Newbie rider/potential rider... 320lbs. advice?...

[grendal]

Hi guys,

I have been considering either a sport bike or a cruiser for a bit of fun. Since I sold my last Camaro Z28 I've had a bit of a "void" of a fun vehicle in my life... Plus, I wouldn't mind having something to drive to work 2 or 3 days per week to save gas over my truck.... So... I'll be 30 in a month, clean driving record... driven some very fast cars in which I've learned my lessons about what stupid driving can lead to

What would you guys recommend I begin looking at? I know I have to (and will) sign up to take a training class. Heck, I don't even know if I'll like riding a motorcycle... But, if I do, what would you recommend? There's some things that are a "must have" for me:

1) reliable with only basic maintenance for years (I can take a car apart and rebuild it, but I know nada about motorcycles)
2) fun performance -- doesn't have to be insane power, which I surely can't handle due to lack of experience, but if it's no fun at all, I just don't want it. Also, I plan to buy one and drive it at least a few YEARS before upgrading, so I don't want to go "too small"... but I also don't want a big, heavy cruiser. It needs to be fun.
3) Ability to safely, securely transport someone as heavy as me -- 320lbs... mostly on top. Is there a balance issue with a heavy rider and a light bike?... is a Vulcan 500 heavy enough? Is it powerful enough? Is it fun? Does the engine rev pretty nice? That's one thing I've always hated about Harley's.... that low-rev just isn't much fun to listen to... no matter how much torque it has. In fact, I completely hate how Harley's sound... I would not want a bike to sound like that.
4) Is this a good "deal" money-wise?....... If I decide to upgrade sooner than 3 years, is the resale decent enough that I won't get screwed? I'm a school teacher, not a millionare.
5) on that note.... is it safe to leave a bike in a public parking area for a long time? In terms of theft............ Are they super easy to steal?... What are ya'lls experiences? I'd be parking it at a high school for 8-9 hours a day (where I work).... there's moderate security, but not for the entire 8 hours.

Thanks!

-Michael

[Mr_Lycos]

1. pretty much any bike from the big 4 are about stone reliable. The biggest maintenence chore will be cleaning and adjusting a chain drive if your bike has one.

2. Look into bikes between 500 and 1500cc's

3.Unless you're horrible mishappen and 90% of your weight is your head, I wouldn't worry about it. If you don't like the harley sound I would also suggest staying away from v-twins.

4. Motorcycles tend to hold their value better than cars. Just dont pay over MSRP

5.Depends where you live. I've never personally had a problem, but the nicer your bike, the more likely it will be to wander away.....

[kyhick1]

Michael,

Welcome to the forum!!!!!! I like the classic style vintage street bikes. You can get them on Ebay for under $2000.....It would be a good start for your first bike....if you decide you are hooked on motorcycles, then you can buy something newer!!!!!! Mack and I got both of our Kawi's from Ebay for under $1200!!!!

Look around and try them on too!!!

Heather

[2WheelFun]

Welcome grendal!

It's not going to be a simple answer I'm afraid. One thing you can do to help yourself out is to go to dealers and try sitting on the different styles of bikes so you can see how your going to feel while on them. Sitting on a cruiser is going to be much different than sitting on a sport bike due to the ergonomics of each design. By the sounds of your experience with fast cars...I'm almost inclined to risk saying that you might want to look at a sport bike or perhaps a sport touring bike as they tend to allow you more carving of roadways at a quicker pace and tend to be more nimble than a cruiser. If your needing to sit more upright and have that arm chair feeling then a cruiser might just be the ticket. Give em a try by sitting on them and see what you like. Good luck on whatever you choose and be sure to post some pics when you buy one.

[Phatboy]

1) Sounds like a Kaw =)

2) Even my old 440 had enough power to be fun. I could do wheelies on it, so a 500 should be fun too. I was up to about 230 lbs when I sold the 440.

3)You might look top-heavy, but the bike will lean and corner fine imho. Where the power/weight ratio becomes apparent are beyond legal speeds. You can look at the 750 if you want more power than the 500. The 500 is based on the Ninja- so it has some pick up too =) Ten years ago a 750 was considered to be a big bike. DOHC- tried and true.

4) If you're worried about resale- then just save yourself some cash and buy used

5) *Most* people won't mess with a bike. Especially if the biker is some big ol mean looking guy=P But High schoolers are a mischevious bunch- you might want to get an alarm for it.

[Lee_2061]

Trike.

[grendal]

Hmm, cool. Well, I think I might go to the Kawasaki place and sit on the Vulcan 500 and see what it's like. Do these bikes look "small" in person?...

What would the significant riding characteristic difference be between a Vulcan 500 and a Ninja 500?...

Thanks!

-Michael

[RED'05 MEANIE]

Hi Michael,
I am very new to this cruiser thing, but I have been on sport bikes since 1988 and I started on a then ex 500, same as your ninja 500 now. Here is what I can tell you, in a little wind say 15 mph or better your gonna wanna get into that tucked riding position, in my later years I have grown out instead of up... I can tell you this is a very rough position to ride in with padding around the middle. It is rough on your neck and your back. I would say lean toward the cruiser, BUT if your just gonna ride around town, not on longer rides say an hour or less at a shot, the sport bike is a great choice, but if your looking to take long rides, "cruise", well the cruiser....in the end my friend you must pick what you like, or you wont ride at all....anyway there is my .2 cents take it for what its worth, and feel free to message me or post any questions about sport bikes, I will happily reply, I have ridden the Kawi's honda's and yammaha's... 500 and 600's mostly... thanks and enjoy whatever you get, and be safe

[Meisch]

Hey Grendal, I just purchased a 2005 Vulcon 750. MSRP is $6199, invoice is $5089. Picked it up for $5400 with new Hemlent and Jacket. The 750 is a great mix of sportbike and cruiser. Fast, corners very well and great day to day rider. This is my second 750, owned a very fine Honda CBR1000 in between and there is a night a day difference in ride. The 750 is relaxed yet tight ride, where as the CBR feels like your always sitting on a big cat tensed up ready to pounce!!! I'm 6'4 200lbs., the 750 is a perfect fit. It's a great starting bike yet something your not wanting to get rid of in a year. Hope this gives you a little more insight.
If you lean toward the 'classic' look the Vulcon 800 csn be had for @ $6000.

[pitchinguy]

Welcome to our little world Grendal!

Nice to meet ya & glad to see you're taking interest in scootin. If you've been into the excitement of fast cars you're gonna love biken!...but, if you're not sure, you might wanna put off buying till after you take the course. You'll know for sure then & you'll also be much more educated about making a good choice.

Either way, good luck & keep us posted! Don't hesitate to ask questions...lotta good people here that will steer you right!

Cheers

[pitchinguy]

Originally Posted by Meisch

Hey Grendal, I just purchased a 2005 Vulcon 750. MSRP is $6199, invoice is $5089. Picked it up for $5400 with new Hemlent and Jacket. The 750 is a great mix of sportbike and cruiser. Fast, corners very well and great day to day rider. This is my second 750, owned a very fine Honda CBR1000 in between and there is a night a day difference in ride. The 750 is relaxed yet tight ride, where as the CBR feels like your always sitting on a big cat tensed up ready to pounce!!! I'm 6'4 200lbs., the 750 is a perfect fit. It's a great starting bike yet something your not wanting to get rid of in a year. Hope this gives you a little more insight.
If you lean toward the 'classic' look the Vulcon 800 csn be had for @ $6000.

Welcome welcome Meisch!!
Just noticed you're bran new too. Glad you joined us!!
I trust you & Grendal got greeeeat big senses of humor? You're gonna need em here!
When ya get a chance, tell us a little about yourself, pics of your scoot,etc.

Cheers

[grendal]

I have no bike at all yet. Just considering it. I assume I can take a learning course without owning a bike?

So far I'm leaning towards a cruiser... As you said, it may be uncomfortable with my little extra in the middle package to be in the bent-over position for long periods, heh. Mostly I just want it to be fun... it doesn't have to be scary fast (in fact, I'd prefer not to get scared, heh).

Thanks guys... keep the advice coming if ya got it.

-Michael

[pitchinguy]

Originally Posted by grendal

I have no bike at all yet. Just considering it. I assume I can take a learning course without owning a bike?

So far I'm leaning towards a cruiser... As you said, it may be uncomfortable with my little extra in the middle package to be in the bent-over position for long periods, heh. Mostly I just want it to be fun... it doesn't have to be scary fast (in fact, I'd prefer not to get scared, heh).

Thanks guys... keep the advice coming if ya got it.

-Michael

Yoiu assume correct! Most all beginning courses I've heard of furnish bikes. You can contact your state DMV to find out where & when. Might wanna check pronto...probly filling up pretty quick this time of year!

Cruisers are good...got one myself & wouldn't be without it! I'm sure you'd enjoy the comfort!

Cheers

[TBVulcan]

Well another Newbie here that just went through a similar search. I'm 6' and about 285 so size was an issue. I had been out of the cycle market up until last week for about 8 or 9 years. My previous (first road) bike was a mid 80's Kawasaki LTD 454. That was a great bike to begin on! Surprisingly fast, and handled very well. Even with me on it, keeping up wth anybody was never an issue. I still consider myself a rookie rider, plus ofcourse I didn't want to refinance the house to get back on a motorcyle. I ended up buying a 2005 Vulcan 800a last week. So far I only have 150+ miles on it during the break in period, but I can tell, that it has plenty of power to move my mass around with ease! No, it won't scare me, or your either for that matter, but I'm betting it will keep you content for a few years. With me driving, two up riding is out of the question, unless I can make some adjustments to the suspension. Thats ok though, not interested in carrying a passenger anytime soon. If you want a motor that likes to rev though, maybe a V twin is not for you. Personally, I love the low end torque and the ability to roll on the throttle in just about any gear (within reason) and get the bike moving. It is perfect for cruising around town and really helps when trying to make slow speed manuevers. the Vulcan 500 is not a v-twin and may suite your tastes better. This motor likes to rev and will have that sport bike feel and sound as you pour through the gears. The 500 will not have much trouble keeping up with most folks, you'll just have to keep the bike in it's powerband. This makes for more "spirited" riding andthat may be more enjoyable to you.

I have bags and a small windshield on order that I purchased with the bike, but I will soon be replacing the seat with a Mustang Fastback that looks 100% better than the stock seat and anything has to be more comfortable!

As far as bike size goes, the 500 and 800 are very similar in size....and to be honest, I do look a little big for the bike. It still pulls and handles just fine, I have no problem leaning hard into corners and powering out. The thin front tire isn't exactly the best medecine for aggresive cornering but than again, thats not this bikes specialty. The 500'sfront tire is one size bigger than the 800a's.
Hope some of this helps! From one newbie to another!

Here in my part of Michigan, we had sunny days with temps in the 70's for almost two weeks....but there is snow on the ground now with windchills in the low 20's.....sucks! I wanna ride but not in the slush!

[pitchinguy]

[quote=TBVulcan]Well another Newbie here that just went through a similar search.

Welcome welcome TB!
Glad to see you join us! Congrats on your 800! Nice scoot! Pics?

Cheers

[TBVulcan]

Thanks!
When the weather breaks again, I'll add some pics. Then ofcourse there will be a splash of chrome here and there added over time, not to mention pipes ofcourse! Been searching to find a small sissy bar that would look good with the Mustang Fastback seat. Even the small models that I have found seem kind of large, not sure how they would look with the tapered back of the fastback seat.

[grendal]

I'm officially signed up for a motorcycle training course. It's 15 hours and qualifies me to waive the state test, woo. They provide the motorcycles and I have to provide my equipment, which is fine. I alrady have a cheap helmet from my car racing (drag strip rules).

Between now & then -- the soonest I have time to do it is Memorial Day weekend -- I will try to soak in as much information as I can. Maybe check eBay and see what kind of prices there are on used rides. I do want to have a hot-rod again in the not-so-distant future, so I have to temper my budget on the bike.

Thanks,

Michael

[Meisch]

Good luck Grendal,
Thanks agian pitchinguy, will get pics up when weather cooporates.
And hope to see you around the Kzoo area TBVulcan!!

[Phatboy]

Originally Posted by TBVulcan

As far as bike size goes, the 500 and 800 are very similar in size....and to be honest, I do look a little big for the bike.

And *that* is why I'm on the 1600
I just didn't look right sitting on my old 440 LTD

[ispeed77]

Grendal and TB, welcome to the forum.

Grendal, i would recommend what the others are saying as well. go sit on the ones that you have some interest in and see what you like.