[adrock]

Hello everyone.

I'm a newbie here, and a newbie to riding for that matter. I'm signed up to take my MSF course in a of couple weeks (a couple of weeks too long, I might add) and have been doing some preliminary bike shopping for my first set of wheels without a cage. I've done my share of reading forums and talking to friends and I'm finding there are as many opinions as there are riders. I've sat on a bunch of bikes so far (can't actually try any of them since I don't have my motorcycle endorsement yet), but when I sat on the Raider, I'm pretty certain that the heavens opened and the choir of angels sang! The styling, the geometry, and riding position-- I loved it all!

I have concerns about having 113ci underneath "the jewels" on a first two-wheeler though. I should note that I'm about 5'11" but I'm a pretty big ol' boy so it would take a little juice to get me moving up a hill anyway. 113ci though? Am I just asking for trouble? I really hate the idea of buying a beginner bike only to turn around and have to buy a new one in six months like some folks suggest. I was brought up to "buy once and buy right" so buying a starter bike knowing I'll be looking to trade up soon thereafter is completely counter to how I was raised. On the other hand, I kinda like being alive... After explaining my situation to the dealer who seemed very knowledgeable, took a lot of time with me to go over various bikes, and never once pressured me to buy, he indicated that the Raider is very well balanced and easy to control. He didn't seem to think my lack of experience would be a problem as long as I was willing to take my time and learn slowly, and as long as I was mild-mannered and respectful of the power that this bike brings to the table. I have some friends that seem to think I'd be fine on it, though none of them ride a Raider specifically.

So I put it to you, the experts in what seems to be the largest gathering of Raider riders I've found on the web so far-- Assuming all goes well in my MSF course, is the Raider too much bike for a new rider?

 

[WaRaider]

Hey adrock,

Welcome to the forum. IMHO the only unsafe bike is the one that is ridden by an unsafe rider. If you take your time and learn the bike then you should have no problems. They all have 2 wheels, Cage drivers can't see any of them. just keep your wrist from turning and you will be allright. No matter how big the engine is, only you can make it go. It doesn't go by itself. (The Raider might seem like it though LOL) Just be careful.

 

[adrock]

Rick,

Well said. Thanks for your reply and your 2 cents!

~Adam

 

[Ninja-Matic]

Rick is correct. As long as you use what is on top of your shoulders - you should be good to go. It might be a bit jarring at first, I remember the first time I got up to 40mph on my first bike... man my knuckles were white, lol. But I taught myself how to ride, I didn't have proper instruction.

The only thing I can say is to watch the throttle The Raider is a beast. Make sure you ride IT and don't let it ride YOU.

It takes some time getting used to a quick bike, especially if it's your first bike, just mind the throttle and you'll be as good as gold

 

[NJRaider]

Hey Adrock -

Thanks for joining us.

Opinions on whether this is the right bike for a new rider are going to vary as much as there are members of this board, and everyone will have something to offer. One of member here, Blue Angel, is a brand new rider as well, and just picked up his Raider last week. On the other hand, when I started riding about 15 years ago, I would have never dreamed of hopping onto a bike this size (not that there was one even available) - my first bike was a Honda Rebel 250 - the same bike you'll probably ride at your MSF course.

My feelings about the Raider as a first bike - it's not the size I'm worried about. You're certainly taller than I am, and you could definitely feel comfortable on the bike. It's incredibly well balanced, and the engine offers the kind of smooth, tractable power that makes starting off and progressing through the gears a piece of cake. You're not asking for trouble with the bike in that regard. It actually rides slow just as well as it scorches asphalt.

My only hesitation about buying any (Raider or otherwise) brand new bike as a first ride is that when you're first out there, you want to be concentrating on developing your skills, not worrying about dropping the bike during some parking lot maneuver, or scratching it - silly stuff like that.

I'm glad that you're taking the MSF course. You'll actually get to ride and abuse a bike that's not yours. If you felt that comfortable on the Raider when you sat on it, I think you'll be fine. It's a super stable and reliable platform, and it won't get you in trouble like some hyper-sport bike will. The other important thing is to practice, practice and, oh yeah, practice. At your own pace, preferably with a patient, experienced rider who can encourage and reinforce good riding skills, while discouraging those habits that can cause problems.

 

[adrock]

I appreciate all the advice. Many thanks!

 

[ao]

i agree with nj, i would have loved this bike as my first bike, but what i had was a 650 v-star classic. the good thing about that is it didnt really matter if i dropped it cause i bought it used and paid cash, but it helped me alot cause it was heavy slow and handle like crap. you should have no prob with the raider just make sure you get full coverage with a low deductable ;D

 

[NJRaider]

Forgot to ask -

Where are you from?

 

[adrock]

oh right, sorry...

Right now I'm in the Houston area. Moved here from Jersey about a year ago though, lived in Hackensack, worked in Madison.

 

[gc_raider]

Welcome Adrock!
I consider my self to be a new rider as well since I've only been riding for barely over a year.
My first bike was the Roadliner which has the same motor as the Raider.
I felt the same you do.
Why buy something you ain't gonna feel good about in two or three months.

But I'll tell you what if you're leaning towards the Raider and you don't really want that much power that don't get the Raven, get you one of them 'S' models.

You can drive a Ferrari or you can drive a Metro, they're both just as dangerous. It's up to what you do with it.

GC

 

[photo]

Hi GC

I've been trying to contact you. I live in Plano and it looks like by the picture u posted that you have the pipe I'm interested in. Is there anyway we could hook up so I can see and hear it in person?

Thanks
Dwight

 

[Guest]

hey adrock!
Just wanted to let you know there are others in the same situation as you. I also am taking the MSF course next weekend-cant get here soon enough! Like you I fell in love with the Raider the first time I sat on it. I actually never heard of it before I saw it. I was actually looking at a Vulcan 900 to be my first bike but as the dealer correctly pointed out I would soon out-grow it seeing as I'm 6'2", 200, with long arms and legs. So after sitting on about 20 or 30 different bikes I saw the red Raider-S and I'm like wooah what is that?! As soon as I sat on it I had the same epiphany you did--it just "fit". I knew this was the bike for me. Since I'm kind of anal about researching things that interest me I spent hours and hours online reading various reviews and Raider forums and everyone just loves the Raider.
So this was like mid-March and I kept going back to checkout out "my girl" and then the last friday of march the dealer makes me an offer of $13,200 out the door. Well since our county sales tax was going up April 1 which would have added a couple of hundred bucks naturally my next question was "Can you deliver?" since I couldn't even drive her yet!
<a href="http://s298.photobucket.com/albums/mm264/tomtrikolas/?action=view&current=IMG_0287.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm264/tomtrikolas/IMG_0287.jpg" border="0" alt="my new Raider"></a>
Well here she is sitting in my garage! I must confess that although I have virtually no riding experience (save riding my buddies dirt bike when I was 17 -- I'm 46) I have taken her around the block a few times. No worries, my subdivision is quiet and and I'm being very careful-haven't gone past 3rd gear yet- but what an awesome feeling! I cant wait to really ride her.
So I would just say listen to the great advice from the people on this forum and follow your heart. You wont regret it!

 

[dklassen]

The key to riding a bike other than the actual mechanics of riding is situational awareness. Know what's happening around you at all times, front, back, sides. Always leave yourself an out. Never trust a cage even if they look like they are going to stop. It's like how they teach you to fly a plane. Constantly scanning for hazards and alway have a place to put down if necessary. My two cents.

 

[Mr. T]

Hey.... :wave:
I live in Houston... (Humble actually) We should get together...

 

[NJRaider]

The key to riding a bike other than the actual mechanics of riding is situational awareness. Know what's happening around you at all times, front, back, sides. Always leave yourself an out. Never trust a cage even if they look like they are going to stop. It's like how they teach you to fly a plane. Constantly scanning for hazards and alway have a place to put down if necessary. My two cents.

Maybe two cents - but the best $.02 you'll ever spend

 

[Mudslide73]

that is the truth there NJ. Never know who isn't paying attention out there on the road.

 

[Dazz]

I do not know what your state offers as far as motorcycle safety courses. I took one in my state and that was the best money I have ever spent!!!

My first bike was a VSTAR CLASSIC 650. I picked that bike because it was a light bike. Weight it something that should also be considered when learning how to ride a motorcycle for the first time. It is a lot easier to catch your self on a 500+ pound bike verses a 700+ bike. And yes I did drop the bike once. :rant-rave:

Speed as they all said all depends on you. My very first bike I took around the block was an 1100 GSXR. Yes the owner has cracked the case to modify the engine. gotnos I had no issues with the very very fast bike.

So keep the weight in mind. It help to have a bike that is easy to hold up if thing get out of hand.

Look into a motorcycle safety courses. We had people that never road a bike in their life. At first they made me nervous. After the motorcycle safety course I had a strong respect for everyone that was in my class.

 

[adrock]

Thank you all for the responses. You’ve been great with the advice thus far and I certainly appreciate the time you all have put into this!

Tomt: glad to hear there are others out there going through the same thing as me. Your new bike looks great! The red “S” is the one I have my eye on as well. Best of luck to you in your MSF course. I don’t start mine until the 17th. Can’t come soon enough!

Dklassen: Makes total sense. I worry about other idiots on the roads enough when I’m in a cage myself-- Life on two wheels will surely be rather nerve-wracking for me at least in the beginning. Quite frankly, part of me hopes it stays nerve-wracking, not to the degree that it lessens my enjoyment of the ride, but at least enough that I don’t become complacent, cocky, and careless.

Mr. T: Sounds good. I’m in The Woodlands, so yeah, maybe one of these days after I get myself a bike…

Dazz: I’m actually taking the Rider’s Edge course at the local H-D shop. There’s a community college that runs the standard MSF and it’s a little cheaper, but it’s a little shorter than the H-D sponsored course (one less evening in the classroom basically) and I figure I could use all the extra learning time I can get. Plus the H-D shop is closer and will be easier to get to on-time after work. I’m really looking forward to it though. Wish it wasn’t still 2 weeks away!

 

[taxman702]

Hi to the group. Good to read that I'm not the only one thinking he might be crazy starting out on a bike this size. But nonetheless, I bought my Tommy Blue "S" last Saturday. Having it delivered next week, although my MSF riders course isn't until the 26th/27th. My wife bet me $1k I wouldn't be able to wait until after the course before I rode her. Unlike adrock, I do have my "M". I last rode 17 years ago, but kept my license up because I always knew I'd come back to what has quickly become my obsession. Adrock, let me know when you get it and how it stacks up to your fears of size and power. I'm in Chicago by the way and we just had our first warm weekend...need I say more for you norherners. Anyway, just wanted to introduce myself and say thanks for all the great comments and feedback.

 

[NJRaider]

Hey Taxman -

Welcome to Raider land!

I know you'll be tempted, but hang in there - you can use the $1K for customization. Trust me, the guys here (including myself) have countless suggestions on how to blow a grand! :icon_twisted: