Motorcycle size question

Question

I just got my Motorcycle license, I aced the MSF course.

I'm about 5"8 165lbs

I am looking into buying a good size cruzer but I am not sure how big is too big. The 250 at the range was way too small. I sat on a 1300vtx at the dealership today and it felt perfect.

I know its a hellava lot bigger, but with good control and taking it easy would this be a good bike for somebody of my size to learn on?

Thanks for the help

Answer 1

it's a fine size for someone your size, the problem is not the bike size as most of those can be adjusted somewhat with a new seat, but the power.  for a new rider, 750 should really be tops and somehting 400-600, non crotch rocket, is better.  something used is best of all.  pay a  few hundred to a couple grand so that when, and notice i said when, not if, you lay it down it won't bother you so much.

all the motorcycle instructors i know adhere to a line something like this... there are three types of riders, those who've laid a bike down, those who will and those who will give up riding soon.

Answer 2

I normally suggest a USED 500 to 750 for new riders, after a year you can up to the 1300 and then later in life to a 1700, rune, goldwing etc. Trust me, 30 years riding, let your skills and reflexs get learned on a smaller responsive bike first. It will pay you back for life !

Answer 3

no a 750 would be a good bike for you. a 1300 is way too big for someone just starting.

Answer 4

Cruisers are a Totally different Animal than Sport Bikes. I think a 1000-1300 cc Cruiser (Shadow, V Star, or similar) will be OK as long as You take it slow and get used to the weight.

Answer 5

For starters, acing the MSF don't mean shiit.  Reading a cookbook does not a chef make.  If you have never ridden prior to your class then a USED 250 is good, but you'll be wanting a bigger one before too long.  You can get either a standard style or a cruiser, but cruisers are hard for beginners in that you're a little more laid back and feet out in front of you whereas with the standard your feet are below you, you're more upright and in better control, but either is ok.

If you have ridden prior to your class then a 500-750 is good for beginners.  Watch Craigslist for your area.  Lot's of great deals out there but they go fast.  With gas being what it is there are lots of people looking, and those with cash in hand willing to pay the asking price get them first.

Big bikes come with alot of weight, and that's hard for a rookie to handle, especially in the turns and curves.  There's more to riding than going straight down the highway.  Get a good, used medium size bike, ride it for a few years and get some miles under your belt, then go bigger.

A 1300 is alot of bike for someone your size.  Not that you can't handle it, but that's alot of machine for even a big guy.  You need to respect that thing because it WILL let you know who's in charge.

Answer 6

Well the power on a 1300 cruiser compared to a 750 isn't a big deal. The VTX will be more than 100 lbs heavier than the 750, but if you can handle the weight the power will not be an issue.  

Answer 7

You'll find that with cruisers the performance is actually pretty similar regardless of displacement. When cruiser engines gain displacement they also gain inches and lots of pounds. A 750cc cruiser can ride all day with an 1100cc or a 1500cc or 1800cc. So how much cash do you have and how much weight can you comfortably handle? The larger bikes are preferable if you will often carry a passenger. Contrary to popular opinion in the USA, bigger is NOT always better. Compare insurance rates too. Once 1000ccs was considered a large bike. What happened? Find comfort between 1000 and 1600ccs.

Answer 8

If it is what you want go for it. A lot of these kiddies on here that are always saying you can trade up later have a mommy that is trading up for them. If you are comfortable on it and aced the MSF get it.

Answer 9

I suggest no larger than 750 to start out with. Sitting on a bike in the showroom and actually riding it are two different things. Passing the course doesn't make you an experienced rider at all. Get a used bike and learn from the mistakes you're undoubtly going to make. It isn't a question of IF you're gonna crash, it's a question of WHEN and how bad it is gonna be. people that never have crashed or dropped their ride are few and far between. Many have crashed more than once and I'd bet EVERYONE has dropped a bike at some time.