Upgrading from 250cc to 1100cc; too soon, too much?

[rcaste]

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Hey folks, I am living in the Carribbean for the next 1.5 years and a fellow student here is willing to sell me his 1992 Honda Shadow 1100cc for $1800. I am very interested in purchasing this, but the only previous experience I have is with a 250cc (Suzuki Marauder) for a year. Would this be too much of a jump up? 1100cc is pretty much overkill for this island with small roads (heck, I was fine with a 250 in Toronto), but there aren't other bikes and this is a relatively cheap option. Parts here are hard to find, and shipping is cumbersome. If I do get the bike I would probably bring down some brake pads, a clutch cable, and a speedo cable.

 

[wonderings]

I dont think so. I went from a 400 to an 1100 Goldwing. Its not a sport bike, the power is nice, but its more docile then a SS and its a good cruiser... which as you said you will not really get to enjoy on the Island. If its a good deal I would go for it.

 

[FriendlyFoe]

cruiser yes
sportbike no

 

[matt123]

Not to big at all,just a little harder to move around and more top heavy.In a few days you will be used to it.A good second bike if you ask me

 

[jc100]

What do you mean you're living in the caribbean for the next 1.5y? I hate you. Get whatever you want...who cares.

Or...get me a job there and I'll give you sage advice.

 

[rcaste]

What do you mean you're living in the caribbean for the next 1.5y? I hate you. Get whatever you want...who cares.

Or...get me a job there and I'll give you sage advice.

Hahahaha, trust me man its not all that good. The weather is nice, but I prefer Toronto ANY DAY over here. If anything, I hate you guys!

 

[Green Machine]

I went from a ysr 50 to a ninja 750. so you should be fine

 

[johnnie_c]

what caribbean island?

 

[rcaste]

what caribbean island?

Nevis from St. Kitts and Nevis. It's a pretty obscure island.

 

[short stop]

The weight and slow speed handling will take some getting used to, but I think you'll be fine.

Aren't there usually a ton of smaller bikes on those islands?

 

[kamikaze]

i went from a ninja 250 to an SV1000 this year. mind you, I had the ninja for 2 years, and put 33,000km on her.

 

[the_falcon]

I think you should just get a busa.

 

[cknowles]

I went from a Virago 250 to a Virago 1100. Aside from the weight increase the difference wasn't as huge as I feared. The Shadow 1100 is a nice cruiser and the power is easily modulated, throttle roll on is smooth. A 1100 sport bike as someone else noted would be a very big change.

 

[suzuki2000]

should be ok with the upgrade, just be careful, they drive just a little "differently" down there

 

[LoneRonin]

Nevis from St. Kitts and Nevis. It's a pretty obscure island.

my buddy is heading back there to finish his MD, are you doing the med school stuff or vet school?
he was also talking about getting a bike for cheap and is looking to pick up a beater off road bike

 

[rcaste]

my buddy is heading back there to finish his MD, are you doing the med school stuff or vet school?
he was also talking about getting a bike for cheap and is looking to pick up a beater off road bike

Med school. I am assuming he is going to St. Kitts? I am on the smaller sister island Nevis.

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