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Next: Dropped it, dumped it, you name it!
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External
Since: Aug 01, 2004
Posts: 1
|
(Msg. 1) Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2004 12:32 am
Post subject: little or big V-Star??
Archived from groups: alt>motorcycles>yamaha (more info?)
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Hi all. Thanks for the wealth of info here. It's been a great deal of help.
I am a 36 year old male 5'7' 165 lbs. with a LITTLE experience riding 125cc
bikes off-road about 15 years ago. I took and passed the MSF in 1997 when I
thought I was going to be getting back into riding. I didn't for
various--mostly economic--reasons and now seven years have gone by! Now I'm
coming back around and looking for a first road bike.
I've decided on a cruiser and I think I prefer the Sportster/Dyna/Softail
look to the Electra Glide/Road King/Fat Boy style. In the middleweight
department that seems to boil down to Honda's VLX 600 and Shadow Spirit 750,
and the V-Star Custom 650. (The Suzukis and Kawis don't do it for me
aesthetically.) For various reasons I've decided on the Yamaha, but I keep
coming back to the displacement issue.
A good pal of mine started with a Moto Guzzi liter bike and thinks that I
will quickly outgrow the 650 and should buy the 1100. The thing is, I've
ridden his bike and I don't think there's any way it weighs close to the 610
lbs. that the 1100 Custom does. I'm not super confident about my ability to
corral a beast like that in slow speed maneuvers, at least within the first
few months. Someone's posts here about the STEEP learning curve he faced
with his 1100 Classic make me wonder...
As I break it down it looks like this:
650 advantages: less expensive, more maneuverable at low speeds
650 disadvantages: may outgrow it, lack of oomph for highway and 2-up
travel, more finicky in terms of gear selection
1100 advantages: more power & torque, no need to upgrade later, motor happy
to chug along in almost any gear
1100 disadvantages: more power & torque (for a noob), cost, harder to handle
at low speed
In short, I'm intimidated about dropping the bigger bike at walking speeds
and don't want to ride scared in the beginning. On the other hand, remove
this one concern--and the difference in price--and the 1100 makes more
sense.
Thoughts?
Jeff
Please reply here or remove".broccoli." to reply backchannel. TIA. |
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External
Since: Aug 02, 2004
Posts: 2
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(Msg. 2) Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2004 4:52 am
Post subject: Re: little or big V-Star?? [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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Jeff,
Well I am 2 months into the VStar 1100 and find it to be a very good bike
to handle. I am 5' 6" and 200lbs and am able to flat foot the VStar. You do
not even notice the weight with the way they are balanced. I have owned many
bikes from Wings to 750's and this is the best I have ever owned. The Vstar
650 is a good bikeand you can make it look and sound just like a harley for
half the cost.
Rob
"mwether" <brabham.broccoli.kalil DeleteThis @yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:10grd3rom7jj1fb@corp.supernews.com...
> Hi all. Thanks for the wealth of info here. It's been a great deal of
help.
>
> I am a 36 year old male 5'7' 165 lbs. with a LITTLE experience riding
125cc
> bikes off-road about 15 years ago. I took and passed the MSF in 1997 when
I
> thought I was going to be getting back into riding. I didn't for
> various--mostly economic--reasons and now seven years have gone by! Now
I'm
> coming back around and looking for a first road bike.
>
> I've decided on a cruiser and I think I prefer the Sportster/Dyna/Softail
> look to the Electra Glide/Road King/Fat Boy style. In the middleweight
> department that seems to boil down to Honda's VLX 600 and Shadow Spirit
750,
> and the V-Star Custom 650. (The Suzukis and Kawis don't do it for me
> aesthetically.) For various reasons I've decided on the Yamaha, but I keep
> coming back to the displacement issue.
>
> A good pal of mine started with a Moto Guzzi liter bike and thinks that I
> will quickly outgrow the 650 and should buy the 1100. The thing is, I've
> ridden his bike and I don't think there's any way it weighs close to the
610
> lbs. that the 1100 Custom does. I'm not super confident about my ability
to
> corral a beast like that in slow speed maneuvers, at least within the
first
> few months. Someone's posts here about the STEEP learning curve he faced
> with his 1100 Classic make me wonder...
>
> As I break it down it looks like this:
>
> 650 advantages: less expensive, more maneuverable at low speeds
> 650 disadvantages: may outgrow it, lack of oomph for highway and 2-up
> travel, more finicky in terms of gear selection
>
> 1100 advantages: more power & torque, no need to upgrade later, motor
happy
> to chug along in almost any gear
> 1100 disadvantages: more power & torque (for a noob), cost, harder to
handle
> at low speed
>
> In short, I'm intimidated about dropping the bigger bike at walking speeds
> and don't want to ride scared in the beginning. On the other hand, remove
> this one concern--and the difference in price--and the 1100 makes more
> sense.
>
> Thoughts?
>
> Jeff
>
> Please reply here or remove".broccoli." to reply backchannel. TIA.
>
>
>
><!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ --> |
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External
Since: Apr 02, 2004
Posts: 106
|
(Msg. 3) Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2004 12:22 pm
Post subject: Re: little or big V-Star?? [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
|
|
|
"mwether" <brabham.broccoli.kalil.DeleteThis@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:10grd3rom7jj1fb@corp.supernews.com...
> Hi all. Thanks for the wealth of info here. It's been a great deal of
help.
>
> I am a 36 year old male 5'7' 165 lbs. with a LITTLE experience riding
125cc
> bikes off-road about 15 years ago. I took and passed the MSF in 1997 when
I
> thought I was going to be getting back into riding. I didn't for
> various--mostly economic--reasons and now seven years have gone by! Now
I'm
> coming back around and looking for a first road bike.
>
> I've decided on a cruiser and I think I prefer the Sportster/Dyna/Softail
> look to the Electra Glide/Road King/Fat Boy style. In the middleweight
> department that seems to boil down to Honda's VLX 600 and Shadow Spirit
750,
> and the V-Star Custom 650. (The Suzukis and Kawis don't do it for me
> aesthetically.) For various reasons I've decided on the Yamaha, but I keep
> coming back to the displacement issue.
>
> A good pal of mine started with a Moto Guzzi liter bike and thinks that I
> will quickly outgrow the 650 and should buy the 1100. The thing is, I've
> ridden his bike and I don't think there's any way it weighs close to the
610
> lbs. that the 1100 Custom does. I'm not super confident about my ability
to
> corral a beast like that in slow speed maneuvers, at least within the
first
> few months. Someone's posts here about the STEEP learning curve he faced
> with his 1100 Classic make me wonder...
>
> As I break it down it looks like this:
>
> 650 advantages: less expensive, more maneuverable at low speeds
> 650 disadvantages: may outgrow it, lack of oomph for highway and 2-up
> travel, more finicky in terms of gear selection
>
> 1100 advantages: more power & torque, no need to upgrade later, motor
happy
> to chug along in almost any gear
> 1100 disadvantages: more power & torque (for a noob), cost, harder to
handle
> at low speed
>
> In short, I'm intimidated about dropping the bigger bike at walking speeds
> and don't want to ride scared in the beginning. On the other hand, remove
> this one concern--and the difference in price--and the 1100 makes more
> sense.
>
> Thoughts?
>
> Jeff
>
I have never heard anybody complain that the motor was "too damn big!" I
have often heard people complain that they didn't get the bigger motor
though.
You will quickly grow accustomed tothe disadvantages of having too large of
a bike, but you never get used to having one that is too small. You will
learn how to handle the slow going in about 3 hours, or less.
Motorcycle riding is like sex, once you learn you will never forget.<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ --> >> Stay informed about: little or big V-Star?? |
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External
Since: May 01, 2004
Posts: 2
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(Msg. 4) Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2004 12:35 pm
Post subject: Re: little or big V-Star?? [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
|
|
|
I,m about the same size as you maybe a few pounds heavier and I bought
the 650 last year its a great bike. It's an awesome bike except I felt
it lacked a little on the highway. So I traded it in and bought the 1100
silverado. If your going to cruise highway then I would recommend the
1100 if not the 650 will do you just fine for a lot less money >> Stay informed about: little or big V-Star?? |
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External
Since: Jul 13, 2004
Posts: 28
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(Msg. 5) Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2004 3:02 pm
Post subject: Re: little or big V-Star?? [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
|
|
|
"mwether" <brabham.broccoli.kalil.TakeThisOut@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:10grd3rom7jj1fb@corp.supernews.com...
> Hi all. Thanks for the wealth of info here. It's been a great deal of
help.
>
> I am a 36 year old male 5'7' 165 lbs. with a LITTLE experience riding
125cc
> bikes off-road about 15 years ago. I took and passed the MSF in 1997 when
I
> thought I was going to be getting back into riding. I didn't for
> various--mostly economic--reasons and now seven years have gone by! Now
I'm
> coming back around and looking for a first road bike.
>
> I've decided on a cruiser and I think I prefer the Sportster/Dyna/Softail
> look to the Electra Glide/Road King/Fat Boy style. In the middleweight
> department that seems to boil down to Honda's VLX 600 and Shadow Spirit
750,
> and the V-Star Custom 650. (The Suzukis and Kawis don't do it for me
> aesthetically.) For various reasons I've decided on the Yamaha, but I keep
> coming back to the displacement issue.
>
> A good pal of mine started with a Moto Guzzi liter bike and thinks that I
> will quickly outgrow the 650 and should buy the 1100. The thing is, I've
> ridden his bike and I don't think there's any way it weighs close to the
610
> lbs. that the 1100 Custom does. I'm not super confident about my ability
to
> corral a beast like that in slow speed maneuvers, at least within the
first
> few months. Someone's posts here about the STEEP learning curve he faced
> with his 1100 Classic make me wonder...
>
> As I break it down it looks like this:
>
> 650 advantages: less expensive, more maneuverable at low speeds
> 650 disadvantages: may outgrow it, lack of oomph for highway and 2-up
> travel, more finicky in terms of gear selection
>
> 1100 advantages: more power & torque, no need to upgrade later, motor
happy
> to chug along in almost any gear
> 1100 disadvantages: more power & torque (for a noob), cost, harder to
handle
> at low speed
>
> In short, I'm intimidated about dropping the bigger bike at walking speeds
> and don't want to ride scared in the beginning. On the other hand, remove
> this one concern--and the difference in price--and the 1100 makes more
> sense.
>
> Thoughts?
>
> Jeff
>
> Please reply here or remove".broccoli." to reply backchannel. TIA.
>
>
>
I must respectfully disagree with several who have responded already. If you
lack experience the 1100 will be too much bike to handle.
I got back on two wheels after a 10 year absence (with 15 yrs. experience
previously) because I got to a ride a friends 1100 and thoroughly enjoyed it
though it definitely taxed my rusty capabilities on more than one occasion
during the 'tour' that we went on. I was very uncomfortable with my safety
behind the bars.
I bought a cheap ~500 cc and rode it for about 8 months till I felt
competent again and finances permitted my buying my current bike, a RoadStar
1600.
Since I now live in Florida I thought it would be a wise move to make sure I
was also comfortable with the riding conditions as well, it was the best
$600 I ever invested PLUS I was able to sell it at a profit. (OK, only $20
bucks but it was STILL a profit)
My whole point is that you should NOT get a bike that you have to "grow
into", you should buy the appropriate bike for your size and level of
experience. Get to big a bike and you will be a hazard to yourself and
others. Get the right sized bike and you will have a blast.
I've not heard anyone complain about the 650 on the hiway except when riding
two up but that was a Silverado with the tall windscreen.
I would urge you to go one step at a time for your own health and safety.<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ --> >> Stay informed about: little or big V-Star?? |
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External
Since: Jul 13, 2004
Posts: 28
|
(Msg. 6) Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2004 3:17 pm
Post subject: Re: little or big V-Star?? [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
|
|
|
"mwether" <brabham.broccoli.kalil.RemoveThis@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:10grd3rom7jj1fb@corp.supernews.com...
> Hi all. Thanks for the wealth of info here. It's been a great deal of
help.
>
> I am a 36 year old male 5'7' 165 lbs. with a LITTLE experience riding
125cc
> bikes off-road about 15 years ago. I took and passed the MSF in 1997 when
I
> thought I was going to be getting back into riding. I didn't for
> various--mostly economic--reasons and now seven years have gone by! Now
I'm
> coming back around and looking for a first road bike.
>
> I've decided on a cruiser and I think I prefer the Sportster/Dyna/Softail
> look to the Electra Glide/Road King/Fat Boy style. In the middleweight
> department that seems to boil down to Honda's VLX 600 and Shadow Spirit
750,
> and the V-Star Custom 650. (The Suzukis and Kawis don't do it for me
> aesthetically.) For various reasons I've decided on the Yamaha, but I keep
> coming back to the displacement issue.
>
> A good pal of mine started with a Moto Guzzi liter bike and thinks that I
> will quickly outgrow the 650 and should buy the 1100. The thing is, I've
> ridden his bike and I don't think there's any way it weighs close to the
610
> lbs. that the 1100 Custom does. I'm not super confident about my ability
to
> corral a beast like that in slow speed maneuvers, at least within the
first
> few months. Someone's posts here about the STEEP learning curve he faced
> with his 1100 Classic make me wonder...
>
> As I break it down it looks like this:
>
> 650 advantages: less expensive, more maneuverable at low speeds
> 650 disadvantages: may outgrow it, lack of oomph for highway and 2-up
> travel, more finicky in terms of gear selection
>
> 1100 advantages: more power & torque, no need to upgrade later, motor
happy
> to chug along in almost any gear
> 1100 disadvantages: more power & torque (for a noob), cost, harder to
handle
> at low speed
>
> In short, I'm intimidated about dropping the bigger bike at walking speeds
> and don't want to ride scared in the beginning. On the other hand, remove
> this one concern--and the difference in price--and the 1100 makes more
> sense.
>
> Thoughts?
>
> Jeff
>
> Please reply here or remove".broccoli." to reply backchannel. TIA.
>
>
One more thing, it wouldn't hurt to take a motorcycle course again. Yea, it
ain't macho machismo BUT we are talking about your health and welfare.
If you don't think it is worth the investment maybe you should re-think
whether you really want to ride. An inexperienced rider is an accident
looking for a place to happen.
A dude I know rode Harleys from the time he was old enough to flat foot it.
He got his liscence, rode for about 20 years but because of family and work
had to give up the bike (but kept his license active) and was off two
wheels for about 18 years. Nearing retirement he decided to treat himself
and bought a Wide Glide.
Took delivery and on the way home from the dealer dropped it going around a
corner a little too fast for the road conditions. He picked it up, got it
home and parked it till he took the riding course.(BTW, he was hardly hurt
at all 'cause he was wearing all the proper safety equipment)
If age and experience imparts wisdom then please learn from the 58 year old
man that I am speaking of, you WON'T be sorry you did and in many cases you
will recoup the cost in the first couple of years of Insurance.<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ --> >> Stay informed about: little or big V-Star?? |
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External
Since: Jan 28, 2004
Posts: 164
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(Msg. 7) Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2004 3:54 pm
Post subject: Re: little or big V-Star?? [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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|
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On Sun, 1 Aug 2004 23:32:37 -0400, "mwether"
<brabham.broccoli.kalil.DeleteThis@yahoo.com> waived the right to be silent and
professed:
>In short, I'm intimidated about dropping the bigger bike at walking speeds
>and don't want to ride scared in the beginning. On the other hand, remove
>this one concern--and the difference in price--and the 1100 makes more
>sense.
>
>Thoughts?
>
Get the 1100 and install some engine guards.
<snicker>
--
Nostalgia isn't what it used to be.<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ --> >> Stay informed about: little or big V-Star?? |
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External
Since: Mar 26, 2004
Posts: 26
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(Msg. 8) Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2004 4:33 pm
Post subject: Re: little or big V-Star?? [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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Jeff
I have a VStar 1100 and I find it's one of the easiest and most
manoeuverable bike in this category. I had a Honda Shadow 750 prior
to this and I always felt it was lacking in the powerhouse especially
on highway and when riding two up. If you can afford the difference
in price, i would recommend you go for the 1100. Although I have not
tried the 650, I imagine the weight and manoeuverability cannot be so
far appart, and you will get used to driving your 1100 in no time even
at slow speed. If you get the 650, you may just want to trade it next
year, and that'll cost you extra $s.
Just my two cents
Michel
--
" we get old too soon and smart too late" >> Stay informed about: little or big V-Star?? |
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External
Since: Jan 28, 2004
Posts: 164
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(Msg. 9) Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2004 8:22 am
Post subject: Re: little or big V-Star?? [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
|
|
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On Mon, 2 Aug 2004 11:22:08 -0700, "Jeff Strickland"
<beerman RemoveThis @yahoo.com> waived the right to be silent and professed:
>
>Motorcycle riding is like sex, once you learn you will never forget.
>
Yup! And a lot of people will never quite master it.
--
Nostalgia isn't what it used to be.<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ --> >> Stay informed about: little or big V-Star?? |
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External
Since: Apr 02, 2004
Posts: 106
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(Msg. 10) Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2004 4:09 pm
Post subject: Re: little or big V-Star?? [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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I had the old XS1100 when they were brand new. I had the XS750 before that.
Has Yamaha found a way to reduce or eliminate the driveline lash that comes
from the shaft drive? That is probably the only complaint, well that and the
fact that they were sooooo damn tall in the saddle, that I had about these
two bikes.
I am trying to convince my Wife just how much she needs me to have a
motorcycle again, and I almost have her ready to cave in. My interests run
to the Road Star, but a lot of that is because of the belt drive instead of
the shaft. I am wondering if the shaft has been improved from the XS1100
days, of if I am correct in thinking that the belt is smoother. What do you
think of the differences/merits of shaft vs. belt?
"Michel" <mdl01 RemoveThis @hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:e2071d4d.0408021433.ea714db@posting.google.com...
> Jeff
>
> I have a VStar 1100 and I find it's one of the easiest and most
> manoeuverable bike in this category. I had a Honda Shadow 750 prior
> to this and I always felt it was lacking in the powerhouse especially
> on highway and when riding two up. If you can afford the difference
> in price, i would recommend you go for the 1100. Although I have not
> tried the 650, I imagine the weight and manoeuverability cannot be so
> far appart, and you will get used to driving your 1100 in no time even
> at slow speed. If you get the 650, you may just want to trade it next
> year, and that'll cost you extra $s.
>
> Just my two cents
>
> Michel
> --
> " we get old too soon and smart too late"<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ --> >> Stay informed about: little or big V-Star?? |
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External
Since: Apr 02, 2004
Posts: 106
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(Msg. 11) Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2004 8:18 pm
Post subject: Re: little or big V-Star?? [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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"Khutter" <krp11an.TakeThisOut@YAHOOtakeout.COM> wrote in message
news:LPrPc.11466$wM.3576@twister.tampabay.rr.com...
>
>
>
>
> I must respectfully disagree with several who have responded already. If
you
> lack experience the 1100 will be too much bike to handle.
> I got back on two wheels after a 10 year absence (with 15 yrs. experience
> previously) because I got to a ride a friends 1100 and thoroughly enjoyed
it
> though it definitely taxed my rusty capabilities on more than one occasion
> during the 'tour' that we went on. I was very uncomfortable with my safety
> behind the bars.
> I bought a cheap ~500 cc and rode it for about 8 months till I felt
> competent again and finances permitted my buying my current bike, a
RoadStar
> 1600.
> Since I now live in Florida I thought it would be a wise move to make sure
I
> was also comfortable with the riding conditions as well, it was the best
> $600 I ever invested PLUS I was able to sell it at a profit. (OK, only $20
> bucks but it was STILL a profit)
> My whole point is that you should NOT get a bike that you have to "grow
> into", you should buy the appropriate bike for your size and level of
> experience. Get to big a bike and you will be a hazard to yourself and
> others. Get the right sized bike and you will have a blast.
> I've not heard anyone complain about the 650 on the hiway except when
riding
> two up but that was a Silverado with the tall windscreen.
> I would urge you to go one step at a time for your own health and safety.
>
>
Your points are well taken, but let me suggest that just because the bike
can do 120 is no reason to twist the throttle that wide.
If one drives like he doesn't know what the machine is going to do next,
then he will drive safely. It is the guys that think they know it all, but
really know nothing, that get into trouble early on with too much machine.
The same can be said for cars, bikes, planes, boats, jet skis, quad runners,
dune buggies, whatever.
The trick is to drive according to your expertise or slower, not drive to
the abilities of the machine involved.
I was once able to power slide my car as good as anybody, but I was younger
then. Now, I drive a BMW, and it never occurs to me that the car can slide
at all, but we all know it can. My car is much better than the one that I
could power slide in, but I am not the same driver now that I was then. I am
much more cautious, mostly because I am paying the bills these days, and
somebody else was paying them then.
Riding a bike is much the same. Don't test the limits of the machine unless
you are absolutely certain those limits are below your own. As soon as
testing the limits of the machine exceeds the limits of the operator,
trouble is brewing.
The single most important safety device is your own brain. Exercise it
frequently, and you will be fine.<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ --> >> Stay informed about: little or big V-Star?? |
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External
Since: Mar 26, 2004
Posts: 26
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(Msg. 12) Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2004 8:29 pm
Post subject: Re: little or big V-Star?? [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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My VStar is the first bike I own with a driveshaft instead of a
chain/belt
and I admit that I'm not crazy about it. It's much more jerky than
belt (for me) and I found the (high pitch winning) sound rather
unpleasant. I'm partial to the Road Star and I think in a year or two
I will probably upgrade my VStar to a Road Star
Michel
--
" we get old too soon and smart too late"
"Jeff Strickland" <beerman.RemoveThis@yahoo.com> wrote
> I had the old XS1100 when they were brand new. I had the XS750 before that.
>
> Has Yamaha found a way to reduce or eliminate the driveline lash that comes
> from the shaft drive? That is probably the only complaint, well that and the
> fact that they were sooooo damn tall in the saddle, that I had about these
> two bikes.
>
> I am trying to convince my Wife just how much she needs me to have a
> motorcycle again, and I almost have her ready to cave in. My interests run
> to the Road Star, but a lot of that is because of the belt drive instead of
> the shaft. I am wondering if the shaft has been improved from the XS1100
> days, of if I am correct in thinking that the belt is smoother. What do you
> think of the differences/merits of shaft vs. belt?
>
><!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ --> >> Stay informed about: little or big V-Star?? |
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External
Since: Jul 04, 2004
Posts: 28
|
(Msg. 13) Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2004 9:45 pm
Post subject: Re: little or big V-Star?? [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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On Mon, 02 Aug 2004 14:02:19 GMT, "Khutter" <krp11an.RemoveThis@YAHOOtakeout.COM>
wrote:
This is good, sound advice but most guys that ride don't think any of
that stuff important. I do. There isn't a guy that is going to say to
anyone, "This bikes too much." Which is why you ONLY Hear people say I
should have bought a bigger bike.
As for the helmet arguement. Same goes....No need to wear one till you
smash your head and face. Anyone that has ever done that will say I
wish I had had a helmet on. If they don't their liars. It's like in
hockey ( if any of you motorcycle pansies think your tough try that
sport) you won't find a guy that wishes he hadn't of worn eye
protection AFTER his retina is deteached.
It's depends what you are in the sport for. If it's... I gotta look
cool above all so I can get laid then your prefernces are different
than mine which is FUCK! It's a blast to ride.
Today I had on one grey one white sock and hush puppies.
I so FUCKIN' bad....cause I think so and not cuz someone on the street
that ain't lookin' at me thinks I am.
$20 helmets for $20 heads I always say and you can extrapolate that as
you all see fit.
Great post khutter!
Sam Owens
>
>
>I must respectfully disagree with several who have responded already. If you
>lack experience the 1100 will be too much bike to handle.
>I got back on two wheels after a 10 year absence (with 15 yrs. experience
>previously) because I got to a ride a friends 1100 and thoroughly enjoyed it
>though it definitely taxed my rusty capabilities on more than one occasion
>during the 'tour' that we went on. I was very uncomfortable with my safety
>behind the bars.
>I bought a cheap ~500 cc and rode it for about 8 months till I felt
>competent again and finances permitted my buying my current bike, a RoadStar
>1600.
>Since I now live in Florida I thought it would be a wise move to make sure I
>was also comfortable with the riding conditions as well, it was the best
>$600 I ever invested PLUS I was able to sell it at a profit. (OK, only $20
>bucks but it was STILL a profit)
>My whole point is that you should NOT get a bike that you have to "grow
>into", you should buy the appropriate bike for your size and level of
>experience. Get to big a bike and you will be a hazard to yourself and
>others. Get the right sized bike and you will have a blast.
>I've not heard anyone complain about the 650 on the hiway except when riding
>two up but that was a Silverado with the tall windscreen.
> I would urge you to go one step at a time for your own health and safety.
><!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ --> >> Stay informed about: little or big V-Star?? |
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External
Since: Jun 09, 2004
Posts: 98
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(Msg. 14) Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 12:25 am
Post subject: Re: little or big V-Star?? [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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In article <10grd3rom7jj1fb DeleteThis @corp.supernews.com>,
"mwether" <brabham.broccoli.kalil DeleteThis @yahoo.com> wrote:
> 650 advantages: less expensive, more maneuverable at low speeds
> 650 disadvantages: may outgrow it, lack of oomph for highway and 2-up
> travel, more finicky in terms of gear selection
>
> 1100 advantages: more power & torque, no need to upgrade later, motor happy
> to chug along in almost any gear
> 1100 disadvantages: more power & torque (for a noob), cost, harder to handle
> at low speed
>
> In short, I'm intimidated about dropping the bigger bike at walking speeds
> and don't want to ride scared in the beginning. On the other hand, remove
> this one concern--and the difference in price--and the 1100 makes more
> sense.
>
> Thoughts?
You've gotten a lot of good responses, but a few more points:
The 1100 is considered the 'sweet spot' in the Star lineup, with a good
balance of power and (cruiser) handling. I bought mine without a
road-test, and it's exceeded my expectations.
Whether you get a 500cc learner bike or not, you should probably re-take
the MSF course, and get out on an empty parking lot Sunday morning with
your own bike and PRACTICE slow-speed maneuvers. A bigger bike just
means you have to counter-balance more, but the level of gymnastics
required is still pretty minor. With the bottom-end torque of these
twins, it's easier to do full-lock to full-lock turns than you might
think, but it takes practice. The 650 probably won't be a great deal
easier.
I'd be more concerned about safety in high-speed maneuvers like dodging
road-kill or panic braking, than parking lot ballet. You really have to
use counter-steering at speed on the 1100, then it responds quickly.
Otherwise, it motors on in a straight line like it was on rails.
Side-winds may make it lean, but it just doesn't veer.
I've found that the main benefit of larger engines (since I'm not into
stoplight drags) is that the bike doesn't seem to notice the addition of
passenger or gear weight. If you mostly ride solo, you may not need this.<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ --> >> Stay informed about: little or big V-Star?? |
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External
Since: Jul 31, 2004
Posts: 4
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(Msg. 15) Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 3:06 am
Post subject: Re: little or big V-Star?? [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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"Sam Owens" <sam.RemoveThis@sam.com> wrote in message
news:p8f0h0tc70r931kusj50rnqkn5a70lchbg@4ax.com...
> On Mon, 02 Aug 2004 14:02:19 GMT, "Khutter" <krp11an.RemoveThis@YAHOOtakeout.COM>
> wrote:
>
> This is good, sound advice but most guys that ride don't think any of
> that stuff important. I do. There isn't a guy that is going to say to
> anyone, "This bikes too much." Which is why you ONLY Hear people say I
> should have bought a bigger bike.
>
> As for the helmet arguement. Same goes....No need to wear one till you
> smash your head and face. Anyone that has ever done that will say I
> wish I had had a helmet on. If they don't their liars. It's like in
> hockey ( if any of you motorcycle pansies think your tough try that
> sport) you won't find a guy that wishes he hadn't of worn eye
> protection AFTER his retina is deteached.
>
>
> It's depends what you are in the sport for. If it's... I gotta look
> cool above all so I can get laid then your prefernces are different
> than mine which is FUCK! It's a blast to ride.
>
> Today I had on one grey one white sock and hush puppies.
>
> I so FUCKIN' bad....cause I think so and not cuz someone on the street
> that ain't lookin' at me thinks I am.
>
> $20 helmets for $20 heads I always say and you can extrapolate that as
> you all see fit.
>
> Great post khutter!
>
> Sam Owens
Is this alt.motorcycles or alt.pottymouth  <!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ --> >> Stay informed about: little or big V-Star?? |
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