u/valan_lazarus

Hello everyone!!

For background: First bike, Novice rider. 6'3" 170lbs 42 years old

My wife has finally come around to the idea of me owning and riding a motorcycle. Only took 15 yrs of asking 😆 Taking my safety course in 1 month so I'm researching a future purchase/weighing pros and cons.

I'm looking for something slightly sporty but nothing crazy that'll be easy for me to get myself in trouble on. Mostly will be commuting to work and weekend rides of 30-90 minutes. Comfort and ease of handling>speed. Connectivity features a plus. Do NOT want a cruiser.

I've loved the Royal Enfield line up since I saw my first Continental MANY years ago. I love the classic styling, straight forward engines, and beautiful designs. But I'm struggling to pick one for my first bike. So that's why I've come here! I've narrowed it down to 2 main candidates.

1. Guerrilla 450: This is honestly my #1 choice as I can find it semi locally to "try-on" and possibly test ride. It seems like every review I read/watch praises the bike for its fun factor, handling, and ease of riding. Most, if not all, really struggle to find a reason to dislike the bike. What I'm struggling with are 2 things. The power and the size. I'm concerned about the power when commuting on the highway. While it's mostly just a quick 20 min blast I don't want to feel like I'm under-powered and have difficulty passing/maneuvering. The size mostly comes down to the fact that I'm so tall and would prefer not to look like the Bear riding the bicycle in the circus.

2. Bear 650: I really, REALLY like this bike. The Wild Honey colorway simply sings to me. Again, it seems like most reviewers have trouble finding faults with the bike. I like the fact that there's a bit more power here without it being a huge/overwhelming amount for a first time rider. I'm hoping that would translate to a little more grunt on the highway without sacrificing slow speed comfort/ease of use. I also like the fact that the bike is a BIT bigger than the Guerrilla. In my mind at least, that would translate to mitigating the "Bear on a Bike" issue with the Guerrilla. I'm concerned however, about the higher weight of the bike and the fact that not a single dealer within 4 hours of me has one I could "try-on"

So what's the opinion here? What direction would the owners of these lovely machines steer me in? I'd love to hear your thoughts and suggestions! All opinions welcome!

TIA

For background: First bike, Novice rider. 6'3" (190cm) 170lbs 42 years old

My wife has finally come around to the idea of me owning and riding a motorcycle. Only took 15 yrs of asking 😆 Taking my safety course in 1 month so I'm researching a future purchase/weighing pros and cons.

I'm looking for something slightly sporty but nothing crazy that'll be easy for me to get myself in trouble on. Mostly will be commuting to work and weekend rides of 30-90 minutes. Comfort and ease of handling>speed. Connectivity features a plus. Do NOT want a cruiser.

Choices I've narrowed down to are:

1. '24 Moto Guzzi V7 Stone (~$7k)

---Love the look/style. Love the extra power available with the v-twin over my other choices without being overwhelming. Concerned about the weight and reliability as the nearest service center is almost a 2 hr drive away. Also would have to make that drive to test drive/sit on.

2. '26 Royal Enfield Guerilla 450 (~$6k)

---Again, love the look of the bike. Like that it's a bit lighter than the MG. Again concerned about the reliability but there is a service center mins away as opposed to 2 hrs. Also concerned about the power of the single thumper for highway riding. Finally, worried that I'll look like an actual gorilla on a circus bike due to its slightly smaller size.

3. '24 Husqvarna Svartpilen-used 3.5k.miles ($3.5k)

---Like, don't love, the looks. It's different but scratches my brain nicely (if that makes sense). Like the tech, like that it's a bit taller and lighter, like the price. Concerned about the smaller displacement/power. Believe service could be done locally(ish). See gorilla concerns above.

Any and all insights are welcome and appreciated. And yes, I realize I'm on a Moto Guzzi sub so you're most likely gonna say, "Just get the V7!" But I figured this would be the place to find out how reliable these machines are and whether they're suited to an absolute beginner rider like myself.

TIA

Probably been asked before but what is the going opinion between these three??

For background: First bike, Novice rider. 6'3" 170lbs

My wife has finally come around to the idea of me owning and riding a motorcycle. Only took 15 yrs of asking 😆

I'm looking for something slightly sporty but nothing crazy that'll be easy for me to get myself in trouble on. Mostly will be commuting to work and weekend rides of 30-90 minutes. Comfort and ease of handling>speed. Connectivity features a plus. Do NOT want a cruiser.

The Guerilla and the Svartpilen are available locally (used for the Svartpilen <200miles) but would have to travel to find the Triumph. Also would have to travel for service on the Triumph and most likely the Svart.

Any and all insights are welcome and appreciated.

TIA

Hey everyone. My friend and I will be attending the Zoltan Kaszas show at the Blue Note on Sunday. Afterwards I'm sure we'll want to keep our fun times rolling. Any suggestions on spots that will be open later on Sunday downtown? Bars, parties, music, etc. We'd like to keep it downtown to avoid Uber/Lyft since we're also staying downtown.

Any and all suggestions welcome!

TIA!!