About To Be New Western New York Rider

[bowsrus]

Hello all,
My name is Bill.
I just completed the MSF course this weekend and am planning on buying a VXT 1300S this spring.
I plan on using it to commute to work and to ride around with the wife on the weekends.
Anyone out there in my area that would be willing to give me any suggestions or to even ride with me while I'm getting the feel of it that would contact me here would be greatly appreciated.
I intend on buying my bike from Hamburg Honda. Are there any statements I may want to consider in that decision ?
It's going to be a long winter waiting to buy this bike.
Thanks.
Bill

[Bob Hamby]

Greetings Bill, I live out near Canandaigua Lake. I found that there are a lot of great people who love to ride. They will help you in any way they can. Go to a couple of car / bike nights and introduce yourself to a few of the riders. Yes it is going to be a long winter, my VTX is already put away. You will have a lot of fun when you finally get your bike. You can spend the winter looking for all the other things you will need for ridding; helmets, jackets, gloves etc. As far as buying the bike goes you can check the price out on this board but in New York the price will probably be higher then most other parts of the country.
Goog luck,
Bob

[bowsrus]

Hey Bob,
Thanks for the reply.
Once I get ridding we should try to get together.
I am familiar with your area as I have some friends in Penn Yan.
I have already picked up alot of the gear I need except for full face helmets. I spent some time this summer going to a couple bike shows and gatherings looking around and picking up stuff for good deals.
I have already seen some of the prices on this site from around the rest of the country and it almost makes me want to travel to buy my bike. However I don't have a trailer and I don't want to learn the intricacies of a new bike ridding from OH or TN.
Well, have a good winter, I'm going to try to keep my jonesing to ride down buy doing some X-country skiing if we get enough snow.
Bill

[gatorboy]

Welcome, I actually purchased my 1800c from hamburg honda in april they are a good bunch of people. It would be great to get together when the weather gets better. Why are you going for the 1300 instead of the 1800. Honestly the 18 is an awesome motorcycle and with the rebates available you might want to consider it
Mike Gordon

[bowsrus]

Mike,
Thanks for the good words about Hamburg Honda.
I guess to honestly answer your question I would have to say That I want the 1300 because it would be my first bike and a large first bike at that. That being said, I thought the 1800 might be a little to heavy for me. I'm not a very large person and after sitting on the 1300 I thought that it would be handleable. Of course I base this decision without having tried to stand up the 1800. I think the next time I get to the dealer I will try it.
My other reason was the cost. I didn't know about any rebates. I'll have to look into that also.
If you want we could get together and go to Hamburg over the winter to look. I don't have any motorcycling friends to do this with so I have been learning as I go.
If your interested send me personal message and we will get together.
Thanks.
Bill

[BillF]

Mike,
Thanks for the good words about Hamburg Honda.
I guess to honestly answer your question I would have to say That I want the 1300 because it would be my first bike and a large first bike at that. That being said, I thought the 1800 might be a little to heavy for me. I'm not a very large person and after sitting on the 1300 I thought that it would be handleable. Of course I base this decision without having tried to stand up the 1800. I think the next time I get to the dealer I will try it.
My other reason was the cost. I didn't know about any rebates. I'll have to look into that also.
If you want we could get together and go to Hamburg over the winter to look. I don't have any motorcycling friends to do this with so I have been learning as I go.
If your interested send me personal message and we will get together.
Thanks.
Bill

Hi Bill,

I, too, have few motorcycle friends. So would be happy to link up. I'm in Clarence - bought my 1800 at WNY Cycle and have had VERY positive ongoing experience w/ them. I agree w/ a previous post that the 1800 is a GREAT bike, and handles well once you get used to it. But I also think you're right to be concerned about size/heft for your first bike. I have no doubt that a number of the early season MC accidents/deaths this year were due to newbies being bikes that were too big for 'em. Tho, they made other mistakes as well.

Certainly you should check out the 1800, but choose carefully. Even the 1300 is a big bike. Having completed the MSF course, you should have a pretty good idea of your capabilities. I strongly recommend test driving different bikes. If you like the feel of a bike after the first few tight turns, it would probably be an OK choice for you.

Personally, I feel that there is ALOT to learn for safe riding and you certainly don't need to be focused on ponderous bike specific challenges while you are simultaneously trying to develop safe driving habits. After all, many cage drivers ARE out to get ya!

Anyhow, let me know if you want to get together.

Bill

[gatorboy]

Bill, Id be more than happy to go with you, just let me know when. The 1800 really doesnt show its weight untill you try to maneuver in very tight places. Honestly thee 1300 and 1800 are pretty close in size. The bigeest differance is the motor. Honestly the 18 can be mellow if you want it to be. It is on the heavy side though. Mike

[hilf]

Bill,
Whatever you finally purchase, you'll have a period of adjustment. I went from a '83 goldwing (not too small) to the 1800R. The difference in handling was immediately obvious, especially when going slow or trying to make a tight turn on a typical street. I talked to a 1800N owner before my purchase and was informed of the low speed maneuverability. On the road it handles beautifully. I haven't test ridden the 1300 but the difference in handling can't be much seeing that it is nearly as big. I was sold on the 1800's fuel injection and solid feel plus my past experience with Honda products. Good luck on your future purchase decision and ride safely. :)