I
am more than happy to share my thoughts about my ride in the
hopes that it will help someone else making that tough "first
bike" decision.
I am just barely 5' 4" so I had to do some research finding
bikes with a low enough seat height. My criteria was that it
had to be at least 750cc and sit low enough for one foot to
fully reach the ground and the other to barely touch as a minimum.
The last bike I rode over 24 years ago was a 250cc (don't even
remember what it was -LOL) and though it was a great starter
size I was always wishing it would grow.
My first choice was the Yamaha V-Star Custom. I loved how she
looked. When I went to the dealer I had my heart set on getting
one. I sat on the V-Star and was broken hearted at how uncomfortable
and awkward it felt to me. The combination of the foot pegs
and gas tank didn't work with my stubby legs. (What a curse!)
So I started wandering around the store and spotted this beautiful
black and chrome 2001 Honda Shadow ACE 750 Deluxe. I sat on
her and boy did she feel comfortable - but I could barely put
both feet down and was a little concerned. When the salesman
told me she was the first and only black 2001 Shadow he had
in stock - that clinched it. No one else was getting her. Because
the dealer was located inside the city limits in a high traffic
area, I had a friend bring her home for me.
The first thing I did was to buy a new pair of boots with a
slightly taller heel. That took care of the footing problem
for the most part. I probably put about 1200 miles on the bike
before I felt comfortable with her size. Though every once in
awhile I still feel like Widower is the one in control and not
me. <g> She feels well balanced and handles great.
I still have to watch it when the winds are gusting over 25
mph. Moving is no problem - she is big enough to take the gusts.
Sitting at lights I have to make sure I've got a good stance
and a firm hold on the scoot - I almost blew over once. Would
that have been embarrassing! I have dropped her once (stalled
doing a u-turn from a curb with an incline). Without the full-size
crash bar, I don't think I could have gotten her back up by
myself. I lift weights, so that probably helped, too. The only
damage was to my ego and the left tail light. The tail light
was easily replaced - my ego stayed bruised for awhile. (LOL!)
She has over 3000 miles on her now and has been mechanically
perfect. I initially had problems with 5th gear being stubborn
but it worked itself out after about 300 miles. She also needs
to be in first gear before coming to a full stop or you'll be
stuck at a green light trying to get her into first. She's only
been to the shop for her checkup and I recently had new pipes
installed and the carburetor rejetted. The stock pipes are nice
looking but way too quiet for me. I could sneak up on kids playing
in the road which was a concern.
I take her everywhere - local roads, freeway, etc. I've had
her up to 85 mph and she handles it all. She's very comfortable
for rides. The only thing I plan to change to make her even
more comfortable is to add risers to the handlebars. I have
to reach out a bit to grip them and would prefer my elbows to
be closer to my body with a bit more bend. It hasn't been a
problem so far but I'm planning a 7 hour ride this summer and
I think it might become uncomfortable after a while.
A lot of people told me I should start out again on a used,
smaller bike. Learning on a larger bike is very do-able. You
just spend a little more time practicing in the parking lots
and cruising the deserted back roads before jumping into traffic.
Riding with 2 or 3 others also helps. They can watch out for
you and act as guardians in traffic. Plus, the car drivers are
more apt to see a group of bikes. This gives you a little bit
of room for making small mistakes while you learn and get used
to the bike.
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Rider
Review: 2002 Honda Shadow 750 A.C.E.