This is the number one reason I will not get on my hubby's bike. That and not enough metal between me and them......
Understandable but I don't want to let someone elses bad driving prevent me from enjoying one of lifes most exciting times. I firmly believe that I'm such a defensive driver as is already that I can/should get the opportunity to ride a motorcycle on the streets and make it home safely.
Well I'm 5'9 175lbs. The 500 should be ok for me since I'm so short ya know. I understand the defensive driving aspect of it since drivers are so bad anyways, they even pull out in front of full sized SUVs! I was looking at the Vulcan 500 or the 800. Besides power, what's the difference in the frame size? Is 800 too much for a first timer (on the street legal side anyways)?
A 500 is a good sized starter bike.
You will probably want to go larger after you get used to the bike, but maybe not. Like any hobby, you will probably want to go bigger and better as you get more into it. But one of my favorite bikes, and I've owned many, was a 1982 Honda Silverwing (not the current Silver Wing which is a scooter), it was a 500cc miniature version of the Goldwing. But for real touring, a heavier/larger/more powerful bike is better. That said, I took a 3000+ mile trip on the Silverwing and had a blast.
Riding one up or two up makes a difference as well. If wife/GF goes with, then bigger is better. Wouldn't want to go much smaller than a 750 if you are riding 2 up regularly.
Thanks for all the opinions and advice fellow who dats! Your advice has actually swayed me to the other side of the fence and will be purchasing my bike within the next week or two. Again thanks everyone.
My advise would be to get at least a 1300 cruiser if you have any plans to ride on the interstate or big hwy. I went up from a 1300 to a 1900 yamaha roadliner. In my opinion, the big bikes are more well ballanced and actually easier to ride. They are also a lot more visible to drivers. Be careful if you ride, and assume every driver at every stop-sign or redlight does not notice you.
Most folks who buy 500cc road bikes either trade up or get rid of the bike within a year. if you trade up, you'll take a beating.
test ride an 1300 and a 500 on the open road....You want a bike that will acccelarate away from a tailgater!!!! Trust me on that one.
My advise would be to get at least a 1300 cruiser if you have any plans to ride on the interstate or big hwy. I went up from a 1300 to a 1900 yamaha roadliner. In my opinion, the big bikes are more well ballanced and actually easier to ride. They are also a lot more visible to drivers. Be careful if you ride, and assume every driver at every stop-sign or redlight does not notice you.
Most folks who buy 500cc road bikes either trade up or get rid of the bike within a year. if you trade up, you'll take a beating.
test ride an 1300 and a 500 on the open road....You want a bike that will acccelarate away from a tailgater!!!! Trust me on that one.
I agree I would go with a bigger bike if possible. I went from a Vulcan 800cc to a Victory 1507cc the Victory handles way better and when my wife or daughter ride with me we don't even touch, I could wear a backpack theres so much room. Floor boards are great too compared to pegs.
We have a thread with members bikes check it out and post a pic of yours when you get it. Show off your bike
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Do it! I love my bike. Just make sure you can afford it. Not just the bike but gear, maintenance, etc. It can get pricey once you really get into it. I agree with other posters on getting a bigger bike. It really matters with performance, not to mention windy days. Just be easy on the throttle and you'll be ok. Also check in on some of the many forums, especially ones for the bike you like. That will let you know what you are in for. See you out there.
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I will give you another good piece of advice. As your are rolling up to an intersection or any drive where a car may enter your road, keep an eye on their car tire. Many times you will notice the wheel begin to turn before you notice the car.
TAKE A MOTORCYCLE SAFETY COURSE! Don't wonder if you need it, just take it.
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"But if someone has a gun and is trying to kill you ... it would be reasonable to shoot back with your own gun."
- Dalai Lama
I will give you another good piece of advice. As your are rolling up to an intersection or any drive where a car may enter your road, keep an eye on their car tire. Many times you will notice the wheel begin to turn before you notice the car.
TAKE A MOTORCYCLE SAFETY COURSE! Don't wonder if you need it, just take it.
I strongly agree. I've been riding since I was 4 years old and my work forced me to take a safety class this year. I learned a lot. You can teach an old dog (like me and semper) a few new tricks. I don't suggest taking that class in the summer. They usually have loaner bikes in case you don't have your own bike or you are afraid to tip it over.
Again thanks everyone. I'm leaning towards the 800 a little more now. It's bigger and has more room for my wife to ride if she ever feels she wants to hop on with me, but I doubt she would for a while tho. I might go look at them today and take the wife and son along on Saturday to purchase it if I make my decision today.
Here is some more advice for you since you mentioned your wife. I never allow someone to ride on a motorcycle with me that I have no experience on. Meaning when I bought my new bike last summer my wife did not ride on it till I had put at least 500 miles on it. Why? I want to make sure I know how to handle that particular bike before I put someone else on with me. If you are planning on tooling around with the wife go with the 800. You will want the extra power. Do you already have your motorcycle license? If so test drive an 1100 also. You will be happy you did if you planning on doing much 2 up.
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"But if someone has a gun and is trying to kill you ... it would be reasonable to shoot back with your own gun."
- Dalai Lama
No I don't have my motorcycle license yet. Don't worry, I wouldn't let anyone ride with me until I'm 100% postitive I can handle the bike by myself first. I have to absolutely certain about my own safety before I put someone else's life in my own hands. Thanks Semper.
I'm not sure about where you live, but here in Wisconsin if you take a motorcycle safety course you get your motorcycle license upon graduation. There really is a lot to learn about motorcycles and I hope you give this class a chance. Here is the bike I just bought a couple months ago.
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"But if someone has a gun and is trying to kill you ... it would be reasonable to shoot back with your own gun."
- Dalai Lama
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