new bike recomendations

[ggardner]

My dad rode untill he was 83 and I had to wait untill 54 and my children were in college to get this my first bike. Just got the OK from the kitchen boss so I am looking at all the options. I want to make week end rides with friends who mostly ride two up on cruisers and I have no need to be tied to a particular cult or brand. I looked this week end at a 1300 VTX and will explore the Yamnaha and Kawasaki offers this week. Help me invest wisely. Thanks, Gary

[Badhabit]

Gary, you will like the VTX 1300, I have the 1800 VTX and I live close..lol.... You are welcome to come take a spin on mine.....Gimme a call, 713-562-6987

[ggardner]

Thanks Bad Habit, I may take you up in your offer. Gary

[Gary]

Gary. I have been studying this subject for awhile now. I went through the Harley phase at first. Just too danged much money and their customer service after the sale isnt as good as their price should dictate.

I looked at the Japanese bikes and none of them did much for me. Then I stumbled accross Triumph. Except for the Rocket, they really dont make a full size "Bagger", but some of their other bikes have a boatload of personality, especially if you like the "Retro" look. They may not be for you, but its worth a look I guess.

Heres the site.

http://www.triumph.co.uk/usa/

And this is the bike Im leaning torwards. Plus, another pick I really like. :D

[ggardner]

In my teen-youth the really cool bikes were the Kawasaki 450 and the Triumph Bonnieville. That Triumph shape really perks a guy up, then and now. I will place it on my list of options as I am still wide open. Thanks for the response.

One of the young men that work for me said that Kawasaki of Pasadena is closing out some '05 1500 Vulcan Classic cruisers for $8431 out the door. That is very tempting. I am waiting on a "good buddy" quote from a Honda dealership on both a 1800 and 1300 VTX. I am not a real particular guy, I just want to get on the road and have some fun. My tastes in bikes may change with time and experience. Too long in comming! Thanks, Gary

[skypoke]

Gary,

What kind of riding do you anticipate? Scootin around town or touring? You might consider, being a new rider without the reflexes of a teenager...ABS brakes. Nice on a car, unbelievably confidence inspiring on a bike. Grab full front and rear brakes without a second thought. Traction control...with it you can nail the throttle on a wet, or icy curve without a hint of tire spin. You'll find these features on high end Jap touring bikes. If high style and following the crowd is your thing, performance and tech second, Harley. Carefully consider, also, seating position. Ride that sucker for a couple hours first before you buy. If the dealer won't let you do that, shop elsewhere.

Chuck

[texasflyfisher]

There are a lot of good bikes out there. If your just starting out in the two wheel world take care and please be very careful! I have see a lot of older guys get boogered up real bad that are new to the sport. I've been riding since I was 13. Cushmans, Mustangs, Ducati's, Honda's, Yamaha's, Suzukis, Vespa's, Lambretta's, I've had a lot of fun with a lot of scooters. I even built choppers in the 70's for a living and for me there's nothing like a Harley....for touring, profiling, putting, sight seeing, etc....there's nothing like a Harley.

[ggardner]

You guys have some great points. Thanks you! I have looked at cruisers by Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki over the last two weeks and decisions come hard when you are not a rider and test riding is not an option. I have the cash and I need to take a basic new rider class, then get out there and test some bikes. Almost all the riders I know are on cruisers and really enjoy their sport. They are atractive to me but some where deep inside I get the voice telling me to look at a sport-touring bike like a BMW R1200GT or Honda 1300ST. This has got to be one of those things that test riding and talking with experienced riders will help settle for me. And hey...if I get a VTX and that does not turn out to be the ticket then I will try again. I can't say I have not done that with boats, cars, rods, reels, guns, girls, and other delights in life. So many choices. Gary

[Gary]

Not to scare you Gary, but these guys are right. Bikes are dangerous. Theres an old saying I just made up. Your going to fall down. A car WILL turn left in front of you. Cars dont like you and 18 wheelers are worse. Without alot of experiance, I would consider something lightweight and nimble. It wont take long for your riding skills to improve and then you can get into the heavier bikes. I dont have a dog in this fight so I dont have an agenda, just common sense!

Get a full coverage helmet. Its rare to land on the top of your head. Face first. Wear gloves. Natural reaction when going down is to put your hands down first. Over the ankle boots. Heavy duty jeans at least. Leathers when its cool.

I hope I didnt scare you away from scoots. But I swear, if you take them lightly, your in trouble.

Ride safe, watch for trouble.....

[TX Wader]

Heritage Softail Classic,Road King both by Harley

[StacyW]

I wouldn't go for lightweight! Those light bikes move all over the place on a windy day or a passing tractor trailer. A more experienced rider is fine but you will find the bikes that weigh more are a bit more easier to handle. At least that is my own experience........Ill agree with the rest....Stacy

[trout250]

Look at my post on the 95 Hertige Softail Classic, Its a nice ride.
But shoot me a PM and I"ll send you the pics.

but listen to what these guys are telling you about protective gear. L am retired from houston Fire dept and washed a few up off the road in my 32 yrs. so by all means take care stay safe and may GOD BLESS

[Gary]

Good point Stacy. I forgot about those nasty 18 wheelers.

[Gary]

There also are some safety classes I will be looking at before I buy my bike.

http://www.msf-usa.org/

A guy at work told me about one held at a Spring Branch school. Its a two day course and they supply the bike and helmet. Upon completion of the course you wont ned to take the riden test at the DPS to get your license. Just the written. I think the class was $168.