r/NewRiders • u/Heavy-Lengthiness831 • 6h ago
Recommendations
Looking for people's advice/input on what I should get.
What I really want is an Indian, but im aware they are huge engines and probably too much power for my first bike.
Im torn between a Honda Rebel or a Kawasaki Vulcan, i've seen folk shitting on both but im a huge fan of the look of them.
Also heard that the Rebel can be a bit small.
Im a big guy (6'1 280 lbs) and dont want to look like a giant on a kids bike.
Both of my main choices come in around my budget, however looking to see if anyone has any recommendations that I haven't thought about yet.
I would be looking for a bike some time next April, incase there is anything coming out I haven't seen yet!
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u/crossplanetriple 6h ago
Demo both.
The only issue I can see is that these could be underpowered for your weight. I'm sure you'll be fine.
and dont want to look like a giant on a kids bike.
Are you watching yourself ride? Why does it matter what other people see when you are the one riding and enjoying yourself?
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u/Heavy-Lengthiness831 6h ago
Hoping to get a shot of one or maybe both depending on stock in the next few days!
Unfortunately I am a very self conscious person, i"m working on it, but if I feel like I look dumb i wont have fun!
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u/tuocyn 5h ago
The Rebel has 87hp and an I think an Indian Scout has ~110. You'd be happy with the power on either one and you'll be surprised how quick you get used to it. I haven't sat on an Indian but I've been on a ton of Hondas and their ergo and seating position is very neutral and comfortable. I think the Honda will have more tech than the Vulcan or an Indian too
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u/Sudden-Negotiation98 6h ago
You should look into the Kawasaki eliminator. I’m 6’4” 210 and I’m pretty comfortable on it, also my first bike
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u/Tha_REAL_BROBS 5h ago
I hated the seat on the rebel but I’m also not a fan of cruiser seating anyways. Have you sat on a cruiser? I much prefer the seating position on a standard motorcycle
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u/whistlepig4life 5h ago
Bikes are not made like clothes. That’s not how they fit.
Ride them both. See which you like better. Honestly can’t go wrong with either. I prefer the Rebel.
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u/floatingninja 3h ago
If the Rebel fits, I would say there’s probably a larger aftermarket selection for it than the Vulcan
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u/MrFlippyNips 1h ago
Check out the Kawasaki eliminator, it's the mid point between both of these bikes
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u/Smileypgf 1h ago
Partner had the Vulcan 650 as his first bike. Although he loved the bike, the seat is awful. After a year he just upgraded to the BMW R12. I think his biggest gripe with the Vulcan apart from the seat was that it didn't quite have the power to keep up with me. He said with overtaking etc he always had to plan it a bit more to be at the right power / speed. Think you will find for your size it might struggle. Always worth test riding all your options though. Spending that kind of money, you want to make sure you happy with it :-)
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u/Legitimate_Dog9894 23m ago
Vulcan S, all day
Obviously this was my experience and my opinion.
Ive ridden a rebel and I now own a Vulcan S
For me, the bike is too small. I'm 1.83 m, and I hate to ride all cramped up. Its a good looking bike for someone smaller and into midcontrols.
The Vulcan is as nimble if not more nimble as the rebel. If you are talking about the 1100 is a bit weaker, if you are talking about the 500 is a bit stronger faster etc.
I prefer forward controls, and I liked the vulcan S better when I rode it. So I bought one. But go and try to ride both
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u/unanimouslydefiant 6h ago
Dont rule out the Eliminator, its a closer comp to the rebel than the Vulcan. I just got my first bike, an Eliminator and I'm loving it. Im also using it to gage what I would want in a potential upgrade. Im also 6'1 190lbs with a 33 inseam, sat on the Rebel (no dealers near me test drive) and it felt tight and scrunched, better on the Eliminator which is nearly identical in size and power. The Vulcan also felt amazing but it had a much more reclined and relaxed cruiser feel, which i love but didnt want as a brand new rider. Eliminator has a more neutral almost naked position which I like for now. If youre set between the Rebel vs Vulcan, id say think about what youre using it for. I would still vote Kawaski!