Post by: Norton on August 12, 2005, 12:35:24 PM
Trouble is, I know about as little about bikes as a person can and want to get as broad a base of knowledge as I can before I commit to doing this.
Some considerations:
I want to use this as a commuter.....not into long distance touring or offroading. I just need to be able to get me and my briefcase/laptop to work, class and running errands. I'll leave hauling the musical instruments to the other vehicles.
Biggest issue is that I'm 6'7" and figure that most "beginner bikes" are going to be fairly uncomfortable.....especially trying to get my size 15's into the clutch and brake pedals.
I want a bike that is reliable, cheap to operate, cheap to purchase and fuel efficient. I don't envision myself getting into "the lifestyle" though I'm sure that will change as I get bitten by the bug. :-)
I know P95Carry rides, so hopefully Chris will contribute his thoughts.
Post by: Norton on August 12, 2005, 12:40:05 PM
Post by: Phyphor on August 12, 2005, 09:03:20 PM
Now, I'm NO EXPERT on riding motorcycles, there's guys here who've been doing it for many years longer than I have, but I'll tell ya what little I know.
They DO make motorcycles w/an automatic transmission, if you want them. Obviously, this isn't as good on gas as the manual shifted bikes.
The clutch on a motorcycle will usually be your left "handbrake" .. a lever you squeeze to disengage the clutchplates, (IIRc, motorcycles use a multi-disk clutchpack, as opposed to a single-disk dry plate, like cars, )
the shifter for he manual bikes will usually be by your left foot. The bike I ride (a friend's) is a 5 speed, 1 down, 4 up. (Meaning ,from neutral, to get to first, I kick the shifter down, then to go to 2nd and on up, the lever is kicked up. It works just like a ratchet, )
You shouldn't have any problem finding a bike that'll fit you.
Post by: Norton on August 12, 2005, 11:32:30 PM
Thanks for the info....fortunately I've only ever driven stickshift cars (well, at least since 1989) so I don't think I'd even consider an automatic on a bike. However, it might be a problem getting those big ol' feet in there.
Post by: Nathaniel Firethorn on August 13, 2005, 01:33:01 AM
Touring bikes are the most comfortable, with roadbikes a good second. I'd stay away from cruisers and sportbikes if you're looking for a comfortable commute.
Take the MSF class before you go shopping. Get the review issues of Motorcycle Consumer News for the bikes you're interested in.
Since you're a beginning rider, you might want to look at a used (or Pre-Dropped
) bike.If there's one in your area, visiting a bike show is a good way to go shopping. There are two types of bike shows: the comprehensive big-city ones and the little ones that show only Harleys and the myriad Harley mods. You want the former.
Unfortunately, a Norton is probably not a good bet for you.
- NF
Post by: Norton on August 13, 2005, 02:13:45 AM
Quote from: Nathaniel Firethorn
A bike is the right size if you can comfortably flatfoot it with only a little room in your crotch.
Yikes......that's going to be one tall bike for my 38" inseam. My FIL has a bike...I think it's a type of Suzuki....sort of looks like a "Harley Light"....maybe I'll try that one on for size.
Post by: cfabe on August 13, 2005, 05:33:50 AM
I'm more into sportbikes, and they're not a good choice for commuting. Probably a standard or cruiser would be your best bet.
Post by: DrAmazon on August 13, 2005, 07:29:30 AM
Some bikes have different height seats. I ride a BWM F650CS for exactly the purposes you are talking about. (A bit expensive for a first bike, but worth it!) It has 3 heights of seats, the tall one is about 2cm higher than the standard. I'm 6'0" with a 34 inch inseam and I'm quite comfy on my 650.
I had a more experienced friend do my test riding for me. I didn't feel experienced enough to ride anything that wasn't mine. After a year, I still don't!
A secondary thing to consider is how much stuff you'll want to carry around on it, and what the baggage options are. I wish I had locking side bags, but I've got removable soft luggage that converts into backpacks. Laptop and work clothes fit in perfectly.
Post by: BillBlank on August 13, 2005, 07:41:24 AM
What DRAmazon said about trying lots on for size.
Post by: P95Carry on August 13, 2005, 09:16:16 AM
First off - you don't need any crotch rocket! - but you do need to take the basic class - must have good roadcraft and handling sorted out as a priority. Remember you have to ride as if everyone on the road is out to get you!
I would personally recommend a used cruiser as I doubt you will literally ''fit'' any bike at all and the center of mass is lower too! I say cruiser because that way you could add highway pegs which means you can stretch legs out more open road. Harley will set you back way too much cash but - one of the rice burner equivalents could suit well. Some of the V twins come as small as 650cc - and most Jap Co's make cruisers now. Start perusing ad's and see what is there for age and price. Suzuki, Kawasaki, Honda, Yamaha.
It sounds tho as if you'll possibly ride all weathers - well nearly. I did this when I went back to University in '92 - three years of 2 wheels only - all weather stuff. You must have reasonable protective clothing that will keep you warm when it's cooler, and dry when wet. Seems obvious but this takes cash too - and you need reasonable quality stuff too.
Helmet - make that full face - better in crap weather. Also consider a device (if obtainable here) which is a small slip-over-finger rubber dealie that works like a small windshield wiper blade - great for keeping visor clear in wet.
I also recommend a good windshield on a bike used all weathers. There are many variables Paul - and after my approx 100k miles of biking over the years - cannot remember them all at once to write down. If it helps at all - let me know if you want my tel# - and I'd be more than willing to chat and answer best I can questions you may have now and later. There is much to decide, and carefully.
Best
Post by: Monkeyleg on August 13, 2005, 12:52:35 PM
One bike that I would recommend is the Honda ST 1100. It's light, very agile, quiet, smooth, and comfortable. It's probably one of the best all-purpose bikes I've ever seen.
As others have mentioned, take the MSF course. The more you learn, the safer you'll be.
Whatever you do, please don't buy a 125cc bike and put an orange milk crate on the back. That just drives me nuts.
Post by: P95Carry on August 13, 2005, 02:06:56 PM
I think all these have been around long enough to find as, say, five year olds and so if not too high mileage - possible good deals. ...........
Yam' ''Dragstar'' - might be different name here - my last ride I saw what could have been one and the guy got about 56 mpg's.
Yam' ''Virago'' - good solid thumper.
Kawasaki ''Vulcan'' 750.
All just suggestions to use when scanning ad's etc.
Post by: ...has left the building. on August 13, 2005, 03:20:33 PM
I don't know if a full-on cruiser would be the best choice for commuting, I'd rather have something small and light. But I would not recommend the 250R just because of your height. I would look for a naked or standard bike (like the Suzuki SV-650 or Honda 599). Compare these to the aforementioned cruisers (I would also add the Suzuki Boulevard line to your list to look at) and see which ones fit your body better by just sitting on them at dealerships.
Post by: P95Carry on August 13, 2005, 03:31:03 PM
I would personally say a big NO to an SV650 - great bike, my son had one but no way IMO is anyone going want to commute on that - riding partly on wrists - of pauls height!! No way Jose.
The reason I keep saying cruiser is that if motor not too huge then MPG's will be good and - above all - the fit aspect. I have a VTX 1300 and am 6'.00" - suits me good and have had someone of 6'.4" sit on and it worked for them - again - for distance, open road - highway pegs do help a whole lot with long legs.
My last bike was a Suzuki GS1000G - great touring bike but center of mass higher and less relaxing to use, tho great performance.
Anyways - naturally all our opinions vary.
Post by: ...has left the building. on August 13, 2005, 04:51:22 PM
I defer any 2-wheel wisdom to you
2 months under my belt so far and I'm addicted! Regarding the Boulevards, I'm pretty sure they're just rebadged Volusia/Marauder/etc. right? I'm 5'5" so I have the exact opposite situation that you guys have.
Post by: saxman357 on August 14, 2005, 11:15:45 AM
Edit: Yes, they are marketed for off-road/adventure use, but rest assured the 650s are great city bikes. Compared to the CB750 I'm used to, the DR650 is simply amazing as a commuter.
Post by: Norton on August 15, 2005, 05:18:07 PM
I've pretty consistently heard suggestions for the Suzuki DR650, so i may try to take a look at those. Gas just topped $3 in the next county over, so i guess we'll be there by the end of the week.
Post by: Norton on August 16, 2005, 01:26:05 AM
Suzuki has a "starter" bike priced around $3200 new: http://www.suzukicycles.com/Products/GZ250K5/Default.aspx
That could probably be found used (pre-dropped :-) )for quite a bit less
The Blulevard series (listed as a crusier) and the GZ250K5 (labelled a standard) look pretty similar. What constitutes a "cruiser" vs a "standard"?
Post by: P95Carry on August 16, 2005, 05:16:31 AM
For me - ''cruiser'' means usually a V twin with quite low center of mass - fairly long wheelbase and good wide seat etc. Plus they will take highway pegs. I then think of ''Tourer'' which is what I called my GS1000G - a four cyl, somewhat higher center of mass and maybe not quite a comfortable - tho I did huge miles on it, including with Mrs on board.
I think you have to consider (as you know) the ''fit'' angle, which is why I talk cruisers - and economy. A compromize. You will tho IMO have to go sit on some varieties and see how they feel. If you can get a fair deal on a good used, it'll save you quite a bit over showroom new.
Post by: Werewolf on August 16, 2005, 05:24:47 AM
You mentioned that you will be traveling 60 miles round trip. Unless that is all on city streets you need a bike that will carry your weight and have the juice to handle freeway traffic. 30 miles on a small bike is no picnic anyway - especially on a smaller bike with a huge guy like you riding it.
And you may just discover you like riding enough to take some longer trips on you MC. If that turns out to be the case you'll want 1000 cc+. Hell - I'm a little guy (5'7") and I find that my Honda Aero 750 isn't really big enough to be comfortable on a measly 50 mile one way trip.
In a nutshell for a guy as large as you are get the biggest bike you can afford and that you can handle (I know a 110 lb woman that rides a Honda VTX 1300 - and does it well).
Post by: P95Carry on August 16, 2005, 05:39:57 AM
Quote
(I know a 110 lb woman that rides a Honda VTX 1300 - and does it well).
.haha - last run I had out on my (seemed small) VTX 1300 - a slim chick climbed off a darned Triumph Rocket!! That bike is near as big as a Valk".
True tho yeah - maybe forget mpg's a bit and up power - I was only thinking of economy factors. I reckon Paul could ride quite comfortably on my VTX with highway pegs - I am 6.00 and 200# and actually on a real lazy run, and with wife on board - get almost 50 mpg's anyways. I am happy with that.
Post by: CatsDieNow on August 16, 2005, 06:45:57 AM
Norton: I am not a cruiser fan, but the same principle applies just with more chome and less carbon fiber. Get a smaller CC, used bike. You probably need a bit more since the bike is heavier, but I would imagine 750cc is more than enough for a cruiser and 500cc for a sportbike.
Beginner bikes (with pictures):
http://www.beginnerandbeyond.com/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=viewtopic&t=380&highlight=&sid=bdee3bf0fbe9ab325f23616dfce67dc3
Post by: DrAmazon on August 16, 2005, 02:27:12 PM
Post by: Strings on August 16, 2005, 05:18:29 PM
Me... I'm 5'9", and started on a Kaw ZL600. Worked fine (and now does for my wife). Picked up a '76 Goldwing (which I'm STILL thinking of painting battleship grey, and stenciling a hull number on the fairing: that's how it handles). Assuming that I get the contract I just finished samples for, I'll be dropping the Hondpotomus for a Triumph Speedmaster...
Post by: Norton on August 16, 2005, 10:45:31 PM
I'm going to buy used, I'm pretty sure. Since I'm going to use this as a "gas buster" I want to make my capital outlay as small as possible. If I can get something for $1-2k I'll be happy.
Post by: Antibubba on August 16, 2005, 11:44:20 PM
Post by: Phyphor on August 17, 2005, 10:32:03 AM
Post by: Strings on August 17, 2005, 11:16:16 AM
Post by: Norton on August 17, 2005, 01:23:20 PM
Post by: Strings on August 17, 2005, 06:04:14 PM
Post by: Norton on August 19, 2005, 10:25:28 AM
Some oberservations:
I used to think bikers were burly because it looked cool. Now I know it's because motorcycles are HEAVY. My legs are tired just from trying them on.
Most the cruisers were decidedly uncomfortable with the exception of one Suzuki that had straight bars. I'll have to check again on the model.
I found that I liked the sport tour platforms a lot. Let me "stretch out" yet still sit up straight. I'm a little concerned about the power of these as it seems they hover around the 125-150 horsepower level.....but man they were comfortable.
They had a used Suzuki bandit for $2900 and it felt pretty nice......hmmmph, decisions, decisions.....
Post by: Guest on October 14, 2005, 11:46:15 PM
I've been looking into the bike vs. car issue as well, for many of the same reasons. In particular the Suzuki Marauder 250. This is a 'standard' as opposed to a 'cruiser' due to the engine size. Many riders also comment that bikes of 250cc or less are 'under powered' - if you're in a tight spot you may not have the power to get yourself out of it.
You need to weigh up the cost of gas savings to the expenses of engine wear and tear and maintenance. You'll find (I think) that the miles you want to do will add a lot of engine wear to a bike under 250cc which will offset your gas savings. Part of your initial outlay also has to allow for the gear, it is pointless and uncomfortable wearing cheap gear that doesn't keep you dry and warm.
Go for a good second hand bike at about the 250cc range, ride it for a year and then move on to something larger. All going well you won't need to spend a lot on the consumables, will get the required road experience, will have ridden in all seasons and saved yourself gas money. You'll then be ready to move up to a larger bike or have a rough idea what your future ongoing costs are going be. Good luck with it.
Post by: Smith on October 15, 2005, 04:09:43 AM
I said all that to say this: Don't expect your first bike to be your last...OR...resign yourself now to riding a "beginner" bike forever. The reason I say this is because I am SO glad I got a bike that fit me well, was used, and was not super powerful. I learn every day, and that makes me a better rider, but I dropped the bike in my garage the FIRST day I had it. If it had been new, I would have felt really bad. As it was, I still felt bad, but was really glad that the first owner had already scuffed the spots that I re-scuffed.
One more thing. I agree with P95Carry, a cruiser will probably fit you well...BUT you should check REAL MPG results from owners before buying because I can't see how some of those big cruisers (or sport tourers) are very fuel efficient. My little Ninja gets 50 MPG.
Buy a bike that fits.
Buy used.
Buy a few years old.
Buy something that does what you want (good gas mileage).
Do NOT buy out of excitement or passion.
Post by: 280plus on October 15, 2005, 04:15:48 AM
Quote
If I can get something for $1-2k I'll be happy.
I guess that leaves the Beemers out. I almost bought one a few years back, way better price than the HD. And from touring with a Navy buddy on the back of his 900 I developed a great respect for them. Unfortunately I feel it is WAY too congested up here in the northeast these days to ride a bike. You really are taking your life into your own hands. Too many idiots out there to watch out for. I've lost a few friends to them too. Some being stupid, some not.
Post by: atek3 on October 15, 2005, 09:17:38 AM
I would personally say a big NO to an SV650 - great bike, my son had one but no way IMO is anyone going want to commute on that - riding partly on wrists - of pauls height!! No way Jose.
I commute about 250 miles a week on an SV650S, stock clipons, and higher rearsets. It took a few weeks to get used to it coming from a GS500, but it's fine, just you just need to learn to grip the tank with your thighs so you don't support your torso weight with your wrists. I picked an SV650S because I wanted a good compromise for all the things I do, twisties, track day, commuting, light touring. If I was more focused on commuting, I'd probably be riding either a KLR650, street plated XR650 (with 17" talon's and street tires), or SV650 standard with dirt bars.
Here in california lane splitting, is both legal and common place, meaning that commuters place a premium on narrowness and stability at low speed.
If I had a dollar for every time I saw someone on a huge cruiser teetering between cars and banging ones rearview I'd be rich.
If I were 6'7" for a SECOND bike, I'd really consider the Buell Ulysses, talk about a cool bike.
very mad max-y.
atek3
Post by: Felonious Monk/Fignozzle on October 15, 2005, 12:23:33 PM
"Suzuki has a "starter" bike priced around $3200 new: http://www.suzukicycles.com/Products/GZ & fault.aspx
That could probably be found used (pre-dropped :-) )for quite a bit less"
You just HAD to post this???
Now I'm getting the bug...AAAArrrrgggghhhh. Oh, and the Yamaha/Star Virago, and the Honda Rebel/Nighthawk, and the...and the...
Me?? A BIKER???
Lord help us all. :/
Post by: Norton on October 16, 2005, 12:22:35 PM
I've been taking the time to go and sit on a BUNCH of bikes as time allows. What I've discovered is that there are no cruisers under 1100cc that I feel physically comfortable on.
What I have discovered, however, is that the Yamaha FZ6 fit like a glove....sport cruiser with an upright style, long leg room, long reach for upper body.
Anyone have any experience with these critters?
Post by: atek3 on October 16, 2005, 12:43:45 PM
Also FZ6's aren't that cheap, trust me, it's better to drop a thousand dollar bike than a five thousand dollar bike.
atek3
Post by: P95Carry on October 16, 2005, 03:49:39 PM
Post by: Smith on October 17, 2005, 01:25:49 AM
P95Carry, do you think he'd like a VStrom 650?
Post by: P95Carry on October 17, 2005, 08:39:34 AM
There is tho re size (capacity) a monster difference between an 110 cruiser and an 1100 ''crotch rocket'' LOL
My VTX 1300 doesn't hang around and has good torque and suits me fine. However my son's last bike was an SV650 and boy did that sucker go!! he could pop a wheelie doing 60 up a grade!!
I don't feel the big ''grunter'' bikes like cruisers will be much of a runaway risk - whereas yes, a super sportster just could... in inexperienced hands.
Anyways - It's still cruiser for me all the way but I do see Paul's need to find a good fit - no point having an uncomfortable ride.