yet another returning biker "1st bike" question

[ksievers]

I had a KZ900 25 years ago.. sold it when first child was born - thought I'd better be responsible now that I had a child. Now I'd like to get into biking again. I still have tons of responsibility of course and need to be smart and safe, and have read countless times on this forum that starting with a big bike is stupid: agreed.

My question is, on the sportbike page, "Rowdy" wrote a great essay recommending a Ninja 250 as a first bike - but it was in the context of staying under 600 CC's for a sport bike. So.. for me, if I want a cruiser - style bike, like a Vulcan 900 or Suzuki C50, does the same logic hold in that I should get a real small cruiser OR a Ninja 250 even though it's a different style and posture, etc?? I am willing to accept buying something small and having it for a while - trading up later -

I am 53, fit and strong for my age, 6 feet tall and weigh about 175.

thanks -

[Trapper]

Not the same. I'd go with a mid sized cruiser to start and it can serve you forever. 650 - 900 cc. Consider used as it will keep its value even if you have a drop. Showroom bikes lose the most value when you drive it out of the lot.

[ksievers]

thanks - no problem at all buying used, and there seem to be quite a few out there. just wanted some verification that it's not stupid to start in the "mid size" range for my situation if it's the cruiser style. I presume Rowdy is trying to protect people from getting on a sport bike that can easily get away from them. I am given the impression that the cruisers (never rode one yet) are more benign to handle? I know the Kawasaki dealer is there to sell bikes, but his advice is that the Vulcan 900 is very easy to ride and handle, and a friend with a C50 says the same thing about his bike (and he owns 2 others that are much bigger).

thanks again.

[Clint]

I'm not 100% sure which article you credit me with, but I'm fairly sure I didn't write it. Just want to clear that up.

Someone should create a spreadsheet comparing the characteristics of various engine configurations. There's such a profound difference between an inline four and a cruiser twin that displacement is a terrible indicator of power output. With cruisers, I'd consider total machine weight the primary factor for fitment to a particular rider. With most other types of bikes, displacement is generally a good guide, but there can still be wide fluctuation in power output and delivery among engines of similar displacement.

For you, any cruiser in the midrange (800-1300cc) would be fine, IMO. Even that 900 four made enough power that a 1300 cruiser twin would be quite manageable.

[ksievers]

It's the "Why sportbikes aren't beginner bikes" article, which is extremely well written (kudos for sure - thanks). Perhaps it is not your article but one you posted? Sorry for the confusion - either way it's a good one.

I was trying to sleuth out how much the advice there held true for cruiser style bikes, and in the context of being willing to start conservatively recognizing a) it's been a while and b) I never had any training before.. When I bought my KZ900 in the late 70's all you needed was the money - no license, no nothing.

I take my motorcycle training class in a couple of weeks - anxious to learn it "right" this time.

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by ksievers

Perhaps it is not your article but one you posted? Sorry for the confusion - either way it's a good one.

The stats show that Rowdy has posted over 16,000 messages on here. I'm SURE he remembers every one of them with crystal clairity!!

For me, there are 2 issues: Power and weight. (Way over simplified but some need it simple).

Too much power in the hands of a person who's rising Testosterone level is higher than his effective IQ, is an invitation for disaster. For most people, this situation starts to reverse itself as you approach 30 but for some it lasts a LONG time past that. I suspect you are past that point and a lot of HP shouldn't be a problem if you can restrain the throttle.

So, we are left with weight. Nobody should have a bike that they don't feel in command of at all times (this does not, necessarily, include when it is laying on it's side!). A person of my size (5'4" and 140 in my prime......which was a long time ago) has no business with a bike that weighs, for instance 800 pounds. Someone your size, however, should be able to handle anything that fits your butt, arms and legs well.
(personal bias: I think some bikes should be ridden only by the Hulk when he is in Green MOde. Just TOO f....ing big for any normal human being.)

So, there you have my considered opinion.........which I will probably not remember past tomorrow morning.

[henc90t]

I did the same, got back into biking (after many years) at age 55. I went with a c50 and was very happy. It is a dream to handle. I really like the look of the Kaw 900, it just did not please my butt as well.
Either way, a good choice.

[blackie1491]

If you can make your choice after the safety course.
Picking a used bike is the best route to go.
If you can pick one that is all ready with windshield, saddle bags and backrest, then even better.

Bikes are a personal choice, so a visit to several dealers will allow you to narrow your choice before hunting the used market.

If you are prepared to take your time, there are good deals out there.
If you are in a rush, it may cost you.

GOOD LUCK.

20,000 miles later and I do not regret my choice.

[Scott58]

ive always thought the better benchmark for most vehicles is their 1/4 mile times. Typically a less then 13 second motorcycle is going to be a handful for a new rider no matter what Hp it is. but if your looking at a returning rider that's a bit different depending on how many miles you have under your belt. considering you use to have a KZ900 (i had one at about the same time) The C50 your considering will be just fine Even tame by comparison.

[ksievers]

I was in Indiana too when I had my KZ900.. It was plenty for me, believe it. Good bike tho. The Suzuki C50 sure comes up a lot in these discussions. Yes, I will wait until after the class and try to find a used bike that is one of the ones on my very short list.

thanks for the feedback - good stuff.

[knucklehead]

I was in the same situation when I decided to start riding again. I had not owned a bike in over 10 years, I looked at lot of different bikes for a year and decided on a C50. I feel like I made the right decision. Sit on a lot of different bikes till you find one that feels comfortable to you. Then ride smart and safe and enjoy.