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.

[Wolfgore]

Come on join my crowd of Goldwing riders.

Congratulations,
MrBill

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

[Luke]

I have been riding for about 5 years, and I would say go with something slightly bigger. I am about 240 and 6 feet. I went with a magna for my first bike (the 500) and sold it quickly. I bought a Honda Shadow 1100 and it was perfect. Enough power to go where and when I wanted but not so much that I couldn't handle it. I sold that after a year also though, and bought a Kawasaki Vulcan 1600. LOVE THAT ONE. Had to get the vulcan because my wifes legs were too long for the shadow to be comfortable for her. I am definitley glad I didnt start on the Vulcan though, pretty sure I would have laid it down.

[Raphael]

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

[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.

[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.

[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.