New rider from downtown Toronto

G

gtamike

Well-known member
just wanted to say 'hi' and introduce myself. I anticipate spending a lot of time here =)

My name is Mike, just finished the M2 course with RTI last weekend. Had a great time on the course, highly highly recommended for new riders.

Thinking of picking up a Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic (but not opposed to the custom though!). I considered a Honda Shadow but read some reviews saying for larger riders the ergo may not be as good. (I'm a solid 6'2" and 240lbs).

Any advice will be much appreciated!
 
I'm new too, from Scarborough but want to ride downtown on weekends. I'll probably commute with my bike next season to work. We should meet up for some weekday evening riding :)
 
Hey Mike,

Congrats on finishing your course. I took RTI a while back, loved it as well. I have a friend who rides a Vulcan 500, nice bike; I'm sure you won't be disappointed with the 900. I like the Shadow as well though, it was the first bike I ever sat on (and the reason I'm here now).

If you're sticking to cruisers because of your build, you don't have to. I'm about the same height/weight and I fit comfortably on my GS500. I'm sure I would on many other sport or touring bikes as well.

I live in the downtown as well, so if you're ever looking to ride, shoot me a pm.

Good luck and keep us posted
 
Welcome!!
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Welcome bud. ride safe.
Im also in the downtown area. either this year or first thing next year if you want to ride lets us know.
Im about 6'1" - 220lbs. i ride a 650r and i find it fits nicely.

my weekend runs are usually 300-500kms and no issue with comfort.
best of luck bike shopping.
 
silvrsurfr said:
my weekend runs are usually 300-500kms and no issue with comfort.
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That's some respectable mileage. Where do you normally go? I did a ~500km round trip to Haliburton last week and I'm hooked, I wanna do it again
 
tricky said:
That's some respectable mileage. Where do you normally go? I did a ~500km round trip to Haliburton last week and I'm hooked, I wanna do it again
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Pretty much anywhere and everywhere. I'll go up the west side on roads like hwy 27, and the side roads and just go where it takes me. Or go up the east side on roads like hwy 12, or 35 and take it north to
where ever it takes me. Through beaverton, fenelon falls etc.

I just like to ride with no particular destination.
 
Wow - thanks for all the responses and warm welcome! My friends told me the riding community is pretty tight, and they weren't kidding.
 
Hey Tricky,

What did you think of the Shadow when you sat on it? How was the fit for you?

Yeah, being a bigger guy was part of the equation when I was debating cruiser vs sport bike, but I think overall a cruiser makes more sense for me anyway. I'm using it mostly to get around town, I would like to be comfortable on longer rides, I think a cruiser might be a bit more of stable (safer?) ride, and most importantly, I think riding a sport bike would really feed the speed demon within me =) Definitely open to input from more experienced riders thought - thoughts?

I'm shopping around for bikes now, scoping out the end of season sales some of the dealerships like Snow City and Kahuna have on. I had always intended to spend $5000-6000 on a used Vulcan or Shadow on the used market, but if they're clearing out 2011 Vulcans for ~$7500, I'm thinking it makes more sense to maybe go with the new one. Again, open to input from all...

Thanks!

PS: If I do end up picking up a bike sometime soon, will definitely hit you guys up for some riding!
 
Welcome,

I had the Shadow 750, and it was sluggish with my wife on the back. Upgraded to a Vulcan 1500. Awesome fun ride. I would recommend the Vulcan.
 
gtamike said:
Hey Tricky,

What did you think of the Shadow when you sat on it? How was the fit for you?
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It was a nice fit, for sure. They are beautiful bikes. Definitely make your way up to a dealership to sit on a few different bikes. My friend has the Vulcan 500, it's too small for me. The bars hit my knees when turning at slow speeds :D The Shadow should have you more stretched out than that.

Good luck finding the right bike for you!


Oh ya, and even though I'm more of a sport bike kinda guy, the Shadow 750 Phantom is still on my list of bikes to own one day:
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it's actually really good information to hear your knees scrape the bars on a Vulcan 500, because I was really considering holding off on the 900 for now and getting the 500 as a learner bike. I'm really not lusting after high power/larger displacement bikes, and trying to make a decision based mostly on ergo and comfort.

I love the look of the Shadow Phantom too - I actually had my heart set on it before I read this article: http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/120/6063/Motorcycle-Article/2010-Honda-Shadow-Phantom-Comparison.aspx

The 4 reviews are all 6'0+ and universally complained the ergo was a bit too tight. They also gave the Vulcan such high marks, I really started considering the Vulcan instead. There's also one parked on Adelaide St right by my place every day, so I've been checking it out every time I walked by, and it's grown on me more and more.

In any case, like I said I think I'd actually prefer to be able to stay 750cc or less, but just need a bike that's comfortable for my frame. If anyone has any suggestions, I'd love to hear them! (new or used!)
 
It's a shame the phantom isn't made for us taller people, I was looking forward to owning one eventually :(

This site should help you make your decision http://cycle-ergo.com/

Good luck and keep us posted!
 
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that is an awesome site!

You know, according to this, based on the Shadow Aero (which is the closest thing I see on this list to the Phantom), the Shadow may actually give more knee room!
 
Yep, that site can be pretty interesting. I compared the two as well, the Honda has a lower seat and the pegs are further forward so there should be plenty of clearance as far as the knees/handlebars are concerned. I'm interested to hear back from you after you actually sit on them though, let's see how accurate that site really is:D
 
ended getting a 2009 Vulcan 900 classic on Monday - very happy with it!

I did get to sit on a couple of Shadows - the fit wasn't too bad to be honest, but the Vulcan did seem to 'sit' a bit better, and it got better reviews across the board.

going to try to fit some riding in before hibernating for the winter. Let me know if you're up for a ride sometime!
 
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