Which bike is good for me?

4692 Views 28 Replies 15 Participants Last post by Navy_p503, Apr 12, 2008

deoveer

Discussion Starter · Feb 26, 2004

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

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Uncle Bob

· #21 · Apr 24, 2004

If I was to buy the Marauder I'd get the Kawasaki Meanstreak, just feel like it's such an obvious rebadging without any mods ( other than the rear fender ) to it that getting the 1600 rauder just wouldn't be right.

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wsharp

· #22 · Apr 26, 2004

The Intruder 1400 is a great machine. Cool, old school-esque chopper looks and plenty of power. If you are riding 2-up you will appreciate the low-rpm torque that 1400 provides.

As for the Marauder/Mean Streak... they are the same bike built under a partnership with shared technology. 2 way street, even though on that model the traffic flowed more in one direction. Either one would make a fine ride... as long as comfort was not your top priority. (as least for me)

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Gadget142

· #23 · Apr 12, 2008

shumanrog said:
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?

Read the Forum on Suzuki C50 vs C90. I was the one who started that one. I'm am about to start riding again after almost 23 years off the road. I have just ordered a new Suzuki C50T and pick it up in two weeks. My twin brother is a Police officer and rides the big Harley bikes and just bought a 2002 Volusa. He stated that the bike is very smooth, nicely balanced and good on fuel. I bought the same bike under the new name of 2007 C50TBoulevard. In the forum 1 person put in a link to visit on, all 4 mid size cruisers. That is what pretty well made up my mind. You should read it. I thought the same that I might want a bigger bike, but at 47 I just want to take my time a CRUISE around with my wife. I'm in no rush to get anywhere fast. As that forum states it will do everything you want. Good Luck on your pick.
Dave
Ontario, Canada

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SNAFU

· #24 · Apr 12, 2008

shumanrog might not hear you. His profile states: Last Activity: 02-11-2005

Also the last post is 4 years old.

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blackie1491

· #25 · Apr 12, 2008

Come on Dave, you don't want everyone to think us Canucks can't read.

But then your from Ontario and at least 4 years behind the rest of Canada!!!

:lol4:

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atreffilet

· #26 · Apr 12, 2008

deoveer said:
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

Save

atreffilet

· #27 · Apr 12, 2008

Right Choice is a Nobrainer

Considering the intended purpose of yor purchase and the Bike's mentioned (under-650CC) I feel your decision is an easy one. I say this for many reasons. I might mention, I say this by speaking through experience and not speculation.
Your first canadate, Honda Rebel (125cc) as you mentioned, thought to be to small (daily express-way 50 mile Commute) without a doubt, is! Both under-powered and in my opinion Honda Shadow XLV (also 125cc)same story.
Although the Suzuki Savage has a much larger engine displacement(650cc) in comparison with the 2 previous canidates. You must keep in mind it is, what is called a (ONE LUNGER).This reference is made in relation to a single cylinder engine. I must also add, as far as Cruisers are concerned, it may be the only one of it's kind and for good reason. When (650cc) are contained in a single cylinder, two things occur. One, vibration and less power, due to the size of cylinder interparts and even though this particular bike, has an internal engine balancer, vibration still occurs, especially at express-way speeds. The kawasaki 500LTD elimanates all these short comings. Best Bet!!!

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