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Cruiser?

Posted: Thu Oct 04, 2007 6:30 am
by Crocket07
What size cruiser bike is too large for a beginner biker?

Re: Cruiser?

Posted: Thu Oct 04, 2007 6:40 am
by jonnythan
Crocket07 wrote:What size cruiser bike is too large for a beginner biker?
That depends on a lot of factors.

Cruisers in the 600-900cc range are generally your best bet. Stay away from the 250s unless you are a physically small person or you have trouble with MSF class.

Posted: Thu Oct 04, 2007 6:44 am
by Crocket07
we rode suzuki gz 250's in class and my complaint with those was that they stalled way to easily at times. I passed my MSF with only 3 points and that was because the wind picked up and moved me an inch over the white line in the box :frusty: . Is an 1100 way to big?

Posted: Thu Oct 04, 2007 6:50 am
by jonnythan
Crocket07 wrote:we rode suzuki gz 250's in class and my complaint with those was that they stalled way to easily at times.
I'm not sure that the stalling problem was related to the *bike* ;)
Crocket07 wrote:Is an 1100 way to big?
1100 is big. The 1100s also tend to be physically larger and significantly heavier than their slightly smaller counterparts (the 650s, 750s) - and that means harder to handle at slow speeds, more chance of dropping at a stoplight if you don't have much experience, etc.

Posted: Thu Oct 04, 2007 7:01 am
by Crocket07
jonnythan wrote:
Crocket07 wrote:we rode suzuki gz 250's in class and my complaint with those was that they stalled way to easily at times.
I'm not sure that the stalling problem was related to the *bike* ;)
Crocket07 wrote:Is an 1100 way to big?
1100 is big. The 1100s also tend to be physically larger and significantly heavier than their slightly smaller counterparts (the 650s, 750s) - and that means harder to handle at slow speeds, more chance of dropping at a stoplight if you don't have much experience, etc.
You got me on the stalling. I let the clutch out too fast a couple times and didnt really notice it. As for the 1100 thats what I was afraid of. Maybe a Shadow 750 would be a better choice for me.

Posted: Thu Oct 04, 2007 7:19 am
by jonnythan
Crocket07 wrote:As for the 1100 thats what I was afraid of. Maybe a Shadow 750 would be a better choice for me.
Shadow 750 should be a great starter bike. You might want to hit the dealerships and sit on various bikes in that class to see what's most comfortable for you before you decide.

Posted: Thu Oct 04, 2007 8:00 am
by Wrider
Yet another time I step up and recommend the Volusia, it's rather big and heavy for an 800, but it's got the muscle to back it up without going overboard... I'm 6'2" and just about 300 lbs and it rode me and a 180 lb friend with no problem, acceleration barely even noticed the difference as compared with just me. Only complaints were that it wasn't FI, there's a little plastic hump in the seat that hurts on longer rides, and the pegs weren't higher... (Although I'm crazy and like to take corners faster than most... including sportbikers... :laughing: )
Wrider

Posted: Thu Oct 04, 2007 8:13 am
by jonnythan
I don't see the Volusia on the Suzuki site anywhere. Do they not make it anymore?

Posted: Thu Oct 04, 2007 8:34 am
by Wrider
jonnythan wrote:I don't see the Volusia on the Suzuki site anywhere. Do they not make it anymore?
Nope, made from 01-04, but in 05 they changed to the Boulevard system, now it's known at the boulevard C-50, which added FI, floorboards, and a Rocker Shifter...
Also, if you want a more Harley or Honda look, they make the M-50, same motor, same basic everything, just different fenders/plastics on it...
Either way good bike!
Wrider

Posted: Fri Oct 05, 2007 2:16 am
by slimcolo
Go for broke and get a 350. 350 Boss Hoss!