New rider ready to buy either a kawasaki vn 900 custom or Honda vtx 1300C, can anyone help me out.?

Question

yeh i am a new rider and want to know what would be the best bike for me both now and in the future. I really hope to hold on to the bike for awhile. So if i could get some input on handling, power, accident avoidance, engine performance, etc. let me know. I appreciate response

Answer 1

kawi has belt drive = cheap tire swaps and good looks

honda has shaft drive = expensive tire swaps and if it breaks, holy expensive batman!

honda is way too overhyped, people think honda=good out of ignorance and not knowing better or trying the others out there

buy american!

Answer 2

Buy something used and inexpensive for a starter bike.

Look for something old but not too old.  You don't want something so old that it is a junker, but not something so new that you'll feel bad if you lay it down.

Look for something in the 500 - 800 CC engine size.  This will be powerful enough so you don't get bored too soon, but not so fast that you will be afraid of it.

Look for a standard or cruiser bike for your first bike.  They are more forgiving.  Stay away from the sport bikes for your first bike as they require more skill.  Also used sport bikes tend to be more abused.

Watch the classified section of your local news paper.  Some locations have shopper magazines with used motorcycles in your area.  Reasonable used bikes are out there.  Be patient.  Don't buy too quickly, but if you find one you like, buy it right away.  Unfortunately, with the price of gas, the price of used bikes has also risen.  If you find a good starter bike, don't hesitate as they can sell quickly.

Don't get hung up on any particular brand.  They are all about the same.  Pay more attention to the bike's condition.  If any one brand were really superior to all other brands, this would be the only brand bike on the road.  In addition, if any brand bike was really inferior to the other brands, nobody would buy them and the company would be out of business.

Learn on this bike.  Make your mistakes on it.  You will make mistakes.  Nearly all new riders will lay their bike on its side at least once.  Would you rather make your mistakes on an older bike or your nice shiny expensive new bike?

The most important thing you should do when getting your first bike is to take a motorcycle safety course.

After you have been riding a while and gain some experience, you can sell your starter bike and get the one you want.  If maintained properly and not abused, you won't lose too much money on your starter bike.  Put the money from the sale towards the bike you really want.  By this time, you will have figured out what style bike best suits your riding style and needs.

If you settle on a sport bike for your next bike, avoid the used ones.  As I said before, these bikes tend to be more abused.  So if considering a sport bike, consider something new.

I know I used this answer before.  However I feel this is good advice.

Have fun - Ride safe

Answer 3

Both good machines, but I agree with (dirtytricksracing) on all counts.

Answer 4

Hey new rider, save yourself some cash and embarrassment by getting a 750 anything.

Answer 5

I won't write a small article. You have a bike? You are how old? You've had training?

As a new rider I would recommend the 900 over the 1300 simply based on size. If you have tried either of these then you would be aware that the 1300 is a little bigger and little more heavy. The 900 is no slouch and rather very surprising for it's engine size. It handles great and it's performance is very good. It's a bike you will more than likely want to keep for a while. Many owners are very impressed with theirs throughout the Vulcan community and it gets rave reviews. They have convinced me it is a very exceptional cruiser. I've said it before and here it is again, you won't be disappointed.

Just make sure you take a class and take one where they supply a bike if you aren't experienced - that way learn and know before you invest....

There's far too much of a sway around this place about how other people should start out....

I have a friend who started later in life with a bike. In the very early 80's he absolutely had to have a Harley. He had no experience at all. He is not an exception either. His first bike was a 75th anniversary Super Glide the 1 for a thousand model. He's an excellent rider to this day nearly 26 years later. He took the time to do it right. So it's bull c**p to say to start small or start used. It depends on the maturity level of the person and their willingness to take the time and intelligently figure what they need to do and organize that effort

Answer 6

I would go with the VN 900. These kids do not understand that you can not just change every year. But make sure you  take MSF. course, and wear a helmet.

Answer 7

new riders want to go out and buy the biggest fastest bike, this is a wrong move go with a smaller bike till you get used to riding, its almost a guarantee you will dump it or damage it, and youll regret blowing your money on an expensive bike thats now damged. so go with a smaller bike like a 600cc or something you dont need anything higher than 1000cc its to much power for a beginner and if you eat it, its gonna hurt bad.