graduating to a larger bike

graduating to a larger bike

Any advice for moving from a 250 Honda rebel to something larger?
Any thoughts on a 1993 Shadow VLX 600cc as the next bike?

Comments for
graduating to a larger bike

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Sep 11, 2011

from 250 to 600 and hills
by: KeiLin

I am also riding a Honda Shadow 600, after growing my skills & comfort on a Yamaha Virago 250. At 5'2" the Virago still feels like the perfect size for me. But after only a couple of weeks, I've come to appreciate the increased comfort of the slightly bigger Shadow.

As for starting on a hill, I usually release slower on the clutch, and roll quick on throttle so I can take off with minimal backward roll. I think the key is finding that balance between clutch and throttle, which really comes best with practice.

Aug 22, 2011

Honda NT700V
by: Anonymous

I had a Rebel 250, and purchased a 2010 Honda NT700V. Almost everything that I didn't like about the Rebel is not an issue with the NT. I find the bike to be more nimble and don't feel wind buffeting like I did with the Rebel. I absolutely love my NT and am glad I made the switch.

Aug 19, 2011

Brakes
by: Judith

Thank you for the responses. My hubby and I will find an incline similar to the one I fell on and practice. In fact, I could probably practice in the same place because it isn't as busy on a Sunday. Still loving my bike. I feel really encouraged when I read the posts on the site. Hope others do to.

Aug 19, 2011

brake
by: Quynn

When on hills I try to keep my foot on the brake, but with my short legs its not comfortable or not always possible...usually I just have to hit the throttle fast. sorry, not much help.

Aug 19, 2011

encouragement
by: Anonymous

Thanks to you all...the detailed comments are so encouraging.

Aug 18, 2011

Moving to a bigger bike
by: Debra

I started out on a 125 eliminator since I had not been on anything other than a dirt bike. I rode it for 2 years, and gained all the surface street driving I could take. I wanted to get on the freeway and be able to go on longer rides with people from work. I traded it in on a Vulcan 900. The size and weight difference was huge at the beginning. Have been on the 900 for 2 years now and does not feel as big now. I have laid this bike down 3 times and all at zero mph, once after backing and twice in my driveway turning the bike around. No way possible I could lift the bike back up myself. Quickly put on engine guards. The bike has the power I need and I love it except the clutch lever is very hard on my hand after 30 min of using it. Just beware of the clutch pull on different bikes. I am now looking for a different bike due to that problem. Ride with a friend if your bike is too heavy to get up as much as possible. I 5'6 130 lbs and the 900 is not too big and sits low.

Aug 18, 2011

VLX Delux 600
by: Judith

I have the Honda Shadow VLX 600 Deluxe too. Yesterday I dumped it two times. The first time I was parked and was backing up and lost my balance. The gears were stuck and I was trying to move wheel to loosen. The second time was going up an incline after having stopped for a stoplight. I let go of the brake and slide back and the bike fell over to the left. I picked up the bike for the first time when I was doing the first dump. The second time two men helped me get the bike to the side. I and one of the men rolled the bike up a very short distance so I wouldn't roll back and dump it again. Had no problems the rest of my ride and doing what I needed to do. Do you have any advice how to handle the a situation like the second dump, the two ladies who answered this post? I love my bike and I am not discouraged in riding it. My problem is I am not riding it enough. Working on that. I think I should have kept my foot on the brake when I let go of the hand brake and then took off. I do feel the bike is a little heavy but when I am on it, I am fine, so not willing to give up. Thanks for listening. This is a nice bike for a beginner. It is my starter bike. I love it.

Aug 18, 2011

Bigger Bike
by: Quynn

I just recently went from a 250 Rebel to a 2006 Honda Shadow VLX Delux. At first it was a little intimidating since it was bigger and heavier (I had to have it lowered since I am under 5ft). But after a week of riding I loved it.

Just recently took her to Sturgis, my first long ride (about 400 mi round trip) and didn't have any problems keeping up with my friends or passing vehicles.

Last night I had to ride the rebel to a different location and I can't believe I used to ride that little bike...it was too light and not comfortable.

Aug 18, 2011

I love mine
by: Dawn

I have a 2006 Shadow VLX, and I love it. Took some getting used to because I had only ridden dirt bikes in my teens, and this didn't handle like a dirt bike. But once I got adjusted, it was a perfect fit.

It's low, so at 5'3" I can still flat foot the ground, has enough power to get me down the freeway at 70 mph and not be tossed around too badly by passing cars, and it handles nicely on the corners. I recommend them.

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