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13 Posts
I need a bike. There's a 500 in a dealership near me. Maybe it should be mine.
Took a beginner's class this weekend and now I don't want a bike.
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205 Posts
Just took my street 500 out today and put 50 miles on it, buy it and you'll never look back with regrets. Don't let anybody convince you it doesn't have any power, be in the right gear at the right time and it will throw you back in the seat.
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43 Posts
I know this is and Street forum but test ride a Dyna/Softail cruiser and the Fat Bob, particularly, if you're considering an H-D.
The forward controls make the seating position very comfortable (for me, at least, at 6 feet tall).
The bike handles surprising well and you may not even notice the extra weight.
Gear changes are very smooth.
But... most of all... it's torque of the 103 cu. in. engine that makes riding easier and enjoyable! There is a lot of range in each gear and you can shift when it's more convenient. It's actually a lot harder to learn on a bike that requires more work.
Finally, driving experience actually matters the most because, on a bike, you have to predict bad traffic situations. That, more than anything, will keep you safe.
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67 Posts
I just witnessed a new rider on a brand new Vrod. It was way too much bike for him. He high sided the bike on the median within 10 minutes of ownership. Not pretty. Lesson learned is buy a bike you can handle and move up with experience. Maybe a Dyna/Softail is right for you but be absolutely sure before spending that kind of money.
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43 Posts
The V-Rod Muscle has nearly twice as much horsepower than a 103 bike.
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67 Posts
True. But more power of any kind is more power. The point is have the experience to a handle whatever the power is.
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43 Posts
More torque means less gear shifting (lugging) and that makes things easier by allowing the riding to concentrate a little more on traffic. The Sportster 1200 & the Fat Bob have nearly identical 0-60 and 1/4 miles, IIRC, but the Fat Bob is much easier to ride. It's a very docile bike. There isn't even much a exhaust note until you roll on hard.
I haven't ridden a 500 but I'm not sure I'd want to take it on a freeway. Insufficient power can be a bad thing too. For it's intended purpose (running around town), I sure it's fine.
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1,135 Posts
very true
good low end power does help if you're in the city more and need more power in lower speed ranges.
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645 Posts
I can agree with you on the torque. Less shiting, the torque carries the bike through the gear well more or less tooths.
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33 Posts
someone say highside?
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gahh, keep it shinny side up...
gahh, keep it shinny side up...
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43 Posts
But... he's wearing a helmet so it's all pretty copasetic.someone say highside?
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gahh, keep it shinny side up...
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125 Posts
I ride the 500 on the freeways in California. It has plenty of power to keep up with traffic. It is a perfect little commute bike, easy to split lanes with her. It is legal here to split. But with that said. It is a small quiet bike. I wear a bright orange vest when commuting. On my Road King Classic which is large and loud I would never were my commuter vest. Just saying....
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205 Posts
You need to liven that puppy up like I did mine with a new Screaming Eagle muffler. No it won't be as loud as Your Rd., King classic but it will make a statement and let people know that you're there.
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645 Posts
Flamegirl do you plan on doing stage 1 soon?
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125 Posts
@HarleyVest, No, I am doing very little to the bike right now. I purchased the mirror extenders (a must do mod) last night, and have put on the axle covers. I need to save a few bucks before I do anything big to the bike.
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205 Posts
Yes, it frees up that back pressure so it feels smoother like a Cat-back muffler would do for a car.
I will be doing the same thing at 1000mil service call. Will be adding K&M air filter and have stage one done,too. Just the muffler alone gives it some pep. You also can tell when to shift better or when bike is in the right gear by the sound. Overall it just sounds right, IMO. Not everyones cut of tea though.
Get a tach.
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