Bike for a big boy

[werfie]

Ok, so for a while now I've been wanting to get a bike. For various reasons, rising fuel price, traffic, looming e-tolls and just cause I'm a boy hehehe. I commute daily from the North of Pretoria to Sandton. So here's a couple of things to consider:

- I've never owned a bike.
- I've never been a "full time" bike rider, just very occasionally on someone else's bike. So I am an amateur.
- I'm a bit of a big boy (big boned ok) - about 130kg.

So as much as I like Superbikes, I don't really see myself on one because I'm a little... cough... top heavy. Seeing that I am not an experienced bike rider, I am also sure I won't be commuting to Sandton with it right away and probably from my house to the Gautrain station in the Pretoria CBD to get a good feel for it and some confidence I guess. So I've always wanted a Harley Davidson. Now it is my first bike and don't have wads of cash to spend, so I was looking at the Iron 883, I just love that damn bike!!

A couple of questions for the guys in the know... would this be a good bike for me to use? The riding position is very comfy for me, secondly because I am a little big, will this suffice? I just see myself on a HD more than anything else...

Also a general question, I will be going for some riding lessons... but in general what do you guys think is the difference in riding experience, handling etc between a lets say 95kg guy and a 130kg guy, easier, more difficult, the same or...?

Any advice or recommendations on this or anything else I should think about please, my budget is around that R85k range?

 

[deweyzeph]

Sorry to say that bikes get charged at the same rate as cars for etolling, so no saving there.

 

[pgs]

Oh Boy! Looking at the subject line I thought we were up against a Big Boy Scooter Fan ............ Wheeeeeeeew! I don't know Harlies but isn't that a small fuel tank? What distance do they say it travels on a tank? I don't mean economy, there is a Harley that has a very small fuel tank which means having to fill up very often.

The weight of the rider doesn't affect bikes bigger than 600cc. I had a 200cc Chinese bike here in CPT the South Easter threw me around. I now have a 400cc Japanese bike and the wind is no problem.

 

[pgs]

Sorry to say that bikes get charged at the same rate as cars for etolling, so no saving there.

I saw the other day a new listing which showed bikes at a cheaper rate.... I am in CPT therefore subject to correction......

 

[Scooby_Doo]

You can get a BMW 1200GS for R85k, can't go wrong with that. Otherwise there is the BMW 800 or Triumph Tigers 800. What type of bike to you want? ie Super bike, cruiser or adventure?

I would say avoid super bikes for beginner and i see you looking at harley's so I am guessing just cruisers?

 

[grim]

BMW GS800 or bigger for someone your size. They are fairly easy to ride and won't break your back and wrists like a superbike would.

 

[Wezzy777]

http://forum.thinkbike.co.za/

Check out this link really great info.

 

[lizzard1981]

Harley 883 Custom

I have a 883 Custom and I am also a big-boned person at 120kgs. Works like a dream and I use it to commute daily. It is a 2009 model and I got it for R79000 at Harley Sandton and it has about R15000 worth of extras thrown in as well. Loving every minute that I spend on it and I find it a breeze through traffic. Would highly recommend it!

In terms of the petrol, I get about 22km/l and mine came with a 17l tank, which is bigger than the normal 883 tank. I fill at about every 250km's, but that is when the tank has used about 12l on average and not when it is empty. Just don't like pushing the tank to the dry-limit, hence me filling the avg 250km's.

Hope it helps!

 

[werfie]

Sorry to say that bikes get charged at the same rate as cars for etolling, so no saving there.

AFAIK, they changed it no, cars are 30c per km and bikes are 20c. So it is a little saving, but most of the saving would probably be on fuel and time. But like I said, for now, I would use it to go from my hom to the Gautrain station, so will be missing the etolls in anyway, but traffic from my house to the Gautrain station is about the worst of it, so If I could speed that up a bit with a bike, It would actually make the Gautrain ride worth my while unlike now where it takes me longer from Station to Home than from Station to work.

Oh Boy! Looking at the subject line I thought we were up against a Big Boy Scooter Fan ............ Wheeeeeeeew! I don't know Harlies but isn't that a small fuel tank? What distance do they say it travels on a tank? I don't mean economy, there is a Harley that has a very small fuel tank which means having to fill up very often.

The weight of the rider doesn't affect bikes bigger than 600cc. I had a 200cc Chinese bike here in CPT the South Easter threw me around. I now have a 400cc Japanese bike and the wind is no problem.

Good to know, it has been recommended that I look at 250's and 500's but yeah, those poor little things. :wtf:

You can get a BMW 1200GS for R85k, can't go wrong with that. Otherwise there is the BMW 800 or Triumph Tigers 800. What type of bike to you want? ie Super bike, cruiser or adventure?

I would say avoid super bikes for beginner and i see you looking at harley's so I am guessing just cruisers?

Well to be honest, I dig super bikes, but realistically for my size and the daily commute, I know it's not practical. Maybe one day when I'm all grown up...

Primarily cruisers I guess, not a huge fan of the adventure bikes. If you had to ask me why, I wouldn't be able to tell you.

http://forum.thinkbike.co.za/

Check out this link really great info.

Thanks mate, will do!

I have a 883 Custom and I am also a big-boned person at 120kgs. Works like a dream and I use it to commute daily. It is a 2009 model and I got it for R79000 at Harley Sandton and it has about R15000 worth of extras thrown in as well. Loving every minute that I spend on it and I find it a breeze through traffic. Would highly recommend it!

In terms of the petrol, I get about 22km/l and mine came with a 17l tank, which is bigger than the normal 883 tank. I fill at about every 250km's, but that is when the tank has used about 12l on average and not when it is empty. Just don't like pushing the tank to the dry-limit, hence me filling the avg 250km's.

Hope it helps!

Awesome, I also heard from someone else that his Iron gives him 22km/l. That is a nice improvements from my car's 12km/l On the stock standard tank, he gets about 210km and If I recall correctly it is a 12l tank.

It is good to hear about this from a bigger guy specifically, was a bit worried about this.

I will look at the BMW's and other bikes a bit.

Thanks for the input guys

 

[pgs]

Another person has a big Harley which he used to commute with. He now has a BMW as well with which he commutes with. He says the Service charges for the BMW is a lot cheaper than the Harley. The Harley was costing him R3000 per sevice and he lost a lot on resale due to the high milage. Some people have a company car, he has a company bike.

 

[RandomGRK]

My view...

You have quite a daily distance and an Iron is not the bike for you. The 883 will struggle with 130kgs. If you are dead set on a Harley, you would have to get the 1200 or the big bore kit (whatever its called) for the 883.

If you want a really good commuter for that daily distance, the Honda NC700X is cheap, comfy and a Honda. It may not be sexy but it does the job extremely well.

Stay away from Harley, any naked bike (no fairings and screen), sport bikes...You will regret that daily distance.

The BMW 1200GS is a great bike for that distance but its heavy and in my opinion, not the best bike to start on.

Some very nice bikes for you to look at...
Honda NC700X
Honda VFR 800 (can get 2nd hand for a good price and usually includes panniers)
Honda VFR800X
Honda CBF1000F
Yamaha FZ6R
Yamaha Tenere
Suzuki VSTROM 650 or 1000
Suzuki GSX650F
Triumph Tiger 800


Now, I wouldn't punt a 1000cc bike to a beginner but you are a big guy. Some of the 600s may struggle a little. The bikes I have listed are not a complete list and not the best recommendations to a new rider but

Remember though, a 600cc super sport bike vs a 1200 adventure are two different things. Don't just look at CCs. My 600 Hornet will smash an Iron 883 and a 1200 Sportster.

Usually, experienced riders would recommend a 250 Ninja to start...I disagree taking int account the factors you have stated.

Also, don't forget to budget for gear and training.

 

[Wezzy777]

Some very nice bikes for you to look at...
Honda NC700X
Honda VFR 800 (can get 2nd hand for a good price and usually includes panniers)
Honda VFR800X
Honda CBF1000F
Yamaha FZ6R
Yamaha Tenere
Suzuki VSTROM 650 or 1000
Suzuki GSX650F
Triumph Tiger 800

you forgot the Kawasaki er6n

 

[TokoZAR]

I can also recommend the GS series, I have the F650 but if you're a big guy then I think the F800 is a good idea. It's very comfortable to ride and it's nice and high sou you're quite visible in the traffic.

The GS series very popular so you should be able to resell it later without too much of an issue.

 

[requiem]

A Harley would be a terrible idea for daily commuting. Just my 2c

You should head over to the Think Bike forums.

I would agree with RandomGRK on the NC700X or Tenere.

I have a BMW GS and I cannot recommend it without sounding biased. Two really important questions though...

Have you got a learners or a full license?

Have you considered going for training? (I would encourage this) - there is nothing as dangerous as a "amateur" on a very powerful motorbike. Without trying you can easily hit 180kmph+ (if you aren't looking at a superbike) and it will end badly.


You should also go to the different dealerships and go for a ride on each type of bike. You won't know what bike will suit your body until you actually ride the bike.

I would again advise you do a course with ADA (Honda), BMW Academy (at Zwartkops) or similar - before you go and buy a bike.

 

[RandomGRK]

you forgot the Kawasaki er6n

I forgot loads of bikes

If I was commuting that distance, and with the little riding experience I have, I would get the Triumph Sprint. I dig it!

 

[deweyzeph]

I saw the other day a new listing which showed bikes at a cheaper rate.... I am in CPT therefore subject to correction......

I haven't seen the new rates, just seen what the boards say when I was last in Jozi.

 

[werfie]

Another person has a big Harley which he used to commute with. He now has a BMW as well with which he commutes with. He says the Service charges for the BMW is a lot cheaper than the Harley. The Harley was costing him R3000 per sevice and he lost a lot on resale due to the high milage. Some people have a company car, he has a company bike.

Thanks, definitely something to consider, I've heard the services go for about R1500 per pop... so I will look at this carefully.

My view...

You have quite a daily distance and an Iron is not the bike for you. The 883 will struggle with 130kgs. If you are dead set on a Harley, you would have to get the 1200 or the big bore kit (whatever its called) for the 883.

If you want a really good commuter for that daily distance, the Honda NC700X is cheap, comfy and a Honda. It may not be sexy but it does the job extremely well.

Stay away from Harley, any naked bike (no fairings and screen), sport bikes...You will regret that daily distance.

The BMW 1200GS is a great bike for that distance but its heavy and in my opinion, not the best bike to start on.

Some very nice bikes for you to look at...
Honda NC700X
Honda VFR 800 (can get 2nd hand for a good price and usually includes panniers)
Honda VFR800X
Honda CBF1000F
Yamaha FZ6R
Yamaha Tenere
Suzuki VSTROM 650 or 1000
Suzuki GSX650F
Triumph Tiger 800


Now, I wouldn't punt a 1000cc bike to a beginner but you are a big guy. Some of the 600s may struggle a little. The bikes I have listed are not a complete list and not the best recommendations to a new rider but

Remember though, a 600cc super sport bike vs a 1200 adventure are two different things. Don't just look at CCs. My 600 Hornet will smash an Iron 883 and a 1200 Sportster.

Usually, experienced riders would recommend a 250 Ninja to start...I disagree taking int account the factors you have stated.

Also, don't forget to budget for gear and training.

Thanks, I hear what you are saying. It leaves me hanging a bit as lizzard1981 said he loves his in terms of commute and he is about the same size as me... It is clear there is a preference thing involved as well, but thanks for giving me a list of bikes to go and look at. I am anal with research and will probably go and look at each one. The Harley is one of those I just really want it kind of things but you are right, there may be more practical options.

Training is non negotiable for me, so definately yeah and I will also get good gear. I am a bit of a scared ass, so will try to cover those bases. hehehe.

A Harley would be a terrible idea for daily commuting. Just my 2c

You should head over to the Think Bike forums.

I would agree with RandomGRK on the NC700X or Tenere.

I have a BMW GS and I cannot recommend it without sounding biased. Two really important questions though...

Have you got a learners or a full license?

Have you considered going for training? (I would encourage this) - there is nothing as dangerous as a "amateur" on a very powerful motorbike. Without trying you can easily hit 180kmph+ (if you aren't looking at a superbike) and it will end badly.


You should also go to the different dealerships and go for a ride on each type of bike. You won't know what bike will suit your body until you actually ride the bike.

I would again advise you do a course with ADA (Honda), BMW Academy (at Zwartkops) or similar - before you go and buy a bike.

I have a learners license and as previously mentioned, training is a definite. I am not really a speed freak, so I don't see that happening. I also consider myself a logical person and have many a time through that people (inexperienced people) that do those kind of things are just kind of stupid. This is where the Harley may be beneficial, it's not a fast bike, but at least powerful.

Yeah, I think the riding thing is what I will have to do. Any comments on how eager these guys are to let you test drive bikes? considering that I don't have to much experience and only a learners?

And thanks for the suggestions for training, I was only aware of one place, but will now go and check out all those!!

 

[RandomGRK]

Any comments on how eager these guys are to let you test drive bikes? considering that I don't have to much experience and only a learners?

In my experience it can be tough to find a bike to test ride. If you go to a Honda dealership with your own bike and tell the guy you want to test ride the CBR600RR, he will probably organise one for you in a few days. It depends on the bike and how popular it is.

I went to Triumph to test the Street Triple and it is almost impossible to find one as they are a lot more rare and when available, usually sold quite quickly.

If you really want to test ride, GO to Honda Cayenne and tell them you have pre-approval for finance/cash. Tell them you're looking to buy soon but you need to test ride your list of bikes. 3 or 4 bikes you may be able to get away with but not more. Set a date with the salesman and make it seem like this is your one stop shop and you wont buy from anywhere else. They have a huge collection of used bikes so organizing test rides will be easier there than at a small dealership...and dont tell him you are a noob. Just say you used to ride way back...

As for Lizzard having the 883 Iron for commuting...where does he commute from? A few kms maybe? You have over 100km per day of highway riding...trust me, you want to cut out the wind. On my Hornet which is a naked, highway riding can become extremely tiresome as it wasnt really developed for that. Its a city bike, as is the 883.

http://johannesburg.gumtree.co.za/c...scooters-Yamaha-2011-model-W0QQAdIdZ428576289
http://johannesburg.gumtree.co.za/c...rs-2009-HONDA-VFR-800-VTEC-W0QQAdIdZ258834851
http://johannesburg.gumtree.co.za/c...s-scooters-2009-BMW-F800ST-W0QQAdIdZ382648182
http://johannesburg.gumtree.co.za/c...ooters-2007-BMW-F800ST-ABS-W0QQAdIdZ423992840

The above are just some good deals on Gumtree.

 

[lizzard1981]

My 2c

As for Lizzard having the 883 Iron for commuting...where does he commute from? A few kms maybe? You have over 100km per day of highway riding...trust me, you want to cut out the wind. On my Hornet which is a naked, highway riding can become extremely tiresome as it wasnt really developed for that. Its a city bike, as is the 883.

I travel 80km's daily and I do stick to the speed limit of 120km/h on open roads, and I split lanes where it is safe to do so. The wind has not been an issue for me at all. I travel a lot on my bike, on open roads as well as in traffic, and as I say, I have no problem with wind and I do not have a windshield thing on my bike. I am a big guy and I have had a passenger on as well on my 883 and both times there was no problem with weight and no issue on driving. I love my 883 and am also not a speed freak that chases the next maximum speed I can go but stick to speed limits. And like I say, wind has never been an issue for me. And I do know that if the bit of wind generated does indeed bother you, you can always get a windshield put on your bike as well. So I honestly don't see the wind being an issue at all.

 

[Wikkels88]

Watching all the bike riders pass me from pta to jhb everyday, I have to say, I'm **** scared on their behalf, one small mistake by another car driver and you could be crippled for life, whereas if you were in a car, the same mistake would only cost you the excess payment on your insurance, anyway goodluck to the OP, because most people on the roads dont give a rats asss about bikers:wtf: