Selecting a bike

[ofnoa]

I've got an '85 Honda Magna VF500c. It still runs great but am looking for something around 900cc - 1100. I test rode a Honda Shadow 2001 and it vibrated a lot. Salesman told me it's the inherent characteristic of the bike...something about the firing order. I'm no motorcycle maven and I could care less about the mechanics of the bike. I'm middle-aged and I'm just looking for a reliable, smooth and relatively quiet bike, can you suggest a few different makes/models?

(I had rented a Harely Davidson FatBoy with 75 miles on it. It was loud, it generated a lot of heat and wasn't particularly fast. It wasn't a great experience.)

I'm not looking to impress the ladies nor am trying to comply to with some motorcycle mystique. Just want a smooth-riding bike. Thanks.

[a1c_joker]

Take a look at the Star series for Yamaha. I don't mean to preach, but used ones are usually at a decent price, and the 650 and 1100cc bikes are really worth a ride. I know the stock pipes are relatively quiet, too, as to not wake the neighbors. They're reliable, too. If Yamaha isn't the brand you're looking for, some friends of mine sure to talk highly about the Suzuki C series, too. Good luck, hope this helps.

~Joker

[ofnoa]

I will check out the Yamaha Star. Thx for all your help....it's very much appreciated.:)

[Maico Shark]

In general, four cylinder bikes run smoother than twins and twins run smoother than single cyliners. I've heard that Honda Goldwings are smooth and that BMW's are also. Smoothest running bike I ever owned was a vintage Honda 750 with a 900 kit installed. The Honda 350-4cylinder was also super smooth but rare to find these days.

[BH121869]

I've got an '85 Honda Magna VF500c. It still runs great but am looking for something around 900cc - 1100. I test rode a Honda Shadow 2001 and it vibrated a lot. Salesman told me it's the inherent characteristic of the bike...something about the firing order. I'm no motorcycle maven and I could care less about the mechanics of the bike. I'm middle-aged and I'm just looking for a reliable, smooth and relatively quiet bike, can you suggest a few different makes/models?

(I had rented a Harely Davidson FatBoy with 75 miles on it. It was loud, it generated a lot of heat and wasn't particularly fast. It wasn't a great experience.)

I'm not looking to impress the ladies nor am trying to comply to with some motorcycle mystique. Just want a smooth-riding bike. Thanks.
It depends on what riding you plan to do and your wallet. If you want smooth and reliable, BMW or any four cylinder new bike.