any "newer" bike recommendations??? cruiser style.

I still have my XS400 Yamaha and love it. Rode her today! Without selling it, I would like to upgrade to some kinda of a cruiser. (the wife is actually cool with this!)

What does everyone like or don't like? No Harley. Something like a V-star, Shadow, Vulcan, or whatever fits the 700 to 1000 range. I'm 5'11" at 165lbs so no real huge bike. Price range is $5000. Something made 2000-2008 for my range.

thanks

dave

 

shadows and vulcans are freaking huge

 

you only think you want a cruiser. what you really want is a dual sport.

 

Suzuki Volusia/C50. Only an 800, but big bike looks and feel. Not to hard to find a low mileage one for under 5000. I paid 3500 for my '04 a couple of months ago.

 

a co-worker of mine just got one. He really likes it. I'd like to hear more about the handling, performance, and your overall thought on this bike

 

might as well cruse fast
BMW

 

Or a Moto-Guzzi

 

Get a Vmax and let me ride it... just kidding... I wouldn't go with the v-twin, personaly because they are slow and doggy. Ride a harley or a vulcan or v star and you'll see what I mean. An in-line 4 at 750 ccs will make your ass twitch if you wanna get squirrely but a sportster 883 or 1200 or vulcan 900 or v-star 650 or suzuki 800, etc will just get you going to the desired speed in no particular rush. I like quick takeoffs and some fun when I want it. The thing with the v-twin motors is the low end torque. You won't fly on an 800 cc v-twin but you can throw a fat chick on the back and load your saddlebags up and forget she's back there. With the in-line four you'll know she's there and wonder if she is gaining weight as you ride unless you get into the much higher liter size bikes like the 1100 and bigger.
So if I was buying the bike, and I am actually researching this stuff myself as I need a bigger bike, I am thinking a honda Magna. It's what i am starting to settle on. test rode a v max and that was way too much. Believe me... the v max is scary for real.
The magna, from what I have read is awesome in low end like a v twin and awesome at higher revs. it's not a high rpm bike though. It has a v-4. Its snappy when you need it, pulls hard still from highway speeds without having to downshift to pass conservatively, and would definitely handle you and your pick of fat broads (if that's your thing).
What I like about it is the reliability. Honda might not be BMW but there are guys who have incredible mileage on honda engines. Over 400,000 on a goldwing with a side-car here in my town. You can find a magna with 25k on the odometer and, if it was maintained properly, can get well above 100,000 miles. And parts for these bikes aren't hard to come by.

 

do you want a cruiser or a sport touring bike the sport touring bike like a fjr 1300 will have the same riding position as a maxim but look sporty if you like the cruiser look i the make vstar 650s 900s and bigger if you want the cruiser style and insane speed by the vmax they are hard to find used but they are quick the newer ones have a v4 1900 cc engine and from what i hear will do 170 to 180 mph

 

Good info! I am still in the learning process. Thats why I was looking for opinions. As for fat chicks. I'm married to a "little" gal but currently is 8 months pregnant with our first child--so she wont be riding anytime soon!! I need to get this bike before I i start making diaper payments.

dave

 

I'll 2nd the Volusia talk, or even a Marauder. What I'd really look for is a Shadow ACE or Spirit with CHAIN drive. I think they switched to shaft in '04.

 

I need to get this bike before I i start making diaper payments.


I hear that, my wife is 4 and a half months prego. I'm doing as much to my bike as I can before the little money pit gets here.

My personal preference is the Suzuki Boulevard. Kind of big, but the cost is low and it looks awesome.

 

2010 V-STAR 950 TOURER

 

What is cool about the boulevard if you go with the v-twin is they can put a 1400 cc motor in a bike and still keep it conservative. Nice seat height (narrow rear seat though) narrow frame, great body position and ergo, and the bike is every bit as much cruiser as the xjs we ride. I just went to a shop last friday to check out used bikes and a lot of the bikes are harley clones. They are wide, heavy, and bulky but if you are going in a straight line they'd be comfortable. The magna and the boulevard with the 1400 were two bikes I kept going back to. I liked the way the kept the boulevard a motorcycle. Awesome look and feels perfect to my own taste. Like the Magna though. It had some poor reviews in some areas so you'd want to research it. Good luck though.

 

In addition to my '82 XJ650, I've also got a 2002 Honda Shadow ACE 750 Custom Deluxe in my garage which is my current daily ride. It suits all my needs, Vtwin, lots of torque, good looks, lots of aftermarket parts and accessories and cheap on insurance.

I picked it up on Ebay in the fall of 2007 from the original owner, it had less than 3000 miles on it. Bike was stock which is what I was after and I imported it into Canada. Paid $3750 CDN for the bike, so it also worked with the pocket book. Added highway pegs, K&N Filter, new mirrors, grips, foot pegs and clear lenses for the signal and tail lights. Its a real contrast from the Seca...will be awesome to have both to ride!

 

Currently I have an '82 maxim 1100, and while I do not have approval to replace it yet, I figure another year or two I would like something newer. I would really like a vtwin cruiser, but would like to know how much difference there would be in performance, and what size I would need. I am big guy (265lbs), but do not usually have passengers, except on a few longer trips.

 

265lbs? I'd go at least 1800cc's or a Boss Hoss:



Kidding... I don't really have any good suggestions, though you probably want 800cc's or bigger I imagine.

 

This is the bike I am leaning towards--only shaft drive. I still consider myself an intermediate rider and just need something my body size and pocketbook size. I hear good things about the Suzuki also.

 

Jetchaser, I'm 6'6" and 215lbs and find the ACE quite comfortable. I've been toying with the idea of adding forward controls..but honestly like having two postions for my feet. If anything, the only modifcation I'd likely make relative to seated postion is an aftermarket front seat with a little more rise/cushion to it. Other than that, its quite comfy even on full day rides. Coulda gone to the larger ACE...but the 750 was a nice compromise of power, cost, insurance etc....

 

import the new xj1300, what an awesome fricken bike

 

Well, I did it!!! I bought a 2007 Honda Shadow Sabre 1100cc!! Got it tonight and had to drive straight home into the garage before the rain poured down. So far I love it and it was such a good ride home, easy to handle.

http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photos/2 ... wSabre.htm

Don't worry all, I am keeping the XS400. I've got way too much time, blood, sweat, and tears into it.

dave

 

Your going to love that bike I'm sure. I also have the VT1100 Spirit for longer rides and trips and it's plenty big for two up riding wth all the luggage on. Those engines are bullet proof too.