My wife recently said she wanted to ride my son's bike. I took her for a 5-10 mile ride on the motorcycle she refers to as a donorcycle. As soon as we stopped I knew we were in trouble...she couldn't stop smiling...and I quote "We HAVE to get one of those!!" So, my question, Together we are about 360lbs or so I am 6'1" she is 5'3" and we need a cruiser type bike. Can any of you street riders help me out...I am not big into the street riding but sounds like I am going to be. Thanks!! I am lost with road bikes, not sure what is reliable, easy to ride...my bike weights 240lbs not 700lbs...any help or suggestions would be appreciated!!
what will you be doing with the bike? Two up cruising around or trips or ??? Price range? things you want in a bike? Lots of options out there.
It will be two up cruising, something used to start $3-$6,000, comfortable seats for both(can always replace), and back rest for her. Thanks for the reply...have not looked at a road bike for 30 years.
Why do you want a cruiser type with the footpegs out front? Surely your 240 pound bike is like a standard as far as footpeg placement.
I am not looking for the Highway pegs...I don't need any bees up my pants! I think pushed forward a little would be fine and comfortable but the Highway pegs are not something I am looking for. The dual sport I have is set up standard(TE449) which works great for standing and sitting, hopefully I won't be standing often on a road bike. Thinking about that though, I think I would like the standard pegs too just in case you always go back to what's familiar in an emergency. Thank for your thoughts...this is a good example of why I asked for help!!
I've been looking at street bikes for the past year and because of my dirt bike background I really dislike cruiser bikes. The pegs have to be under me and I must have an upright riding position plus I prefer lighter bikes with good brakes. I guess once you get used to dirt bike performance it spoils you. Since it sounds like you have similar preferences I suggest you look at sport touring and motard/hypermotard models. If you plan on going on long trips go for engines near the 1000cc range.
I suggest that we get some more information on your special lady. If she wants to change everything in her wardrobe to the colors of orange and black, perhaps wants a tattoo on her lower back, and maybe spice it up with a splash of leather... then I think you will be stuck with getting a Harley. However, if she is open-minded, then you might be safe with getting an used Yahama FJR or Suzuki V-Strom. A sport-tourer would meet your needs nicely. Of course, your safest way to pick the motorcycle would be to take multiple pictures of your special lady on different bikes. Whichever bike shows off her ass-ets best should be the bike you pick. Remember... she probably already has the answer in her mind on what the two of you will be riding. It is just trying to find out how to pull that information out of her.
my opinion on a few things: I like having pegs under me so I can stand up - having a high vis yellow helmet (sort of what the road work crews have) then standing on the pegs starring at cars that might be contemplating causing a collision with me - very very handy. It (usually) causes them to hesitate a split second and that is all I need them to do. Might want to teach the wife how to ride your 449 to see if she likes doing more than being a passenger - that could change what you are shopping for completely (less concern for passenger comfort, etc) It may not be to your liking, but I *really* like by TR650 Terra (massive torque to get out of trouble, 60+mpg)… though I've never had a passenger (see point #2 just above).
I'm not a fan of the cruiser bikes either. I don't want to be real comfortable while riding on the road. I'd prefer to ride a bike that allows me to be in charge. If I'm looking for a comfortable trip, i'll take my F150. Just my opinion.
Feet under me not out a must for me. Like the V-Stroms, BMW 1150GS ( just got a 1200GS , will make a great 2up bike. And you can STILL get them a little dirty!
Every day at the auctions there are 100s of street bike that have need crashed. Most have a few scratches because they fell over and the cost to make it perfect again totals the bike. You can pick up a deal, ride it and have fun and most of the time never even have to repair it. I have purchased a few but I do not ride on the street so most of the bikes I do are adventure bikes. That way I can test ride in the dirt before I sell them. If something like this might work for you let me know. John Ajax Auto Wrecking. Give me a price range and model you might want and I will sent you a list of bike in your area or around the country and will factor in shipping
Thanks for all the great advice and ideas! As far as black and orange we will probably stay away from that and the 8utt-hat tattoos. Thanks again all...I will let you know what direction we end up going!
Crusiers handle like shit, and the silly position is rough on your back after an hour or less. Thats important because YOU WILL have to make an evasive manuver sooner or later. Far less front end grip and steering capability than a standard. I had a close call on my VRod when a cop, yes a cop, cut me off to pull out and chase a speeder. Bike was sold ASAP and I went to a Ducati Hypermotard. No good for two up though. I'd look at something along the lines of a larger adventure bike. Tiger is nice. Even a generic Japaneese standard with a good seat and backrest is far better and safer than any crusier.
I just got a BMW R1100RT. Low miles, low price. Great bike for your described purpose. Just what I got it for!
A sport tour bike like a Honda ST or a Yamaha FJR would be perfect for what you described. Very easy to ride and ultra comfortable. Me, I ride a Yamaha Super Tenere for street duties.
All of these will give you 2 up capability and allow for some serious good riding. Would recommend an ADV bike as stated previously. ADV R1150 / R1200 V-Strom 1000 Super Tenere Touring bikes if you have zero intention of a gravel or fire road Touring Yamaha FJR Honda ST1200 Honda VFR800 (my lord not the 1200) Triumph (something) And couch cruisers if that is really what you want Cruiser Honda Goldwing Honda VTX1300/1800
