me like it's got any "sleeper" power in it, that could be dangerous on a >600cc sportsbike. I'm 215lbs, albeit short, and I've tried WOT'ing it, and it doesn't seem to have any "dangerous" power to it. Granted, it DOES have a lot more pick-me-up than my 167-hp Sebring Convertible does, and can accelerate much faster than it, but it doesn't seem to have any real dangerous power to it. I've done the extremely n00b-ish things on it, such as hitting a dip and pulling the throttle pretty hard on accident, but it never has enough giddeup in doign so to actually be dangerous.

Now, maybe I'm just really confused, or just better than I thought I am, but, is there a difference between a 750cc "traditional", verses a 750cc "sportsbike", in as far as power, speed, and "danger"? Does the 600cc "rule" only apply to sportsbikes, and there may be a different rule that applies to traditionals/cruisers?

Here's a link to the specs on my bike:
http://bikez.com/motorcycles/yamaha_xv_750_se_1983.php

Maybe it's because it only has 50hp @ 500lbs that makes it not so dangerous? That's the only thing that's a bit more scary on it for me than the Rebel - the weight. I noticed it the first time I got on it. I practiced rocking it side to side, to get a feel for how much it weighed, and how much speed/angle/control I would need for it in going around corners. However, that's really the only thing that's caught me off-guard on the bike.

So, I guess the overall question of this thread is - did I accidently break the 600cc rule? Did I get too big of a bike for a first timer? Or does the 600cc rule only apply to lighter, more powerful sportsbikes? Because if I did break the rule, I'm a bit confused, because my bike doesn't seem to really have the overwhelming hidden power in it to catch someone off-guard.

Thanks for any insight you can give!

[Shorts]

Newbs need to look at horsepower and power-to-weight ratio. Don't get caught up in CC's or the look of it. Its a whole combination of factors. A good HP range for new riders 30-60. 50+ is grey area.

Cruisers should watch out for a heavy weighing bike. Sportbikes the power delivery and how much of it.

The bike you picked up is just fine.

[-regr3t-]

and just to elaborate..... theres is a world of difference from an I-4 and a V-twin in throttle twitchiness, I just moved up from a 250, and can tell you that for sure the "sleeper power" is there, and more than willing to scare you from time to time.

[roscowgo]

Yep what shorts said. A v-twin and i-4 engine deliver their power in totally different ways. I always mentally compare em as a 90 lb chihuahua and a 120 lb hound dog. One's gonna plod along the other is.... well just imagine a 90 lb chihuahua

[Texfire]

One's gonna plod along the other is.... well just imagine a 90 lb chihuahua

Now that's a visual. I think it's a candidate for the next Godzilla movie. Godzilla vs. Radioactive Taco Bell Mutt!

Tex

[Randy]

I would pay good money to own a 90lb chihuahua. I would teach it to ride on my bike with me. Man, that would rock.