[deoveer]

I am a new rider, 176 lbs 5' 8". Initially I was thinking of buying Honda Rebel and using it for expressway riding. But I read few messages and realize that it may be small for my purpose.
Now, I am thinking between Suzuki Savage, Honda Shadow VLX and Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD.

I have ridden Rebel and other smaller bikes before. I would be purchasing a bike for daily 50 mile expressway commute to work.

Based on your experiance, which of these bikes us good?

If you know any other (new or old) bikes that fits my requirements please let me know.

I don't want to go higher than 650 cc bike.

Thanks a bunch,

Deo

 

[vol01jim]

Hi Deo. I had a Honda vlx (600cc) as my first bike and though it was good training, it was not enough bike for a 50mile superhighway/Dallas commute. Back roads and getting around local town it was fine, but my OPINION is that a bigger bike at least 800cc like my Volusia, is entry level for cruising/commuting on 3-4 lanes. But others may have other ideas. Its all relative I guess. I found the lack of power meant higher revs just to keep up or ahead of the crazzies, and this seemed to wear me out vibration and all.

And let me add, I may be selling my Volusia soon if you're in the Dallas area. LOve my Vol, but got the Valk bug.( so I can commute)

 

[wsharp]

Are you a new rider as in brand shiney new? Have you taken the MSF Beginning Rider course yet?

The Savage is a great bike, been around a long time and people put a lot of miles on them. One of the great values in motorcycles today.

For a little more money though you can get a Volusia or Honda 750, both of which may be better suited to a long commute. And at 5'8" neither one should be too big for you. You should also think a little bit into the future, when you will want a windshield and probably saddlebags for carrying stuff to work in. The bigger displacement bikes are probably better suited to that. And even though they are considered "middleweights" they actually handle quite nicely, light and responsive. Keep in mind though that the Honda 750 did not get shaft drive until this model year (2004).

 

[deoveer]

Yes, I have taken the course and have a motorcycle license. I have ridden many small bikes and scooters overseas, where 200cc is considered a large bike (mostly because of the road condition and market demand). But ridding bigger bikes is a different game. Also, I live in midwest, which means I can ride only four months out of the year. So, I don't want to spend a whole lot of money on a new bike. But, I will certainly consider bikes that you have suggested.

Thanks for your feedback on the Savage. Which one do you think is a better bike amongs Savage and Shadow?

Thanks,

 

[deoveer]

. You should also think a little bit into the future, when you will want a windshield and probably saddlebags for carrying stuff to work in. The bigger displacement bikes are probably better suited to that. And even though they are considered "middleweights" they actually handle quite nicely, light and responsive. Keep in mind though that the Honda 750 did not get shaft drive until this model year (2004).

One more question. Are the windshield on the bikes are any helpful? I have never used it, but seen on many bikes. I am wondering if it serves any functional purpose or just asthetic.

I am asking because, when I purchase my bike, I want it completely ready for my likings. I will probebly get all the required accessories installed during purchase.

Once again, thanks,

 

[ion54]

Deoveer,

I own a Savage and a Shadow ACE. The Honda is heavier and more powerful, so it will be better on the interstate.
I also used to ride overseas and I know what you say about roads and cc's, but we are here now. I think the Savage is small for interstate traffic.
Vulcan 500 is right between these two in terms of size and weigth and the engine is powerful.
On the other hand Savage is the less expensive of all three and with the lowest maintenance cost.
The windshield is useful to shield you against the wind. It realy makes a difference.
The best thing for you will be to go to the dealer and sit on each model you may consider buying and see how you feel about it.

 

[vol01jim]

In Texas, we have grasshoppers and locust the size of New Jersey, and if you ever get hit by New Jersey at 70mph, you'll wish you had a windshield. Plus at 70mph a winshield will make your smokes last longer.

Don't leave home without it. ( and Don't mess with Texas)

 

[lonestar]

Riding In Dallas

Deoveer: Absolutely get the windshield. I agree you probably need at least a 750cc bike, if for nothing else but to enable you to get past trucks! Hubby rides a HD Softail. I bought a Suzuki 250 as a newbie bike which I love and hope to move up to either the Savage or Honda Aero. Be careful out there!

Vol01Jim: Early Sundays on the George Bush is a great ride, not that many cagers and miles of cement! If you don't subscribe already get Ride Texas Magazine (Walmart has them) many wonderful Texas road trips in it. Our favorite is the Hill Country! Also (and you probably know this the ROT Rally is coming up (Austin) if you haven't been-go! Hank Williams, Jr is the performer this year-ought to be awesome!
Keep the rubber side down!

 

[wsharp]

Sorry about the delay in replying, deoveer. I don't get in here as often as I should.

Yes, a windshield is very nice on long rides, for all the reasons already mentioned... comfort and safety.

If I were in the market for a mid-weight cruiser I would probably (and did at one time) have it narrowed down to a Volusia or a Honda Shadow. But that is just me, I like the V-Twin look and sound. The Shadow has a lower seat height than the others.

You might check http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/roadtests/testfinder/ for more info, they have a pretty decent web site.

As for riding a larger bike being a whole different ballgame... well... I don't really think so. At least not as different as you might think. If a bike fits you you could easily handle a 1500cc cruiser like the 1500LC. Confidence that the bike will do what you ask it to is the biggest factor. You already have the basic skills if you can ride a 250 competently, you just need to believe that the larger bikes will react similarly to the 250 and believe that you can handle them. None of the bikes that you are considering are high-horsepower monsters, all of them are cruisers. Which means that they *may* accelerate a little faster than your 250's they won't run the 1/4 mile in less than 14 seconds... most are in the 15-16 second range. About the same as a modern mid-size car.

The previous advice is solid. Go to the different dealerships and sit on all the bikes you are considering... even some you aren't. Lift them off the sidestand. See how that feels. Have the salesman hold the bike upright while you put your feet on the controls/boards/pegs and hold the handlebars. That is when you will find the glaring problems with how a bike fits you and when one feels "right". Narrow the list down, then research online about known problems/mileage/insurance rates/accessory availability/support... you get the idea.

You will be learning to ride (in whatever subtle differences there are from the 250's) whatever bike you end up buying, you may as well to learn how to ride the one you really want.

I hope this helps,

 

[Mike Burnham]

What size bike to get.

I started with a Honda 250 and it was able to hold 75 mph anf could get upto 85 mph but it was a hard push. I had a Honda 450 for 12 years and took it everywhere, even on 350 mile trips. It was able to do highway speed and when I wanted it to, it could do over 90 mph. Infact it is still in my shed right now, but belongs to a freind. A 500 will let you get away with cheaper insurance costs then a 750 due to 500 cc is the change over limit by insurance standard to what they call a large bike. Fule costs will be slightly less for a 500, and it will give you ample learning.
As far as a windshield (faring) goes. it is great for bugs and deflecting cold air in spring and fall. On long trips is helps, and due to you concidering riding it 100 miles per day at least, that will help.
Concider what you will take with you on this commute. you may need to think about a rack or sadle bags. Check on availibility on either for your proposed bike purchase. A hundred miles with abackpack will become tiresum quickly.
The most important choice is how the bike feels to you. Only you can answer that, and an uncomfurtalbe ride is now worth more power, or affordability. If you start cramping up and are in pain when you get off the bike each time you ride, you will only make the whole bike puchase farely useless. You would become not wanting to ride it, and that would only have waisted your money.

 

[deoveer]

Thank you all for your response. It is certainly helpful and I read your suggestions almost everyday while I am getting ready to buy one soon.

I am looking into purchasing small T-bag for carring extra stuff like raincoat, firstaid kit, repair kit and other small stuff. My office bag will not fit into such bags, so I am planning to use bunji net (I don't know the real name, but you know what I mean) on back seat to hold my bag.

I am going to install windshield (thanks for everyone's experiances) and will also install engine guard. If anyone has any negative experiances with it please let me know.

Other than I am not adding anything extra. Oh yes, I may go with gel seats for my Savage.

 

[vol01jim]

Deo, If its one of those 6 hook bungy nets.. let me just say I've spent more time untangling the hooks on those things than I ever wanted. I'll send you mine if you want some fun.(red)

 

[deoveer]

Thanks for everyone's help.

I have picked up my 2004 Savage on Apr 2nd. I have been riding since then. I have put 240 miles in three days of riding. Bike is a good starting bike and very fuel efficient, which makes it a daily commute bike.

I will be putting saddlebags and bikers' friend on it to make it more comfortable.

Thanks for all your help.

Deo

 

[shumanrog]

Which bike good for me?

I'm new to the forum and was getting ready to post the almost exact same question. I have never ridden before but my 2 son's both have Honda sport bikes which I know are way too hot for a beginner. Im 57 years old and want a bike for touring with some of the guys from work and my sons from timte to time. I had just about made up my mind on a Honda Shadow 750 or a Harley Sportster 883 when I came across a new Volussia 800 at my dealer and just about fell in love with it. As I weigh over 200 lbs however I'm beginning to wonder if I should consider an 1100 instead. My question is would the 1100 be too much of a bike for an inexperienced beginner? I'm taking the motorcycle rider safety course at a local college next week. Any ideas?

 

[wsharp]

shumanrog,

Good for you for taking the course! Best investment you could ever make as a new rider. I took it after a 16 year hiatus from riding even though I rode for years before taking the break. I learned things I never knew I never knew.

As for the bike for you... You will be training on a 250 most likely. That means that whatever bike you buy, unless it is the same model you take the course on, you will have to learn the nuances of whatever you buy. My advice would be to buy the bike that fits you best, and the one that "calls" to you. You may as well learn on the one you really want.

There is actually more to it than that, though. Will you be riding with a passenger in the future? When you say "touring" are you talking about a 60 mile ride or a 600 mile ride? 2 up riding or longer road trips will call for a bigger bike if for no other reason than comfort. Will you want to mount a windshield and/or saddlebags?

For reference I had not ridden in over 16 years. The last bike I owned was a Kawasaki LTD 550. The biggest bike I rode before that was a Honda GL1100 Gold Wing. Anyway, as far as anyone was concerned I came back into this wonderful activity a newbie. When I started looking for a bike I set my criteria at 1100cc's or bigger since I wanted to do some 60-150 mile rides with my buddies. I ended up buying a beautiful Suzuki 1500LC and learning to ride all over again. Yes, it was the biggest thing out there when it came out in 1998, but it handles like a much smaller bike in my opinion. I chose it because it called to me when I sat on it, it had the look that I wanted and fit all the rest of the criteria I had in mind. Would I do it this way again? Yep.

Whatever you choose you are required by law to post a photo here for us to see. Really, I am sure there is a law somewhere.

Congratulations on joining your sons and friends!

 

[MadCow]

Whats everyones take on the Intruder 1400? I rode a 800, it felt to0 small for me. I really didnt like it. Today, I sat on the 1400, put my wife on the back with me and IMMEDIATELY we both fell in love with it. I haven't ridden in about 7 years, and was riding the 800-1100cc bikes back then.

My concern is: I consider myself a newbie all over again, but that Intruder 1400 "felt" perfect for me...the Intruder 800 didnt like me...am I going too big? I have signed up for a Riding Safety Course on base...

My wife and I will be going on road trips (greater than 250 miles) and well..I've decided on the 1400 for sure. I've looked at Hondas, Suzuki's, Kaws, and Harley's....same building...I kept going back to that Beautiful Intruder 1400....IT FELT PERFECT I decided to go with it
I know its a bigger cc bike....and I havn't actually comitted to it yet...(my wife loves it too and is pissed at me I didnt buy it on the spot). BUT: Is it over the top?

 

[Uncle Bob]

Since you have previous experience and are going to take safety course I see no problem with the 1400.

It's not like a sportbike where you would have triple the power and hairtrigger controls.

Just take it easy, get the training and you'll be fine.

 

[MadCow]

Since you have previous experience and are going to take safety course I see no problem with the 1400.

It's not like a sportbike where you would have triple the power and hairtrigger controls.

Just take it easy, get the training and you'll be fine.

Thanks Uncle Bob. Wife and I decided its a go on the 1400. I guess fear is a good thing when used wisely. I feel kinda weird over the 1400..it keeps calling me...is that odd or what?

 

[vol01jim]

See Cruiser magazine test of the 1600cc this month/may? All testers agreed that the Suzuki Marauder 1600 tops the list. Needs a better passenger seat though.

If I hadn't just bought a Valk, I'd be lookin into the Marauder. I'm not a suzuki employee, but I do own a Volusia. 8)

 

[MadCow]

I didnt like the Marauder.