Motorcycle-Journal Forums - View Single Post

Talarspeed · 07-23-2008, 10:24 AM

Hello Everyone!

I just wanted to introduce myself and ask a couple of questions. First- a little about myself. I’m 43 and returning to riding after a 25 year absence. I rode dirt bikes for about 7 years as a teenager. I currently ride road and mountain bicycles (about 200 miles a week.) I am looking at purchasing a cruiser. I am 5’9” and 190lbs. I will be taking the MSF first and then purchase the bike within 2 weeks. This will occur mid-September. My goal of riding is back roads initially and maybe some commuting to work. I will definitely take some longer cruises for about 400-600 miles a day. (One planned drive is from Memphis to Lexington Kentucky in the spring). I see myself on country roads enjoying the experience of the ride.

First question is about modifying pipes. Why do the majority of people modify the stock pipes? From what I read it appears that there is a vanity component to achieve a particular sound of the bike. Is there a functional component that increases MPG? Power? Performance? What is the range of costs of this modification?

My considerations for cruisers are V-Star Custom 650, Vulcan 500, Suzuki M50.

The Vulcan 500 is the one that I’m most skeptical about. With my goal of longer trips, I’ve read that this is not the most comfortable bike and there is trouble getting after market seats. I would love to bump this to a 900 Custom (I love that green color!), but the size might be too much for a first bike.

The M50 is my bike of choice from reading the web. Once again- is this too much bike at 800cc? It sounds perfect for my goal of longer trips. This week will be spent visiting all of the shops for the first time.

One thing about my personality is that I like to buy things that allow room to grow into. I’ve always bought at mid-to-high end items. (Cameras, computers, bicycles, cars.) I am definitely the person that outgrows an item and wants the next level. This is why I’m looking at M50 and might consider the Vulcan 900. I research purchases to death and very rarely regret spending money into new ventures.

I will buy new due to not wanting to buy someone else’s trouble. Besides, I’m not much of a wrench. The plan is to put ½ down and finance the other half.

Thank you for any feedback

07-23-2008, 10:24 AM	#1 (permalink)
Talarspeed Newbie Joined: Jul 2008 Posts: 21	New member from Memphis Hello Everyone! I just wanted to introduce myself and ask a couple of questions. First- a little about myself. I’m 43 and returning to riding after a 25 year absence. I rode dirt bikes for about 7 years as a teenager. I currently ride road and mountain bicycles (about 200 miles a week.) I am looking at purchasing a cruiser. I am 5’9” and 190lbs. I will be taking the MSF first and then purchase the bike within 2 weeks. This will occur mid-September. My goal of riding is back roads initially and maybe some commuting to work. I will definitely take some longer cruises for about 400-600 miles a day. (One planned drive is from Memphis to Lexington Kentucky in the spring). I see myself on country roads enjoying the experience of the ride. First question is about modifying pipes. Why do the majority of people modify the stock pipes? From what I read it appears that there is a vanity component to achieve a particular sound of the bike. Is there a functional component that increases MPG? Power? Performance? What is the range of costs of this modification? My considerations for cruisers are V-Star Custom 650, Vulcan 500, Suzuki M50. The Vulcan 500 is the one that I’m most skeptical about. With my goal of longer trips, I’ve read that this is not the most comfortable bike and there is trouble getting after market seats. I would love to bump this to a 900 Custom (I love that green color!), but the size might be too much for a first bike. The M50 is my bike of choice from reading the web. Once again- is this too much bike at 800cc? It sounds perfect for my goal of longer trips. This week will be spent visiting all of the shops for the first time. One thing about my personality is that I like to buy things that allow room to grow into. I’ve always bought at mid-to-high end items. (Cameras, computers, bicycles, cars.) I am definitely the person that outgrows an item and wants the next level. This is why I’m looking at M50 and might consider the Vulcan 900. I research purchases to death and very rarely regret spending money into new ventures. I will buy new due to not wanting to buy someone else’s trouble. Besides, I’m not much of a wrench. The plan is to put ½ down and finance the other half. Thank you for any feedback