Questions about Honda bikes

I bought my first motorcycle last year. It was a Suzuki Boulevard C50T. I out grew it in about 6 months and wanted something faster. So, I bought a Honda 1300 VTX. I was so uncomfortable on it I traded it 3 weeks later for a Honda 1100 Shadow Sabre. I'm still feeling the same uncomfort on it as I did the first Honda. It feels like the bike slides over bumps in the road and not grip it. I feel like the bike is going to give right out under me. I have had the shocks changed and set to the lowest setting, but it doesn't seem to help.

I never felt this in my Suzuki and now almost regret trading it in except for the fact I wanted something faster.

Has anyone else experienced this? Is this just charateristic of a Honda?

Thanks,
Jennifer

I've never had any handling issues with any Honda as you are having.
When you first said uncomfortable I thought of the seat. I don't like their seats. My lower back goes out fast. But as far as bumps or sliding no. I'd let someone else ride it to see what they think.

Like BH...when I first saw this I thought of the seat being uncomfortable. My new Aero's seat is TERRIBLE & I'm getting ready to do a seat mod to improve it until I can buy a new Mustang or Corbin. That is definately NOT a charactaristic of Honda....that was some good advice in the previous post....let a seasoned rider make a lap or two on it....the 1100's are nice bikes! Good luck!

Daddio:D

Yea I did have a friend ride it and he didnt notice anything. So, I guess it's just something I have to get use to.

I have several friends that say their old bikes with narrow front tires did not handle as well as their new bikes with fat front tires. I've ridden them for them and see none of this. They perceive it handles better with a fat tire. If it did you would see racing going more to wide tires.

I have several friends that say their old bikes with narrow front tires did not handle as well as their new bikes with fat front tires. I've ridden them for them and see none of this. They perceive it handles better with a fat tire. If it did you would see racing going more to wide tires.

Would it be costly to change out the tires? Wouldn't I have to change the entire wheel too?

Thanks,
Jennifer
texascpr.com

I have both the 1800 and 1300 vtx. I guess I am not sure what you mean by "slide over bumps"

Tires can make a big difference, as can the seat, I have had the seats on both bikes altered to lower the riding position from stock. But the problem was butt burn from sitting on the stock seat, and not for a feeling the bike was not gripping the road. I can scrape the floor boards on these bikes going around corners and not have the slightest feeling of the bike sliding. ( these are both R models so they have floorboards and not pegs).

So I guess I am not if your talking about a suspension issue, seat issue or tire issue.
I have never rode the C50 so I can not be of much help comparing it to the honda.