Keepin' up

[coreenleann]

Hey folks, I'm a new rider and I have a question for you. I'm in the CMA and we do a bunch of group rides. I'd say 2 or more a month during riding season. I haven't rode in any yet so I don't know how my bike will keep up with all the bigger bikes. I have an 07 Shadow Spirit 750. It's been great to learn on and I really like it but I don't want to put a bunch of money into mods if I'm going to want to upgrade by the end of next summer anyway. My husband is asking for some gift ideas for Christmas so I kinda need an idea before I'm able to give it a test for myself (too cold to ride now.) Does anyone have any thoughts or experience with this issue?

Thanks!

Sent from my HTC_Amaze_4G using Motorcycle.com Free App

[kacealraid]

I ride a 600 VLX chain-drive, and I could keep up with any motorcycle in the poker runs I've been involved with.

I rode alongside an American Chopper, a VTX 1300 and 1800, several 750s, Harley Ultra Classics, V-Rods, etc. A lot to choose from! None of them left me in the dust (plenty could have), but the ride wasn't about that. Your 750 will cruise fine at highway speeds, it just might vibrate a little more than some of your larger rides. I don't think you should worry about that.

My suggestion would be to save up for an upgrade to a larger ride (if you find the vibration of your 750 uncomfortable), or you can invest in comfortable add-ons to your current ride(windshield, floor boards, back rest, new seat, etc.)

There's a lot you can do to help yourself in the comfort zone, but I will say that it will be difficult to assess your situation without having first taken it on a long distance ride to evaluate what you need to change.

[CrazyDave]

The 750 will keep up just fine, but will you? If you have never ridden in a large group ride on yor own bike before I suggest perhaps you start smaller 3-5 bikes, get used to having different riders around you and such

[kacealraid]

Originally Posted by CrazyDave

The 750 will keep up just fine, but will you? If you have never ridden in a large group ride on yor own bike before I suggest perhaps you start smaller 3-5 bikes, get used to having different riders around you and such

+1, forgot to mention riding with a group. He's very right.

[old dad]

What those folks rocket around,,your 750 will do you well. It's more of do you want to keep the 750.

I've had my vlx since it was new,,I've ridden with vtx 1300's with no problem and some 1500's, you should be fine as long as your satisfaction with what you have lasts. I'm still satisfied after 60,300+ miles. I particularly like the styling of my bike, that and I'm getting to be a wee(small) person.

[wallasan10]

If you can cruse at a little above the speed limit you will have no problem keeping up with any group that you should be riding with. I they go faster than that you need to find another group to ride with. Keep in mind that if you are at the rear of a group you will have to play "catch up" a lot. This is why newer riders are placed near the front of the group. NEVER ride at a higher speed than you are comfortable with for any reason.

[coreenleann]

Thanks for everyone's input. I think the small group ride idea is a good one for awhile (guess I'll pass on the polar bear run this year) and it's encouraging to hear that folks haven't had any real issues. I truly love my bike and don't want anything heavier. Ok, now I feel comfortable in asking for my floorboards

Sent from my HTC_Amaze_4G using Motorcycle.com Free App

[ZackDaniels]

For sure learn to ride and then ride with a friend or two. Learn about staggering and talk with your group in advance on any hand signals that will be used if any. Stick to the back of the group while you're training up, and have the next destination written down, mapped out, and/or GPS ready in case you get split up. That will keep you from riding beyond your skill level to keep with the group for fear of getting lost. If things are too fast and you're feeling uncomfortable just meet them at the next stop.

[93gc40]

Originally Posted by coreenleann

Hey folks, I'm a new rider and I have a question for you. I'm in the CMA and we do a bunch of group rides. I'd say 2 or more a month during riding season. I haven't rode in any yet so I don't know how my bike will keep up with all the bigger bikes. I have an 07 Shadow Spirit 750. It's been great to learn on and I really like it but I don't want to put a bunch of money into mods if I'm going to want to upgrade by the end of next summer anyway. My husband is asking for some gift ideas for Christmas so I kinda need an idea before I'm able to give it a test for myself (too cold to ride now.) Does anyone have any thoughts or experience with this issue?

Thanks!

Sent from my HTC_Amaze_4G using Motorcycle.com Free App

Only time keeping up, becomes an issue for a Shadow, is on the open highway. Most of this is due to the limitation of the riders POSTERIOR not the bikes power. Those big Harleys go just as fast as your 750. The only difference is how quickly they can doit and how far before having to stop for gas.

Group rides have nothing to do with keeping up.. You are after all riding in a voluntary traffic jam. Biggest issues are bumping into the bikes around you.

[SuperboyX]

I've had my bike for 10 years now and have no problems keeping up with a group on road trips. My bike will max out a 100 MPH with no more torch, but who's going any faster than that on a cruiser. I find the people I ride with aren't in a hurry to get to top speed either so Iv'e never felt like the small guy trying to catch them.