|
| | |
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 3/5/2007 10:44:31 AM
Posts: -1,167, Visits: 2 |
| im a new rider just taking the temp test and about to take the riders course in feb. im 5,10, 240, and im looking at the 03, shadow ace 750 delux, the volusia 800 or the v stat, or should i just go into the honda sabre 1100, any thought,my only thought is that is the chain such a pain to maintain
john |
| |
| | |
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 3/5/2007 10:44:31 AM
Posts: -1,167, Visits: 2 |
| John, I have a 2002 sabre (vt1100c2) This was also my first street bike. I picked this model since I am a bigger rider. I wanted something that had lots of power but not something too much. The dealer tried to sell me on the ACE 750 since it was my first bike. But I told him I wanted the sabre and wouldn't budge. When I first started riding it I was very nervous about taking corners on the street It is very heavy and takes some getting used to in the corners. Now going on my second year riding I love it and can't wait for the snow to break so I can start riding it to work again. The only drawback to it is the gas milage. I get 125 miles and the tank is E. I know it everytime and hit the reserve at 124. With reserve it will get you another 25 miles but then your walking.I havene't had any problems handling the throttle either. Once your used to it. Hang on it's got it where it needs it. I'd also look at the carb jet kit and an aftermarket pipe setup just to make it sound a little more intimidating. Honda must believe in peaceful neighborhoods when they built the exhaust on this bike.
Anyway, Good Luck and e-mail me if you want to discuss it further. I'll send you some pictures of the bags I picked out for it.
Jim
Jim |
| |
| | |
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 3/5/2007 10:44:31 AM
Posts: -1,167, Visits: 2 |
| Skip the chain. There isn't any reason to have one on a cruiser. It's way old school for that type of riding. Belts and shafts are better. Sounds to me like your possible mounts are about right for your experience. I would only say stay away from heavy bikes for a first mount. 600# plus or minus ought to be your max. Around 500# or less would be ideal but the seats are so low these days there is leeway. Big and heavy will mean awkward and scary to a new rider. The Yamaha V-Star 650 is close to 500# and looks much bigger. If you can get both feet on the ground and can comfortably reach the handlebars you're most of the way there.
pcbrat |
| |
| | |
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 3/5/2007 10:44:31 AM
Posts: -1,167, Visits: 2 |
| PS: The great advantage of a chain final drive is that you can change ratios quickly, easily, and cheaply simply by swapping sprockets. That is why track racers like them. Belt drives have many of the same advantages but less so. Very few companies make alternate gearsets for shaft drives except perhaps for Guzzi and BMW. Therefore if you want to change the final drive ratio on your shaft drive bike you are probably stuck. Is this a big problem? Hardly. The ratios on todays bikes are well thought out at the factory
and I can't think of a single modern shaft drive bike that would really benefit from a final drive ratio change even if you could find the parts.
pcbrat |
| |
| | |
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 3/5/2007 10:44:31 AM
Posts: -1,167, Visits: 2 |
| John,I own an 1100 ACE Tourer which is what the sabre replaced ;I also drove a Sabre ,as well as a 750 shadow and the only thing I like better about the 750 is the seat height as I am only 5'6".That said I would not trade the shaft drive or the extra power for an inch lower seat;at 5'10" the Sabre should be a perfect fit for you.You may want to check out the new VTX 1300 as well ,which I rode at the Honda ride last year, very nice bike that feels lighter than mine because of the lower seat making it a great beginners bike.These are all good choices but the 750 shadow and the 800 Volusia will almost certainly leave you wanting more motor.Good Luck and safe riding.
shawn bergen |
| |
| | |
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 3/5/2007 10:44:31 AM
Posts: -1,167, Visits: 2 |
| Hey John. The Sabre is an awesome bike (I have an '01). The dual pin crank design makes it far more powerful, 67hp vs. 52 for the ACE 1100. As a new rider, you may find it heavy. I graduated from the VLX600 but I'd recommend the 750 for the stretch room. Like me (5'11")you'll most likely find that you're reaching forward for the Sabre grips. This is a common complaint, but <$100 fixable. I'm one of the few who are happy not to wake the dead with my exhaust. Look at The Sabre Group website for great tips. Join it if you become one of us.
Don't worry about gas mileage. It feels good to get off it occasionally and the gas $ is nothing compared to the accessory fever you're about to find yourself afflicted with. Dancepartner
dancepartner |
| |
| | |
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 3/5/2007 10:44:31 AM
Posts: -1,167, Visits: 2 |
| | Do yourself a favor: skip the chain. Unless of course you like fiddling with greasy messes. The hot ticket in that (800cc) class is the Volusia. The Sabre is, of course, a step up from the 800cc class. |
| |
| | |
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 3/5/2007 10:44:31 AM
Posts: -1,167, Visits: 2 |
| Skip ther smaller bikes and stay with the 1100 cc's. You'll outgrow the smaller bikes too soon and lose too much on the trade-in. My wife has a 650 V-Star (which is a great bike), but it just doesn't have the ooomph like my 1100 Sabre
Jim Nicholl |
| |
| | |
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 3/5/2007 10:44:31 AM
Posts: -1,167, Visits: 2 |
| | John - I'm 5-8 195 and learned to ride on a 1100 shadow spirit. It was a bit big for me but after a week or so of back road riding I was used to the weight. The Sabre is a bit better on handling because the seat is lower. I think that you would be happier on the 1100 as opposed to the 750 or Vstar. I would also say look at the new 900s. I too am from Ohio and can give some advice, take the test on a smaller bike than the 1100. Get a sport bike or 500-600 cruiser and take it on that if you can. Good luck. |
| |
|
|