Midrange 900cc experience builder or a 1700cc 'forever bike'? (Lived and rode abroad)

[meyo]

Hi,

 

It would be great to hear from anyone who might have had a similar dilemma and could share from their experiences. I'm just about to get my first road bike in the UK (not including the 50cc I had at 16 (25 years ago) and I can't decide on a midrange 900cc experience builder or a 1700cc 'forever bike'. The thinking being that the midrange (lighter, easier, less tempting) would help gain an understanding of other road users, where I lived bikes/bikers were revered, respected and given priority out on the road. Sadly I can see this is clearly not the case here in the UK and many people seem to wear cameras on their helmets to record the violations. 

 

I lived abroad and had a customised 400cc V-twin Honda Steed (Shadow) which I rode daily for three years and a 750cc 4-cylinder full custom bike which I rode daily for about a year (this was 17 years ago), I pretty much lived on the bikes, was in a gang and rode in all conditions and long durations. Since then I use bikes just for a week at a time when abroad, always love it, never a problem. 

 

At the moment my bike dilemma is between a Kawasaki VN900 because it'll be comfy, will do the job and take very little effort; I'm thinking this would be an asset whilst I get to grips with UK drivers and the mass of smart phone users now present. Other option to try and find the money to go straight for my dream 'forever bike' would be a Harley Softail Slim, I occasionally get tempted by the idea of a Fat Boy because they look sweet too and you can pick up older models for less money. I know a Slim would be a much better match than a Fat Boy though. Whatever I get it'll be a comfy v-twin cruiser with forward controls.   

 

Be great to hear from anyone who thinks they might be able to help. Also open to bike ideas. I'm thinking VN900 because of cost, ease of use, comfort, performance (ability and limitation), reliability, sufficient ground clearance and manoeuvring. I'm thinking 2018> Slim for same reasons minus the performance limitations + forever bike. 

 

Me short hair full custom 750cc... I had those pipes made, they spat fire  Other pick of me is 400cc Steed custom. Good times, looking forwards to riding again.  

 

 

[Ian Frog]

Would be correct in thinking that @LauraS works with you?

If not you might like to compare notes.

Cheers

Ian

[meyo]

Hi Ian, 

 

Thank you, I checked out that link but that's not me and has no reference to what I'm looking at. FYI, I didn't have a licence at all when I lived abroad. I have no issue with UK licence, UK insurance or anything else just pondering bikes but thank you for trying,

 

Luke

 

 

[Ian Frog]

Look forward to seeing you up and riding.

Either the 900 or the Softail will be good things to explore on.

Have fun.

Cheers

Ian

[meyo]

Cool, thank you Ian

[bonio]

Why not visit some dealers and take a couple of bikes out for a test ride to get the feel of riding them on your local roads?

[meyo]

Good advice, thank you Bonio. I'll keep looking. I'm down in Cornwall and out of all the dealers I've called I found one dealer with a cruiser an hour from me, it was a Honda Rebel 1100. Seemed like a great value, experience gaining, option and said to have forward controls but I drove up to see it and although liked things about the aesthetic I couldn't comfortably sit on the bike with my hip flexes so didn't take it out. Not what I consider forward controls and no option to adapt on that bike. Was still helpful though as wiped out a whole class/style/sizing of bikes. I know it's not for everyone but I like being stretched out and comfy  

[Bender]

That's the thing with bikes, has to be right for you, can be best bike in the world but if its not a good fit or you don't like the look of it what's the point. 

 

Happy shopping  

[Mississippi Bullfrog]

Go for the one you really want. If it's the attitude of motorists that's bothering you there's no point going for something that will please them but not be the bike you really want.

 

If my experience is anything to go by, I ride a Honda CBF500 for work and a Triumph Bobber for days out. The Honda is anonymous, the Bobber tends to get noticed. I find more motorists move over with a thumbs up when I'm on the Bobber.

[meyo]

Thank you Bender and Mississippi, top advice and much appreciated.