Motorcycles

**Luke** · 23rd June 08, 11:04 PM

I have been riding for about 5 years, and I would say go with something slightly bigger. I am about 240 and 6 feet. I went with a magna for my first bike (the 500) and sold it quickly. I bought a Honda Shadow 1100 and it was perfect. Enough power to go where and when I wanted but not so much that I couldn't handle it. I sold that after a year also though, and bought a Kawasaki Vulcan 1600. LOVE THAT ONE. Had to get the vulcan because my wifes legs were too long for the shadow to be comfortable for her. I am definitley glad I didnt start on the Vulcan though, pretty sure I would have laid it down.

**12stones** · 24th June 08, 05:44 AM

Originally Posted by Jack Of All

He also told me to (please don't shoot the messenger) avoid Harleys as they are always breaking down.

Now I have a 1978 BMW 80/7. Mmmm. It was a bit out of my price range, and the owner was firm on his $3000 offer, but I was so in love I made it work. And I'm still in love two years later.

Anyhow, good luck and have fun.

Unfortunately it seems that HD will never get rid of the bad rep it got back in the 80s with the AMF days, but now Harleys are just as well built as everything else out there.

And I'd LOVE to see pics of that 78 BMW. That thing must get some attention in the streets.

**McMurdo** · 24th June 08, 05:53 AM

Originally Posted by 12stones

Unfortunately it seems that HD will never get rid of the bad rep it got back in the 80s with the AMF days, but now Harleys are just as well built as everything else out there.

And I'd LOVE to see pics of that 78 BMW. That thing must get some attention in the streets.

I think you mean the 70's, in 1981, AMF sold the company to a group of investors led by Willie G. Davidson and Vaughn Beals.

But I'd have to agree with you about the bad rep. these days Harley is producing motorcycles just as reliable as any other brand.

**12stones** · 24th June 08, 06:18 AM

Originally Posted by McMurdo

I think you mean the 70's, in 1981, AMF sold the company to a group of investors led by Willie G. Davidson and Vaughn Beals.

But I'd have to agree with you about the bad rep. these days Harley is producing motorcycles just as reliable as any other brand.

I did mean 70s. It must be morning still (no coffee for me today).

**berserkbishop** · 24th June 08, 01:24 PM

Well, for me the Harley's just arent the best deal for the money. I say that FOR ME only because idea of value is much different than most Harley owners. I had a 750 honda nighthawk as a first bike and I loved it. I got it at a great price, it had plenty of get up and go, yet not killer speed. Reliable as you can want as well. I would reccomend something around 750 for a first bike. Congrats on the MSF course, I took it and it has saved my life. Enjoy your riding!

BB

**attworth** · 24th June 08, 02:05 PM

I ride a 171cc scooter. It works for now. Bank wouldn't let me get a real bike and this thing was cheap.

90mpg is also nice compared to my truck.

I'd go for more power. I've ridden all sorts of bikes and the weaker ones tended to get me into more trouble. Was trying to twist the throttle more than I should have whereas on the bigger bikes I just felt the need to "cruise" I guess.

My dream is a dropped, stretched Hayabusa for highway, and a cruiser for the twisties. (I'm not made of money though.)

**Raphael** · 24th June 08, 02:39 PM

Originally Posted by attworth

My dream is a dropped, stretched Hayabusa for highway, and a cruiser for the twisties. (I'm not made of money though.)

A 'Busa will do better on the twisties than a cruiser.

**threebanger** · 24th June 08, 08:18 PM

Originally Posted by ANGELMAN

I Would Recommend 900 -1100 Cc. This Would Make A Nice First Bike For A Guy Your Size. I Would Look To A Yamaha Virago Or Honda Shadow.

I agree that this would be a good size bike. Big enough to haul you (and a passenger) around with plenty of power. It's all you would ever need...unless you just want to go bigger just 'cuz.
Older Viragos had starter issues. The newer Yamaha Star 1100s are sweet, as is the Honda Shadow.
But if price is the biggest issue, find something cheap and learn on it. Especially if you don't mind working on one a little. I'm riding a 28-year old beater Yamaha rat bike that I pieced together with little to no previous mechanical experience. It can be done...

**attworth** · 24th June 08, 08:35 PM

Originally Posted by Raphael

A 'Busa will do better on the twisties than a cruiser.

True.... But I did say

a dropped, stretched Hayabusa

I'm not into doing the curves quick like I used to. I just want a bike that's fast in a straight line and a comfy bike than I can weave in and out of the curves at a comfortable pace - like a fat cruiser.