Looking at buying a 2013 Speedmaster for my first bike with no experience. I can't find one anywhere near me to sit on one. My body size is 5'8" with a 29" inseam. I've found a '13 Speedmaster on the other side of US I was going to purchase once I get approved for my loan. I'm starting to get nervous wondering if I'm about to make a huge mistake. Not knowing very much at all and feeling like I'm jumping in the deep end. Can someone that's familiar with this motorcycle give me there thoughts on if I'd fit this bike well and hopefully be able to learn on? Also completely open to any other suggestions. Thank you! ~James
The seat height is 28” so by the time you take up some padding and suspension compression you should be pretty secure. A regular Bonnie is about 2.5” higher if you can find one locally. Also, your inside leg measurement is generally to the ankle not the floor but check with your tailor!
Hi and welcome......... I'm not sure that a speedmaster is the right bike for you to learn on. I would look at something a little lighter and more manageable for your first bike. Just my opinion...... Good luck with your search. Wessa
That's good to know, thank you and I appreciate you posting the pic. May I ask what year bike that is? Thank you for your help. ~James
Welcome from California. Also look at the T100 or Street Twin. I have the street twin (below) and really like it. Fun and easy to ride. I also recommend a good rider course.
Thank you, that sounds promising. It sounds by your description of measurements I should be pretty close already. So with a slimmer seat and suspension compression I should fit a speedster well. I appreciate your thoughts, thanks again. ~James so Speedmaster is a better fit for short inseam vs Bonnie?
Okay good advice, thank you I'll have a look at those two bikes you've mentioned. Yes I'm on a waiting list for a riders course at the beginning of the year. I was hoping to get a good winter deal on a bike so Im ready to go next year.
No worries on a Speedmaster , you'll struggle to find a bike with a lower seat height. But the are quite a big heavy bike for a first bike, you'll struggle more with weight than getting your feet down.
Okay good advice, thank you I'll have a look at those two bikes you've mentioned. Yes I'm on a waiting list for a riders course at the beginning of the year. I was hoping to get a good winter deal on a bike so Im ready to go next year. Thanks for responding to my post. Yes I've been torn between trying to find a cheaper, lighter, bike to learn on but didn't want to get stuck with a girly bike and don't know many options I should be looking at. I've always wanted to own a Triumph. I appreciate your thoughts and help with my decision making.
I am about as tall as you and can easily put my feet down on the the street twin. Seat is low enough. Also be aware of cast wheels versus spoke wheels. You cannot do a road side flat repair with spoked wheels. The street twin has cast wheels with tubeless tires. I carry a flat tire kit and can fix a puncture on the side of the road. It has happened to me before. Cast wheels was one of the selling points for me for the ST versus the T100. The ST also sounds great right out of the box. Another selling point for me!!
Go for it then. If that's the bike that sets your heart a flutter, go for it. You'll soon learn to handle the weight, and it disappears once your on the go.
Something I wrote to another new rider. I highly recommend a street twin or a street cup. 2016 or newer if you can afford due to the fact that they come with anti-lock brakes and traction control. Some will disagree but having a newer bike with ABS brakes makes a world of difference the moment you have to have an emergency stop without having the experience under your belt. Id rather you spend more for safety features with the possibility of downing that bike than have someone brand new to riding try to "remember" what to do in a situation like that. Your bones and possibly life are worth more than the difference between a cheap learner bike and a more expensive learner bike equipped with ABS and Traction Control. Once you get more time you can upgrade to more power if you want but don't let anyone dissuade you from Safety based technology and the cost of it. IMO they are both bikes you may never feel the need to upgrade from though.
The street cup is a very cool looking bike, but I know owners that say it is not very comfortable. The street twin will be easier to ride if it is your first bike. And they both have all the same electronics. It is just styling.
Thank you. What would you consider about a 2003 Speedmater with only 2300 miles. I'ts selling for $3400 and I'd have to get shipped another $700. On NADA price was very low but without inputting miles. I'm wondering if this bike is priced fair and if it sits lower than a 2013 Speedmaster. What would you consider to be a better bike? Keeping into consideration Im 5'8" with a 29" inseam. Also no experience yet.
Unfortunately my budget is under $5000 and can't afford a Street Double. Can you please recommend anything in my price range. Being that I am 5'8" with a 29" inseam. What would you consider about a 2003 Speedmater with only 2300 miles. I'ts selling for $3400 and I'd have to get shipped another $700. On NADA price was very low but without inputting miles. I'm wondering if this bike is priced fair and if it sits lower than a 2013 Speedmaster. What would you consider to be a better bike? Keeping into consideration Im 5'8" with a 29" inseam. Also no experience yet.