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Greetings

I have not been on a bike in 20 years, but at the ripe age of 49 yrs, I want to start riding again. I'm looking at the 2005 Honda Shadow Saber. I'm still strong and in shape, 5' 7", 175 lbs. Do yo think that's the right bike for me?

Thanks, Beachdad.

Hi Beachdad, you had not mentioned how much riding experience you have. The bike has a 1100cc engine, so has a lot of power. It will depend on how experienced you are. As for the weight and height, I think it will be fine as the bike's seat is only 27.2" high and the bike's weight is 573lb (dry) - might be a tad heavy. This can be confirmed by sitting on it and seeing how comfortable (and confident ) you feel.

BD:

I'm very experienced, all of two months! We are the same age and was never on a bike before except for mini-bikes as a kid and ATVs. I got the Rebel and man is that a lot of fun. Great to learn on and take the test on. Just got a used Vulcan 800 yesterday and have all of 40 miles on it. Very nice bike and very powerful. I would not want to start out on a 1100. I sat on one at the Honda place yesterday. Nice but give yourself some time on something smaller both in weight and displacement.<<<My opin.

the deciding factor for me would be how much of my riding time would be in heavy traffic.i have an 1100cc bike that weighs 650 pounds and a 500cc that weighs 400 pounds.i use the 1100 for long rides and the 500 for every day riding locally.

the deciding factor for me would be how much of my riding time would be in heavy traffic.i have an 1100cc bike that weighs 650 pounds and a 500cc that weighs 400 pounds.i use the 1100 for long rides and the 500 for every day riding locally.

Beachdad,

Just pickup something used like a Honda Rebel, or anything that suits you as long as it's inexpensive, ride it around for a year or maybe even 6 months then sell it and get a bike you really want.

I didn't go this route even though a number of people suggested it to me and I wish I had.

My 2 cents.

I don't think the power thing is as much of an issue as handling. This is a large bike and more difficult to handle in some situations. My preference would be to start with a lighter more easily maneuverable bike, though not as small as a 250 rebel if you plan to travel the highway much. Perhaps something in the 500 to 650 cc range?

I recall when I upgraded from a 500 cc virago to a 750 Vulcan. The issue wasn't the power difference it was the extra weight that made handling more difficult at first. As I remember it, I almost dumped the brand new bike leaving the dealers lot, simply because it wasn't as easy to manhandle as the lighter bike had been.

Having said that I know a number of people that bought a large machine for their first bike and had good success. On the other hand, I just recently met a chap with large Yam Road-star that wasn't so lucky. For the past five years he had been running a 250 cc scooter and suddenly found himself on the road-star which I think was a massive jump. Unfortunately, he failed to navigate a curve that he entered to fast (I think he panicked and fixated on the concrete barrier along the side and sure enough he slid into it). Fortunately, his worst injury was the broken collarbone and some road rash. The bike suffered plenty of damage but I guess that’s what insurance is for.

Do what I did. Pick up a Honda Nighthawk 750. The last made them in 2003. So you can get a good usaed one, at a decent price. Get familiar with riding again. And with an inexpensive used bike, you won't cry as much when it falls of the kickstand or you drop it in a parking lot.

Once your confidence and ability return, sell it (They retain their value pretty well and buy what you want.

The NH750 has hydraulic lifters, easy to ride and shift. A good return to riding bike.

I thought you were calling me with the title of your post.

Strangely enough, I was 49 also when I bought my NH last year.

I think I prevented my midlife crisis when I learned to ride a motorcycle last fall at the age of 53. After taking the safety classes, I purchased my 650 V-Star. After some initial wrestling with the weight, (500 pounds) it didn't take long to get accustomed to the handling.
Now after just a few months, I am quite comfortable with the bike.

I am the same age and size with only a couple of hours of dirt bike experience before I bought my Kawasaki 454 LTD. It is more than enough to handle as a newbie. I've put 60 kms on it in a week and it is just starting to feel comfortable. My advice is to stick to smaller bikes to start.