Hi All, Started taking lessons in December - halted by Covid so planning to get through as quick as poss once lockdown eased! So with time in hand, been looking at bikes... Rode small bikes when younger but nothing for 30 years. Fancied the T100 but then saw the Speedmaster - loads of advice to start on smaller engine then trade up, but really like the look of the Speed and know I'd just be biding my time to get one, so would the Speedmaster be too much really? (Would even consider riding in Rain mode for a few months, presume that would make the power easier to handle?) I'm 6'2 and exercise regularly so presume weight shouldn't be too much of an issue - also been driving powerful cars for a while so have good road awareness - not looking for speed on a bike however, just cruising along..! Cheers Jon
It seems that in motorcycling there are many people who seem to have an opinion on how you should ride. Well, everyone is entitled to my opinion...and that is; ride what you like, how you like, and simply enjoy it. The more you like it all, the more you'll ride, and the more you ride the better you'll get and the better you get the more you'll like it all...etc. Enjoy every moment. Ride safe.
Greetings from New Jersey. Just bought a Speedmaster in November. Between COVID related delays at the MV agency (six weeks to get it registered ) and the weather turning to crap now, I've only got less than 100 miles on it! That being said, it's a step down in raw power and size from the big Victory I had, but it is a fun bike! I'm 6'2" myself, and with the forward controls, I'm comfortable so far, but I won't know for sure until I get her out for a good stretch. You'd likely regret not getting somehing bigger if you start small. Just buy it and take it easy until you get used to her.
Jonny welcome. Don't worry about sizes of bikes. There's a throttle that's down to you. As soon as I passed my test I bought the biggest bike I could get hold of. In those days they were mostly Triumph twins but we had the mad as a box of frogs two stroke three cylinder Kawi 750s, Kawi 900s, fast back Nortons and once I had the money I got a real Rocket 3. But the Bonnys were best, easy to ride easy to climb into the engine. Go for what you want and just go careful until you are used to it. Vrooom, vrooom, vroooooooooooooooom.
Thanks all, much appreciated. Good to hear it from people with experience. Can”t wait to get out there!
Size of engine is much less important than what you feel comfortable and confident riding. A test ride wil help but it'll take a fair few miles to work out whether the bike you buy is really for you. There's only one way to find out - go for it!
I think you will know instantly once you test ride. I wish I went for a bike I felt comfortable and connected too, but instead I went for a low cc honda thinking it was the wise thing to do. I got bored of it very quickly and didn't feel a great deal of confidence riding it. Once I jumped on a bigger cc bike I felt way more confident as it had much better grip, and having the extra power didn't make me feel vulnerable in faster moving traffic.
Welcome to the forum Jonny, go with the one you desire and take it easy. It's mostly other motorists that are the biggest risk to new riders, just remember you are almost invisible to them!
You aren’t daft enough to be buying a super bike that would power wheelie in top gear... That’s a relief. As someone said others will be your biggest danger so long as you accept driving powerful cars is not a credit towards you skill in driving bikes. Spend a bit of time watching videos online that teach about defensive riding and road positioning - and why you do it. keep safe. keep posting have fun
Hi Jonny and welcome to the forum love my Speedmaster after a range of cruisers. Your rain mode plan is smart, but I expect you will want regular mode for cruising out of city streets. Remember to test ride for at least a half hour and you will know.
With previous riding experience, albeit on smaller bikes you’ll be fine, it’ll soon come back to you, it’s like riding a bike. Modern bikes handle and brake really well and most importantly are fuelled well, so when you put a throttle command in the engine will do what you intended, years ago you had sudden power bands and delays in response to contend with which could easily unseat the unaware, so rain mode, ride familiar roads calmly for a while and you’ll be good.
Hi, I think it’s all down to what feels right for you. What I’ve found is its not about the power but more to do with the weight of the bike, balance, and riding position I was generally happy with Bonnevilles , fell off my 865 Speedmaster because my foot slipped getting it to the ground from the forward pegs, was never that confident handling the Tiger 800s I had and was even less confident on a Harley Road Glide I bought.. too big, too heavy. I figured also that bikes with windscreens caused me some trouble stopping smoothly as I couldn’t see the road in relation to my coming to a halt. I test rode a street scrambler and was amazed how confident and comfortable I felt straight away so bought it... liked it so much that when the updated version came out I traded in for the new one which I’ve still got and feel completely happy with on all counts. So basically regardless of what you may think will be the bike you want it’s only the right bike if it feels right on a test ride. I never even thought about street scramblers until I was handed one to try at the dealers because I was comparing 900 and 1200 powered bikes, so was hugely surprised that it proved just right for me.
Greetings and welcome to the forum, JonnyD! Good luck with that motorcycle course when you can get back to it. In the meantime enjoy researching and window shopping and dreaming about what you'll buy as your first bike back. And remember this bike may well not be your last bike. You may buy something now that seems like the best thing since sliced bread but your tastes and riding needs may change down the road. I definitely agree with what other members have offered--especially test ride and test ride what you like. Buy what you feel the most comfortable and confident on out of those bikes that you like and that "speak to you". And do please let us know what you decide and post some photos for us!
Hi and welcome. Took out a Speedmaster and a T120 for test ride ,was happy on both until I rode on a dual carriageway. I found the Speedmaster with its wider bars and seat position made my shoulders ache when at speed limit ish after only a few miles.T120 was fine over same distance. Of course a screen would solve this. Bought the T120. Can't say I've noticed much if any difference between rain mode and non rain mode.