Motorcycles

[JerseyLawyer]

I'm not quite over the 350 pound mark, but a lot closer to it than I'd like to be, so a bigger bike really is a necessity.

As for the racing course, as much as I'd love to go fast when I get more comfortable on the back of a bike, I have no desire to get on a crotch rocket and throw myself along a track quite yet. I'm definitely looking for a cruiser when I take the plunge. By the same token, I think the Goldwing is a bit too much bike for me right off. Maybe when I'm ready to go cross-country, I'll get a road couch.

[Raphael]

Look for a Honda Magna. It is a powerful cruiser with a V4.

[Mr. Kilt]

Congrats on getting your license! I miss my bike, but one day will have another.
I will add another suggestion to the list...try a Kawasaki Vulcan 900. Vulcans are great bikes and there is a fantastic online Vulcan group, VROC. I had an 800 a few years ago and loved it and will probably look at getting a 900 for my next bike. A 1200 Sportster is also a good choice, that's what my last bike was.

[Daibhidh O'Baoighill]

If you are still looking at the 600 cc range, I would suggest looking at the Honda VLX. Although I have not ridden it, I sat on one and is suprisingly roomy. I am 6'2" and it fit me nicely. I would be too cramped on an 800 Intruder.

[Pleater]

I got my license a long time ago - in those days (in the UK) you just had to ride around the block a few times and do an emergency stop without falling off. Even before that I drove a BSA 650cc bike with a Watsonian side car - there was a restriction to 250cc but only on solo machines. That was before it was compulsory to wear a helmet!!

It was quite a good feeling to get a full licence, even back then.

My husband had a Kawasaki 1000cc shaft drive that was a bit special. We used to do fairly long distances - for England, and it was a comfortable cruiser that had enough torque for anything - and acceleration!!!

There was also a 1200cc version.

If they are still available they would be worth looking at - I'm not up on motorbikes these days but that one was memorable.

It was probably part of your training - but never drive a bike without gloves, buy the best boots you can afford, and always wear them. Leathers for the rest of you, and a quality helmet. They can do wonderful things these days to patch you back together - but it hurts. Best to scuff up the leathers than your skin, better to crack a helmet than your skull. It isn't paranoia if they really are out to get you.

Oh yes - Japanese tires used to be rubbish in the wet - I don't know if they have improved, but it is something to bear in mind. I had a little 125cc Suzuki that must have had eel skin for tires. Touch the brakes on a wet road and the rear tire tried to overtake the front one. That was when the boots came in handy.

[ncof300d]

Look for a Honda Magna. It is a powerful cruiser with a V4.

I had a Magna when they were REALLY nice. I had a 1984 VF700C (Magna 45). It had shaft drive (the new ones are chain), hydraulic clutch, smoooooth ride, nice handling, and a fantastic engine.

[Kiltedfirepiper]

I wil eventually will get my hands on one of these.
retails about 19k but for a sweet lookin ride like that the price is pretty good
http://www.swiftmotorcycle.com/bikes.cfm?id=6

there's a dealer somewhat near you
BTW this is a soft tail even though it looks like a hard tail

587 E Jericho Tpke
St James, NY 11780

[ANGELMAN]

I Have Been Riding For About 27 Years Now. There Have Been Bikes Of Most Major Brands English, Jap, And American In My Garage Over The Years. I Would Recommend 900 -1100 Cc. This Would Make A Nice First Bike For A Guy Your Size. I Would Look To A Yamaha Virago Or Honda Shadow. I Have Had Both And Loved The Ride. Good Luck And Keep The Rubber Side Down.

[Jack Of All]

When I was looking for my first bike (very limited budget) I was advised to get a Suzuki GS 750 by a motorcycle mechanic friend. I luckily found one, a 1977 that needed me to give it some TLC, and I did. Beautiful, just powerful enough, reliable, cheap to fix, cylinders are vertical so it is easier to control (as opposed to a V style he said).

He also told me to (please don't shoot the messenger) avoid Harleys as they are always breaking down.

Now I have a 1978 BMW 80/7. Mmmm. It was a bit out of my price range, and the owner was firm on his $3000 offer, but I was so in love I made it work. And I'm still in love two years later.

Anyhow, good luck and have fun.

[Wolfgore]

Come on join my crowd of Goldwing riders.

Congratulations,
MrBill

*raises hand*
I'm with you.
2003 GL1800 and I love it.