Is the Trophy suitable for a relatively new rider?

[hooperski]

Hi Guys,

I guess my question may be impossible to answer, so let me give you a few details of my riding experience.
July 2014 took my CBT and theory test. August passed my DAS test. Never even sat on a bike before this.
So as you can see I'm very much a new/novice rider although nowadays I feel relaxed on my bike and feel safe.
In the time since I passed my test I have covered over 7,000 without any major mishaps.
I am 62 years old and my (first) bike is a Yamaha XJ6 600cc Diversion, 2009.
I have really got the bug now and last year put on a backpack and toured Cornwall for a week.
Now I am thinking about doing longer trips so am thinking about getting a Trophy.
So again the question is, would the Trophy be too much to handle for a slightly built 6 feet tall newbie.
I have read that at slow speed manoeuvring is quite tricky.
 Hope I have managed to post this correctly.
Thank you for any advice you can offer.
P.S. As you can see I live in the UK so the roads are in poor condition and we have lots of curves.

Regards,

Hooperski.

[Stelyn]

Hi Hooperski, welcome to the forum,  lots to learn here.   I'm a bit older and shorter than you but manage just fine with all luggage and a pillion.   Yes there can be a balance issue at low,  almost stall speeds, and it would be beneficial for you to complete a  Advanced Riders program,  (I did mine with the I A M )
there you will have the opportunity to learn `slow riding skills'  as well as build on your confidence.
and road craft.   There are several advanced instructors / observers here that can point you  in the right direction.   Best of luck....
Steve...

[hooperski]

Hi Steve,

Thanks for your feedback, although a relative new rider, my slow control and confidence is ok.
I guess my underlying worry is just the sheer weight of the bike, mine weighs in at around 200 kgs against
the massive 300 kgs of the Trophy.
Does the extra weight make tipping into a corner more of an issue?
Obviously with a bike of that weight planning your moves and specifically braking, needs more thought.

Cheers,

Hooperski.

[Bludy L]

It sounds to me like you have sufficient experience that you could handle it. Just remember that it weighs 660 pounds and the weight isn't all that low. Once underway its no problem, be careful at stops.

Cornering is no problem, in fact it's magical in corners. It's stopping. Get on level ground, no gravel, and get your foot down.

[atrophy]

Originally Posted by Bludy L

It sounds to me like you have sufficient experience that you could handle it. Just remember that it weighs 660 pounds and the weight isn't all that low. Once underway its no problem, be careful at stops.

Cornering is no problem, in fact it's magical in corners. It's stopping. Get on level ground, no gravel, and get your foot down.

Yep, what he said.  I'm almost 70 and I can handle it.  I have a rider friend that is 85 and rides a Goldwing.  You just need some confidence.

[DaMonk45]

Originally Posted by atrophy

Yep, what he said.  I'm almost 70 and I can handle it.  I have a rider friend that is 85 and rides a Goldwing.  You just need some confidence.

Balance helps, as does a good physical condition.

[Lannis]

Originally Posted by hooperski

Hi Steve,

Thanks for your feedback, although a relative new rider, my slow control and confidence is ok.
I guess my underlying worry is just the sheer weight of the bike, mine weighs in at around 200 kgs against
the massive 300 kgs of the Trophy.
Does the extra weight make tipping into a corner more of an issue?
Obviously with a bike of that weight planning your moves and specifically braking, needs more thought.

Cheers,

Hooperski.

I'm new on my own Trophy, just 800 miles so far, mostly two-up, and I note:

1) You can feel the weight pushing it around in the shed or driveway, not while underway.  On the road it feels light as a feather.

2) It handles like a 350 in the corners, it stops REALLY well, and will go ... and go .... and go until your ears are pinned all the way back!

3) I find it much less intimidating at a stop than is my lighter BUT TALLER Moto Guzzi Stelvio 1200.

With your experience to date, you'd have no trouble at all.

Lannis

[DaMonk45]

it is a world class liter + motorcycle.
It can be forgiving, but if you come out of a corner
and wack the throttle you better make sure
you have it pointed in the right direction, cause
it will get there in a hurry.