This is a list of the highest displacement bikes. I never rode anything that big, so I wonder how people can possible handle them, particularly at slow speeds.
My previous bike was a Honda VFR 1200 and it was 600 lbs. I had a terrible time getting it to turn at slow speeds. It would always go way wide, much more so than the VFR 750 it replaced.
I rode Harley electraglides for decades. Piece of cake. I know a 93 pound 65 year old lady who rides her 800 pound Harley. Technique.
Interestingly, the giantTriumph is only 146 HP. I have a KTM with 160, and it weighs 503#! It is not as much as engine size as performance and output. More is better!
I rode singles for years, lightweight nimble and fast then I rode sidecars slower but lots of panache. Then came the GL 1500 800 lbs plus dry but a blast to ride and nothing falls off it but me [emoji6] but it's a pig to lift up when you drop it! It's fine at slow speeds but it took a while to get used to not being able to see the front wheel.
My Honda Goldwing and my Victory Vision were both well over 800 lbs each. They are designed with a low center of gravity, and I had no problem with slow speed manuevering. Even a top heavy bike like a big Harley can be managed. You would be surprised at how easy it is once you get used to it.
I owned and rode 2 - GL1800 GoldWings... they were a easy to maneuver ... never dropped either of them.. both had over 70,000 miles on the clock when I got rid of them... since I just sold my 2014 Spyder... I am thinking my next ride will be another GoldWing.. but it will be next summer before I do buy another bike..
Technique is truly key, and it takes years of riding/practice. It still cracks me up to see an inexperienced rider buy a monster bagger and try to muscle it around.
My two wheeler is a Kawasaki Voyager 1700 it weighs 895 lbs wet without anything in the bags or trunk. It is hard to pick up but I have done it myself. In a gravel lot it's not much fun but on the road it's a great touring cruiser.
I never felt comfortable turning sharp at low speeds on my Harley Ultra and was always amazed at the police mc teams going through their obstacle course. These guys can make these bikes dance. Now it might be easier to learn on some else's bike!
Thats one of the top reasons I went to a Spyder, never felt comfortable with the weight. Parking on the slightest incline, I just could not back it up, so I had to make very careful where I did parked. Dropped it once when pulling into a flat drive way, did not see the oil spill under the leaves, came to a stop and put my feet down and my foot slipped slightly, just enough to throw the bike off balance and down I went. High winds on Highways, it was also very hard for me to handle. Sand when making a turn, also big trouble. It was all these things and stop and go traffic working a clutch, just killed my hand.
I have owned 2 Suzuki Boulevard M109's, and I loved them. With me being a sort of big guy (6'-2", 255), anything smaller in a cruiser really didn't make it. I am able to ride a smaller sport bike, but the M109 is still one of my all time favorites. Next year, about this time, I plan on owning another M109, or a 2nd. gen. Vmax. As you can tell by the picture, you can lean a big bike over pretty good.
2021 RTL , brake pedal from "Web Boards" chalk white
I have owned 2 Suzuki Boulevard M109's, and I loved them. With me being a sort of big guy (6'-2", 255), anything smaller in a cruiser really didn't make it. I am able to ride a smaller sport bike, but the M109 is still one of my all time favorites. Next year, about this time, I plan on owning another M109, or a 2nd. gen. Vmax. As you can tell by the picture, you can lean a big bike over pretty good.
Doing it with a trailer!
I really liked your comparison of the M109R and the F3 when we talked in Maggie Valley last summer. Hopefully we will get to see each other and talk some more next fall if you are able to make it to the revised Spyders in the Smokes.
2021 RTL , brake pedal from "Web Boards" chalk white
I have owned 2 Suzuki Boulevard M109's, and I loved them. With me being a sort of big guy (6'-2", 255), anything smaller in a cruiser really didn't make it. I am able to ride a smaller sport bike, but the M109 is still one of my all time favorites. Next year, about this time, I plan on owning another M109, or a 2nd. gen. Vmax. As you can tell by the picture, you can lean a big bike over pretty good.
Originally Posted by Lamonster
Man, you 2 are gonna have me digging my 9 pic's out...[emoji41]
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2007 M109R LE - To many MODS to list. Its cheaper that way!!!
That will be my next 2 wheeler, unless I get another m109. Those 2nd. Gen. Vmax's are bullet proof. And what is there no to like about 200 HP in a bike.
2021 RTL , brake pedal from "Web Boards" chalk white
Have had experience with Yamaha Venture Touring, Kawasaki Voyager Touring, and Kawasaki Vulcan 2000cc. They all fit that big 900# category and all with engines over 1000cc.
Thousands of miles and never dropped any of them. Most were very road worthy once you got them going.
Pushing backwards uphill--yes--not fun at all.
With my bad hip it became dangerous (IMO) to keep riding them and risk the leg giving out and causing a fall.
Spyder keeps me riding still.
Last edited by ARtraveler; 12-23-2015 at 08:35 PM.
Currently Owned: 2019 F3 Limited, 2020 F3 Limited: SOLD BOTH LIMITEDS in October of 2023.
How do people ride 800 lbs. bikes?
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Originally Posted by blacklightning
