Power Question

[DaedalEVE]

Hey everyone, I'm curious about what sort of power I should be looking for in a starter bike, and would like to get some opinions on the subject to know if I'm steering in the right direction or not.

I'm 25, 6' tall and roughly 325lbs (big guy heh). I've been reading a lot online about how a lower powered (250-500cc) standard bike would be the ideal thing to start out on.
The problem is that I've found that pretty much all the bikes in that range are 1) Too small for my size, and 2) A bit underpowered for my weight.
I've come to the conclusion that perhaps something in the 600-650cc range might work out a bit better for me. My sister started on a 750cc Honda Shadow Spirit, but I already know I don't want anything as large as that.... not yet at least.

So am I in a good general ballpark of what I should be looking at or am I wrong in assuming a 500cc won't cut it? Or on the flip side, should I be looking to something more powerful than a 650?
I just want something capable of moving when I need it to, but not so powerful that I kill myself in the process.

[davidc83]

Suzuki S40 or S50, Yamaha V-star 650 should be good as a starter bike for a guy of your dimensions.

[Clint]

Welcome. Please realize that the power of a cruiser's v-twin doesn't compare to that of a modern sportbike or standard. There's no problem with a new rider starting on a cruiser with a displacement of up to 800 or so. The Shadow 750 would probably be a good choice for you, assuming you want a cruiser.

Also, none but the 250s or single-cylinder cruisers are going to be underpowered "for your weight". Many people ride with passengers on smaller bikes. They can still accelerate faster than most cars on the road. Don't worry about that.

Keep reading and have fun. Searching for a new bike is one of the best parts of motorcycling.

[robertc729]

to Rowdy

[DaedalEVE]

Hey, thanks Guys. I'm not usually really big on questions (I like doing the leg work myself. Like you said, it's part of the fun), but this is something I've been curious about for a while now, and have not been able to find an answer for that really applied to me.

I was unaware there would be much difference between a cruiser and a sport/standard. Good to know.
As far as preference goes I'm more into naked bikes (I like the look mostly). My only concern about them is suspension, which I understand can be strengthened if need be.
Obviously I'll have to narrow down the choices (now that I have a power range I can be comfy with) and actually have a seat on a few to find what works. I'll likely end up go with whatever feels right in the end (regardless of type).
Before I do that though I'll be taking a Basic Rider Course through the MVA here. Figure it would be worth it.

My main concern about the power though is that around here you routinely have people driving 70-80mph(or more) on the beltway, often with a short distance (40-60 feet is typical) in which to merge into traffic. If you can't get in there quick enough you are screwed, even more so on a bike, exposed as you are. Weighing in at nearly as much as some of these bikes I worry about it struggling to pull the weight. But I suppose you are right that there is really no difference between myself, or someone else who's lighter with a passenger.

Thanks again for the info!

[Clint]

To specify, try and look for 50-70 hp in a bike that's not terribly heavy. That'll get to you freeway speeds in a hurry, even at your size.

[inspiron]

One thing to consider is that very small bikes (250s for example) may not be able to carry 300+ lbs. Most Japanese and European bikes use the 75kg (175 lb) standard for a rider, and then 50 to 60kg (110 - 130 lb) passenger, so they calculate the maximum passenger load to be less than 300 lbs. If you are significantly heavier, you'll need to replace the rear shocks (and possibly also the fork springs) with some that have higher ratings, which can cost you a few hundred dollars...

[Rickster]

As a comparison, a Suzuki SV 650 is a water cooled v-twin, and makes about 65, to 70 HP, and would be a good choice as a starter bike, but the smaller GSXR 600 is an in-line water cooled 4 cylinder, and makes about twice that HP, and would not be a bike I would recommend for a new rider.

For a guy of your height, and weight, I would have you look at a Suzuki DL 650 V Strom, and have them put the taller, and more comfortable seat off the DL 1000 on it.

Oh, and to our forum.

[Jammer]

Originally Posted by DaedalEVE

My only concern about them is suspension, which I understand can be strengthened if need be.
Obviously I'll have to narrow down the choices (now that I have a power range I can be comfy with) and actually have a seat on a few to find what works. I'll likely end up go with whatever feels right in the end (regardless of type).
Before I do that though I'll be taking a Basic Rider Course through the MVA here. Figure it would be worth it.

My main concern about the power though is that around here you routinely have people driving 70-80mph(or more) on the beltway, often with a short distance (40-60 feet is typical) in which to merge into traffic.

A new friend of mine..when I met him bought a new C50T. Now that's not nakid but I asked him about how it handled with the power range. His answer is right up your alley. First his g/f weighs 320lbs. And he's no thin one either. At lunch yesterday I had 1 double quater pounder with cheese..he had 4. You'll be really surprised how the 650 or really even the 800 of how fast they will get you going and keeping you there at 80mph.

I personally think the Yama 650 would be a bit small for you. It's a wonderful bike, my g/f has one. I even rode it to work today; however, you'll maybe know what I am thinking when you sit on it. To me it feels like a little mini bike and that's why I like to ride it.

So in my opinion, I wouldn't be concerned about the power of the 750 or 800's they're going to be plenty enough.

Sincerely,

[davidc83]

My suzuki gz250 is rated for 400 lbs. I weigh 200lbs, on my recent road trip I had 100 lbs of luggage, and i was able to do 70-75mph on the Interstate, even through the hills of Kentucky.

[DaedalEVE]

It all sounds very good. Oh and Jammer, I'm not really too concerned about a 750 or 800 moving me (I know it will for sure. Quite contrary, I worry about it being TOO much lol) .

davidc83, do you know where I could find info about various weight ratings? I've been looking but spec sheets tend not to have that (which I find surprising).

I've also been taking a closer look at those Suzuki Boulevards, Yamaha V-Star, etc. and while it's too much my style right now (that Suzuki M102R is hot, but WAY too much bike for me) they are starting to look more and more appealing.
If I could have anything I'd want a Yamaha V-Max, but definitely not as a starter.
I'm seriously considering an SV650 though. I kind of found it ugly at first, but the more I look at it the more I like it. It's like a sport with no fairings, sits more like a standard, is in the right price and power range. But again, won;t know till I take a seat.

I thank everyone for their input. I think I have a pretty good idea what I'm looking for now, and if I have a question I can always ask.