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Did I bite off more than I can chew???? Engine size.

by Adele
(Canada)

My husband and I are just introducing ourselves to biking. We just bought 2 Kawasaki GPZ 1100 ('84 and '83). They're both sport touring bikes. We also have a little Suzuki (about 40hp)to learn on. Once I got good with that bike, I was going to try and graduate to the big bike. Is that too big of a step? Should I look at purchasing a mid-size bike?

Comments for Did I bite off more than I can chew???? Engine size.

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Sep 26, 2010

You can handle it!
by: Janine

When I was looking for my first bike, I had thought to get an 883 as it was small and light. My husband turned up his nose and asked me if that was my "Dream" bike. I had to answer truthfully....no, not really. I thought that it would be a good beginner bike. He then asked me what I would do when I had learned to ride. I said get a bigger bike, you know....keep working up to bigger bikes til I get the one I really want. His response....Why waste all that time, just buy the bike you want in the first place and be done with it. Well, ladies, he was right! I fell in love with an 08 Harley Davidson CVO model. The cobalt and midnight blue FXDSE2 Screamin' Eagle Dyna. I tried to find something else that was a little smaller as the 110 engine seemed excessive (that's about 1830cc). I searched for a month and nothing hit me like that CVO Dyna. So...I bought her. My husband would ride me bitch to a large, empty parking lot and let me practice, practice, practice. After about 3 weeks I started doing short trips in the area. Each ride would get a little longer, and the route would be different. Then the group of bikers we hang with would let me go on short rides with them. They were awesome, giving me tip and pointers, and above all, praise. I have some truly awesome friends. I've been riding my Dyna now for 3 years, riding when ever I can. I've been to Sturgis, where I dropped my bike for the very first time on Main Street. You'd be surprised at how may bikers came to my rescue! This year my husband and I rode to TN and NC to ride the Dragon. What a blast. So I say, don't worry about it. Ride the bike you want to and enjoy!

Aug 26, 2010

From 600cc to 1100cc
by: slandgrlblk

Don't worry bout it just take control and you'll be glad you got a big bite,more is better...enjoy your bike..fellow biker chick...

Aug 25, 2010

Thank You
by: Adele

Thank's for all the advice!! I've got my learner's exam set for a couple of weeks from now and then I'll be ready to hit the open road...or the church parking lot!!! It's great to know that there is a place that I can turn to while embarking on this new adventure!!!

Aug 25, 2010

Bite off more than you can chew.
by: robin

Hi...I agree...It is how you ride...I started with a 750 and while a little big, am happy I did..Lots of practice in the church parking lot!!! Now i will just stay with that and not upgrade. Being 54yo it works for me and being a beginner. Good luck...

Aug 24, 2010

You'll get used to it . . .
by: Anonymous

I had a 500 cc, then sold it and took a couple of years off having twins. I bought a 650cc last year and at first had some troubles with a touchy clutch, but now it is too small and I wish I had gone bigger. I'm waiting for my husband to get a new bike so I can steal his 900cc!!!

Aug 24, 2010

Should be fine if you feel ready.
by: Hannah

Hi Adele,

That's a nice looking Kawa :) Take it slow and practice all you need on the Suzuki, and it should be fine. After you've done your initial training, it doesn't matter what size bike you ride as long as you feel comfortable with the weight, height and handling. Take it as slow as you need, do some slow riding practice in the parking lot with the bigger bike. I should take my own advice--I'm still getting used to my bigger bike, which is 800cc. It's about how you ride, not what.

And careful on that Suzuki at first--in the UK we're restricted to training on bikes of 14hp or less!

Best of luck, ride safe, you'll be graduating to the Kawa in no time.

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