Buying newer bike

I'm thinking about buying a newer bike. I have a 700 Maxim now I'm restoring haven't rode it (or anything for that matter) in 25 years. Really haven't went to look I've just looked at craigslist. I don't plan on doing any or not many long rides. I was looking at some V max 650 but I don't want to small either and most adds say thier good a first bike. Like the looks of them though. Get into the 1100's and price is higher then I want. I'd prefer to stay with Yamaha or maybe a nice Harley . Just thought you guys would have some ideas for and nice weekend crusier.

thanks
boomer

 

all ads say great first bike no matter how big or small. If you just want to be a short trip rider why not just stay with the 700? or is it almost spring and you want to ride?
The size bike you buy should be determined by how it fits your stature, not the size of the motor. It is also determined by how quick and fast you want to move.
Riding solo ?
Is gas mileage a concern for you?
the final factor is your budget.

 

I'm seriously considering upgrading the wife from her Rebel to a V Star here soon. They consistently get good reviews, look great, there's a few members on here with one too. The only complaint I've seen from a few owners was the 650 is a bit sluggish on hills and for highway duty. There's some great deals on last years models if you can find dealers with some in stock. For used, there's always a good selection of them on Craigslist.

 

I'll keep and ride the 700 but I have a few friends that I would ride with. Just wanted something a bit newer and bigger to ride with them. I'm 52 so I guess most of the fast riding is behind me. Heck ya I want one with a very small back seat or none at all so I don't have to drag the wife with me (another story). Milage is not a concern in weekend rding to me anyway. And yes there's that darn budget thing I hate, got to stay around 5 or less. Found a Honda Shadow 750 2102 brand new at dealer for $5100, and a really nice Harley o5 xl883- Sportster with 6000 miles for $4500. Most my friends have Harleys but thats not a live or die for me. Plus spring is almost sprung and I want to ride. Plus I have to return to work in a couple weeks and would like to ride it to work which is only 4 miles round trip.

 

Man if you can find a "like new" 2012 V-Max for $5200 that is a steal, those things retailed in the high teens when new.
Frankly the 700 should very easily hang with any Harley, just because it is "only" 700cc's vs 1800 for the big HDs, the Maxim makes a heck of a lot of power and for cruising in the 60 - 80 MPH range you won't be lacking for outright speed nor giddy-up. Plus once you roll up to the cafe or hangout, your bike will be the only one of its kind there, as opposed to the dozens of Softtails and Dynas & FLHs that will all kind of blend in to one another.

 

sorry bigshank I corrected that to honda shadow. been looking at way to many can't keep track. But it is a honda shadow 12 750 for 5100, they say it is brand new.

 

Well I did it, got me a 2012 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic LT
Wife isn't to happy about it but guess thats come with the territory.

 

Nice looking bike! Congrats!

 

yours is the belt drive?
i work with a guy who has one of those, nice bike. his only thought is that it seems to turn too many rpm's on the highway for his liking. he's never rode a xj

 

Yea it's the belt drive. I talk for quite awhile to the salesman about the belt drive and it seems they are ok. I leaned towards this one for the fuel injection and water cooled. Plus some other things. It has a few options alread installed. Heck the passenger floor boards are a good 225 plus.

 

I absolutely love the belt on my kawi and believe it or not I need to adjust it way less than a chain.....BTW nice Vulcan.

 

Belt drives rock. Quiet and super low maintenance.

 

I'm going to continue to rebuild my XJ700 it's just going to take longer then I want and I haven't rode a bike in years so I figured this was the way to go. LOL

 

went on my first bike ride in 25 years. dang cold out tonight

 

it's 44 degrees out but I went for another ride dang my hands are cold. I need to get the riding gear.