Motorcycle.com

Jofaba · 09-08-2010, 06:44 PM

I hate to post a thread like this, but I'm having a bit of trouble hunting down my second motorcycle. Some quick history: I started on a scoot early last year, got a Virago 250 this summer, and am looking for a highway friendly bike for next summer. I'll save up over this winter and probably sell off my Virago. My problem is that my bike options are limited by height. I know that's not necessarily abnormal, but I have a very specific kind of bike that I'm looking for, and for the life of me, I cannot find it.

Sub 27" seat. I don't know what my inseam is, but my Virago is about 27 inches. I can flat foot if I sit forward on the seat, but I usually right foot the brake and put most of the weight on my left leg.

I don't want a bike that makes me look like I'm screaming "look at me!". I'm short, but I'm not trying to compensate. I don't want a very large or very loud bike.

I hated the cruiser style at first but now I think it's most comfortable.

And again, I'm looking for something that I will feel comfortable taking on the highway.

I'm not against buying an older bike. I'd be willing to look at bikes from the 60's as long as they run well. Chances are unless I hit gold, this will be another 1-3 year bike for me.

There is a chance that I may use this bike for a very long "chance of a lifetime" kind of trip, so I want to be really comfortable with it.

I know this is a lot to ask, and a very common request, but I hope someone might be able to give me a suggestion that leads me to the perfect bike.

Oh,and lastly, I'm hoping to keep it under $5k.

Dr_Sprocket · 09-08-2010, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jofaba

I hate to post a thread like this, but I'm having a bit of trouble hunting down my second motorcycle. Some quick history: I started on a scoot early last year, got a Virago 250 this summer, and am looking for a highway friendly bike for next summer. I'll save up over this winter and probably sell off my Virago. My problem is that my bike options are limited by height. I know that's not necessarily abnormal, but I have a very specific kind of bike that I'm looking for, and for the life of me, I cannot find it.

Sub 27" seat. I don't know what my inseam is, but my Virago is about 27 inches. I can flat foot if I sit forward on the seat, but I usually right foot the brake and put most of the weight on my left leg.

I don't want a bike that makes me look like I'm screaming "look at me!". I'm short, but I'm not trying to compensate. I don't want a very large or very loud bike.

I hated the cruiser style at first but now I think it's most comfortable.

And again, I'm looking for something that I will feel comfortable taking on the highway.

I'm not against buying an older bike. I'd be willing to look at bikes from the 60's as long as they run well. Chances are unless I hit gold, this will be another 1-3 year bike for me.

There is a chance that I may use this bike for a very long "chance of a lifetime" kind of trip, so I want to be really comfortable with it.

I know this is a lot to ask, and a very common request, but I hope someone might be able to give me a suggestion that leads me to the perfect bike.

Oh,and lastly, I'm hoping to keep it under $5k.

I have the perfect upgrade model for you: Honda Shadow 650

pushrod · 09-08-2010, 07:46 PM

A bit more than $5K (maybe $6K?), but a Harley FXR (NOT a Dyna!) has a very low seat. Half Sportster/half Big Twin. A great bike.

They went out of production back in the early '90's, but they are very popular, and a recent search on eBay had around 150 for sale nationwide.

If you go that way, try to get an '88 or later. They had the bigger front fork tubes, thus a bit better handling.

I just saw my old bike in a crappy car lot. I made the mistake of stopping to look at it. It is in terrible shape. Bummed me out, big time.

Dr_Sprocket · 09-09-2010, 03:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pushrod

A bit more than $5K (maybe $6K?), but a Harley FXR (NOT a Dyna!) has a very low seat. Half Sportster/half Big Twin. A great bike.

They went out of production back in the early '90's, but they are very popular, and a recent search on eBay had around 150 for sale nationwide.

If you go that way, try to get an '88 or later. They had the bigger front fork tubes, thus a bit better handling.

I just saw my old bike in a crappy car lot. I made the mistake of stopping to look at it. It is in terrible shape. Bummed me out, big time.

Like this one: http://p1.bikepics.com/pics/2006/03/...45745-full.jpg

seruzawa · 09-09-2010, 05:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pushrod

A bit more than $5K (maybe $6K?), but a Harley FXR (NOT a Dyna!) has a very low seat. Half Sportster/half Big Twin. A great bike.

They went out of production back in the early '90's, but they are very popular, and a recent search on eBay had around 150 for sale nationwide.

If you go that way, try to get an '88 or later. They had the bigger front fork tubes, thus a bit better handling.

I just saw my old bike in a crappy car lot. I made the mistake of stopping to look at it. It is in terrible shape. Bummed me out, big time.

I'd like an FXR myself. Nice ride. Except for the skull/crossbones and the stupid performance robbing exhaust.

Jofaba · 09-09-2010, 04:34 PM

Thanks for the suggestions guys, sorry I haven't had a chance to reply but haven't gotten a chance. Will look into each and toss a few of my own in for feedback. Really appreciate the help =)

MrJP57 · 09-18-2010, 11:20 AM

I can 2nd the FXR suggestion. Heck, you may even be able to find a dyna in the 6k range. I wouldn't be too stuck on the 27" seat height though. The shape of the seat, the width of the motorcycle under you, etc. can have an impact on the ability to flatfoot. Also, a motorcycle with a lower center of gravity, such as most Harleys, most cruisers, etc. is easier to balance, and easier to one foot.

09-08-2010, 06:44 PM	#1
Jofaba Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 33	Advice on my second motorcycle? Help really needed I hate to post a thread like this, but I'm having a bit of trouble hunting down my second motorcycle. Some quick history: I started on a scoot early last year, got a Virago 250 this summer, and am looking for a highway friendly bike for next summer. I'll save up over this winter and probably sell off my Virago. My problem is that my bike options are limited by height. I know that's not necessarily abnormal, but I have a very specific kind of bike that I'm looking for, and for the life of me, I cannot find it. Sub 27" seat. I don't know what my inseam is, but my Virago is about 27 inches. I can flat foot if I sit forward on the seat, but I usually right foot the brake and put most of the weight on my left leg. I don't want a bike that makes me look like I'm screaming "look at me!". I'm short, but I'm not trying to compensate. I don't want a very large or very loud bike. I hated the cruiser style at first but now I think it's most comfortable. And again, I'm looking for something that I will feel comfortable taking on the highway. I'm not against buying an older bike. I'd be willing to look at bikes from the 60's as long as they run well. Chances are unless I hit gold, this will be another 1-3 year bike for me. There is a chance that I may use this bike for a very long "chance of a lifetime" kind of trip, so I want to be really comfortable with it. I know this is a lot to ask, and a very common request, but I hope someone might be able to give me a suggestion that leads me to the perfect bike. Oh,and lastly, I'm hoping to keep it under $5k.

09-08-2010, 07:46 PM	#3
pushrod Founding Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Baja 'Bama Posts: 3,478	A bit more than $5K (maybe $6K?), but a Harley FXR (NOT a Dyna!) has a very low seat. Half Sportster/half Big Twin. A great bike. They went out of production back in the early '90's, but they are very popular, and a recent search on eBay had around 150 for sale nationwide. If you go that way, try to get an '88 or later. They had the bigger front fork tubes, thus a bit better handling. I just saw my old bike in a crappy car lot. I made the mistake of stopping to look at it. It is in terrible shape. Bummed me out, big time. __________________ You would not understand, this is not how I am... I have become - Comfortably Numb.

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09-09-2010, 04:34 PM	#6
Jofaba Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 33	Thanks for the suggestions guys, sorry I haven't had a chance to reply but haven't gotten a chance. Will look into each and toss a few of my own in for feedback. Really appreciate the help =)

09-18-2010, 11:20 AM	#7
MrJP57 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 1	I can 2nd the FXR suggestion. Heck, you may even be able to find a dyna in the 6k range. I wouldn't be too stuck on the 27" seat height though. The shape of the seat, the width of the motorcycle under you, etc. can have an impact on the ability to flatfoot. Also, a motorcycle with a lower center of gravity, such as most Harleys, most cruisers, etc. is easier to balance, and easier to one foot.