Bike Weight

Bike Weight

by Gale
(Sequim, WA, USA)

I'm a novice rider in the market for a new bike. I asked a question about upgrading to a bigger bike and I got some great answers--thanks to all who wrote.

Now I'd like to get some feedback about bike weight. The other day I sat on a bunch of bikes, and today I sat on several Harley's. Many of the bikes feel so heavy. (I understand a heavier bike offers a smoother ride...)

Is my hesitancy to consider a heavier bike completely unfounded? Can some of you gals clue me in with facts and your own experiences, on why many (even very small & not necessarily strong or athletic) women can comfortably ride a bike that weighs five or six times what they themselves weigh? I realize that as the bike starts to move, and is moving, it 'wants' to stay upright... is that all there is to it?

Thanks!

Comments for
Bike Weight

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May 03, 2010

I got a new (used) bike!
by: Gale

OK, so this topic can be closed... I bought a 2000 Suzuki Intruder 800. Light enough for me to handle fairly easily, and powerful enough for all the roads I drive on. I'm very happy with it.

Thanks again everyone... Happy Trails!

May 01, 2010

Bike Weight
by: Gale

Thanks to all who responded here. The other day I bought and drove home a 2000 Suzuki Intruder with 12,500 miles on it. It felt heavy at first, but I quickly got used to it and I love it!

I have since taken it in to the shop to have it checked out. Turned out to need quite a bit of work (carbs needed syncing, it needed a new front tire, clutch adjustment, new brakes, and an oil change/tune-up). Perhaps I should have had a mechanic check it out before I drove it home... but driving it out of the shop parking lot I could feel the difference from that first ride home. And now I love it even more! It is way more powerful than my GZ250 was, but it feels stable and very responsive.

Happy trails everyone!

May 01, 2010

Bike Weight
by: kenberlyc

I am 5'5 and around 150 lbs, my Honda Shadow 600 is perfect for me, not too heavy and the perfect height. I also have a Sportster 883 Hugger and it is easy for me as well. Though I suggest the shadow first. Love my shadow!

Apr 03, 2010

Intruder
by: Gale

Well, one thing I found out is that the fuel tank is very small. But the bike still appeals to me...

Apr 03, 2010

1996 Suzuki Intruder
by: Gale

I found a bike on craigslist that I'm interested in, but I won't be able to see it for a week, and only if it doesn't sell before then.

It's a 1996 Suzuki Intruder 800cc V2, seat height 27", weight 440 lbs. Seems pretty ideal for what I'm looking for. Anyone have anything (good or bad) to say about the Intruder?

Which model Boulevard would this be now? I don't see any Boulevard in the 800cc range that is that light in weight.

Thanks!

Apr 02, 2010

Thanks for the feedback
by: Gale

There is a Star dealer in my home town, so I will look into that event.

Thanks to all!

Apr 02, 2010

Weight
by: Rocco

Star is having an across country event where you can test ride the bikes. Go to their website to find out if there is one near you. That should give you a good idea. As another rider said, balance is the key.

Apr 02, 2010

Bike Weight
by: Anonymous

I still maintain that you should try to get to a couple of demo days, and ride a few bigger bikes, see how it feels to you. Also get to a few other dealers demo days, you may like the sport bike better. Or try one of the lighter cruisers.

Apr 02, 2010

Bike Weight and Smoothness
by: Judy

A heavier bike does NOT necessarily mean it will be smoother at ALL. How smooth a bike is will depend on the type of engine and what design features it has, such as internal counterbalancers, the engine mounting configuration (e.g., rubber dampers incorporated into the engine mounts) and the like.

The problem with heavier bikes is they generally have slower steering response, so they aren't as "flickable" if you want to ride in a spirited manner on twisty, winding roads. When selecting a bike, it would be a good idea to learn proper technique to allow you to pick up the bike if it drops without causing a major orthopedic incident to yourself, and that the weight also isn't so much that it tires you out more.

I've found in my own personal experiences, despite being heavy and pretty strong, that I get just BEAT if I ride a bike over 500 pounds.
That's why I stick with standard or sport-oriented vintage bikes; the light weight is far more forgiving in all facets of riding.

Apr 02, 2010

Bike Weight
by: Barbara

Gail,

I feel It's more about balance than weight. The lower the motor is in the bike the more balanced it is and easier to hold up when you are not moving. My rule when I was looking for my first bike, was, while standing still, I could let go of the bars and was able to balance the bike and hold it with just my legs. Men have all their strength in their upper body, women our strength is in our legs. You're right, once you are moving it's fine but at some time you are going to need to stop, park, and back up. All bike are heavy when you bring them up off the side stand, that weight you will get use to, you will learn in a short period of time how effort to put into it and little tricks along the way.

Good luck!

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