First Big Bike, is a 1000cc sports tourer a bad idea?

Chuck125 · L Plate Warrior Joined: 06 Jul 2011 Karma :

I will be getting a first big bike in the next few months, having passed my DAS.

I am 6 foot 4 and 16 stones, aged 22. I would like my bike to be a sports tourer, and essentially could use some advice on whether a 800-1000 cc bike will be too much for me to handle.

I want a bike which suits my frame, keeps a more sporty look, but can handle longer motorway trips, and possibly trips into Europe (Italy), with paniers and a box.

I was considering some of the following:

Triumph ST 1050
Ducati ST2 950
Honda VFR 800/750
Pan European 1100

Anyone have any other suggestions?

That these bikes have similar horsepower, weigh more and handle less keenly than a 600 supersport, are they 'too much'? They are actually less expensive to insure that a CBR600F interestingly, which I am also considering, but isn't really a tourer, or a luggage carrying bike.

Basically, am I likely to become a statistic on these sorts of bikes as they are larger displacement? Feel free to tell me not to be so stupid...

This thread on why not to get a supersport 600 may be of interest as well;

https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=212850

Frost · World Chat Champion Joined: 26 May 2004 Karma :

Basically the more sporty something is the smaller and less comfortable it is.
I know a guy about your size who does what you want to do, he rides a thunderace.
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P.addy · Red Rocket Joined: 14 Feb 2008 Karma :

Never "too much"

I would say you cant really go wrong with a nice low-ish miles VFR800. Would assume given their previous praise they are fantastic tourers and cope well loaded up.

Probably not the style you want, as its not sporty as such, but I recently had a test ride on a Triumph Tiger 1050, 2009 model... Must say I really enjoyed it...and I'm on a sports bike and wank over the plastic covered bikes Laughing

Okeydokey · Scooby Slapper Joined: 13 Sep 2011 Karma :

I've seen quite few old BMW's around that might suit the bill for a larger starter bike, that said the idea of all that plastic shattering would put me off!
From what I can tell falling off is a 'when' question not an 'if', so getting something naked, or that can be nakedified easily might be an idea that will keep you on the road longer? It also seems to me that this is how most street fighters get started as projects Confused

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garth · World Chat Champion Joined: 15 Dec 2004 Karma :

If you have as little self control as me, a big first bike is a dumb idea.
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stevo as b4 · World Chat Champion Joined: 17 Jul 2003 Karma :

They all sound fine to me, as would even a hyper sports tourer like a CBR1000F, ZZR11, Blackbird or Busa.

A big first bike is not a bad thing, but IMO a heavy first bike is more to be avoided, unless you are a big lad and feel that you can handle it physically ok.

A large powerful and predicable engine with a smooth and step free linear power delivery is much easier to use for a beginner than a high revving needs to be thrashed for decent pace smaller engine or even equal sized 1000 like the modern gen 1L sporstbikes.

If the OP feels comfy and can handle the size and weight and the riding position suits, then id say he'd be far better off with a big powerful and stable bike, than a new R6 which for a tall and decent built person would be horrible and frustrating to someone who doesn't feel that they can use it properly and get the best from the peaky engine and razor sharp steering etc.

Scooty · Spanner Monkey Joined: 30 Apr 2010 Karma :

My first big bike was a VFR800 - I'm 6' 4" too, so was looking for something that would fit comfortably. Was a little worrying going out on it for the first time, but your speed is controlled entirely by your right hand!

Sit on the bikes you are interested in, see which is the most comfy. Very Happy

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Knot600RR · Scooby Slapper Joined: 25 Aug 2011 Karma :

No issue about buying a large capacity bike as a first machine, although your insurance company may disagree.

JoeDougieDoug... · World Chat Champion Joined: 25 Oct 2011 Karma :

I have a friend who went straight from a CBR125 to a Yamaha YZF 1000 Thunderace - I don't think he has had any problems with the transition. If you've got the money and you ride sensibly (know your limits), then go for it.
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Kickstart · The Oracle Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Karma :

Hi

How much experience have you had on bikes? 3 days wobbling round doing DAS or a couple of years on 125s and 250s?

Getting onto something that will crack 150mph with ease and is flexible enough that you might not notice your speed increasing from 70 to 120 doesn't seem like a good idea for a novice.

All the best

Keith
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Teflon-Mike · tl;dr Joined: 01 Jun 2010 Karma :

Chuck125 · L Plate Warrior Joined: 06 Jul 2011 Karma :

Thank you for such a useful response everyone.

Kickstart · The Oracle Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Karma :

Hi

At least you will have 6 months experience with a geared bike.

That leaves coping with the weight and the power.

Weight is down to experience, and to be honest even a porky 125 will help a lot there (ie, its not the actual weight that is the problem, it is how much more effect it has when the bike is leaning over a bit).

Power is different. Some larger bikes can go very quickly with no effort at all (ie, many years ago I took a Triumph Thophy 1200 for a test ride - accelerating past 110mph it felt like my FZ750 at 70mph), others might need more effort. More touring orientated bikes tend to be those where performance is more effortless (even if compared to a sportier bike the ultimate performance is rather less). Arriving at a corner at 100mph when you think you are doing 50 and need to slow to 30 to get round it is not a healthy place to be.

The corollary to that is that more sedate bike tend not to encourage you to thrash them ; they don't behave like a devil on your shoulder saying "faster, faster, go on, is that all you can manage".

All the best

Keith
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Chuck125 · L Plate Warrior Joined: 06 Jul 2011 Karma :

Kickstart · The Oracle Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Karma :

Hi

Actual weight is not something I would directly worry about. Get the bike to 45 degrees leaning away from you when pushing it and you are likely to drop it whether it weighs 100kg or 300kg. It is keeping it upright and being prepared for how much more it appears to weigh when leaning over a bit that you have hopefully learnt.

All the best

Keith
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Teflon-Mike · tl;dr Joined: 01 Jun 2010 Karma :

Howling TerrorOutOfOffice · Super Spammer Joined: 05 Dec 2008 Karma :

My ST2 fully laden is 66 stones (420kg). It takes time to 'acclimatise' yourself to the weight, especially when moving it about on foot or slow tight turns. I bet the ST2 isn't the heaviest bike in your list. Of course you'll remember and know how to add extra preload or you might find it running wide in corners or the forks bottoming out when braking hard. Speaking of brakes, and i can only vouch for the Duc..they're rather good and required learning. Surprised

Your throttle control will be tested. The 944 ST2 is probably the least powerful bike in your list. 83bhp at the crank and 63 pound of torque. That's still enough to spin the rear wheel in the wet in 3rd gear. The time spent on my 250 taught me a few things about that, and many many other aspects.

You're a tall bloke..are you flexible? Smile

The ST2 ergonomically is slightly more Sports than Tour. So to ride it properly you assume a semi crouch position. I'm fine with it and have ridden from dawn to dusk no problems.

Last thing is be honest with yourself. Are your skills up to it.
You want it to be an enjoyable learning experience, not having a butt clencher every other day.
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Chuck125 · L Plate Warrior Joined: 06 Jul 2011 Karma :

Chuck125 · L Plate Warrior Joined: 06 Jul 2011 Karma :

Update:

It appears that my Varadero 125 may have been written off today by someone not looking while reversing (full liability admitted).

If this is the case, I would be interested to hear suggestions about what bike would be recommended if I wasn't to jump to a Big Bike, remembering that it needs to suit my frame.

So, having gone 50cc-->125 cc scooters-->125 Varadero-->X?-->large Sports Tourer.

What would you recommend stage X to be? Does there need to be an bike inbetween, maybe a 250, 500 or 600?

I appreciate the continuing help!

Howling TerrorOutOfOffice · Super Spammer Joined: 05 Dec 2008 Karma :

What did you do your DAS on? Bet it felt comfy and nippy. I'd start from there.
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Teflon-Mike · tl;dr Joined: 01 Jun 2010 Karma :

Divvy 9.
Or a CB500
I'd go for the Divvy.
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Benson_JV · World Chat Champion Joined: 04 May 2010 Karma :

Personally now that your varadero has bit the dust, I'd just go for whatever it was you were planning on prior. Big 'ol sports tourer.
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garth · World Chat Champion Joined: 15 Dec 2004 Karma :

What about something like a 600 Fazer?
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Cadbury · Crazy Courier Joined: 05 Oct 2011 Karma :

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

Consider a TDM900 too, Cracking bikes.
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