First bike Q.
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1st Gear
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
First bike Q.
Okay, I'm finally about to get a bike. I'm 5'10", 215 lbs.. and have a slight back problem.. looking for a cruiser, but still want some decent kick out of it.. I went to the HD dealer and they have some brand new 06 883R's that haven't been sold yet.. and they said they'd give me a good deal if I'm serious.. I've been set on the Sportster for some time, now.. but I don't know if I should just get a used 1200 or a new 883.. but then again.. I recently looked at some Yamaha V-Star's, too..
My main question is.. for my height, weight, back condition.. I want something that can take me 75 - 85 MPH on the highway without having to throttle like crazy.. is the 883 gonna be pushing it? I really like the Sportsters, and the only pipes I plan to get are the V&H ShortShots Staggered.. so, what's everyone's recommendation on a first bike? And I know this is an HD forum, but please try not to be bias on HD only.. recommend other brands as well, if you strongly believe that I can get a better bike. I'm looking for reliability, as well.
My main question is.. for my height, weight, back condition.. I want something that can take me 75 - 85 MPH on the highway without having to throttle like crazy.. is the 883 gonna be pushing it? I really like the Sportsters, and the only pipes I plan to get are the V&H ShortShots Staggered.. so, what's everyone's recommendation on a first bike? And I know this is an HD forum, but please try not to be bias on HD only.. recommend other brands as well, if you strongly believe that I can get a better bike. I'm looking for reliability, as well.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 375
Likes: 1
From: Jackson NJ
RE: First bike Q.
You mention that you have back problems. Depending on what kind of problems you have may determine what kind of bike you get. I've got fairly mild back problems and have found I can ride standard bikes and cruisers with mid controls with no problems but get back pain if I ride a cruiser with forward controls for more than an hour. The forward controls put too much pressure on my lower back. That said, you may be ok with forward controls, but my point is that you aren't going to know whats good or bad for you until you have ridden the bike on a long ride, which is probably more than you are going to get with a test ride at the dealer. Yamaha and H-D provide a wide range of seat and handlebar options that should allow you to come up with a configuration that does not aggravate you back problems.
I've ridden the vstar 650 but only the 1200 sporty which is not a fair comparison power-wise. I think you would find that either the 883 or the vstar will have enough power for what you need to get to and maintain highway speeds.In stock condition thevstar is a smoother ride and has better suspension,but that can be fixed by changing shocks on the sporty.
Take them both for a test ride before you make your choice.
I've ridden the vstar 650 but only the 1200 sporty which is not a fair comparison power-wise. I think you would find that either the 883 or the vstar will have enough power for what you need to get to and maintain highway speeds.In stock condition thevstar is a smoother ride and has better suspension,but that can be fixed by changing shocks on the sporty.
Take them both for a test ride before you make your choice.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,337
Likes: 3
From: Houston, Texas
RE: First bike Q.
im 5'11" and 218 lbs with a 31" inseam. I had 2 back surgerys for herniated discs. I ride a 07 1200C with forward controls and a sundowner seat. I can ride for hours with no problem. Your not gonna find out how the bike is gonna fit you by test rides. My advice; buy the bike you like and mod it to suit you.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,599
Likes: 11
From: Colonial Beach, Virginia
RE: First bike Q.
Breeze, I went through the same process last August but I live in a tough family, nobody in my family owns a Jap anything. I did look seriously at the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 and liked the look but when I came down to it I couldn't do it. I got a 1200C. Now for theback, I have back pain almost up between my shoulder blades but riding the 1200C makes it feel good. I'm 5" 9' about 190. I have ridden mine 200 miles on a couple of occasions with no complaints. I get a good 30% better fuel economy than my friends 1100 Shadow.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 215
Likes: 0
From: P-town, VA
RE: First bike Q.
I recommend the 1200 custom in a used bike as you can find some really good deals out there. Get a Sundowner seat and you should be good to go.
Changing of handlebars is about the biggest upgrade you can do for comfort. I had some back problems and going to mini apes gave me a better upright posture that really helped my lower back. Of course, your results may vary.
Changing of handlebars is about the biggest upgrade you can do for comfort. I had some back problems and going to mini apes gave me a better upright posture that really helped my lower back. Of course, your results may vary.
RE: First bike Q.
ORIGINAL: bmkshort
I recommend the 1200 custom in a used bike as you can find some really good deals out there. Get a Sundowner seat and you should be good to go.
Changing of handlebars is about the biggest upgrade you can do for comfort. I had some back problems and going to mini apes gave me a better upright posture that really helped my lower back. Of course, your results may vary.
I recommend the 1200 custom in a used bike as you can find some really good deals out there. Get a Sundowner seat and you should be good to go.
Changing of handlebars is about the biggest upgrade you can do for comfort. I had some back problems and going to mini apes gave me a better upright posture that really helped my lower back. Of course, your results may vary.
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1st Gear
Joined: May 2008
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RE: First bike Q.
Thanks a lot guys.. yeah, I have lower back problems.. disc herniaton from L3 to S1.. so, that's about 3 discs..
I'm pretty set on a Sportster.. haha, time to find a used 1200, now..
ohh, another Q.. is there any type of kits out there to to relocate the rear lights and license plate of the regular Sportster to a cleaner look, like the Nightster rear fender?
I'm pretty set on a Sportster.. haha, time to find a used 1200, now..
ohh, another Q.. is there any type of kits out there to to relocate the rear lights and license plate of the regular Sportster to a cleaner look, like the Nightster rear fender?
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Tourer
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 452
Likes: 0
RE: First bike Q.
I've had back surgery also, put ape hangers and highway pegs on my XLN and have found it super comfortable on the highway. The apes allow your arms and shoulders to bear more of your weight, instead of your spine. The XLN also has mid controls so I can switch positions often which keeps my back from stiffening up. So as one of the previous posters said, get the model you really want and then make the adjustments for your personal comfort. Good luck!
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Novice
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From:
RE: First bike Q.
I purchased a 2007 Sportster Custom back in October. I'm 6'2" and about 315lbs (yep...I'm a large mammal). I settled on 1200C because is has the forward controls that is alot more comfortable for me and it has all the pep you could ask for stock. I have since added the stage 1 upgrade to give it a bit more.
Good luck. Let us know what you end up buying.
Dave
Good luck. Let us know what you end up buying.
Dave