Thinking about getting a bike

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Matthias · #1 Unread post by **Matthias** » Thu Jun 02, 2005 2:44 pm

Hi all!

Well, I'm considering learning to ride and getting a bike. Let me tell you more.

I'm 22 years old, 6'5" tall, and right now a rather lean 200lbs. I've had some experience on dualsports and one semi-nasty accident on a Suzuki 250cc, resulting in an over extended right knee joint and a good few months of serious healing time. Actually I'm only just back to normal, so I guess it took around 9-10 months to get completely better from a point at which I couldn't walk at all. I've learnt that leaning when taking corners is a smart thing to do and that strong fence posts are not to be messed with.

Having said that I've been looking at bikes on the web, and I think I'd like to take it up more seriously as a means of transport as I like the low gas mileage and manouverability. I was just wondering if anyone had any idea of what bike I should get.

I've read good things about the Suzuki VS650 and though I first thought it might be too powerful I guess it's more a matter of control and restraint on my part. Whatever I get, I'd intend on having for a while as I hate trading and always seem to lose money doing it. Does anyone know if the VS650 would be too physically small for someone of my size?

On the other hand, I don't need to accelerate any faster than the average car, and don't want to go much faster than in neccessary to stay out of trouble on the interstates (keep up with traffic). I see Honda does a fairly inexpensive cruiser, called the Nighthawk. This much engine capactiy was enough to get me seriously hurt on a tight dirt-road corner, but would it be enough for someone my size to get around? Particularly going up hills in the rockies?

I gotta say, I love riding on two wheels, I just don't like going too fast...or pedalling.

Thanks
Matthias

icariz83 · #2 Unread post by **icariz83** » Thu Jun 02, 2005 3:38 pm

This VS you speak of...could it be an SV???

Slap-Bassist531 · Thu Jun 02, 2005 3:59 pm

Hey buddy glad you're gettin' into motorcycles! Also I think the SV650 would be a bit too much power for you to handle as a first bike but I've heard that the Honda Rebels are a good starting bike. Also though you weigh 220 lbs thats still not too much I mean im pretty sure that even a little 125cc bike could haul you around up the Rockies. Also I'd recommend that you take the MSF course before you really start riding and if you already have then remember one thing.-- Be safe and have fun!!

rnr262 · #4 Unread post by **rnr262** » Thu Jun 02, 2005 4:29 pm

I have the Rebel and love it. It isn't a powerhouse by any means, but does fine on the interstate (although is dwarfed by cars and blown a bit by large trucks) and is perfect around town or just out cruising. The Nighthawk is also a 250, but a standard and I think sits a bit higher, which may be more comfortable for your frame. I used one in my MSF class and enjoyed it.

Both the Rebel and Nighthawk are fairly common in the MSF courses and would give you a chance to try both.

Have fun!

TechTMW · #5 Unread post by **TechTMW** » Thu Jun 02, 2005 7:26 pm

Take a peek at the Kawasaki KLR 650 ...

http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photos/2 ... KLR650.htm

Managable power, and good ergonomics for a taller person. As an added benefit, you can pretty much go anywhere/do anything on it.

TheReaper · Sat Jun 04, 2005 10:26 am

Rode the KLR 250 during my BRC course and it was pretty cool. The 650 sounds like it'd be fun. If I ever get some land up north I'd love to get one of the dual sports to go screwing around off road with.

The area next to the parking lot where we did our BRC was all tore up for construction, plenty of piles of dirt and such and it was so tempting to hope the curb and go nuts.