New Rider...would like some input

[BillyBill]

Hey all....I'm looking to buy a vtx 1300, have been shopping for a long time looking at all the options and so far am set on the vtx. I used to ride off road, but never street. Do you think for a first time bike, starting out with the 1300 might be a bit much, or would anyone recommend going with like a 750cc engine type to start with? I personally opt to go straight with the 1300, because I'm afraid once I get something less, I'll want the bigger and badder one soon after....and I don't want to second guess my purchase. Plus, the cost different is so insignificant!

Any input would be appreciated....from personal experience.

Bill :D

give me a call @ 509-946-3731 one of these days and we can talk. its too hard to convey that much on here.

Chris
Wash St Coord.

[Hodad]

Hey all....I'm looking to buy a vtx 1300, have been shopping for a long time looking at all the options and so far am set on the vtx. I used to ride off road, but never street. Do you think for a first time bike, starting out with the 1300 might be a bit much, or would anyone recommend going with like a 750cc engine type to start with? I personally opt to go straight with the 1300, because I'm afraid once I get something less, I'll want the bigger and badder one soon after....and I don't want to second guess my purchase. Plus, the cost different is so insignificant!

Any input would be appreciated....from personal experience.

Bill :D

Nope. Not too much at all. You wanna know about the 1300 go to the 1300 forum and ask anyone there and they will tell you how well they love their bike. And perhaps a couple who don't like it so well, either way you can get a good handle on it. I have one and think it's the best IMHO. It handles well and has excellent power and looks damn good too!

I am not of the camp of starting off small. And the 1300 is not small. I had mine sitting side by side to a Heritage Softtail and it's bigger then it. Since you are so close and we have several guys really close by, we could probably hook you up with some that have had some mods, and another that is stock.

I've had mine over a year now, and well over 23K on it and it gets better with every mile. I ride day in day out rain or shine. Do a search on my posts, I'm a heavy contributor here, but just taking a break.

Good luck. The hardest part of your decision will be what color to get!

[craneguy]

:D Got to agree with WAVTX, the only suggestion I would make is take the MC riders course offered by the Evergreen safety council. I started on dirt and believe that is invaluable expierance. I don't live too far from you and would be glad to show off my bike! Hinshaws will let you test ride if you have your endorsement.
http://bigbikeriders.com/photopost/data/500/1467Web_Full_Frontal_Beauty_2-med.jpg

[BillyBill]

I was pretty confident i'd stick to my guns and go with the 1300......haven't gotten endorsed yet, nor have i taken the test to get the instruction permit, which i will very soon. :lol: I'm way too anxious...i've been planning for the day that i'd get "my" bike for probably 5 years...just had to get some other things in order. Plan to take the safety course also......so i'm covering all bases. I over analyze everything before making a decision, so thanks for your input. Can't wait to be in with the cool "VTX" crowd!

laters! :pepper1: (how I look on a daily basis for the "countdown" to VTX-day)

[Hodad]

Cool. You'll do great I'm sure. Couple things for you to read:

Proficient Motorcycling
More Proficient Motorcycling (Both by David Hough)

IMHO, 2 of the most beneficial things you can read to get your head ready for the ride.

And, if you can borrow, or buy: How to Ride like a Pro (Tape or DVD) by Jerry Paladino. http://www.ridelikeapro.com or avail here at HDL.

Learn to motor your scoot with confidence, no duck walking, slow roll, U turns, Fig 8's, cone weaves, using the clutch in the friction zone, proper brake techniques. In fact, I know people who've after reviewing this video and practicing have literally aced their MSF course test.

Couple of things that have helped me keep the rubber on the road and avoid some near fatal mishaps. Yes, I've had 2 so far that by rights I shouldn't be here, but things in those two books and that video and practice kept my head in the ride.

Good luck my friend. Yer gonna love yer X when you get her.

Let me know if you need help with anything.

Al