[Colossus]

Greetings! Please go easy on me as I'm not only new to this site, but riding in general.

A bit about me and my history:
I'm a long time car buff; my most recent project has been a 2005 Dodge Magnum R/T. By the end of this year she'll be pumping out near 400hp/420trq at the rear wheel, and pulling a 13.4sec 1/4 mile... not bad for a 4400lb station wagon eh?

After I reach that level, however, I'm going to retire her from engine mods and just enjoy her as my daily driver; it will be time to start my next project, which is what brings me here.

Why I'm here:
I'm actually a moderator of LXForums.com; a community of folks as passionate about their LX as I am about mine. The level of cooperation over there is unbelievable. It seems someone is always willing to help someone else. I've recently heard this site is also such a place.

Having said all that, lets get to the bike:
I'm totally new to motorcycle riding. When I was younger I had chances here and there to ride and during those times, something was planted in the back of my brain. That something seems to now be turning into a desire to ride regularly.

Now I do have one special consideration to lay on you before answering the following questions: I'm 6'9" tall, and 300ish lbs. Yep, I'm a monster. That is why I feel ok posting the following questions that may have been answered before (yes I have done some reading [/emoticons/emotion-2.gif]) Please answer the following, keeping in mind I'm one big dude.

Questions:
1) Will I fit on the Warrior? I don't mean the kind of fit that I can find out by sitting on one in a show room. I mean the kind of fit that has me still comfortable after a 200 mile ride?
1a) Is there a better choice for a guy my size? Am I barking up the right tree by considering the Warrior?
2) I'm pretty sure the kind of riding I'm looking forward too is cruising. I can see heading "that-a-way" and going for an hour or two, then turning around. I can also see making a weekend of it... is the Warrior the kind of bike that can be adapted for the medium to long haul rides? Or, rather, should I look at a touring bike instead?
3) I really do want a project. Is it possible to buy an older Warrior that is running and rebuilt is as time and finances permit? In other words, if I get one a few years old, am I giving up some major design improvements or aftermarket options?

Thanks for your time guys. I look forward to learning from your responses. Oh and feel free to offer any other advice or comments!

 

[dfwrswarrior04]

welcome to the site
1. you will fit the warrior, there are several big guys that ride them, however, on a stock seat 200 miles you may get sore. but there is a huge aftermarket on seats.
1A. i would suggest the Stratoliner if you plan on doing alot of long trips.
2. the warrior is very adaptable, one member DFW_Warrior rode his decked out from the Dallas metroplex to Deals Gap, about 1100 miles or so in i believe 2 days.
3.all year models are the same from 02 to 06, although there was a recall on the 02,03's. if i were in the market again i would look for an 02, or 03 WITHOUT the recall done. the dealerships will do the recall for you and you can do a bunch of engine mods labor free.

 

[sangathor]

Welcome to the forum. I'm not familiar with the LX forum but I think you will find this forum is one of the most knowledgeable and helpful sites on the net. These guys will ship you the shirts off there backs and only ask for shipping costs. [/emoticons/emotion-1.gif]

As for your questions:

1. The site admin, Carknee is 6'7" and I've never heard a complaint from him. You will probably be a bit cramped, but you can make it more comfortable with some new bars, seat and forward controls to better fit you.
2. I ride my Warrior everywhere from the grocery store, local bars, to camping trips out of state. Up twice a year I load up 5 days worth of clothes and gear and ride 500 - 600 miles in a day without a problem. A windshield, luggage, different bars and floorboards help.
3. There have been very little as far as changes go with the Warrior since it came out in 02. The shock has been given rebound adjustment, foot peg location has changed a bit and the new ones have a different seat and handlebars. But that's about it. I still love my 02 and wouldn't trade it in for anything, not even a new one. I've got mine just the way I want it now. There are plenty of used Warriors for sale in our Classifieds section that you can pick up. Most already have some mods you might want already done. The Warrior is a blast to ride and mod. It is relatively easy to do both.
   
   Good luck with your search.

 

[parabellum]

1) Will I fit on the Warrior? I don't mean the kind of fit that I can find out by sitting on one in a show room. I mean the kind of fit that has me still comfortable after a 200 mile ride?

*With a corbin seat, the right handlebar setup, and extended foot controls...it should be no problem. If you want to save $ there are a few kits that just move the exisitng controls forward rather than replace them. The lightning kit is one of those that is well liked here.

2) I'm pretty sure the kind of riding I'm looking forward too is cruising. I can see heading "that-a-way" and going for an hour or two, then turning around. I can also see making a weekend of it... is the Warrior the kind of bike that can be adapted for the medium to long haul rides? Or, rather, should I look at a touring bike instead?

*The Warrior is designed to be a performance bike that is comfortable to ride. It can certainly be adapted for very long hauls, but it will not fit that bill stock for most people. A touring bike will do what you are looking for, but you won't be able to slam corners or blow the doors off of cars with it. You choose.

3) I really do want a project. Is it possible to buy an older Warrior that is running and rebuilt is as time and finances permit? In other words, if I get one a few years old, am I giving up some major design improvements or aftermarket options?

The only issue is that the 03 and older models had a transmission recall. If the work was done right you have no problems...if the work was done poorly...it can become a *very* expensive problem as far as 3000miles down the road. So, if you get an 03 or older, make sure it has had at least 3K miles put on it after the recall.


My opinion: The Warrior is a bike like no other. It combines the roar of a huge Vtwin with the cornering capacity of a sportbike and its all wrapped up in a curvy, sexy exterior that is impossible to classify. Warrior riders tend to be out of the box kind of people who love their bikes completely. If you are looking for a weekend bike to explore the country...I recommend a goldwing. If you are looking for a bike that will put an ear to ear smile on your face while slamming the twisties or pulling a 12.5sec quarter mile....the warrior is the bike for you.

The first time I saw a Warrior in person, I called my bank and got the paperwork started. It was absolutely love at first sight and there is no other bike in the world that I would rather own.

Chris.

 

[Brit_Warrior]

Well Colossus, I won't attempt to answer your questions any further as that's already been done for you in great detail. That just leaves me to say, 'Welcome to our family'. I very much hope that, armed with the right info, you do come to the right decision but please do try to get a test ride if you can, if you are wavering with your decision then this will tip you over the edge as the Warrior has what we like to call 'Grin Factor' [/emoticons/emotion-2.gif], I'm sure that you experience this with your Magnum. Best of luck and once again, welcome.

 

[sangathor]

One thing I forgot to mention, take a Motorcycle Safety Course before hitting the road. It will save your life on more than one occasion.

 

[bansheeblue2001]

welcome and I agree with sang..u won't regret it............

 

[Colossus]

Thank you for the warm welcome guys. You betcha regarding the MSF course. My only concern there is if they have something I can physically fit without killing myself or the bike, for the road (cone course) portion of the test. I think a phone call is in order.

I'm getting stoked guys. I'm not ready yet, but thats ok; gives me more time to learn, train, get even more excited, drive myself nuts... you know... all the good stuff.
quote:Warrior riders tend to be out of the box kind of people who love their bikes completely. If you are looking for a weekend bike to explore the country...I recommend a goldwing. If you are looking for a bike that will put an ear to ear smile on your face while slamming the twisties or pulling a 12.5sec quarter mile....the warrior is the bike for you....The first time I saw a Warrior in person, I called my bank and got the paperwork started. It was absolutely love at first sight and there is no other bike in the world that I would rather own.
Man, you just described how I felt about the Magnum the first day I drove it. Great stuff guys, and thanks again!!

 

[DFW_Warrior]

Goldwing??? HA!!! I'd rather do it on the Warrior because most others don't. I like being a little different.

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Colossus, welcome to the best motorcycle forum on the planet. And I hope you love the Warrior as much as we all do.[/emoticons/emotion-2.gif]

 

[rjharden]

I travel a lot especially 5-600 miles a day as well as carve the canyons - AT THE SAME TIME! [/emoticons/emotion-2.gif]


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[Jon_Cocktoastel]

Definately , & Welcome

 

[jabo]

Well i think you have gotten some good answers and great advice. Some let me just say welcome to our 4m.

 

[jdpark]

[/emoticons/emotion-2.gif]LOL, 6'9" , 300lbs and he starts off saying please go easy on me. [/emoticons/emotion-5.gif]

I'm sorry that just struck me as funny. Welcome to the 4M and good luck with your decision.

 

[mark1]

Welcome!! I think that next to Harleys there are more after market goddies to make anyone feel very comfortable on a Warrior. And the RSW is far more sexy, fast and handels great. Oh and by the way remind to never piss you off!

 

[mrpix]

hey sang remember that shirt you had on at warrior fest ...... well I was just wondering it it might be a 2x.

 

[Jabaniz]

hope you decide to get a warrior, im 6'1" 230 and perfectly fine, stock seat tears the ass a little bit after 200 though. and foward controls would prolly be good for longer rides.