QuestionI have been thinking about learning to ride a motorcycle, and have been considering what bike I might buy. I visited a Yamaha dealer and saw the V Star 650, which looked like a nice bike. In looking through the Yamaha catalog, I noticed the V Star 1100. It seems to be about the same size as the 650, has more power and better brakes. It weighs about 70 lbs. more than the 650. Would the 1100 be sutiable as a first bike? BTW, I'm 59, and about 5'-5". Thanks in advance.
AnswerPhil,
Thanks for the questions.
As a beginner, an 1100 is going to be too much bike for you. Mostly it's an issue of control and experience, but power and size are important as well. Also, since you are 5-5, you may have a problem being comfortable on the 1100, as the foot controls are set more forward than on the 650. I am sure you can reach them, but I wonder if you will be too stretched out for comfort when going on a long ride. Not knowing your inseam it's hard for me to say for sure, but some riders I know under 5-8 have complained of this problem on large cruisers.
It used to be that beginners would start out on 250's or 305's, and then "move up" to a 650, which was considered a "big bike". Of course, if you've sat on a 1960's Triumph 650 or the like, they are definitely "little bikes" in comparison to what people are riding now. As beginner bikes have grown in size, they have also gained in power and weight, so much so that the combination of modern engine power, higher bike weight and much more traffic has turned into a dangerous combination for beginner riders.
As a beginner, you need a bike that packs as few "surpises" as possible. If you make a mistake, a larger bike -even if it's "only" 70 lbs heavier- extracts a higher penalty in terms of trauma and injury in a crash, even a minor one.
Smaller bikes have advantages for a beginner. They are lighter, and therefore easier to control at slow speeds in parking lots and stopped traffic. Also, if you drop it (tip it over) at said slow speed, they are easier to pick up. As a beginner, count on dropping your bike at least once. We all did (and do).
Smaller bikes, by virtue of their lighter weight, will stop faster under panic braking than a heavier bike. The 1100 may have dual discs, but modern disc brakes still pack a lot of stopping power, even if there's only one. A five foot difference in a stop may be the difference in a panic situation as a beginner.
Finally, for a beginner, a smaller bike is easier to learn on. With less weight and less power, they are more forgiving, and you are a bit more apt to stay out of trouble (speedwise). They ar just plain easier to handle.
I understand the urge to get a larger bike. Big cruisers are hugely popular now, and it seems everyone has one. But I would advise you to start learning street skills on the 650, and after a few thousand miles, if you feel like you've got enough confidence for an 1100, sell it or trade it in. You may find the 650 has a good combination of comfort, weight, power and control. A friend of mine who got a Honda Shadow 500 in the 80's still rides it, even though he has other bikes. He says it has just the right combination of power and size for him. You may find the 650 is that for you, while the 1100 is just a bit too much. At least for now.
Be sure to take the MSF Beginner Rider Course for a solid foundation on the basics of safe riding. You can find times and places at www.msf-usa.org. They supply the bike, so no rush to make your choice now. Be sure to take this class.
Ride smart and have fun with your new bike.
Bill Roberson
