Starter Bike

[DaveK]

Maybe you all could help me.


I am looking for a standard naked starter bike that will fit me fairly well. I am 53yo and a long waisted 6’1” and 270lbs. Because of my size, when I go into a dealership and start looking at 1200s they want to put me on an even bigger bike. I started out wanting a BMW F800ST but realized that I am too long waisted for that bike and would be supporting my torso on the handle bars. The HD sportster fits me like a glove but I really want ABS for panic braking situations. The BMW R1200R fits my body if the handle bars were about an inch farther back but it is a 1200 and I am just starting out. I looked at the Susuki with ABS but for some reason was not impressed.



Any ideas of starter bikes that would fit me?

For some reason, I am strangely attracted to this: link (http://www.royalenfield.com/Content/US/images/products/zoom_military.jpg)

but have no Idea if it would fit me at all.




Thanks,



DaveK

[dansrc51]

Well of course your attracted to the Enfield, they are easy on the eyes.:drool: If this is your first bike, or you are just starting out as you say, you need to get your license in hand first before you make any decisions. I highly recommend the Riders saftey course at LCC. They provide a bike and great instruction, and completion of the course by-passes the DMV test. As far as what bike to get, comfort is important, but what you should be primairly focused on is what kind of weight and power you are comfortable with. Honestly, I think a 1200 is a bit big of a bike for your first. BMW if you are so inclined makes a great 650 all rounder that fits most people, and Triumph and suzuki both make excellent standard series bikes that can be both emotionally inspiring as well as good starters, and I'm a honda guy:D I think ultimately the decision should come down to what you know you can handle. Save the emotional purchase until you have some milage under your belt because you can always sell and upgrade later. I would be happy to ride with you once you are licensed and have good riding gear, as would numerous people on this board. it is a great communtiy to get involved with, and if you have any questions, private message me and I will get my number to you and help you as much as I can.


Dan

[DaveK]

Thanks Dan,

In my welcome message I said that I was taking the Team Oregon course this week. (I am so excited):ride:

The Enfield is probably the prudent choice but I figured it would have the suspension of a wheelbarrow and sound and vibrate like a lawnmower. Still it makes me think of a Hummer that gets 70mpg. It also looks like I would be leaning on the handlebars even more that the F800ST.

I'm so confused!!!:idunno:

[dansrc51]

Thanks Dan,

In my welcome message I said that I was taking the Team Oregon course this week. (I am so excited):ride:

The Enfield is probably the prudent choice but I figured it would have the suspension of a wheelbarrow and sound and vibrate like a lawnmower. Still it makes me think of a Hummer that gets 70mpg. It also looks like I would be leaning on the handlebars even more that the F800ST.

I'm so confused!!!:idunno:
sorry, I didn't see your welcome message. Team Oregon is, well, I can't say enough good things about that course. I don't even know where you're going to get an Enfield..... Portland maybe? consider the amount you plan on riding as part of the purchase. Maybe it's just me, but I don't think parts or service for the Enfield will be as avaliable as some of your other coices. If your concerned about the amount of pressure you put on your wrists and back, just remember that there are vast amount of after market parts to reduce this affect. bars are an easy fix, as is the seat and rearsets (pegs).....just my :2cents:

[DaveK]

I don't even know where you're going to get an Enfield..... Portland maybe? FYI -
Dave
At present we have 11 units in stock. Three units have buyers
gathering their coins but until money crosses the table - they remain all
for sale on first come first serve basis. We have a demonstrator bike on
hand. Come see us!

Jim @ RacewayRaceway Service (P)
2700 19th Street SE, Unit 3
Salem, OR 97302

[Xusia]

I agree with Dan for the most part. At 270lbs, a lot of bikes I would typically recommend as starter bikes (i.e. 600 - 800 cc) would probably not have enough get up and go. Ironically, the bike I would have suggested is one you didn't like: The Bandit 1200. I've ridden them and they are very forgiving and make decent power where it's needed most on the street: In the midrange. Price is right too.

Good Luck!

[DaveK]

The Suzuki I looked at that I wasn't that impressed with was the V-Strom 650 ABS. Thanks for the suggestion though.

I am looking for a more upright riding position like the BMW R1200R/GS(used probably). Even then, I expect to have to add handlebar riser/setbacks and if I get a GS get a lower seat also. I'm concerned about the stressed brake cable on those types of mods tho.

Dave K

[MTS620]

Maybe you all could help me.

--snip

Any ideas of starter bikes that would fit me?

For some reason, I am strangely attracted to this: link (http://www.royalenfield.com/Content/US/images/products/zoom_military.jpg)

but have no Idea if it would fit me at all.


Thanks,

DaveK
Dave, If you like the Enfield, you may interested in the Triumph Bonneville. It's a clasic style bike, rather than a sport bike or cruiser style. I didn't think I'd like it at all, but I changed my mind after riding one. They've got enough power, but they're not as dangerous or heavy as a 1200GS could be for a beginer. Very fun bike and they look good too. Only drawback would be that they don't have ABS, but most bikes don't. Cycle parts has a demo that you can ride once you get your endorsement.

-Mats

[tlrmike99]

I would look at the sv1000 too. I am 6'5" tall and I ride an RF900R, GSX-R, and a TLR.... Sit on lots of bikes... it's amazing what dosen't look comfortable still can be....

[DaveK]

The Triumph, Enfield an Suzuki mentioned are chain drives.
Can't that get messy for a commuter bike? Messier than belt or shaft drives? Rider Magazine rated the Tiger the best bike for '07 along with the BMW f800st. Don't know how impartial that is tho. I did sit on a Bonneville but passed over the Tiger when I was there. I was kind of turned off by the chain.

[Summer4ever]

The Triumph, Enfield an Suzuki mentioned are chain drives.
Can't that get messy for a commuter bike? Messier than belt or shaft drives? Rider Magazine rated the Tiger the best bike for '07 along with the BMW f800st. Don't know how impartial that is tho. I did sit on a Bonneville but passed over the Tiger when I was there. I was kind of turned off by the chain.
Michael at Cycle Parts has a Tiger that has over 165k on it. I rode it briefly and it was a blast. I'm not sure what you mean by messy... like the chain lube splattering? A bike with 165k sure got my attention though... I can only hope my Triumph lasts that long. :2cents:

[Xusia]

Nothing really wrong with chains. The only downside is more frequent maintenance. For that you get gearing flexibility, less rotating mass, and cheap replacement/repair parts. It is possible to keep it clean.

[dansrc51]

plus most chain lubes now come in a wax type formula. it's almost no fling and little mess.

[tlrmike99]

Bel Ray "SuperClean" Chain Lube..... Thats all I gots to say about that!

[roadrunner]

as for dirty chains.. i think alot of the mess comes from too much lube and infrequent cleanings. theres a big difference in my chains now versus when i first started riding. the type of lube you use is like the tires you run or the oil brand you use. as long as there is attention to it then its no problem.. each of the drives have their pros and cons and theres alot of individual preference involved. chain lube and wax technology has come a long way too. of course if you dont want the mess at all then shaft or belt is your pick.

looking for a standard naked starter bike theres only one standard!! lots of nakeds about. :ride:

[DaveK]

First riding day at Team Oregon! I had a blast on the Yamaha TW200.

[DaveK]

maybe u sould buy one of those???? :tongue: :lol: I guess I asked for that...somehow. :crazy:

I am just trying to make the most informed decision I can... You know, asking provocative questions in order to get responses and more information.

I passed the course by the way.

[MTS620]

I guess I asked for that...somehow. :crazy:

I am just trying to make the most informed decision I can... You know, asking provocative questions in order to get responses and more information.

I passed the course by the way.Congratulations!

BTW, I rode 12-14 bikes before I bought my first one. I didn't even know what I wanted when I started looking, but the Nighthawks and a few other got eliminated very quickly. :yes: As it turns out, I like twins.:bounce:

Ride a bunch of bikes and it will sort itself out.

-mats

[dansrc51]

Congratulations!

BTW, I rode 12-14 bikes before I bought my first one. I didn't even know what I wanted when I started looking, but the Nighthawks and a few other got eliminated very quickly. :yes: As it turns out, I like twins.:bounce:

Ride a bunch of bikes and it will sort itself out.

-matswell said. Congradulations Dave, you're one of us now.......bwa ha ha ha!

You will find that there is a wealth of knowledge here and many people willing to go the extra mile to help you out, just anticipate some good ol natured ribbing :D

[DaveK]

Well, I just put a down payment on a blue 2007 Tiger ABS...but it's going to take a week to get here:mecry:

[Summer4ever]

Congrats Man!!! That is a cool bike. :thumbup: