Motorcyclists, get in here!

[SexPanda]

Ok, so Im going to get myself my first motorcycle, against the advice of some of my friends. And against the advice of the rest of my friends, I'm not getting a crotchrocket.

I've layed my eyes on a new Triumph Bonneville or Triumph America. I've always liked Triumph bikes, and I need something a little larger than 250CC's. Im 5'11 and 240 lbs. But nothing too big, so no 1200cc sportsters or anything.

Anyhow, is the Triumph big enough for me, or too big? I don't want to look like a clown on a moped.

Any advice is welcome!

[oscarmagana]

bro crotchrockets are the best and chicks dig em but no matter what bike u ride its always dangerous i ride a yamaha r6 its a crotchrocket and its awesome bro to just be on two wheels on the road but no matter what u get man be sure tobe on top of ur shit and dont drink and ride.

[S14DB]

865cc is not that big on a cruiser. Should be fine for a first bike.

The frame style and the engine arrangement have more to do then the displacement. A twin cruiser style is going to be easier to handle then a I4 sport bike. 600cc is as big as would go on a I4 sport bike. 800 on a 2cyl. More TQ then HP on a 2cyl. Cruiser is more forgiving with tq. Vtwin sportbike can get tricky at 1000cc.

[!Zar!]

OP: There is a good motorcycle thread in the premie section already.

As said prior, a cruiser of that size is fine. Actually, the power band is a lot more usable than on a streetbike.

Also, just try out a 250, they are dirt cheap and it is fast enough for someone starting out. They have enough power to get you in trouble.

[LB.Motoring]

Dont be a jackass.


I ride a 49cc.

6'5

:D

[yokotas13]

yeah dude, i ride a 250cc, 6' 200lbs, and it goes faaaaaaast
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2625/3708871281_935a14634e.jpg

[brndck]

geezus grant, that photo is SO MUCH WIN!

[BustedS13]

that thing needs to be red and covered in decals

it even has computer controlled antilock brakes!

[LB.Motoring]

eh i dont know about that fairy scooter.

the milk man should be rocking it.

http://thesleepingmind.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/whitegold1.jpg


here is my moped.


http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs502.snc3/26414_361756505277_548390277_4896967_327206_n.jpg
http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs141.snc3/16858_339518270277_548390277_4804224_1764002_n.jpg

[yokotas13]

ok
how bout my old 50cc?
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3641/3615620295_49a57ab494.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3256/3616438902_827f878436.jpg
it went 90KPH lol

[fos240]

do yourself a favor and don't look at anything under 500 cc's. for a cruiser 750 cc's will be ok for a while. if you do decide to go with a sport bike, get a slower 600 like a katana or something. (no bashing the kan-a-tuna. he said a beginner bike.) i will say that on a cruiser the weight of the bike will make a bigger difference for you as a beginner, more so than the displacement. either way, if you've been around dirt bikes, or are technically inclined, you'll outgrow your first bike in a year.

frankie

[yokotas13]

haha dude stop talking

not everyone needs to go super duper fast and be cool for the ladies
some people just like to ride, the speed limit, and enjoy life. not everyone is an idiot

[Soup Nazi]

bro crotchrockets are the best and chicks dig em but no matter what bike u ride its always dangerous i ride a yamaha r6 its a crotchrocket and its awesome bro to just be on two wheels on the road but no matter what u get man be sure tobe on top of ur shit and dont drink and ride.

Yeah Bro..............

[driftsilvias13]

bro crotchrockets are the best and chicks dig em but no matter what bike u ride its always dangerous i ride a yamaha r6 its a crotchrocket and its awesome bro to just be on two wheels on the road but no matter what u get man be sure tobe on top of ur shit and dont drink and ride.

WHAT THE FUCK?

I used to ride for almost 2 years until this lady decided to make an illegal left in front of me. Maybe I'll get a track bike later down the road.

[TheWolf]

Just letting you know the triumphs.... made in thailand.

not implying that "thailand" is a bad place to build a motorcycle just the english is out of them now. Anyone who enjoyed an old triumph will find the new ones souless. Anyone who drives a new one will enjoy not having to rejet the carb 4 times a year and no "starting sequence".

If you're worried about getting a bike. Don't get one. If you've ever asked yourself "Do I look good on this?". Definitly don't get one. A bike should be comfy, easy to drive, and fit your needs. People who buy bikes for status symbols or to impress "chics". Are 111000% more inclined to do something stupid on one.

[!Zar!]

My bike attracts more dudes than chicks.

And old women who want the thrill of being young again on the back of a sportbike.

NOTHANKS

[deukalionS14]

I started on a 600cc sport bike and still ride it. i dont see a point in going any bigger to tell you the truth. like said above, dont buy a bike to impress "chicks". that shit is stupid. you ride to ride. thats it.

I dont know how cruisers ride but they turn eaiser a slwer speeds and look to be more comfortbale on long rides. I'm thinking about getting one for my next bike! oh, and dont think that cruisers cant hang to sport bikes on the straights. i've seen one burn though 1st to 3rd or 4th leaving a nice long tire mark racing a ZX-6

[!Zar!]

Craziest thing I've seen is a old biker stop at a light next to some sportbike riders.

Light turns green and the old guy riding the cruiser pops the front end up riding a wheelie down the street. Ape hangers and all.

Cruisers are SO easy to ride around. Though a bit hairy at higher speeds.

I have an r6 and it is cool and all, but next bike I am going to get is a BMW R1200GS.

[R_G]

i have riden many many bikes and worked in many shops. If you like triumphs then you like cafe racers. Check out Moto guzzi motorcyles and also some ducatis like the old monsters.There is a ton of bikes out there that will be great for you. Like every one has stated cruisers are easy to ride and comfortable. If you have any questions let me know.

[sw20>>s14]

If you're worried about getting a bike. Don't get one. If you've ever asked yourself "Do I look good on this?". Definitly don't get one. A bike should be comfy, easy to drive, and fit your needs. People who buy bikes for status symbols or to impress "chics". Are 111000% more inclined to do something stupid on one.

QFT x 223,475,990 :cops:

[SexPanda]

Wow thanks for the responses guys. I forgot about the premie bike thread. oops

As far as the Triumph goes... I work for Ford. Hell, what Fords are made in America lol? Yet I believe that the quality and ride beats that of many cars made by Chevrolet, Honda, Toyota (Fords stop lol)... Made in Canada, Mexico, god knows where else. My TV is made in Taiwan, and so is my computer. They all hold up pretty well lol. I like them because they are pretty quality bikes from what I've seen. They look good, and because theyre "English" its cool lol. EDIT: The America, the bike im looking at, is built in England still.

I'll be going to the KC Int'l Auto Show tomorrow for work. I'll prolly swing by the dealer afterwords. Check out the America.

Again thanks guys. I'll prolly lock this since we have a premie thread. Peace

EDIT: Some non-premies helped here too, so I'll keep it open, see if they want to add anything else. thanks

[!Zar!]

Yeah, sportbikes are fun for like a Sunday ride, but riding a motard or dual sport is on another level.

[nate00]

there is nothing wrong with a sportster 1200 as a first bike. i was told if i got the 883 i would be bored, so i got the 1200. its not the size of the engine that will get you hurt, cause ive seen people go down on a 250. also dont go out and buy a brand new first bike. cause if you decide you dont like it, you're not in the hole 12k. and all of you "cruiser" bashers, QFT, my 1200 was decently fast, and i never really felt held back when riding with my sportbike buddies. also, dont forget to give Buell a look, the XB9R is the best of both worlds.

[kevinphan]

do yourself a favor and don't look at anything under 500 cc's. for a cruiser 750 cc's will be ok for a while. if you do decide to go with a sport bike, get a slower 600 like a katana or something. (no bashing the kan-a-tuna. he said a beginner bike.) i will say that on a cruiser the weight of the bike will make a bigger difference for you as a beginner, more so than the displacement. either way, if you've been around dirt bikes, or are technically inclined, you'll outgrow your first bike in a year.

frankie

Meh, my friend bombs around on his CB360 and the size doesn't hinder him. I ride a single 650 and it pushes maybe 30hp. Torque is phenomenal and I can keep up at 75-90 easy. Size doesn't always matter.

there is nothing wrong with a sportster 1200 as a first bike. i was told if i got the 883 i would be bored, so i got the 1200. its not the size of the engine that will get you hurt, cause ive seen people go down on a 250. also dont go out and buy a brand new first bike. cause if you decide you dont like it, you're not in the hole 12k. and all of you "cruiser" bashers, QFT, my 1200 was decently fast, and i never really felt held back when riding with my sportbike buddies. also, dont forget to give Buell a look, the XB9R is the best of both worlds.

Buying newer Harleys IMO is a waste. You could pick up older Sportsters that are carb instead of FI which is better IMO for cheaper and spend the extra cash chopping bobbing or cafe-ing it out if you wanted. Some of the newer ones do look nice, but I can't justify paying that much for one.

If you want a nice cruiser you can scoot along with and have the speed you need here and there I'd go with CB750 SOHC, so pre 81 I believe, XS650, KZ650, 750. Theirs a bunch of nice old bikes that are worth every penny you spend on them.

Heres my friends CB750 chop:

http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs146.snc3/17339_267856754908_251171199908_3067371_524204_n.j pg

77 Trump:

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs219.snc3/22639_262956984908_251171199908_3048500_7840501_n. jpg

My bike before I tore it down and I'm welding a hard tail on it currently:

http://chopcult.com/uploads_user/1000/438/5696.jpg

[BoostSlideWayz]

The only bike i ride is motocross bikes... they fun and real quick. but if your looking for somthing for transportation.. id rock a GSXR or a CBR so sexy REPSOL HONDA!!

[BoostSlideWayz]

[QUOTE=LB.Motoring;3321653]eh i dont know about that fairy scooter.

the milk man should be rocking it.

http://thesleepingmind.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/whitegold1.jpg

holy crap i just noticed that guitar is halo and is full of milk xD omg thats crazy .. talk about slow... i cant believe i never noticed.

[BoostedCoupe]

get what you like. dont listein to people who say start out small. It all depends on the rider on what you should start out on. If you think you will be dumb on it then get a 250. self control is a big part in riden a bike. It dosent matter if your on a 250 or a 1400 people are still going to pull/back out in front of you. So if you like the 1200 more than the 8xx then get it. Just remember your paying for it so buy what you want not what everyone else wants you to buy.

[!Zar!]

get what you like. dont listein to people who say start out small. It all depends on the rider on what you should start out on. If you think you will be dumb on it then get a 250. self control is a big part in riden a bike. It dosent matter if your on a 250 or a 1400 people are still going to pull/back out in front of you. So if you like the 1200 more than the 8xx then get it. Just remember your paying for it so buy what you want not what everyone else wants you to buy.

The reason you start off with a smaller bike has more to do than just, "don't be dumb".

You start off with a smaller bike because it is lighter, and isn't as responsive so it gives you more times to think about your inputs as well as a greater margin for error.

Your logic is like telling someone to learn stick on a f1 car as opposed to a civic.

[Tearlessj]

I ride a 89cc Honda ZB Replica.

[BoostedCoupe]

The reason you start off with a smaller bike has more to do than just, "don't be dumb".

You start off with a smaller bike because it is lighter, and isn't as responsive so it gives you more times to think about your inputs as well as a greater margin for error.

Your logic is like telling someone to learn stick on a f1 car as opposed to a civic.
ok, um first dry weight for a 250 ninja is 331, dry weight for a 05 cbr600rr is 361 so weight is out. unless you cant handle the extra 35 pounds then you shod prob not be riden to start with. seconf reaction time has alot to do with speed. any bike can do the same mph as a smaller one so the reacation has to do with how your ride. you ride fast and dumb then your reacation time will be slow and wont work well.

no matter what you get you have to ride smart or you are going to be in trouble.

[yokotas13]

get what you like. dont listein to people who say start out small. It all depends on the rider on what you should start out on. If you think you will be dumb on it then get a 250. self control is a big part in riden a bike. It dosent matter if your on a 250 or a 1400 people are still going to pull/back out in front of you. So if you like the 1200 more than the 8xx then get it. Just remember your paying for it so buy what you want not what everyone else wants you to buy.
yeah
dumb

after 600CC shits all the same unless you are on a track


the reason you start out smaller, is because its waht you want if you do. Ive had 250s, 50s, 1203s, 600s, 750s, and i am back to a 250. There isnt a need for a 1300CC sportbike. its just not sensible. Is it fun for the 2 seconds you get to use it to go the speedlimit...sure yeah its great. but after that its just an extension of your nonexistent cock.

buy what you like. if its a 49CC ruckus, or a 250cc ninja, buy what you like. You are still going the same place, the same speed, the same way everyone else is if you are a responsible member of society and not a total douche bag.

[BoostedCoupe]

yeah
dumb

after 600CC shits all the same unless you are on a track


the reason you start out smaller, is because its waht you want if you do. Ive had 250s, 50s, 1203s, 600s, 750s, and i am back to a 250. There isnt a need for a 1300CC sportbike. its just not sensible. Is it fun for the 2 seconds you get to use it to go the speedlimit...sure yeah its great. but after that its just an extension of your nonexistent cock.

buy what you like. if its a 49CC ruckus, or a 250cc ninja, buy what you like. You are still going the same place, the same speed, the same way everyone else is if you are a responsible member of society and not a total douche bag.
exactly what im saying. if the guy wants to buy a 1000+ cc bike then go for it. its pointless for people to tell others to buy something small. the buyer should buy what he wants. But then again if the guy has to ask the question chances are they shouldnt be buying any type of bike.

[tgd89]

So I bought my second bike a bit ago, though I've been riding for a while. First was a 750 sportbike, and now I have a cbr954. Honestly the power is fun, but as said in some ways very useless/unneeded. Don't get me wrong, if you want a bigger bike I would say go for it, it's your money. However, to those saying that controlling a (larger) bike is just self control, it can be hard sometimes when you're actually riding, an easier said than done sort of thing.

In my personal opinion, there IS a sizable difference between a 600cc bike and a liter bike. One can get you in trouble much quicker, the same amount of wrist movement controls 30% more power. On the track the bike in some ways hinders, as the thought of a throttle induced high side keeps you from pushing it, not that I'm very fast but a 600 seems more friendly.