Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Hi. I am 64 year old and got my first street bike recently. I probably didn't get the right bike according to the forums. I bought a 1100 Honda Sabre. I knew i wouldn't like a smaller bike and couldn't see buying a couple bikes in a couple months time. So i jumped in with both feet. I just have 300 miles on the bike so far. I already had a motorcycle endorsement on my license from when i had dirt bikes years ago. Thats my story.

Did you at least take the MSF course?

Long time ago. 1990

Hi Kenny, to Total Motorcycle!

First, good for you to start to ride at 64! That is bloody awesome! It is never too late to discover something new and exciting in life.

The 1100 Honda Sabre is a big boys bike, a real muscle standard. If you said you got a Honda Shadow 1100 I would be a little worried but a Sabre 1100 (that's a V65 on the cover)...

Hmmm... hold the phone... does you bike look like this:



OR like this:



If it is the CRUISER one then that is much better than the other one. Just take care riding it, a 1100cc V-Twin is still a kicker! Slow and steady ok?

Good to hear you have taken a MSF course, but it was 21 years ago, you might want to take a 1 day refresher OR ride a good bit practicing around in a parking lot.

You are going to have A LOT of fun!

Welcome aboard!

Mike

2007 Honda Shadow Sabre VT1100. I started out riding around the block where i live which is low traffic, slowly increasing the distance for the first 25 miles or so until i was confident i could tackle back roads (two lane low traffic country roads). Slowly increasing the distance of rides until las weekend went on a 100 mile run with a buddy (there again all back roads). I fail to see the difference of travelling 60 mph in a rebel 250 or going 60 0n my honda (beyond the obvious laws of physics). A crash is going to be just as painful. The hardest part of learning to ride my Honda was learning how to stop safely; learning which brake to apply which pressure to get stopped which includes the engine/clutch (using the downshift to slow down). I'm a rookie. I'm sure i have lots to learn. It ain't like i'm trying to ride a GSX-1300R which i will never ride. My grandson had a suzuki 900 crotch rocket. It scared me just to look at it. Every once in a while when i'm driving on the interstates someone will pass me on one wheel doing 90 and i wonder what their life expectancy is.

Ah! You are going to be happy with the 2007 Honda Shadow Sabre VT1100, it will last you a very long time, in fact, I've known riders who have had 1100cc cruisers for more than 10 years. Sounds like you are going about learning the bike the right way (slow and steady with a buddy).

The difference between a 250cc and a 1100cc cruiser is weight and size especially when doing SLOW turns or moving it around a gas station, garage or parking lot. The power is also quite a bit more (of course). You are right doing 60mph on anything isn't an issue.

You'll be fine, just keep doing what you are doing.

Mike

congratulation on your first bike. I kinda got a big bike for a beginner, a FZ6R. But slow and steady is what im plannig to keep it at lol

kennyp46 wrote:2007 Honda Shadow Sabre VT1100.......I fail to see the difference of travelling 60 mph in a rebel 250 or going 60 0n my honda (beyond the obvious laws of physics). A crash is going to be just as painful.

Yup. Even on a 50cc scooter you can crash badly. But for a noob a Rebel is going to be easier to turn and easier to stop than a Shadow Sabre. With more experience it won't matter.

kennyp46 wrote:The hardest part of learning to ride my Honda was learning how to stop safely;

Bingo.

Hi Kenny, congrats on getting started and welcome to the forums!

I'll say what everyone else is saying - slow and steady as you are learning. Give yourself a couple of years before you start doing anything wild. Practice your slow manouevers as much as you can, especially now in the beginning. I start every season by doing slow maneouvers in a parking lot or dead street. It is SO important to get those skills nailed!

Good luck

To keep you all up to date. I've now put 600+ miles on my Sabre. Having a blast. I have a 150 mile ride planned for this weekend. Admittedly, i did lay it down gently twice within the first 20 miles. Both were a result of braking inexperience and both were in my yard...lol. Most of my riding is on two lane highways with lots of bends here in Western PA/ Northern WV. I wish i knew people around here who wants to ride...but thats another story. My MSF class starts July 27th but i already have my "M" license. I hope it lowers my insurance. A penny saved is a penny in the gas tank. I have two nice rides planned but i don't think i'll get them in this year. I want to do the Black Hills either during Sturgis or not. Also, i want to do the Smoky Mountian run. Financially i guess i'll wait till next year. Thats my story and i'm sticking to it.