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Reb Rebeller · 10-29-2009, 05:34 PM

I took the course this summer and got a Rebel 250.
I've ridden about 1500 miles and now I want/ need a bigger bike.
My riding friends are helping me out by giving conflicting and probably dangerous (they love me so) advice. One is telling me I need to get a Dyna!
Reasonably speaking, is going from a 250 to an 850 too much of a jump?
I was thinking of a Bonneville.
And is weight more of an issue than cc's?

Thanks for all your help.

The_AirHawk · 10-29-2009, 07:38 PM

This isn't exactly the best time of the year (or economic climate, for that matter!) to sell your bike. The best bike in the world is the one you're already riding, especially if it's paid for.

While the 250 isn't exactly a stellar machine by any standard, 1500 miles really isn't all that far to go before an "upgrade" of the magnitude you're contemplating.

Then again, it's really hard to make a long-distance call on someone's riding ability, especially knowing only two-paragraph's worth of information about them.

Dig deep, and ask yourself if you're both ready and capable of the step you're about to make. If there are any self-doubts, you can STILL make the switch at some future time. There's no hurry, they'll still make the Bonnie for a few more years. Now, if you wanted to step-up to a new BUELL.................

pushrod · 10-30-2009, 06:32 AM

RR,

Seeing as your riding season is about over, I'd recommend you start 'sit-testing' all the different bikes you think you like.

1500 miles is just over the break-in period on a bike, and nowhere near the break-in for a new rider. As the 'Hawk said, don't be in a hurry.

Figure out how you are going to use the bike. Then, look for a bike that will accommodate that kind of use. For instance, if you want to go out and carve corners and blast out of stops, a cruiser ain't for you. If you want to take your sweetie out on backroads and enjoy the scenery, the latest crotch-rocket is probably not the best choice.

Weight vs. cc's? There is not an answer for that. The configuration of the engine and the purpose of the bike, combined with a plethora of other design issues, make the bike, and dictate how it performs.

You'll want to do some reading, once you start to zero in on the type of bike you're after. See what the strengths and weaknesses are of each make and model.

The Bonneville (in all its various forms) is a great bike. You won't win many drag races (if any), but it is a fine choice.

Not that I'm a Triumph-ite or anything...

acecycleins · 10-30-2009, 06:54 AM

The new Bonni SE is a great bike. I'd also suggest looking at Used Kawi w650. For something more cruiser like look at the Suzuki Blvd 50 series bikes- I personally like to power cruiser looks of the M50. All of Honda's 750 Shadows a good and used bikes are easy to fine. The new Yamaha V-star 900 is pretty sweet. You can probably find a decent deal new, but wait til January to buy. By then some sales weasel will do back flips to move a bike off the floor.

seruzawa · 10-30-2009, 08:06 AM

Motorcycle sales are in the pits. You can probably get test rides on any number of bikes now because the dealers are bleeding. Check out a bunch of bikes and see which you like. Personally I don't think you could go wrong with an all arounder like a Bandit or a V-Strom or a Versys.

But then I'd never buy a cruiser or a race replica at this point in my life. They are just too limited in function and in actuality nor much better than an all arounder at their specialized task on public roads.

MOKE1K · 10-30-2009, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reb Rebeller

I took the course this summer and got a Rebel 250.
I've ridden about 1500 miles and now I want/ need a bigger bike.
My riding friends are helping me out by giving conflicting and probably dangerous (they love me so) advice. One is telling me I need to get a Dyna!
Reasonably speaking, is going from a 250 to an 850 too much of a jump?
I was thinking of a Bonneville.
And is weight more of an issue than cc's?

Thanks for all your help.

If someone is telling you to go from a Rebel to a Dyna they arent giving you very good "loving advice". The truth is you need more seat time to experience those surprise situations and 1500 miles isnt enough. To truly say you can handle a bike is only determined in those surprise situations and if you can make it out and keep it on two wheels. Then maybe you might be ready for something bigger. My guess is that you havent had to many scary moments that improve your ability. Take your time you can never stay on your first bike long enough. Remember its better to grow out of a bike than into a bike. If your bike has a 100% potential where does your ability stack up to its potential. 100% bike and even 50% ability isnt safe. Hell even when their evenly matched its still no guarantee you'll make it out of any situation. Good luck though?

newagetwotone · 10-30-2009, 01:25 PM

1971 Honda CL450

12er · 10-30-2009, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by newagetwotone

1971 Honda CL450

sure is purdy

newagetwotone · 10-30-2009, 06:19 PM

Isn't it? man i would kill for one to use on the powercuts and trails... thats if i could ride.

Dr_Sprocket · 10-30-2009, 06:56 PM

The Kawasaki Ninja 650R is a nice stepping stone to a bigger bike. If you must have a cruiser bike, then consider the Honda Shadow line of bikes. If you have reasonble skills and respect for the bike, then you'll be fine.

10-29-2009, 05:34 PM	#1
Reb Rebeller Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Ithaca NY Posts: 1	Question for 2nd bike I took the course this summer and got a Rebel 250. I've ridden about 1500 miles and now I want/ need a bigger bike. My riding friends are helping me out by giving conflicting and probably dangerous (they love me so) advice. One is telling me I need to get a Dyna! Reasonably speaking, is going from a 250 to an 850 too much of a jump? I was thinking of a Bonneville. And is weight more of an issue than cc's? Thanks for all your help.

10-29-2009, 07:38 PM	#2
The_AirHawk Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Livin' in a Van: down by the Mariana Trench Posts: 10,891	This isn't exactly the best time of the year (or economic climate, for that matter!) to sell your bike. The best bike in the world is the one you're already riding, especially if it's paid for. While the 250 isn't exactly a stellar machine by any standard, 1500 miles really isn't all that far to go before an "upgrade" of the magnitude you're contemplating. Then again, it's really hard to make a long-distance call on someone's riding ability, especially knowing only two-paragraph's worth of information about them. Dig deep, and ask yourself if you're both ready and capable of the step you're about to make. If there are any self-doubts, you can STILL make the switch at some future time. There's no hurry, they'll still make the Bonnie for a few more years. Now, if you wanted to step-up to a new BUELL................. __________________ *Parfois, on fait pas semblant* Sometimes, it's not pretend Oderint Dum Metuant Let them hate so long as they fear политики предпочитают безоружных крестьян Politicians Prefer Unarmed Peasants Nothing to see here, Citizen. Move along now...

10-30-2009, 06:32 AM	#3
pushrod Founding Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Baja 'Bama Posts: 3,478	RR, Seeing as your riding season is about over, I'd recommend you start 'sit-testing' all the different bikes you think you like. 1500 miles is just over the break-in period on a bike, and nowhere near the break-in for a new rider. As the 'Hawk said, don't be in a hurry. Figure out how you are going to use the bike. Then, look for a bike that will accommodate that kind of use. For instance, if you want to go out and carve corners and blast out of stops, a cruiser ain't for you. If you want to take your sweetie out on backroads and enjoy the scenery, the latest crotch-rocket is probably not the best choice. Weight vs. cc's? There is not an answer for that. The configuration of the engine and the purpose of the bike, combined with a plethora of other design issues, make the bike, and dictate how it performs. You'll want to do some reading, once you start to zero in on the type of bike you're after. See what the strengths and weaknesses are of each make and model. The Bonneville (in all its various forms) is a great bike. You won't win many drag races (if any), but it is a fine choice. Not that I'm a Triumph-ite or anything... __________________ You would not understand, this is not how I am... I have become - Comfortably Numb.

10-30-2009, 06:54 AM	#4
acecycleins Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: North Georgia Posts: 4,125	The new Bonni SE is a great bike. I'd also suggest looking at Used Kawi w650. For something more cruiser like look at the Suzuki Blvd 50 series bikes- I personally like to power cruiser looks of the M50. All of Honda's 750 Shadows a good and used bikes are easy to fine. The new Yamaha V-star 900 is pretty sweet. You can probably find a decent deal new, but wait til January to buy. By then some sales weasel will do back flips to move a bike off the floor. __________________ "Slack" - a state of being in which everything flows smoothly.....a frame of mind so at ease that the universe naturally cooperates.

10-30-2009, 08:06 AM	#5
seruzawa Robby Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: 8501 ft. Posts: 16,803	Motorcycle sales are in the pits. You can probably get test rides on any number of bikes now because the dealers are bleeding. Check out a bunch of bikes and see which you like. Personally I don't think you could go wrong with an all arounder like a Bandit or a V-Strom or a Versys. But then I'd never buy a cruiser or a race replica at this point in my life. They are just too limited in function and in actuality nor much better than an all arounder at their specialized task on public roads. __________________ I've seen things you people wouldn't believe. Attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion. I watched c-beams glitter in the dark near the Tanhauser Gate. All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in the rain.

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10-30-2009, 01:25 PM	#7
newagetwotone Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 1,302	1971 Honda CL450

10-30-2009, 06:19 PM	#9
newagetwotone Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 1,302	Isn't it? man i would kill for one to use on the powercuts and trails... thats if i could ride.

10-30-2009, 06:56 PM	#10
Dr_Sprocket Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Delmarva Peninsula Posts: 2,331	The Kawasaki Ninja 650R is a nice stepping stone to a bigger bike. If you must have a cruiser bike, then consider the Honda Shadow line of bikes. If you have reasonble skills and respect for the bike, then you'll be fine. __________________ "Aid to the helpless indigent is civilized. Aid to the irresponsible is socially corrosive." ----- Schizuki (c. 2011)