ewags64

Thanks for all the advice I was given, and the experiences shared here. I want to update you on the decision I made, and hopefully this thread may help someone else who finds themselves in a similar situation. After considering all that was shared here, and what I know to be my physical capabilities, along with going to a dealer and sitting on several different bikes, I finally made a decision and bought a 2007 Kawasaki Vulcan Nomad 1600. The Nomad weighs a bit less than the Venture, and there were far less concerns about top heaviness. It's still a heavy bike, but I've put about 50 miles on it now, and I think it's going to fit me real well. It seems really well balanced, and I haven't noticed any issues at slow speed or stop with top-heaviness. I even took the wife on a little 9 mile ride today, and hardly knew she was back there. I'm glad I didn't go with an "in-between bike". I believe if you're going to do something, jump in with both feet! Thanks again. Here's a pic of the new ride:

I agree cowpuc, and maybe I should have mentioned that I've spent most my life riding dirt bikes and quads, so manual transmissions aren't an issue...

Good morning All, About 5 years ago, I bought my first "motorcycle", a Suzuki Burgman 400 scooter. I know, I know, most riders like to refer to them as mopeds, but they are loads of fun and very smooth to ride. My wife wasn't real thrilled that I bought it, I think she was thinking "mid life crisis" or something like that! But after a few days, she grudgingly agreed to let me take her for a spin. Long story short....she loves riding as much as I do, and is usually the one to suggest taking a ride. I've put about 9,000 miles on it, and several thousand with her along. Even though it's only a 400, the Burgman rides well with 2 up, even at interstate speeds. It's pretty lightweight though (around 430 lbs), and it doesn't take much wind to buffet you. Most of our riding is just local stuff, cruising around for an hour or two in the evenings. Lately I've been thing that it's time to move up and get something with more horsepower, size, weight, and carrying capacity. We'd like to take some weekend trips, and that's hardly possible with the 400. But here's my dilemma. I started out considering a GW, because I want something that's as comfortable for her as myself. But....I'm not super cracked up with the styling of the GW, and so, I began considering a Midnight Venture, which seemed to have most of the options of the GW, but much cooler looking and more reasonably priced. Now that I've spent some time reading the reviews of the Venture, I'm concerned about the top heaviness. I don't want to get something that's double the weight, and worry about the balance at low speeds and stop. Most of the people who say that the top heaviness isn't an issue, are taller than myself. I'm 5' 10", but my inseam is only 30", short legs but long torso. I hear that the GW is not top heavy, and also much easier to control at low speeds. But again, I'm not real cracked up with the looks of the GW. But on the other hand, safety is more important than looks. And that's how it goes, back and forth, back and forth.... So....I'd really like some input from this group. I've used forums like this in the past with lots of helpful advice and opinions, and I'm confident I'll experience the same here! By the way, to get a clearer picture, I'm about 220 lbs, and my wife is about 5' 9", 140 lbs. The Ventures I've been looking at are around 2007-2008 models. Thanks! Ewags64