First Bike...

[Rhino95]

Alright, now that summer is over I decided I'm going to buy a bike, finally. Wanted one for so long. It's going to have to be used and I'm looking at about 6k or less.

A couple things I'm thinking about...

The bike I want is the Honda VTX1300...no specific reason why I want it though, so I'm open to other suggestions. I like the looks of it and have heard good things. Second on the list would be some type of Star, probably an 1100.

Now, is a 1300 "too much bike" for my first? I want to be able to pull the hills well and have a passenger at times.

Just let me know what you think, and any suggestions...I'm 19 6'3 170 if that matters.

TIA as always! :thumbsup:

Ryan

[MrC]

Let me start by saying I ride a VTX 1800C. My wife’s first bike was a VTX 1300C. The 1300 is a great first bike for the metro and the hills. You might have to change a few things to make it work fore you height. I had to put forwards and risers on my 1800 I’m 6’2”. If you want more info on the VTX and have not already looked try www.vtxoa.com good site for info. If you have any questions about the VTX let me know.

[Budman]

The 1300 is a lot of bike, but a great bike at the same time. I would recommend a 1100 shadow or star. They are both great bikes. I have owned 3 shadows, and put thousands upon thousands of miles on them. 84k on my last one 66k on the one before that, and 98k on the one before that. I have run in the mts with a pax, and gear for 5 days (and my wife does not really pack light). They do fine, have lots of power, and can be bought with reasonably low miles for 5k or less. They run for ever, and are easy to work on if you have to. (on all three of my bikes combined, I did 1 set of clutches, 1 O ring in the bottom of the case, 1 O ring in the petcock, and I broke a shifting rod. that is it for over 250k of riding. Well that and lots and lots of tires.

I love the VTXs, but personally I would work my way up to one of those.

[JeepWheelin02]

One note on the 1300, they have been known to go through bearing on the front. However you can swap in the 1800 bearing and not have to worry about it again.

[ZappBranigan]

I would never recommend a 1000cc+ bike for a new rider, especially a teenager.

Find something small, cheap and used.

Big, Heavy bikes are fun to ride but they are hell to try and control at low speeds. I dropped my 550lb Thunderbird a couple of times and I've been riding since 1982. Once a big bike starts going down, it is very difficult to keep it from hitting the pavement.

Can you start out on a big VTX? Sure. People do all sorts of things that aren't neccessarily a good idea. I wouldn't recommend somebody's first rifle be a .458 Win Mag, I wouldn't recommend somebody's first 'wheeling rig be a 1-ton power wagon, and I wouldn't recommend that a persons first bike be a 600lb cruiser.

There are all kinds of great newbie-friendly bikes available on CL for under $3k. If I were you I'd get an older Shadow, Intruder or similar bike and ride it for a year or so, then move up to a bigger bike. Those older Shadows are great bikes and they last a long time. I would say definitely try to stay under 500lb and if you can stay under 400lb so much the better.

As for size, I currently ride a 750 and see no need for anything bigger, but that's just my personal preference. :shrug:

[Budman]

oops, I missed the 19 YO part. Look into a 650-750 shadow or star.

[jwjeep1]

I agree on going smaller. Something in the 600 to 800cc range will work fine for you, be plenty big as to not feel like a toy, and not beat you up either. If you're not on the open highway for most of your riding, something in that size range might work for you for a very long time. Man, when did 1300 become small to mid sized? The 1340 Harleys used to be big bikes, now they're just average.

I've test ridden both the 1300 and 1800 VTX bikes, and they're not bad. I don't like the shaft jack myself, of course I'm used to a belt driven harley so it definitely feels different.

[Rhino95]

I won't go less than 1100...That being said, I have thought about the shadow. But the 1100, not the 750.

[Budman]

Like I said in my first post. The 1100 is a wonderful bike.

[Rhino95]

Yeah, I figure it seems like a happy medium. However, I REALLY like the VTX, but of course they don't make an 1100 version. First I gotta get my "new" POS Jeep painted and interior done, then probably in Dec I'll go at it hard trying to find a bike. Thanks for all the info guys!

[ZappBranigan]

Yeah, I figure it seems like a happy medium. However, I REALLY like the VTX, but of course they don't make an 1100 version. First I gotta get my "new" POS Jeep painted and interior done, then probably in Dec I'll go at it hard trying to find a bike. Thanks for all the info guys!

:thumbsup:

Winter is always the best time to buy a streetbike. People want them out of the garage and there's not as many people riding (although I generally ride year round.)

I'll be shopping for a street bike in winter as well.

[jwjeep1]

Winter is always the best time to buy a streetbike.

Ditto on that. Always better deals during winter, although there's usually a little less selection as well.

[ZappBranigan]

Ditto on that. Always better deals during winter, although there's usually a little less selection as well.

Nah! With CL there's always plenty to find!

I'm already saving up for my next streetbike. I plan on purchasing ~January or maybe February.