First bike was the Rebel. Next bike should be how many cc's max? - Page 3

**SMLE** · 06-17-2010, 02:30 AM

I test rode a Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD today. Nice bike and a very easy step up from the Rebel.

**Shadow Shack** · 06-17-2010, 02:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JunkyardDog

If you really want to get into sport riding, I suggest starting on an '07 or older Ninja 250. they are about the most forgiving and easiest sportbike you can get. I believe GenMar makes handlebar risers for them to relieve some of the discomfort. The Ninja 250 is not a bike you will grow out of soon, it will take at least 2-3 years before you learn to use everything it has. It has about twice the power of a Rebel 250. At that point, you can move up to a 600, and start learning all over again. At least you will have some idea what you are getting into.

I won't disagree with anything there, the 250 Ninja is far more potent than most will give credit...and it's a very safe and sane intro to the sportbike world (or riding for that matter too).

There are other "first tier" sportbikes out there though, the EX500 Ninja & 650 Ninja/Versys/ER-6 and Suzuki GS500 are all decent places to start off as well, all sporting predictable, manageable, yet potent power. An SV650/Gladius/V-Strom is about as much of a sportbike I would recommend to a starter, moreso one who already cut his/her teeth via a Rebel than an uninitiated rider. Anything boasting 3 or more cylinders (or two measured at a liter+) is quite simply a light weight rocket ship that mandates a decent degree of skill, all of those aforementioned models will permit skill developement without the intimidation of hyper-power.

JunkyardDog · 06-18-2010, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SMLE

I test rode a Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD today. Nice bike and a very easy step up from the Rebel.

The Vulcan 500 is indeed a nice bike, and faster than the Honda Shadow 750. I especially like the first incarnation, which followed the 454 LTD. It had belt drive, a centerstand, and cast wheels with tubeless tires. The latest version has chain drive, no centerstand, and tube type tires, which, IMO, prevents it from being a practical motorcycle. What do you do when (when, not if) you have a flat tire? If it weren't for that issue, I would highly recommend it as a step up from a Rebel. Jerry.

**Henryinva** · 06-18-2010, 03:02 PM

The guys looking at cruisers and test rode one..soooo......cruisers gents!

**SMLE** · 06-18-2010, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JunkyardDog

tube type tires, which, IMO, prevents it from being a practical motorcycle. What do you do when (when, not if) you have a flat tire? If it weren't for that issue, I would highly recommend it as a step up from a Rebel. Jerry.

But just how many riders are prepared to deal with a flat on the side of the road anymore anyway?

**Shadow Shack** · 06-18-2010, 05:16 PM

Yeah, but NOTHING looks better than a laced wheel.

**flitecontrol** · 06-18-2010, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shadow Shack

Yeah, but NOTHING looks better than a laced wheel.

Not when it's wearing a flat!

JunkyardDog · 06-18-2010, 06:52 PM

Wire spoke wheels don't have to have tube type tires. The Rebel 450 and a number of BMWs are proof of that. Since this option has been available for a long time, the only reason I can see for manufacturers not using it is that they simply don't care about their customers. They build bikes to look at, not ride.

I come from a dirt bike background, and can fix a flat on a tube type tire, IF there is a way to support the bike while you remove the wheel, which is where the centerstand comes in. Without a way to securely hold the bike up, there is nothing anyone can do.

If you must have a bike with tube type tires, I recommend the VLX600. It has a very nice German made accessory centerstand available for it.

And finally, IMO, if you can't fix a flat tire, you really probably shouldn't be riding a motorcycle. Motorcycles are not cars, and require some degree of self sufficiency to ride. Anything can break down, but flat tires are so common there is no excuse for manufacturers not providing a way to deal with them. Jerry.

**Shadow Shack** · 06-18-2010, 07:12 PM

Seriously, folks...how much of an epidemic is a flat tire? I've dealt with far more dead batteries that left me stranded after a ten hour shift at work than I have dealt with flat tires. Yes, it's an inconvenience. So is a dead battery, but that doesn't leave me lusting for non-electrical starting bikes (kick start) either.

Bottom line here is the most maintenance free bike formula is to buy whatever bike you want and pay someone to service it, you'll never get dirty hands by that method.

**Henryinva** · 06-18-2010, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shadow Shack

Seriously, folks...how much of an epidemic is a flat tire? I've dealt with far more dead batteries that left me stranded after a ten hour shift at work than I have dealt with flat tires. Yes, it's an inconvenience. So is a dead battery, but that doesn't leave me lusting for non-electrical starting bikes (kick start) either.

Bottom line here is the most maintenance free bike formula is to buy whatever bike you want and pay someone to service it, you'll never get dirty hands by that method.

LOL, what a bunch of bs....

it boils down to the original post. not yur line of bs. They oughta regulate bikes that can go 180mph, a kid 19...might as well put a gun to his head and say, "hey, watch this"

second bike, cruiser, as thats where your leaning.

shaft drive, hardly any maintenance issues...

engine, of course, has its deal..

noggin on top that body your walking around in, 1st...

no one here can answer whats best for you..

try to use yer god given brain, which apparently is leaning towards a cruiser style bike, and figure out what ya can afford, what your goal with it is, its not going to be your first bike, so how long ya plan on keeping it? a long time, bigger cc. short time, ya got more coin than i do...

Stop for a bit and think...

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