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First bike for a big girl

3971 Views 12 Replies 6 Participants Last post by sarnali2, May 21, 2008

65268

Discussion Starter · May 20, 2008

I've enjoyed reading the forums here so far...seems like there's a lot of good participation.

I'm also shopping for my first bike. I've definitely decided on a cruiser, used. Being 6-0 and +150#, I'm looking heavily at Honda Magna 750s and Shadow 600s. Would also be interested in a Vulcan or Boulevard but I'm not seeing many of them advertised.

I'll be getting into an MSF class as soon as a spot opens up...they're filling up incredibly fast around here. Luckily I have a friend who has ridden for years who can show me the basics so I can putter around the parking lot until I can get into a class.

Thanks in advance for everyone's thoughts.

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sachiwilson

· #2 · May 20, 2008

Why a cruiser? At your height you don't need the low seat height, and you may wind up being a bit cramped. Keep in mind that a motorcycle is not furniture -- the comfort you may feel when you sit on a bike in a showroom will NOT be the way the bike will feel when it is moving. Cruisers typically feel a lot better when they aren't moving.

Welcome to the site, and let's see if we can help you enter the world of riding!

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longride

· #3 · May 20, 2008

"Cruisers typically feel a lot better when they aren't moving."

Certainly an unbiased opinion if there ever was one!

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Kenneth_Moore

· #4 · May 20, 2008

WCAdjATL said:
Being 6-0 and +150#, I'm looking heavily at Honda Magna 750s and Shadow 600s.

Heh heh heh

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sarnali2

· #5 · May 20, 2008

Either of those would work but don't discount standards like the Triumph Bonneville and T100, pricewise they're competitive but they're a much more practical choice as far as riding positon and handleing goes. I'm 6 foot, somewhat more than 150# and not a girl either for that matter but I did talk to one once... at any rate I fit on one fine. I owned a T100 for a year and really enjoyed it.

Whatever you get, be safe and have fun

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sachiwilson

· #6 · May 20, 2008

longride said:
"Cruisers typically feel a lot better when they aren't moving."

Certainly an unbiased opinion if there ever was one!

Well, yes, but there's truth behind this one! Remember that I keep having to work with women who did just what I warned about -- they sat on a cruiser in the showroom and loved the feel of the wide seat and the ease of control because of the low seat. And then once they are on the road, they can't control the bike because the wind is too much for them, or they can't reach the bars. My point (which I am sure you will agree with) is that a motorcycle is a dynamic thing, and you can't judge fit solely from sitting on it when it isn't moving. Your fit is affected by wind and by the need to move to control the bike.

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Kenneth_Moore

· #7 · May 20, 2008

sachiwilson said:
Well, yes, but there's truth behind this one! Remember that I keep having to work with women who did just what I warned about -- they sat on a cruiser in the showroom and loved the feel of the wide seat and the ease of control because of the low seat. And then once they are on the road, they can't control the bike because the wind is too much for them, or they can't reach the bars. My point (which I am sure you will agree with) is that a motorcycle is a dynamic thing, and you can't judge fit solely from sitting on it when it isn't moving. Your fit is affected by wind and by the need to move to control the bike.

So what you're saying here is that girls will be breaking wind more on cruisers than on, say, a Ninja 250?

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sachiwilson

· #8 · May 20, 2008

You are a VERY BAD BOY.

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longride

· #9 · May 20, 2008

sachiwilson said:
Well, yes, but there's truth behind this one! Remember that I keep having to work with women who did just what I warned about -- they sat on a cruiser in the showroom and loved the feel of the wide seat and the ease of control because of the low seat. And then once they are on the road, they can't control the bike because the wind is too much for them, or they can't reach the bars. My point (which I am sure you will agree with) is that a motorcycle is a dynamic thing, and you can't judge fit solely from sitting on it when it isn't moving. Your fit is affected by wind and by the need to move to control the bike.

But I would say that cruisers are no harder to handle than a sportbike where too much weight is placed on the arms and wrists, which can hinder steering, especially while braking. A properly set up cruiser is no more uncomfortable than any other bike, and can certainly be more comfortable than most if set up properly.

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The_AirHawk

· #10 · May 20, 2008

sachiwilson said:
Well, yes, but there's truth behind this one! Remember that I keep having to work with women who did just what I warned about -- they sat on a cruiser in the showroom and loved the feel of the wide seat and the ease of control because of the low seat. And then once they are on the road, they can't control the bike because the wind is too much for them, or they can't reach the bars. My point (which I am sure you will agree with) is that a motorcycle is a dynamic thing, and you can't judge fit solely from sitting on it when it isn't moving. Your fit is affected by wind and by the need to move to control the bike.

+1

Wisdom in them-thar Werds, Yo!

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sachiwilson

· #11 · May 20, 2008

longride said:
But I would say that cruisers are no harder to handle than a sportbike where too much weight is placed on the arms and wrists, which can hinder steering, especially while braking. A properly set up cruiser is no more uncomfortable than any other bike, and can certainly be more comfortable than most if set up properly.

I will concur in much of that. But not all "sportbikes" place much weight on the wrists, and (depending on fit, once again) a cruiser can put a lot of strain on one's lower back, in particular. The little Ninja, IMO, does not have a very aggressive seating position.

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longride

· #12 · May 21, 2008

What you say is true, but for what most people use their bikes for the cruiser works the best. That is why it is the most popular type of bike by far. Most people don't do Iron Butt rides, or race around every corner, but just use the bike for a commute to work or quick trip around town. They also have low seat heights and are easy to handle at slow speeds. Standards are the best for everything, but those are getting like hen's teeth these days.

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sarnali2

· #13 · May 21, 2008

Good God you two, get a room already eh?.......

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