gkwin@inuxd.UUCP (G Wade) (01/18/84)
I for one had the same decision to make about what size bike to buy
for my first bike. After much debate with myself and others I ended
up buying A 750 cc bike. The first week the thing was like a monster.
I was afraid if it ever went down that I'd never be able to get it back up.
It was no time at all that I out grew the thing and wanted a bigger one.
I put about 3,000 miles on the 750 the first year I had it. To make a long story
short the following year I bought a Yamaha XS1100. Once I got use to the
750 Kaw I found its size was smaller than what I really wanted. On the
highway the bigger bike handled much nicer and had plenty of power to
pass if I wanted to. City riding wasn't bad on either bike (downtown
Indianapolis and other large cities on road trips).
My suggestion to a first time buyer is to get at least a 500cc bike if it
is to be used a lot on the highway. In no time you will get use to
handling A big bike and want to go bigger.
The more weight the bike has the less blowing around on the highway when
passing a semi or large truck.
On the other hand if you plan to use a bike only for short trips (very
little highway riding) a smaller bike is fine.
Think what you want to use it for and not will I be able to handle it.
Handling will come in no time if you ride it much.
Many large cities offer motor cycle riding safety classes which are good for
old and new ridders. I would recommed one of these classes for anyone.
G.K.Wade
(317) 845-6205dhk@hp-pcd.UUCP (Dustin Kassman) (01/20/84)
#R:inuxd:-41900:hp-pcd:65000004:000:637
hp-pcd!dhk Jan 19 18:01:00 1984
One thing to remember about a larger bike is that most insurance companies
make a distinction between bikes smaller than 750 so insurance will be
quite a bit cheaper. You might want to talk to insurance rep about it.
P.S. I am not anti-big bike. Believe me, I would never go back to my 440
Kawasaki after moving up but I am glad that I started with it.
Concerning a used bike vs a new bike, as one of the other bikers said on
net.cycle the glut of midsized bikes has brought their prices way down so
buying a new bike makes more sense than when I started out. Let us know
how it goes.
hplabs!hp-pcd!dhk