Newbie Alert: How big is too big to start?

[Wicked96SS]

Okay, I think I might have a line on a used Kawasaki 1600 Classic... has Hypercharger, pipes, saddlebags, windshield and other chrome goodies...

My concearn: how big is too big for a bald faced motorcycle newbie like me? I am a big guy (6 foot, wide... definately a big boy, and as I tell people sometimes "I might not be smart, but I can lift heavy things!"...) Is that too much bike for a beginner?

From what I understand about heavier bikes (going on what I read, not much real world experience) is a bigger bike like that would be more difficult to manuver than a smaller bike during slow speed manuvers...

I am betting the right answer is: "Whatever you feel comfortable with", and I agree 100%... but before I even go look at this bike, I wanted to get your thoughts.

Any thoughts on this? Would like very much to gather the wisdom from you guys that have done this before.

[Aquaman95]

Well, I started with a 1500 and after a rocky start it worked out well for me. I wouldn't do it any other way.

I've now bought an 800 as a spare bike for when friends visit and as a commuter. It's fun to throw around every once in a while.

[Wicked96SS]

Thanks for the reply!

What was rocky about the start? What did you have trouble with?

[Aquaman95]

I had trouble with being an idiot! It's in the "2 up newbie" thread.

The short summary is I bought the bike prior to taking the riding class, had never ridden before, had no clue how to start the bike let alone ride it and decided on the first night to go out 2-up with my brother-in-law.

I'm not exagerrating when I say we're both lucky to be alive.

Originally Posted by Wicked96SS

Thanks for the reply!

What was rocky about the start? What did you have trouble with?

[Wicked96SS]

Just read the story... hey, although it might not have been the wisest move, you certainly demostrated you have guts!!

Thanks for the response!

[Dukey]

I started with a 2005 1500 classic as first bike ever back in sept of 05. did not ride it at all until I finished the MSF course. Then went to big open parking lot and practiced slow speed turns and panic stops. I am a big guy as well 6'5" 245lbs and I decided on the 1500 because of the size took my time and learned to ride safely. get the 1600 take the course and practice.
Good Luck! Ride Safe!

[rccnh]

While I had owned a bike in the past (sold it after the divorce and I had custody of my 2 boys - couldn't chance anything happening) after my boys graduated college and left home, got myself a 1500 Classic Fi. Much bigger than what I had ridden in the past - but I had learned back then that on long rides, those 500 cc and less bikes made you sore! Couldn't absorb the bumps in the road. I took it REAL easy the first year with it - minimized my rides to daylight, and not too long until I got comfortable with it. Haven't had a rider yet - but then again, my wife (wife #2 not the first one!!) is not comfortable with bikes.
IF I were you, I'd be sure to take a rider course no matter what size bike. It is great to ride, but as Ben R. found out, there is a little more to it than just sitting there and hoping other people see you!

[twoskinsoneman]

Just my opinion and not to down you 900 guys but I would not and will not ever be anything smaller than a 1500. By the way I did the same thing as far as learing the hard way. My old man helped find a bike (my saved cash) a Honda CMT 400. He put my in a huge church parking lot on a monday morning and told me to learn the bike. I spent hours and hours learning slow manuevers and how to pick up a bike
Anyway he still made me take the COURSE but when I took I probably could have TAUGHT it.

[Wicked96SS]

Well, I think I am getting that 1600... going to go look at the bike tonight, and make him an offer (well, tell him I am willing to pay what he wants, it's a very fair price). It isn't a done deal yet.

I have signed up for the class, and will be taking it at the end of August. So, the bike will sit in the garage looking pretty if I do get it.

Here are some stats on the bike:
2003 Vulcan 1600 Classic - Black
3000 miles
3 inch hard-krome pipes
Custom brake pedal and shift peg, chrome side covers, drive shaft cover and axel covers
8" drag bars with 2" pull back (stock bars available too)
custom ISO grips with chrome ends
driving light bar with visors for front lights
chrome horn
Vulcan radiator cover
Hypercharger and tuning. Run, stop, brake modulator.
Memphis fats 17" windshield with quick disconnect bracket
large leather bags
customized seat with gel pad
engine guard with pegs
chrome rails front and rear fenders
sissy bar

Heck, here is a picture of it:


I am very very nervous and uneasy about purchasing a bike before I even take the class, but it seems to be a very good deal. I am going to go manhandle it tonight.

Thanks for all your help!

[art708]

That's a good looking bike. I am thinking of selling my 800 and moving up. I'll probably be looking for something like that. Good luck , ride safely, and don't forget to take the MSF course.

[Phatboy]

My advice for a first bike is getting something used to learn on so you don't buy a big pretty bike and then mess it all up, or yourself for that matter. There's always buyers and sellers for small bikes cuz everybody has to start somewhere.

With that said, is a 1600 too much of a bike to learn on? I don't think so- its not going to burn rubber while accelerating nor will it bring the front wheel off the ground. A lot of parking lot practice would be required before you'd be ready to hit the road. The bigger bike just makes for a steeper learning curve, but really I don't think its a reckless decision to start on a 1600, you just have to know your limitations and learn how to drive within them.

[grandpawmoses]

If you get something that feels right/natural to you, it's not too big, reguardless of what the size is.

[fearlessfrank]

Big Guy........Big Bike
Had not been riding for 15-20 years, picked up a 1500 on a great deal to start back up on. Take your time, find an empty parking lot, pratice your slow speed turns, panic breaking at your own pace. You will be fine, hardest thing I had to get used to was how much heavier the bike seemed compared to the ones I used to ride.

[jukief]

Originally Posted by Phatboy

With that said, is a 1600 too much of a bike to learn on? I don't think so- its not going to burn rubber while accelerating nor will it bring the front wheel off the ground. A lot of parking lot practice would be required before you'd be ready to hit the road. The bigger bike just makes for a steeper learning curve, but really I don't think its a reckless decision to start on a 1600, you just have to know your limitations and learn how to drive within them.

I agree. I didn't really notice that much difference between riding the 800 and the 1500. The 800 is a little more nimble and the 1500 is heavier, of course, but I think someone that size could learn on a 1500 just as well. But parking lot practice is very important. Get the Ride Like a Pro DVD and practice all those slow maneuvers until you have them down pat and before you head out into traffic. That's the most intimidating thing about a bike bike to a beginner, I think. But once you get confidence with those slow maneuvers, you'll be good to go!

Good luck, and let us know what happens!

[Wicked96SS]

Thanks so much for the confidence builder... I half expected to hear "What are you NUTS! Way too much bike for a newbie no matter HOW careful you are!!"

I am heeding all of your advices, and if the deal go through, it will sit in my garage until I complete the class and have ample time to practice slow speed manuvers and emergency stops in an empty parking lot. I have several riders at work that have offered to help me out with this, so that helps.

jukief - I will order that DVD right now! I need all the help I can get!!

[BikerBeagle]

What are you NUTS! Way too much bike for a newbie no matter HOW careful you are!!

(Ignore me. The voices in my head are so loud!)

[BamaBob]

Buy it, take your time learning it, and take the course. You will do fine!


Julie, you horning in on Whistle's territory? "Ride Like A Pro" DVD is his gig!! What's next - you gonna try to wrestle SeaFoam from him too???





http://www.smileycentral.com/sig.jsp...p=ZSYYYYYYYYUS

[jukief]

Originally Posted by BamaVulcan04

[Julie, you horning in on Whistle's territory? "Ride Like A Pro" DVD is his gig!! What's next - you gonna try to wrestle SeaFoam from him too???

Don't forget the cup holder and the Airhawk cushion!!!!

[relli]

big boy needs big bike

[Wicked96SS]

Thanks again!! Well, I gave him a deposit, and once I get the cash out of the bank it will be mine (has to wait until next week, vacation for him)... but documents are signed!! It's as good as mine!!

Here are some pics I took of it just an hour ago...



Well, I bought a bike today... I am very very happy with it. It's a Kawasaki 1600 Classic with tons of goodies...

Yes, I totally went away from my original idea of getting a small bike, and yes, I spent more on it that I thought I would, and yes, it is going to sit in my garage looking pretty until I take the class in August, and yes I am an idiot... but I do love her, she sure is purdy!!! Granted, not a Harley, but pretty close, and 1/3 the price!!

Here are some more pics:







Thanks again for all your help... I have learned so much from you guys!!!