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Last Login: 3/5/2007 10:44:31 AM
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| I am a new rider with no experience. The four bikes that I have chosen to look at seriously is VTX 1300C, Honda 1100 Sabre, Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 classic and 1500 Mean Streak. I am 31 yrs old and about 260 lbs. Which one of the four bikes would be a good consideration for my first bike and one that I would be happy with for years to come and one that is best suited for riding two up down the road once I have some experience under my belt.
Thanks everyone!
Mark
Mark Maser |
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Last Login: 3/5/2007 10:44:31 AM
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| Hi Mark:
Each of the bikes you've listed is probably too big and heavy for a first rider. You'd be better off with a middleweight like the Suzuki 800 Volusia or the Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Classic. These bike are highly desired by many, so will be a quick sell after a couple of years, if you wanted to.
Of the bikes you list, the Vulcan 1600 Classic is probably your best bet. Most reviews of the VTX 1300 are very luke warm. The Sabre is old technology. The Mean Streak is more sportbike than tourer, so not great on a long trip. I'd go with the 1600 Classic.
Cheers,
Dave Smith
Edmonton Alberta
Dave Smith |
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| hi mark I have been riding for 30 years if you start with a bike that big you will be lucky if you don't get killed. it not you i am worred about it is the drivers of cars if somthing happens on the road you have no time to think the only that will save you is your skill.
george |
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| | Hello Mark. As to the 2003 Vulcan 1600 this is a great bike........as to your ability to handle 700lbs and loads of power for a first bike....that is your decision....the 1600 is just a great bike all around...more than enough power.....handles great...if a big cruiser style is what you think you are looking for....read everything on the net, magazines, dealer brochures, think about it for a while...if you want the most technology for the money the 1600 is it....just make sure you know yourself.....the 1600 will make you grin everyday.....it is just that good.... |
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| Mark - Welcome to the club. I've been riding motorcycles since I was 4 years old, on a mini bike. I just purchased a 2004 Vulcan 1600 Classic. Not a better choice in my book. I have to dissagree with some of the advice you are getting. I am a big guy too. And guiding you in the direction of a 800 is not something that will make you happy. The bike is just too small, exspecially for two. You would be trading up before the season is out. My advice is to take a course on motorcycle riding. It will give you the head start you need. Plus the certificate will lower your insurance cost. Also, see if one of your friends would let you get some time on thiers. Finally you could always rent a bike till you are comfortable with your skills. Start slow and be safe. See you on the road. - Gerald V. Sims, Omaha, Nebraska, USA.
Gerald V. Sims |
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| Mark, I had a dealer in NJ try to talk me into a 750cc as a new rider. I went with the Vulcan 1600 not wanting to buy two bikes. Took the MSF course and practised tight turning and other drills at slow speeds and lots of two lane cruising at highway speed. 4 months and 2500 miles later took my first passangers around the neighborhood. I hope these experiences help you with your decision. Love my Vulcan 1600 and have bonded well with it.
Chip |
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| Do not make the mistake of purchasing an expensive big bike for your first. If you wreck it, you will learn a very hard and expensive lesson. Instead, I recommend buying a used smaller bike for less than $3000. Chances are you can probably get all of your money out of it after you gain some confidence and get bored with it. If you are a larger person, I would consider a KLR650 to be a good first bike. They are cheap, bullet proof, fun to ride, and pretty comfortable for a taller person.
Rob |
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| | Theres only one problem, with the smaller bikes. you will wish you had bought the 1600 vulcan. some one your size , especially 2 up , go for ther gusto and get the machine that can handle it. just take your time and get the feel of the bike before gettin too confident. i have owneed the sabre and i can tell u its not enough. as far as the 1300 goes, id save my money if i wanted a honda and buy the 1800. the mean streak is a very nice lookin bike, but again for 2 up it wont be very comfy, and your mate wont like you very much. hope this helps. |
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| | Get the Vulcan 1600 Classic, some people recommend starting out on a smaller bike first, but I started out on a big bike. So it really is a personal preferance. If you really desire to have a big cruiser than go for it, you will love it. This is a comfortable ride. |
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