[OneArmMan]

I have a bad right hand and haven't ridden a street bike in 30 years. I found my old 1971 Kawasaki 100cc and started restoring it so I fabricated a device that allows me to have complete throttle control as well as excellent grip for stability.
I now cruise all over my community without a problem and feel extremely comfortable even though this bike has severely bent shocks and virtually no front suspension. It ain't easy to ride even though it is only 100cc!
I now decided to buy a street bike again and I am focusing on the 1100 Classic.

Is the 1100 a bike that is fairly easy to toss around in parking lots etc.??

I figure that with the added torque I can start off that much easier and could even use second gear if it gives me more confidence in terms of feathering the clutch/throttle.

I guess my biggest concern is whether or not the bike is just too big for me considering the fact that I haven't ridden a big bike in 30 years. I also don't want a monster that I can't even get into a parking space without having a heart attack.

Does Anyone Think The V Star 1100 Is Not A Good Choice?

Thanks

 

[Fulltilt1]

I think the seat height makes it a good choice, as when stopping both of my feet are solidly on the ground.

 

[Sugar Bear]

I have a bad right hand and haven't ridden a street bike in 30 years. I found my old 1971 Kawasaki 100cc and started restoring it so I fabricated a device that allows me to have complete throttle control as well as excellent grip for stability.
I now cruise all over my community without a problem and feel extremely comfortable even though this bike has severely bent shocks and virtually no front suspension. It ain't easy to ride even though it is only 100cc!
I now decided to buy a street bike again and I am focusing on the 1100 Classic.

Is the 1100 a bike that is fairly easy to toss around in parking lots etc.??

I figure that with the added torque I can start off that much easier and could even use second gear if it gives me more confidence in terms of feathering the clutch/throttle.

I guess my biggest concern is whether or not the bike is just too big for me considering the fact that I haven't ridden a big bike in 30 years. I also don't want a monster that I can't even get into a parking space without having a heart attack.

Does Anyone Think The V Star 1100 Is Not A Good Choice?

Thanks

The 1100 is one fine bike, you say you have not rode a street bike for 30 years, you don't say your age, you can still be pretty young. Sugar Bear has found that alone it's pretty good, still sort of heavy, but with the ol lady on, it becomes top heavy in tight places (for me)in small spaces, like parking lots ect, you could be fine, take a look at how you want to ride and if it will be ridin double, Sugar Bear is a shade on the back side of life, that may not be the case with you, Try a ride on an 1100, see what you think and feel.

 

[linerdave]

1100 or 950

OnearmMan,

I had an 1100 loved it. I felt it was an easy bike to handle. You will be happy I'm sure.

Howerver, the 1100 is being replaced by the 950. Last year was the last year for the 1100. The 950m is a lighter bike with a lower center of balance. About the same power.

So if you are thinking new the 950 might be more what you want.

Dave

 

[OneArmMan]

Thanks for the replies.

I am 50 and 5ft 10 inches 190 pounds. I have been practicing daily on my vintage 100cc bike and feel very confident on it. I know its only a 100 but it has a very poor center of gravity, it has virtually no suspension, and the forks are twisted so its not the easiest bike to ride.

At this point my primary concern is dropping the bike on the first day. As mentioned I haven't been on a big bike in 30 years however if I remember correctly, once you remember how to properly feather the clutch and have your balance down you can ride.

I don't want to waste alot of time and money getting a 750 just to ride it for 3 weeks. On the other side of the coin I don't want to dump the 1100 on the first day.

Has Anyone Dropped A Bike During The First 10 Hours Of Riding?
Since I am flying around on an old bent 100cc bike and feel very confident am I being paranoid here?
I don't want to buy a smaller bike for training only.

 

[Fulltilt1]

I'm 5"9 180lbs 49 yrs old and I bought mine on E-bay and rode it 1500mi the first two days to get it home. Very easy to get comfortable on. That being said I agree with SB06 the tight areas are where the challenges are gonna be. So just don't wrap yourself up too tight the first couple of days. You'll do just fine.

 

[OneArmMan]

I'm 5"9 180lbs 49 yrs old and I bought mine on E-bay and rode it 1500mi the first two days to get it home. Very easy to get comfortable on. That being said I agree with SB06 the tight areas are where the challenges are gonna be. So just don't wrap yourself up too tight the first couple of days. You'll do just fine.

Thanks for the reply.
When you picked the bike up what riding experience did you have at that point? As I had explained, my experience right now is riding my 1971 Kawasaki 100cc all around my community. I have full confidence, good balance, and good throttle control.

I can't help but wonder if I am trying to take on too much bike at one time. On the other hand I figure that if I can start off and stop really well on the 100cc then the only difference is weight and ergonomics.

 

[Fulltilt1]

I had used a motorcycle for primary transportation, but that was twenty yrs previous, wait make that a lot closer to 30yrs, with no riding in between. Well except for the tinkering time 3 yrs ago on my daughters Tank Scooter. LOL that Chinese Scooter Hauls Azz. It ran about 45 MPH when I started runs an honest 70mph now with no wind.

 

[Fulltilt1]

It's a big investment and I can understand your trepidation. You spoke of crash bars. Can you or do you know anybody that can use a welder. Instead of crash bars, use some 2" angle iron and make a bolt on set of outrigger wheels. Maybe 3 or 4 ft wide, I know that sounds wide but the frame is what about 14 inches at the bottom/front. Weld some rod to the ends to fit some mower or dolly wheels. High enough off the ground that you can lean it but not enough to grind the pegs. Just start using your legs to push the bike back and forth till you get used to it before you even ride it. Then practice in a parking lot. It'll roll and not grind/scratch/destroy anything. When you feel like you got it unbolt and off you go.

 

[riverboy98se]

Other Alternatives

I am not disagreeing with the other posts but there may be other options you might consider. I presently ride a 1100 Classic and a Honda GL1800 Goldwing trike, and having owned over 15 bikes in my 50 years of riding, I personally don't find the 1100 the easiest bike to ride.

However, in 2004 I sold a Honda GL1500 Goldwing trike to a gentleman from Cary, NC who did not have use of his right arm. He had studied the necessary bike modifications for quite some time and had fabricated the necessary alterations to move the controls to the left side. The day after purchasing the trike, he performed the basic alterations and rode his first 100 miles. He has now enjoyed tens of thousands of miles and reflects his enthusiasm on a great website (if I could remember the URL).

Nonetheless, there are avid bikers who are enjoying their rides with left handed controls. Best wishes and good riding.

 

[DMTJOY]

I have to agree with the other posts. Having used my 1100 as a commuter bike for the past 4+ years. I do find that once in awhile, if I let my mind wander ( it does often), the bike can get away from me in tight areas. I do find that with the low center of gravity it handles well and is fairly forgiving.
You might try renting one, there are a couple of companies that rent the 1100 vstar. $175 for a day to see if the bike will work may be worth it.
Hope this helps.