I am super excited but I’m also nervous about arrival, I don’t live in a very private location (pressure not to dump the bike). Does anyone have a similar experience, really looking for ideas on how to get comfortable and some practice I can work on in a parking spot and maybe the quiet side street. I don’t have anyone to teach me unfortunately, I am signed up for a MSF but it’s booked out for months. Trying to do things right. Thanks for any tips!
First of all, here are a few pics of my smiles per miles machine! https://imgur.com/a/gsEUW1T
I got my cy endorsement last October after taking the MSF beginner course. Saved up money for a down payment and bought the bike brand new from an Indian dealership this April. I paid ~$16,500 OTD. I know I know, buying a brand new bike as a first bike is a bad idea, but I had my heart set on it and I don't regret it for a second.
Since then I have been driving it to work everyday, and riding with my friends who ride. I even did a weekend trip along the whole thumb of Michigan with a good friend which was an absolute blast! On which I encountered my first knat swarm riding into bay city at dusk. When we got there me and my bike were absolutely covered in knats.
Its funny to me now but I can still remember my sheer terror twisting the throttle about 1/2 for the first time and the pure adrenaline of feeling 1,133cc 100hp 72lb torque @ the crank on a 550lb machine for the first time. And white knuckling it on the highway. Now just 3 months later I feel extremely comfortable on it, probably way more than I should.
However the bike does have its pro's and con's.
Pro's :
Acceleration: I haven't actually redlined from a stop to "cruising speed" yet, so there is still more power I haven't even accessed yet.
Styling: It's objective but none of the sportsters or metrics caught my eye quite like the scout.
Modern Features: Comes with a Liquid Cooled Engine, USB Charging port, Gear Indicator, ABS, and Throttle by wire.
Handling: Disclaimer: FOR A CRUISER! Never ridden a sports bike, however leaning this thing around corners and in the twisties has never once had me say to myself dam I wish I got a sport bike instead. But yes I have scraped pegs.
Con's:
Suspension: I'll just be honest it sucks, any bump over 2 inches will send a shockwave through your spine, but I knew this going in. It is a lowered bobber after all. I did however upgrade to the FOX shocks and it has made a huge difference now only the real big bumps hurt.
Back Reflector: It was literally adhesived on and fell off my bike, probably from hitting bumps on the stock suspension.
Digital Tach: I honestly do wish it had an analog tach and not a digital one. Would be a pleasure to see that needle swing.
Gas Tank: Could really use a larger tank and a gas gage, however it does have a low tank indicator.
Day Long Trips: You will need to take breaks because there is no
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Hi everybody! I have moved over to USA, and now want to buy a motorcycle. I have never been ride on cruiser. Last my ride was on KTM Duke 390, Honda XR250 and Triumph Street Triple. I am not huge man, but want to try new kind of motorcycle) My weight 145 lbs, my height 5.75. First I thought between HD Iron 773 and Yamaha Bolt, but I realize, I getting used to power in 2 weeks and will want new cruiser bike)) So I begin look more powerful motorcycle. What can you say about Breakout 2014 and New Indian Scout Bobber? I will:
- ride in city
- maybe 20-30% length of distance will a little trip until 400ml
- most part of time I will ride with my girlfriend. I have 12000$, so look used HD breakout or Indian Scout.
What do more better steering, break and comfortable? Thank you in advance for advice)
I was looking at the scout 60, but I’m wondering if the regular Scout is safe to buy as a first bike. I don’t want to take any risks, thanks for the answers!
(EDIT: I originally posted this in r/motorcycles about a week ago. Since then, I have spent time in some dealerships, talked bikes and such. I think for financial reasons I can rule out Harley, and I'd get the Honda before I got the Kawasaki. I sat on a Phantom and loved it! But for some reason, the Indian keeps calling to me, like a siren. The price point and finance point are awfully tempting! Was hoping this sub could offer some input?)
Greetings! Was hoping you guys could help me suss something out.
On a lark, my wife and I went to a bike show and I found a few models that I really liked. I tend to be kinda indecisive about big purchases, so I was hoping you could share some of your expertise and opinions that might tip me one way or another.
Me? I rode for a couple years about a decade ago. I rode a Honda Shadow 650. I absolutely loved that bike, though found a bit small for my 6"2, 230lbs frame. Got in a nasty wreck that sidelined me from riding, but my wife has come around to letting me ride again. I plan on financing the bike, but credit isnt an issue. I dont want to finance more than $15K, and the lower the better.
I figure getting a cheap, used cruiser is ideal for getting my feet under me again, maybe upgrading in a couple years. I'd mainly be riding short, leisurely drives < 1 hour at a time.
The bikes I saw that I liked were:
Honda Shadow Phantom
2015 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 custom
Indian Scout or Scout 60
H-D Street Bob
It may end up boiling down to numbers, but I'd be really interested in your thoughts about these bikes, or even my situation! Thanks for reading!
TL;DR - Help me choose a bike? Maybe?
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