Advice on a new bike

lhudson · L Plate Warrior Joined: 03 Sep 2011 Karma :

Hi,
I've just passed my direct access course and I want to find my first big bike. I really like big cruisers like the suzuki Intruder 800 and that kind of thing but the reason I really wanted to get into biking was the performance aspect. I want the rush of acceleration you cant get with a car! I'm used to fast cars, I had an MR2 that had 300bhp, will an Intruder 800 have performance anything like it? I know I could just get a sports bike but if a cruiser still does 0-60 in 4secs I would rather the looks and the comfort. Are cruisers still quick when compared to cars?
Thanks
Lee

Oldie · Brolly Dolly Joined: 05 Dec 2010 Karma :

Look at the quater mile times on MCN reviews. That might give you a guide although they are notoriously wrong.

Angel Girl · Scooby Slapper Joined: 12 Jul 2011 Karma :

I've just passed my MOD 2 aswell ... and mine is a Honda CB500S, nice bomb proof bike so it'll survive if I drop it or anything while I'm getting mileage under my belt and gain confidence and experience. I'd highly recommend it to be honest! I understand what you're saying about the rush of powerful bikes, and I'm looking forward to that too, but that only comes with experience so I wouldn't even try to aim for that yet, you'll either kill yourself or wreck a decent bike, because bikes have far more power than cars when you consider the weight difference. I've been driving for 17 years and also have had and still have/love fast cars, but it's a totally different ball game riding a powerful bike! You need to do what I'm doing, pay your dues and bide your time on a smaller bike while you get experience, then work your way up to the big fast ones.
____________________
Rides Honda CB500S aka "The Orange Peril"

Oldie · Brolly Dolly Joined: 05 Dec 2010 Karma :

Angel, that's one of the great things about passing your test - being able to jump on a CB500 and experience real riding. It's a good bike, full stop. Not just to hone your skills on. Passed my test on one and still hanker after owning one. Good choice Thumbs Up

Angel Girl · Scooby Slapper Joined: 12 Jul 2011 Karma :

Thanks Oldie!

I'm loving it to be honest Smile

____________________
Rides Honda CB500S aka "The Orange Peril"

P.addy · Red Rocket Joined: 14 Feb 2008 Karma :

Fast cars and fast bikes are a different ball game.

I have a 750cc bike that will annihilate most cars on the road anyway.. apart from exotics.. like proper expensive 200k + cars Laughing

I also have owned a fast car, biking is totally different.

100hp in a sports bike will easily out do a 400hp car in terms of acceleration.
Maybe not top end, but definitely the first 100mph, maybe even first 140.

My car against an R6... he still left me standing up till about 130 where I could start pulling a bit closer...

Intruders, lardy buggers... I dont think they corner well.. but straight line acceleration should have cars.

chris-red · Have you considered a TDM? Joined: 21 Sep 2005 Karma :

Unless you get a super cruiser like a Thunderbird/Rocket 3/V-rod, it will be slow off the mark. Cruisers are style over subtance the performance is simply not there. It will probably have 50 ish bhp and weigh 200+kg for a bike to do 0-60 in sub 4 seconds it would probably need nearly double that power.
____________________
Well, you know what they say. If you want to save the world, you have to push a few old ladies down the stairs.
Skudd:- Perhaps she just thinks you are a window licker and is being nice just in case she becomes another Jill Dando.
WANTED:- Fujinon (Fuji) M42 (Screw on) lenses, let me know if you have anything.