Need to Upgrade My Power

Need to Upgrade My Power

by Vinnie250
(Mass)

I'm not a Harley lover - I don't care for the new sportster gas tanks and I don't want to spend megabucks on a motorcycle. I have a Yamaha 250 Virago. I have put on about 700 miles maxing out at 45mph. I plan to do 1000 miles on this bike then trade up. I was going to try a 650 Yamaha Custom but was told that would max out to about 70 on the highway. I don't want to be a speed demon, I just want to keep up and be safe. What is the smallest engine that I should be looking at that I will be able to adjust to quickly? I'm figuring a 900. I'm 5'2" a little over 200 pounds. Can I get some opinions please.

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Need to Upgrade My Power

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Apr 10, 2011

Best Bike
by: Kim

Hi! I am about the same size as you, started out on a Honda Rebel 250 and loved the bike, but not the power it had. I upgraded two years ago to a Honda Shadow Spirit 750. It has a low seat, I can sit comfortably with my feet on the ground, and I love the power! Try the Spirit!

Jan 20, 2011

Vulcan 900
by: Beth

I love my Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic LT (2006). I'm a big girl too (about the same as you), and this bike hauled my ass and luggage from NJ to Sturgis, South Dakota and Wyoming. But it is still light and nimble enough to hit the twistees without having to fight them, and as a day-to-day commuter bike.

And not that I'm proud of it, but going through Iowa on our way to Sturgis, we got speeding tickets. They clocked us at 88 (wrote us up for 82 in a 75). But if they clocked us 5 mins earlier, my speedo was up to 110. So speed is not a problem with this bike! And yes, that is the first and last time I went that fast!

Dec 07, 2010

Try lots of them
by: HarleyVal

I have only ridden Harley's, but I am definitely not one of those "Harley Snobs". I ride with friends who own several different types of bikes, so I know there are a lot of good ones out there.

It's great to get the opinions of other people like you are doing here, but the best thing you can do is visit lots of different dealerships and sit on all kinds of bikes.

Also, don't be in a huge hurry to trade up. Take your time and make sure you get the perfect bike for you. Good luck!

Dec 06, 2010

Another Suzuki C50 Lover!
by: Sandra

My first bike is the Suzuki C50 also (2006) and I could not be more pleased.

I took the MSF course on the required 250 and went straight home and started riding my C50 after that. I'm approaching 50, get moderate exercise daily, am 5'6" and about 175 for what it's worth. The bike "fits" me - I have never felt like I had more than I could handle since finishing the course.

But the truth is, it is different for everyone. Your own tastes and experiences will be your best guide. Enjoy the ride!

Dec 06, 2010

Love My C50T
by: Rene L

My first bike was a Suzuki 650 and at about 600 miles I knew I was ready for a different bike. When I was first looking to buy, I thought it made sense to buy the same bike that I learned on in the MSF class, a 250. Luckily, I listened to the advice of many experienced riders who advised against it indicating that I would soon outgrow it. So, I am not surprised to hear that you are ready for something more.

I upgraded to a Suzuki Boulevard C50T which has an 800 engine and is a bit bigger than the S40 that I started on. I was very surprised to find that the new bike was actually a bit easier to ride because it handles much better and feels so much more stable than the smaller one.

Of course it certainly make sense not to get too much bike too soon, but I don't think moving up from a 250 is too much of a jump.

The best advice that I got and that I often see on this board is to go out and sit on some bikes to see what feels comfortable and then do you research on the ones that have a good feel. You are smart to begin your search a bit before you are ready to buy. Good luck and let us know what you end up with.

Dec 05, 2010

Quicklimegirl
by: Vinnie250

Thanks for the talk! I appreciate it. The only reason I want to upgrade is to get to places I want to ride, like the beach. Where I live it'll take me and hour and half to get there back roads by bike (45 minutes by car), then I want to ride around, then it's an hour and half to get home. I do it in the car all the time and I just fantasize about riding my bike up there. I'm very comfortable on the 250 and think I can handle something bigger but I am a newbie. I love riding and I just want to ride where I love to be. I didn't see the first comment - that's probably best but I did see an anonymous reply that said Harley's were the only bikes and i should walk and something about a cheap bike. I have three brothers who agree with her but I'm not buying a bike i don't like the looks of - i just want something to get me where I want to go safely and within a reasonable amount of time so i can be on the fun roads. I plan on spending time in the parking lot across the street from my house to get familiar and comfortable with the taking off and braking power and also how to stop quick because I know that's important too. I also want to make sure I can back the bike up physically. I'm over 50, I don't know how much time I'll have to ride so i just want to get serious and get going. What do you think?

Dec 05, 2010

Comment Deleted
by: Her-Motorcycle

The inappropriate first comment has been deleted.

Dec 05, 2010

Harley Rider
by: Anonymous

I am a Harley rider, that's all I've ever ridden. To see the first reply made me mad. Not all Harley riders feel as this person does. I have friends that ride all types of bikes. It doesn't matter what make or model, just that you are riding!

Dec 05, 2010

Other types too?
by: Quicklimegirl

Vinnie,

Obviously you should ignore idiots like the one with the first comment.

Now, first of all, that 650 should easily be able to do 80-85 mph.

A real and valid question is how could you think you're ready for an upgrade with only 1000 miles under your belt?? That's a good weekend's mileage!

Now, I don't claim to know it all, but I've been street riding since 1975. New riders repeat the same mistakes year after year, decade after decade. Each spring, you see people with very few miles who believe it's time to upgrade when a magic number has been passed. Usually they don't understand that familiarity and a certain level comfort with their current/first bike does NOT equal a need to upgrade. It just means you're able to focus on your surroundings now, instead of sharing that focus with getting used to the handling, braking and other characteristics of your bike. Certainly there are exceptions in which a person is a "natural" and have an easier time learning and adjusting to larger and more powerful machines.

Also: Why limit yourself to Cruisers? There are many types, street legal dirt-oriented bikes, "standard" models that are styled like the '60s and '70s era bikes, sport-touring, and "Naked" bikes that are sport-oriented without the position which makes you feel folded up like an accordion.

Cruisers are often MUCH heavier than other types. Known for torque but not HP or speed. Their longer wheelbases and fork rake = slower steering and handling, so not as adept in heavy traffic; more suited for long-distance freeway riding. So the combination of heavy weight and relatively low power/cubic inch makes for lower top speeds. Also, from your description of yourself, like me, you aren't currently real fit. This impacts how you ride, and your ability to control and handle the bike. A heavier bike isn't one of the better choices in this case.

Your inseam length is more important than height. What is it? That will limit some of your choices. I tend to stay with bikes that have seat heights no more than 1/2 or so longer than my inseam length, so that I can flat foot at least one side.

In any case, there are lots of bikes out there, Some of them look like sport bikes -- but have wide, conventional handlebars and footpegs situated right underneath--not forward and not rearset, that can make for a very comfortable riding position. Bikes like that include (but aren't limited to) the Suzuki GS500, Kawasaki Ninja 250, 500 and 650R, both twin cylinders. I KNOW you don't want to ride really fast, but having quick acceleration when needed, which these bikes can do without being twitchy and an unmanageable amount of power come in handy.

There are way too many to list here. I would go to MC dealers that have a good amount of used bikes for sale, and just start sitting on some and seeing how they feel.

Whatever you decide to do, good luck!

Dec 05, 2010

Honda Shadow
by: bikermama

I have a Honda Shadow 600 and it is perfect for me. I have no trouble keeping up with everyone else on their bigger bikes. I also have a sportster 883 and I love it. You might try one of those. Good luck on your search.

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