So, I've been looking at bikes again. They cost far less and could probably be just as enjoyable as big V8. I was really impressed by the new Indian but they closed shop a couple years ago. The only kind of bike I'm interested in would be a cruiser. Something big, loud, and powerful. Anyone have any ideas what's good? I mean, there's the Harley V-Rod, Yamaha V-Max, Honda Rune, Triumph Rocket 3, Kawasaki Vulcan, and... anything else worth montioning? Those are the only newer ones I can think of. Or should start off with something older? I could probably find a decently priced fat boy or valkyrie to learn on. I just have two limits: It's gotta big (remember, I'm about 6'5, and heavy, so my ride would have to match that) and a reasonably powered cruiser. I mean, to learn on, it would probably be safer to have something with car-like acceleration but I'll eventually move on to more power anyway, so maybe I would be better off learning on a fast ride.

But anyway, of all of them that I've been looking at in the last few days, I think I'm most impressed by the triumph. It has a 2.3 liter I-4 (seriously, that's like a Viper's bore/stroke) putting out almost 150 horses. And it's pretty close in cost to a new fat boy. (and a hell of a lot easier to finance than any of the cars I'm even remotely interested in)

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“I have noticed even people who claim everything is predestined, and that we can do nothing to change it, look before they cross the road.”

“Intelligence is the ability to adapt to change.”

When it hit about 9400 miles the check engine light came on and, long story short, the car was in the dealership for about 10 days and I needed a new transmission control module and something else, a valve "thingie" (I forget). Quite a common problem I have since found out (my wife Googled it). Apart from that it's a sweet ride.

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sexiest. bike. ever.

plus, you'd look totally bitchin' on one, you giant.

you still have the nova, btw?

Max - I gotcha, but when I say luxury, I mean things like leather seats and seat warmer and that shit. It's just extra added cost in my book. I'm sure there are some people who enjoy things like that, but I honestly doubt they've been a major selling point for most of the people interested in the new Hemi. It would be interesting to see what kind of numbers they would have if those items were left as options and the basline price were lowered. And if they would put a stick in it, I'm sure they ould dodge the gas guzzler tax. That's one thing I noticed with the GTO -- an automatic trans not only costs six hundred more than a stickshifter but it also (at least in california) has an additional $1300 tarriff for failing to meet emmissions regulations. And I really don't trust automatic transmission, especially from mopar. But other than that, yeah, those new Hemis are fucking sick. Fast as all hell, and quiet, too. If they were slap a more conservative shell on it, they would totally rape Ford by displacing the crown vic. I think they've pretty much filled the void left by chevy's discontinuation of its full-size RWD platforms in the mid-90's.

But anyway, here's a couple of nice pics I found:

I could totally see myself on this thing. I mean, it has about 50% more power than the harleys (though oddly, only about 1 second advantage in the quarter mile compared to a V-Rod), way better looks, and comes in at about the same price.

And I gotta say, this one also caught my eye, but the nearly $30,000 price tag is completely unreasonable.

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“I have noticed even people who claim everything is predestined, and that we can do nothing to change it, look before they cross the road.”

“Intelligence is the ability to adapt to change.”

Another point..the VMAX didn't change for like 10 years. You could pick up an older one for cheap money, and have practically the same bike they sold 2 years ago. Great bike, insanely fast, and lots of mod potential.

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But as for having too much bike bike for my level of experience (none), well, I had only been driving and had my license for about month when I took up the Nova, for whatever that's worth. I mean, I learned quickly how to deal with a large excess of power. (probably around 320-330 horse at the wheels and as much 350-360 ft lbs)

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Hey, don't take my word for it. I work at a dealership and sell oversized bikes to heros all day long. I also buy them back after they lay them down or scare themselves shitless and want out.

Willy, as a friend, I'm asking you to swallow a little pride and learn how to ride first. You might not even get hurt, but you'd probably trash your sweet ride. I'd be less concerned if you were looking at an H-D ..they hardly move. But a Japanese or European drag bike is a different story.

That said, having ridden a VMAX, I can tell you it's not a narrow machine. The massive V-4 keeps your toes turned outward when you're sitting on it. It's a large bike, meant for large guys. But once you know how to ride, the VMAX is actually somewhat maneuverable and fun to flick around. I don't think you appreciate how disgustingly massive that Triumph is. I suggest sitting on one, and getting a feel for the 750lbs of accident-waiting-to-happen. You might start to think 'holy shit, maybe I could look at something a little smaller.'

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i agree with RB. any serious rider will tell you you need to start on something smaller. hell, most will recommend against 600cc sportbikes for beginners, let alone a gigantic 1800cc+ cruiser.

But I suppose that I should have been more clear before. I meant to pose the question of what a good cruiser would be. I probably will buy a used one to ride for 5 or 6 months before shelling out over 15 grand for a new one. Something like a Kawasaki Vulcan or HD Sportster would have a decent price for entry and I wouldn't have to be too worried about dumping it. Anyone know anything specifically about cruisers? What I want to know is what's out there, what's suitable for a person my size, and what would be good to learn on. I figure I'll eventually hit some dealerships to see for myself, but I trust the opinions here for more than what I'd get anywhere that's trying to sell something. And of course, within the next months, I fully intend to move on to a more powerful and more distinct ride, like the supercruisers I was drooling over earlier.

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As you are a giant, I'd really persue the 'friend with a smaller bike' route to get your feet wet. You're in a difficult position where you won't be happy with a medium-weight bike, because of your size, once you learn how to ride. For that reason, I'd really try to /borrow/ for a couple months, and then buy whatever you really want.

If you can't go that route, a VTX 1300 would be a great fit and probably not too intimidating/dangerous for a first bike. I bet you'd be happy with one for at least a couple years. They're priced very competitively, as well.

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Oh wait, it's been through all those things.. I actually laid it down once in a snowy parkinglot.

$4500/bo

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I'll just start going ot dealers and sitting on a few bikes and seeing what feels right. And I'll get into a training course, too. I'm sure there'll be millions of them in Orange County.

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