[QUOTE=SeabeckS;782397
PS. As an aside...I'm sorta old, but started my moto experience with a 305 Scrambler. A few years after that, I got a 450 Honda...and I thought it was "BIG". Funny how perceptions change...LOL[/QUOTE]
I work with a fellow from India. We were talking about motorcycles one day and Royal Enfield came up. He commented that Royal Enfield didn't make a small bike, their range started with a "big" 350 and went to a "huge" 500.
Sorry for the thread hijack
Paul
"Friends don't let friends ride junk!"
2011 R1200RT
I would get a used Japanese Cruiser in the 750cc range. I had a friend who had a Honda Shadow and another who had a Yamaha Verago (now Star). They were both very nice handling bikes with low seats, good power, were easy to ride and they handled nice. They are also plentiful on the used market. Keep in mind that they are not all alike, especially Honda. They had both smooth running ones and ones designed to vibrate like a Harley and they had different riding positions. I wouldn't worry about fuel injection.
'You can say what you want about the South, but I almost never hear of anyone wanting to retire to the North.
Black 86 R80RT Brown 03 R1200CLC
Thank you all for the advice. Gonna check out the Bonne's. Love the looks of that bike.
Rod
95 K75
07 R1200RT
I went to a 750 Honda cruiser after not riding for 30+ years. Sweet bike.
Anthony S.
2008 R1200RT and soon to be delivered 2012 R1200GS
My brother was a re-entry rider in his late 50s after not riding for around 25 years. He got a Honda 750 Aero Shadow cruiser (shaft drive) and really loved it. Low seat, easy to handle, reasonably priced used. Then he won a Harley in a raffle and has gone to the dark side forever ;-)
My own story... re-entry at 64 year old after 30+ years not riding. Wanted something that could do light touring, not be real heavy, be reasonably reliable, etc. Ended up on a 1993 k75RT. So far, I'm happy with it and haven't made a move to "upgrade." But, I'm 6'3" and can see how the seating position might be a bit high for your Dad. Think they have a low seat option as well though I've not tried one. Mine has ABS and EFI which I find really nice.
Good luck and have fun shopping!
Carl
Carl
'93 K75RT
I second the Bonneville. You can get one in cruiser form or the classic upright. Plenty of power, can get one injected or carbed dependent on the year. By a used one and not much damage on a resale. They are reliable and sweet looking. I would opt for theit solo seat for comfort or an aftermarket one. Plenty of aftermarket farkles.
Exactly my situation...same age only I'm a couple inches taller...6'5". I started with a Honda S90 back in the 60's, then to a 305 Scrambler then to a CB350. Along the way I've ridden everything from mopeds to a Harley ElectraGlide. Haven't ridden much (any, really) since early 80's. My brother decided to sell his 83 R100RS so I took it off his hands a few months ago. Always wanted a Beemer. I've only ridden it a couple hundred miles so far but at this point I'm not sure it's right for me. I'm thinking that something like an R65 or thereabouts would be more in line with what I want and would use it for. I doubt I'd ever do any long distance stuff, maybe 100 mile ride now and then. Jury's still out, tho. I'll ride it some more and see how it goes. It's just too damned hot down here to ride much this time of year, tho. We'll see...Originally Posted by CarlNH
My perspective comes from being a 20 year MSF instructor, and having had many students in the 50+ age range. Especially as a new rider, engine size itself is not the real issue, so much as bike size and weight. I'd go for something with reasonable engine size, 500cc to 750cc, but somewhat light and narrow. Upright seating style is always a priority, so stay away from any of the sport bikes not matter how great they may look. Sport bikes are not suitable for anybody as a starter bike.
The BMW F650, G650, F800ST, K75C or K75S are all good BMW choices. An Airhead in the 800cc range is a good choice because it is light and nimble, but still can cruise all day at 70 mph.
Non BMWs include: Suzuki GS500, SV650 (excellent choice) or 650 V-Strom (even better choice), Kawasaki EX500, 650R Ninja or Versys, Yamaha 650 Star.
I don't buy the "get it big enough right away" because the first years of riding is still learning the basics of riding unless your dad was a stellar/strong rider in the MSF class with a "natural/intuitive" sense for riding (those are few by the way). Buy something light and narrow and learn to ride it well enough to take the MSF ERC or BRC2 as a follow up course (the learning never stops). Consider it as paying your dues to ride something bigger.
Keep in mind, the people that say, "just buy the bike you want and you'll learn to ride it" really ONLY applies to THAT person, not the riding public in general. I used to say, "anybody can ride any bike in a straight line", HA, not so!
Woodenshoe to Cheesehead
As mentioned a newer Triumph Bonneville or their cruiser styled America model might be just the ticket to get him started. Used units in superb condition are out there , plenty of forum support and FARKLES galore !!
My short wide friend just bought himself a Suzuki Burgman 650 scooter..He loves it and it will outrun my BMWs.
'You can say what you want about the South, but I almost never hear of anyone wanting to retire to the North.
Black 86 R80RT Brown 03 R1200CLC
I'd add the Honda Shadows to this list which gives our friend a really wide choice of bikes on which to start riding again.
Awesome responses guys! We really appreciate it. SV650 is really interesting...gonna go see one today.
I personally love the V strom, but I'm concerned with the seat height for a shorter rider.
Rod
95 K75
07 R1200RT
I'll second this. Nice bike, and relatively low saddle height. Beemers aren't for everybody, especially those who are "vertically challenged".
Wee Strom's can be lowered a pretty good amount.
I dropped mine 1.5" in the rear and an inch in front, 28" inseam and i was almost flat footed then.
If you decide on a Strom, I recommend you hold out for a 2012 model, they worked a lot on fixing the design that caused terrible buffeting for many, me included.
I would lean toward the BMW F650GS with lowered suspension over the Vstrom if I was interested in low seat height
Anthony S.
2008 R1200RT and soon to be delivered 2012 R1200GS
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