QuestionI took the motorcycle trainers course 2 years ago, and plan on taking another one once i buy a new bike. i had a old used 600cc Honda but i sold it when i relocated. i am in the market for a cruiser now and since i took a year break i am still a new rider. i am 24 years old, 220 pounds and 6ft tall. so i am asking what is the weight size ratio for best comfort. i am leaning towards a 1100cc Honda shadow, because it will occasionally travelling long highways. is the 1100 to much or should i go down some. keep in mind that i am still very much a new rider. thankyou.
AnswerComfortwise, an 1100 will be a much better cruiser. But because you're a newer rider, you need to start with something smaller. Fortunately, most of the smaller cruisers are also very comfortable.
I recommend buying a cruiser 650-800cc maximum, and plan on riding it for at least two years. You need to cut your teeth and get used to riding on a smaller bike, then once you have it figured out, move up in size. A 650 is plenty of bike, even for a person 220 lbs, for street, highway, touring use. There are better bikes, to be sure, but if you're a beginner you should be learning on a smaller bike.
Do not change up to a bigger bike until you have at least 4000 miles on the smaller one. Seriously. Enjoy the process of learning and you'll have lots of time to dream and shop for your ideal bike. The biggest mistake riders make at this stage in the game is they try to answer the question, "What is the best bike," when the question they should be trying to answer is " What is the best bike FOR ME?" Be smart about it, allright?
Cheers, and good luck to you.
Pat
