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Post by Jarlaxle on Aug 18, 2015 10:24:06 GMT -5
Where is your area and are you willing to do your own wrenching?
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Post by rockynv on Aug 18, 2015 12:07:00 GMT -5
The Vstars espcially as Virago's were known for starter gear issues so be watchfull of that. The Rebel is a good choice if you are of slight or medium build however the shaft on the shifter is a bit light duty for the stouter lads. I was not allowed on a Rebel at MSF Class and was given the sturdier Suzuki 250 due to my Gorilla stature. The instructors were tired of having to repair the bent shafts on the Honda Rebel shifters.
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Post by oldchopperguy on Aug 18, 2015 13:55:00 GMT -5
Oldchopperguy, Oh dont worry the trouble with the missus would be more from wanting to buy a bike or modify one out of my budget than anything. And yeah there is a couple places that have decent bikes. One place I was looking at has the 100th anniversary 883 Sportster for 3,495. Betting if they still had it I could offer them 3k OTD and get it so will ultimately come down to what I can find at the time I have the cash. If i manage to get the sportster the first mod will be swapping a 4.5 gal tank from the 1200 custom onto it for more distance per tank.... Then a list of mods I saved from my previous sportster build lol.
Oh, YEAH... I DO understand tight budgets these days... Yup!
I had forgotten about you not wanting the hand clutch. In my old age, with similar problems including some nasty arthritis, I too am not in love with clutches... One thing that could help is to fabricate a clutch-lever somewhat longer than stock. Adding two inches to the lever decreases the amount of pull needed considerably. However, it makes clutch adjustment tricky, to be sure the clutch fully disengages before the long lever hits the handlebar. Decades ago, I modded several clutch levers that way for teensy ladies with big Harleys, who found they just couldn't squeeze the clutch easily.
Now, there's always a forties/fifties Hog with a foot clutch... LOL! Can't really recommend that, though!
You and I both seem to have considered scooters over cycles for similar reasons, so I fully understand. One thing I can assure you is that any good larger scooter will provide a riding experience as good as an older full-size Harley twin. I don't think you would be unhappy riding any of the big scoots from Yamaha, Honda, Kymco, etc. from 250cc up, with the 300 and larger having an edge over the slightly slower 250's like mine. That extra 10mph DOES make a difference on the freeway.
As a benchmark to go from, my VERY outdated Kymco 250 is a short-wheelbase "touring" scooter (about 56") or a little shorter than an old Harley Electra-Glide (similar to old-school 650-750 Brit bikes) and has only 12" wheels, making it by today's standards, surely the WORST scenario for a highway cruiser. However, I can settle down and cruise at 65mph as comfortably as I did decades ago on my old Harleys.
The long-wheelbase touring scooters seem to me to be as good as, or even superior to the older cruiser motorcycles on the highway. I wanted the "first generation" smallish 250 because most of my riding is in tight city traffic. Your riding needs may well be better-served with the more modern, longer scooters. (I test-rode a used Burgman, Kymco 500 and a big Yamaha, and they were great on the highway). They just didn't work for me due to their weight, size and the "semi-hump" to climb over. I truly wanted a scooter close in proportions to a nimble Chinese 150, but able to hit 70mph when needed. That's what sold me on the old Grandvista, but would turn off most younger riders today.
The point is, I've ridden the big bikes all my life, and still was not disappointed with a scooter, including my first Chinese 150 except for its lack of power. I was surprised at that, but modern scooters are great... And the larger ones REALLY won't disappoint the big motorcycle rider (except maybe in their cosmetics... LOL!) Choppers they AIN'T... Baggers, well, they're getting CLOSE...
I also did the "wait until Christmas" thing, and it proved successful. LOTS of bargains to be had in winter! Rotten riding it home through ice and slush though... LOL!
In the mean time, do try to ride every option possible to get the exact ride you want. They are all different... But any of them made in the last ten years will likely be more than acceptable.
I may be the longest-term big-bike jockey on the site to switch to scooters... And I'm happy with the switch! That may help you make up your mind. I do FULLY understand having motorcycles "in your blood"... But the condition IS curable... LOL! Scooters no longer are sub-standard "substitutes" relegated to the "motorcycle-rider wannabe" class anymore. They are full-fledged serious bikes in a solid niche of their own.
And the better ones are mighty SWEET!
So, enjoy being on "ItIsTheRide" and your new saddle-pals... And keep us posted on your Christmas gift to yourself... Even if just maybe, it arrives a tad early!
Ride safe!
Leo in Texas
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Post by raven85 on Aug 18, 2015 14:19:42 GMT -5
Where is your area and are you willing to do your own wrenching? Northern California around Chico and I have no worries about wrenching myself and what I dont know or cant look up my brother in laws probably know so it helps. |
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