Advice, First time rider
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 92
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RE: Advice, First time rider
Heres a quick story. I 'm a noob rider too. Bought my first bike last July. It was a Honda Spirit 750. Everyone told me that I'd like it and it was a good starter bike, but I'd want a bigger bike in less than a year. I loved the 750 more than the 1300's they sold as far as looks and color options, not to mention price. Plus I figured"what do i need all that extra power for? I'm only going the speed limit" So i bought it. 5 months later i was wishing I would have bought a bigger one. Don't catch yourself in this trap like me and so many others. Not unless you buy a cheap *** used old bike first. Because if you buy an 883 (especially one of those new tiny *** 07's) garuntee you will be unhappy with it within a year and then will lose money on it by trading it in(tax, title, license and maybe some of the value too.). Do yourself a favor and get the 1200. It's what i have now and every day i ask myself "why the hell did i buy that damn Honda?"
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 137
Likes: 0
From: White Bear Lake, MN
RE: Advice, First time rider
Another newbie story for you.[/align][/align]I thinktaking the course is the best thing you can do. It will either open your eyes on weather or not you really want to ride. And I am sure that everyone else here will agree with me when I say that taking the course, and driving on the roads with a bunch of morons, is a lot different. Some days its wonderfull to ride. Others, its scary as hell. And when you are talking about that many miles, I would look at something a little larger then a 250. Speclie if your on the freeway. But that's just me. I bought my first bike (a 1200Custom) and yes, it was a little larger then I thought. But now that I have some miles under my belt, I can say it's a damnnice ride. The 883 is not a "girls bike"but you would feel more confertable with a 1200 I am sure. Just be prepared, it's not the bike that is expencive, it's everything else you get for it.
Good luck.[/align]
Good luck.[/align]
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,031
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From: Greenville, SC
RE: Advice, First time rider
Here is something to consider. It was not too many years ago 450 / 500 cc motors where huge beasts. Think of all the road trips that occured on a bike that size. 883 is plenty of power to do the job.
1st Gear
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Washington DC
RE: Advice, First time rider
Oh, and i'm 6'2". I added forward controls but my comfort level was the same either way (stock vs. fwd control). The only complaint I have about the bike is the small fuel tank.
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 202
Likes: 0
RE: Advice, First time rider
The pasture is always greener on the other side of the hill. What are you looking for, something that does the quarter in the 10s, 11s,12s, 13s,14s, or 15s. The 883 is a nice bike but not the quickest but, then the 1200 isn't either. Like SIM said years ago a 500 to 850 (Norton) was a big bike and todaythe 883 will do anything asked of it other than get you from point A to point Bin under approx 14 seconds with the 1200 around 13 sec. As far as freeway the 883 won't be the most comfortable but can do it with no problem. Heck the Honda gold wing does the quarter in the mid 11s and I'm sure is comfortable going across the USA but is that what your looking for? There are alot of bikes out there and it gets confusing so look at all the options before you buy and if you get some hours on a rental smaller bike I think if your careful you can ride any bike out there. The motorcycle course should help your confidence alot.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,130
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From: FLORIDA
RE: Advice, First time rider
I'm a small statured man. I rode a crotch rocket before I got my 1200N. There's no looking back now except maybe an upgrade to a Fat Bob. Getthe 1200 and don't settle for less. If you can buy used then go for it, but there is something to be said for being the first person to fart on the seat, if you know what I mean.
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Road Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 891
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RE: Advice, First time rider
The leader of most of my group rides in on a Kawasaki 750. He is the fastest, safest, and most experienced rider I know. One reason he rides that particular bike is because he is below average size and height. Nothing Harley makes would be right for him. Sure, he could ride a shortened Sporty, but it would not be a great fit. Another friend of similar height got a Road King because so many people told him it was "right" for him. He survived the crash, but will never ride again. Get the bike that feels right to you. Your buddies and the bike salesmen will not be riding the bike, you will.
Commuting is another question all together. You need some experience before you can answer that question for yourself.
Commuting is another question all together. You need some experience before you can answer that question for yourself.
