What size bike is the right size bike?

What size bike is the right size bike?

by ND 58
(Massachusetts)

I have a Yamaha Virago 250 which is about 300+ pounds, top speed is around 45 to 50 before your looking for more power. I'd like to get something bigger that will be able to handle the speeds and traffic on the highways. (Around here they do 70 in the slow lane.) What is a good weight in a bike, 500, 600, 800 pounds? Am I right thinking a heavier bike will give you a smoother ride or is it the type of bike that gives you the smoother ride? I want this bike to be my first and last upgrade if possible. I don't want to do a lot of highway driving but I'd like to be safe when I am on the highway and I don't feel the virago will be.

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What size bike is the right size bike?

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Sep 28, 2010

Bigger Bike
by: Lynn - Florida

I am 5' 1" and ride a Yamaha VStar 1100. It is very low to the ground and heavy enough that the wind doesn't blow me around. It is well balanced and easy to maneuver. I sometimes tease that the bike rides itself. When I need to ride on the freeway I feel confident I can keep up with traffic and get out of the way if need be. I also ride it around town. I love this bike and I never feel weight is an issue. I think it's around 600 lbs.

Sep 27, 2010

Size...
by: Sandra

I have a Suzuki Boulevard C50 (800 cc); my girlfriend just bought a Yamaha V-Star (650 cc). Both are reasonably low and easy to balance and handle, although friend says hers is a bit hard to turn for her.

We went on a 120 mile poker run this weekend w/4 other bikes - all big Harleys 1500cc or more, and our bikes were able to keep up just fine...although the Harley boys kept it to 70 or less for us newbies.

But if you want to start out at 70 mph?? you probably want a sport bike over a cruiser. The C50 weighs close to 600 pounds, and the V-star comes in at 500 or so; I'm an old farm girl and have no problems w/managing my bike's weight - I'm pretty sure I could handle hubby's Harley (but we may never know - he does NOT share! LOL); my friend is a little bitty thing that seems to have no problem w/her bike, even parking and backing it.

The heavier the bike, the more steady you will feel on the road at traffic speed; less getting pushed around by gusts from big trucks; more stability in general...BUT the bigger they are, the harder they fall, and during slow maneuvers and backing into a parking space you may find it much harder to keep from laying it down due to the weight and womens general weaker upper body strength.

Ultimately, we cannot tell you what's right for you; sit on as many bikes as you can; ride a few even if someone will let you! My husband started out liking my bike, but now HATES it because it's too light...which is the exact reason I bought it, and feel so confident on it. To each his/HER own!

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