New to Cruisers and need some advice

[ignoramus89]

I am looking to trade in my sportbike (a Buell Firebolt XB12R) and get myself a cruiser. If it were a perfect world, no doubt id have both, but beggars cant be choosers. I do love my American power, and would absolutely love to get my hands on a Harley, but, for a college student, is that the best thing to do for the price? or is a Star, Suzuki, Honda or something else a better bang for my buck?

I know some Harley owners may get upset by this post, but the only reason im asking is because im a broke college student.

[Badlands-4-2]

I have never had a suzuki, but all three make good bikes. Just keepwatching the classifieds and go sit on a few until you find one that fits you. I would not get hung up on a name.

[black27696]

As a Honda rider, and a college student, I think they're a good way to go. Harley makes you pay a lot more for the name and the sound, and Hondas (in my opinion) are more reliable anyways. If I were you I would look at the other brands and pick one of those.

[dustbuster]

Any of the big 4 metrics would serve you well, All things being equal, pick the one that fits you and your riding style best. But I'd steer clear of the China connection.

[KC_Maverick]

the Vulcan's are nice bikes, and if you can find a good used LT model, it'll come with all the trappings too

[David 1]

Honda. The most dependable. That way you can spend your time studying instead of trying to get your Harley to run.
dc

[Gills]

As stated before, any of the 4 metric companies will be just fine. No need to pay the Harley prices.

[dustbuster]

Then the question becomes belt, shaft or chain drive? Really you just need to get to a dealership and sit on a few to find out what feels right and fits best.

[ignoramus89]

Thanks for the advice everyone. Im gonna go around to the dealers and get a feel for them. Hopefully Ill be cruisin soon! And if anyone else has any other bits of advice, I will appreciate it.

[Bro. Rob]

Hello,
I have a Suzuki Volusia 805cc LTD and I just put a DG Hard Chrome 3" Big Straight Pipe on. Had stock pipes before. That is the only MOD I have done besides a K&N air filter. My bike is running very lean and is fuel injected. My buddies have reccomended a power commander or Fi2000, however I am wanting a second opinion. Does anyone have a suggestion or personal experience with this?
Thanks, Rob

[Joe28]

After having a few Vulcans I lean more towards Kawi.
After my 800 Vulcan, into a 900 belt drive and now my 1500 shaft.
I NEVER go back to a chain.
It's such a pain to clean and lube my 2 other chain drive bikes!
The belt drive, (my 900, that's GREAT all @ bike) looks cleaner than my 1500 Vulcan shaft.
That's just me
Joe

[donsvstar]

650 V-Star here, very reliable, shaft drive for quiet smooth performance, runs great, lots of power from a 650 bike and rides like a dream, plus there is so much aftermarket items to customize it to your own
check out mine here with all the addons
donsvstar. weebly. com (http://donsvstar.weebly.com/index.html)

Made link clickable - black27696

[Jim8208]

First off I ride a Honda Magna and I'm very pleased with it. Now back to your question. Yesterday I sat on a new Suzuki c50 Boulevard and a newer Harley Fat Boy. The ergonomics were almost identical. The Suzuki was 7000 bucks OTD and the used Harley was 17000. Now I really like Harley's also but they are definitely overpriced. As long as people are willing to pay the bucks for one they'll stay that way.

[black27696]

I agree with Jim's post also. I like how a lot of (not all) Harley's look / sound but you can get that for a lot less money if you buy one without the name tax on it. In my experience checking out a lot of metrics, Honda still seems to be the best quality, but that's just one man's opinion.

[Joe28]

A lot of people think my Vulcan 1500 is a Harley?:confused:
I sat on a Yami, a Suzuki, and a Kawi, and although the dash was different, a few things different here and there, they pretty much feel the same. There is cool paint schemes, looks in ALL them that would make me buy one of those.
My buddy's Harley is a cool bike, but it's an older model and the vibration compared to my 1500 is crazy!
I guess it's what ever the deal is, the paint J.O.B.
I really don't think you'd make a bad choice in any of the bikes you buy now! They are all great machines and you could be comfortable riding cross country with any, (remember the day when we'd hit the road on a 350 2 stroke Yami and think nothing of it)?
That's my biggest problem. I find a bike I like and next week I find one that looks better and it starts all over again!:D
Joe
So many bikes, so few $$!;)

[dsmitty]

i agree with a honda, they go a long way, cant kill them! find a nice condition used one for under 3000 in any classified

[myhondas]

jim8208 had it right even if he didn't push his own ride.... If you like the power and speed of your sport bike but want a cruiser now... there is NOTHING out there that will touch the Magna.... The V4 750 will outrun a valkyrie and most harleys. It will handle most of the twisties and still give you great gas milage. I get between 43-55mph. Now I geared down a little (went from 40 to 36 on rear sprocket. Redline is about 9600. 1st@red= 55mph, 2nd@red=90mph, too scared to see redline in third. 5th @ 3800=75mph Can't say enough noce things about the bike. What do you think Jim8208?

[Jim8208]

jim8208 had it right even if he didn't push his own ride.... If you like the power and speed of your sport bike but want a cruiser now... there is NOTHING out there that will touch the Magna.... The V4 750 will outrun a valkyrie and most harleys. It will handle most of the twisties and still give you great gas milage. I get between 43-55mph. Now I geared down a little (went from 40 to 36 on rear sprocket. Redline is about 9600. 1st@red= 55mph, 2nd@red=90mph, too scared to see redline in third. 5th @ 3800=75mph Can't say enough noce things about the bike. What do you think Jim8208?

Well since you asked.:D I think the Magna is one of the best cruisers ever made. Honda sportbike (VFR750) V-4 engine in a cruiser frame with bulletproof Honda reliability. Handles like a dream and definitely will haul azz. Here's a link if anyone cares to read up a little on the Magna.

http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/roadtests/performance_cruiser_comparison/index.html

[black27696]

They actually did some testing in Moto-USA and found that the Magna was one of the fastest cruisers available except for some of the bigger bikes that had too many horses for it. Of course, your price gets higher with the larger vehicles.

[vinnie]

Dude get the vtx!!

[gregt1951]

the v65 honda magna 1100 is the best there is speed like a jet and does 10.8 at 124.2 in the quarter mile and 0-100 in under 7 seconds love love mine Greg

[skooter Bum]

Take a look at the Star V1100. It's the big brother to V650. Has plenty of power and torque. Very easy to ride and very dependable. I have a 08 V1100 Custom and I love it. Wouldn't hesitate at al jumping on the bike and heading west for a long road trip. Ask anyone who has one.

[roadster]

Before you decide, I have a Suzuki C50, Its was 7000.00 brand new off the show room floor. It is 805cc, has fuel injection, a real fuel gauge not a blinking light, shaft drive, water cooled, an oil sight window, and gets 48 to 52 mpg. I has been very dependable, no need to mess with a choke since it is fuel injected, starts within two turn in the dead cold of winter. I believe it offers the most bang for the buck anyway thats why I bought mine. I looked at all Honda, Yamaha, Harley and Kawasaki. The only thing that comes close is the new Yamaha 900 but it wasn't available when I bought my C50. In any case you can't go wrong with a Suzuki C50. Just one more bike to consider.....

[FictionalCharacter]

my two cents are that new 750 shadows are $7700, and i can't possibly see why. obviously there are myriad used shadows to be found on the cheap, however.

even money my next bike will be a vulcan 900 or vulcan 900 lt. i've just heard so many good things and they seem like great value for money.

[BJMartin]

Hey, if your gonna go cruiser, decide if you want a sport cruiser or a touring cruiser. 2 totally different worlds. With a little research though, i think you will find that you can get a sport cruiser, used, for pretty cheap and modify it for longer trips later on if you want.
I am pretty partial to the Yamaha Warrior. Most bang for your buck without a doubt.
http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll151/BJMartinWarrior/100_4213.jpg

[vinnie]

WARRIOR ftw! dude you drove me to go get mine!

for everyone on the forum... hondaeasttoledo.com has great deals

click sales manager specials... i just picked up a brand new 08 warrior with 0 miles for 8.5k

definitly check it out

llllooovvveee you

[BJMartin]

Did you just say you LOVED ME? lol hahahaha! Congrats on the Warrior!

[Dodger]

Another vote for Honda. I have a '98 Shadow 1100 and have never had to put a wrench on it (except for replacing the battery). It starts every time and runs like a top. I have had 2 Honda ATV's with the same experience.

[lesjob4d]

Other options you might want to look at are the Triumph Speedmaster and America, 790cc or 865cc(depending on year) in-line twins in cruiser clothes. Nice bikes and if you want something a bit different they fit the bill.

[GI Jack]

define broke, and whats your budget. If your trading in your buell, a used sportster is not out of the question.

If your just looking for "wheels" and its gotta be cheap and reliable, your getting a universal jap bike from the 80s.

I've found some old jap 2-seater 500cc+ standards for under 1000 good condition.

Thats pretty much what you need. "good condition", 500cc+, keep your mind and options open.

Also note a base model harley sportster is now $6999. Be forewarned, these are very small bikes. a new harley 883cc is a little smaller than my 550cc suzuki standard.

[kabory]

New Honda shadows are on sale for $6499.00

[Hinson]

I've got to put my vote in for the V-Star. I owned a 650 and moved up to the 1100 in 2004. Mostly around town scoot with a few 4-6 hour rides on weekends. Love it.

[horse482]

I have a VT750C Aero and it is a great bike. Hoping to upgrade to a VTX1300 some day. Don't think you can beat the reliability of a Honda. Also they are cheaper to purchase, maintain, and your not always fixing them.

[chaindad]

Honda. The most dependable. That way you can spend your time studying instead of trying to get your Harley to run.
dc

YOW!!!! (Well put David...lol)

I love my Aero750....purchased it in February of 08.....brand new....less (barely) than $5K! Lots of used bikes cheaper than that but I'm just sayin' if you do your research & buy last years model in the WINTER....you can get a new bike very reasonable.....

Go Honda....you won't regret it

[PingTheServer]

I'm in a similar situation. I'll go with any of the metric cruisers in the 750 range - though i lean towards the honda and yamaha..but i'll get whichever one i get the best deal on. harley is just too expensive, and for not much reason other than people keep buying them. I honestly dont know how so many ppl can afford them. It blows me away.

dont forget to budget your riding gear.

[55/Rad]

After 20 years off of motorcycles, I chose to dip back in. I was set on a used bike in the $3500 range. I was looking at Shadows, Intruders, Vulcans - all the mid size, approx 750 cc cruisers.

Saw a couple ads on Craigslist for Suzuki S50's. Stripped down "sport" cruisers. Liked the looks and the price and chose to go to a local dealer to see one in person before contacting the private sellers.

Got to the dealership and the closeout sales were on. I jokingly asked the sales guy if there were any leftover '08's sitting around. "No, but we have a leftover '07 S83 (1400) that just came out to the floor this morning. Pretty good deal too"...

Saw it, loved it, couldn't pass up the deal. 2 miles on the ODO. Less than $5k out the door. No sales tax, prep or assembly fees. Brand new...just 2 years old.

Been riding it for a month and though it was more bike than I was looking for enginewise, overall weight and size is comparable to its smaller engined brethren. Handles great and feels even better. Put a Corbin Gunfighter seat on it and hope to add a few goodies in the future.

55/Rad

[raitchison]

After 20 years off of motorcycles, I chose to dip back in. I was set on a used bike in the $3500 range. I was looking at Shadows, Intruders, Vulcans - all the mid size, approx 750 cc cruisers.

Saw a couple ads on Craigslist for Suzuki S50's. Stripped down "sport" cruisers. Liked the looks and the price and chose to go to a local dealer to see one in person before contacting the private sellers.

Got to the dealership and the closeout sales were on. I jokingly asked the sales guy if there were any leftover '08's sitting around. "No, but we have a leftover '07 S83 (1400) that just came out to the floor this morning. Pretty good deal too"...

Saw it, loved it, couldn't pass up the deal. 2 miles on the ODO. Less than $5k out the door. No sales tax, prep or assembly fees. Brand new...just 2 years old.

Been riding it for a month and though it was more bike than I was looking for enginewise, overall weight and size is comparable to its smaller engined brethren. Handles great and feels even better. Put a Corbin Gunfighter seat on it and hope to add a few goodies in the future.

55/Rad

Sounds like you got an outstanding deal, welcome to the forum BTW.

[daffyduck1972]

i agree with a honda, they go a long way, cant kill them! find a nice condition used one for under 3000 in any classified

not only do i agree but i can tell you this from experience...you can't really go wrong with the honda CB line. i recently "rescued" a CB750C it had been sitting unused and unstarted for over 2 years outside in the weather. bought from a guy on craigslist for $250 and then $1500 at the shop on mechicanical work and now she runs amazingly. name me one other brand that could sit like that and still be brought back to life...lol. i love honda's reliablity.

[Hinson]

... name me one other brand that could sit like that and still be brought back to life...lol. i love honda's reliablity.

Well, from experience...Yamaha. After my heart attack, my V-Star 1100 sat for a bit over two years, outside, no cover, unstarted. Finally got the courage to start riding again, put it in the shop and for less than $500 had the carbs cleaned, bike gone over and some basic maintaince taken care of. Now, she's good as new and a daily rider.

[Wheaties]

Hey guys, I am also looking to buy a cruiser. I currently drive a Yamaha Riva 125 scooter and am looking for something a bit more...well...manly. :) I dont have quite enough money to purchase yet, but I'm working on it. I drive my uncle's dirtbikes a few times a year, a 250 and 225 so nothing too powerful. I was wondering what kind of cruiser you would recommend for a newish rider. I kind of like Kawasaki Vulcans. My buddy has one and I drove it around for a little bit one night. Pretty cool. I think his was a 750? I am about 6-0 210lbs. Do you think I'd be ok getting a 900? or should I stick with something a bit smaller since I'm a beginner.

I'm looking to spend around 3750-4500. Do you think I could find a newer 2000's Vulcan 900 for that price?

I'm a college student as well. I have transportation so I'm not in need right away, but I'm curious.

[skooter Bum]

There are a lot of great bikes out there,...but I would strongly recommend a
V1100. They are great bikes. Low maintenance, very reliable, easy to handle, plenty of power for the street and the highway.

I have an 08 V1100 Custom, and I love it. I get nothing but compliments on it.

[Wheaties]

V1100? What is that? Sorry I'm a noob. Is that a Vulcan 1100? V-Star?

[justin68106]

if I were buying a cruiser I'd want a 2010 Triumph Thunderbird, they look kinda harley-ish now ...but the 1600cc parallel twin is pretty badass, the Triumph America is a great cruiser too... if you wanna look outside the common bikes, if you have a dealer near you at least.

[skooter Bum]

Sorry for not explaining. It's a Yamaha Star V1100. It's the bigger brother of the Star 650. Because it's the end of the model year and it's the last year for the V1100, you can pick a new one up for a few more dollars than a used bike. Yamaha is replacing it with a 950. The V650 or the V1100 are great bike and as I mentioned before,....very reliable and joy to ride. :71baldboy:

[Weebel]

883 Sportster...

or 1200 if money allows...

[aaronrkelly]

not only do i agree but i can tell you this from experience...you can't really go wrong with the honda CB line. i recently "rescued" a CB750C it had been sitting unused and unstarted for over 2 years outside in the weather. bought from a guy on craigslist for $250 and then $1500 at the shop on mechicanical work and now she runs amazingly. name me one other brand that could sit like that and still be brought back to life...lol. i love honda's reliablity.

For $1500 in mechanical work I should be able to rescue **** near anything that sit outside for a couple years.....that aint nothing. Either there was extensive issues or your shop is hosing you.

Hell Ive "rescued" a 1975 Honda CB400, a 1980 Kawasaki KZ1000 and a 1978 Suzuki DR370.....probably didnt have $1000 in all of them added together for labor/parts and that included new tires on the Kaw and Zuk.

[npoglese]

i just picked up a cb900c that hasent run in 9 years and my dad has the same year just a cb750 and ill swear by it any day so far super easy to customize and came right back to life clean as a wissel and lots of parts very cheep

[Weebel]

pretty sweet.... just remember your not on a sport bike anymore when ya come up to corners ;)

[Rambler]

the vulcan comes in 750 ,900 ,1500 and the grand daddy 2000.

[Jim8208]

the vulcan comes in 750 ,900 ,1500 and the grand daddy 2000.

There are quite a few more vulcan models than those. Here's a list of them.:)

http://www.vulcanriders.us/Vulcans.aspx

[Jay550]

There's a lot of nice ones out there. The Boulevard S83 is a nice bike, vstar 650 or 1100 depending on your size and preference. The VMax 1400 is nice as well, a little sportier. I myself have a RoadStar 1600. The Vulcan 1500 is nice, as is the Valkyrie. I'd consider any of these bikes, and let the availability, condition, and price dictate which I'd go with. Personally I prefer 1000+cc, so the vstar 650 and Boulevard C40 are out of the picture for me.

Though I do have a 1980 Suzuki GS550L cruiser that is pretty cool to putt around on, but not good for long highway hauls at 70+mph, even with 6th gear. It's not bad, but it leaves something to be desired when you want to go faster.

[Rambler]

i listed bike i would consider.if my daughter can ride an 800 there isnt a guy who couldnt

[CapnIcthus]

Hello,
I have a Suzuki Volusia 805cc LTD and I just put a DG Hard Chrome 3" Big Straight Pipe on. Had stock pipes before. That is the only MOD I have done besides a K&N air filter. My bike is running very lean and is fuel injected. My buddies have reccomended a power commander or Fi2000, however I am wanting a second opinion. Does anyone have a suggestion or personal experience with this?
Thanks, Rob

Check out the Bully controller at gmaniindusties.com
I recently put one on my C90T. Fixed the lean problem and no more backfiring on deceleraton. 9 more hp, more torque, no more bucking at low rpms and I can now cruise in 5th gear at 50 mph (before 5th was only good over 65)

edit - almost forgot... no penalty in fuel MPG if I resist taking advantage of all the extra power

[sunflashmace7]

ok Wheaties seriously I love my 2002 Suzuki Volusia the ride is amazing it is unbelievably comfortable and at 800cc it is a reliable but controllable ride. it has more than enough power to get my 240 pound but at 60 mph in about 6 seconds if i'm in a real hurry. I use it as my everyday transportation rain or not I have no car and I would never trade it for a car.

[sunflashmace7]

also i just started riding a few months ago and it was so easy to get used to this bike it does all the work itself. i just kinda tag along for the ride.

[tpicki]

I hear the money thing. I'm PAYING for two college students so I get it! I just bought a 1999 Yamaha V Star 650 Classic with 3500 miles for $2000. Not only a great deal but a GREAT bike! Nice low center of gravity and easy handling. fantastic Cruiser look. The best part is that people think it's an 1100 becuase it's on the same frame! :biggrin:

[RUMBLEBK]

After 25 years of not riding a MC I got the bug and a couple of months ago started looking for a cruiser bike. I rode both the V-Star, and VTX at stealerships. But at 10 grand plus and higher I was not in the market for new.

I was looking for a newer bike in the $5000 range, but that range here in southern Nevada kept getting me a 6 to 8 year old bike. I looked at a few, and man, many were rode hard and put up wet.

Just by chance I stumbled on a bike that had been lightly dropped. It had a few minor scratches on the pipes, and roll bars, and pegs. But it had the most beautiful custom paint job I have seen in quite awhile. I rode it for 15 miles to check it out. I bought this bike for $2200.

It is a 1999 Honda Shadow VT750 A.C.E. Deluxe. I am working to get my MC cert again, and can only take short outlaw rides right now. This thing starts every time with a touch. It idles forever without fouling out. And it is still plenty quick for my 58 year old body.

Hey If you are new to this fun way of life, then start inexpensive. I have a buddy that has a big V Star in his garage and has not rode in three years. I wanted to buy his bike but he wouldn't sell. He lost interst, or got scared or something. I cannot afford to have 10 to 15 thousand dollars sitting in my garage collecting dust.

[Kingshead]

I picked up my 99 VT1100C A.C.E. on e-bay for $5,000 with 3000 miles on the speedo. The bike had been customized as a bobber with well over $2,500 in upgrades and came with all the original parts. Having the original skirts allowed me to recustomize the bike as shown. I think the greatest thing about cruisers is their ease of customization.

[RUMBLEBK]

I picked up my 99 VT1100C A.C.E. on e-bay for $5,000 with 3000 miles on the speedo. The bike had been customized as a bobber with well over $2,500 in upgrades and came with all the original parts. Having the original skirts allowed me to recustomize the bike as shown. I think the greatest thing about cruisers is their ease of customization.

That is one very nice bike Kingshead. Hummm........ I wonder if wifey would mind riding on the fender! LOL

[Kingshead]

That is one very nice bike Kingshead. Hummm........ I wonder if wifey would mind riding on the fender! LOL

What, and risk scratching the paint, no way Jose. She can ride piggyback, or front.

Thanks for the comments on my ride, customised myself.

In my opinion bikes are for one person only, I refuse to be responsible for anothers injuries. If you want to ride with me then get a bike and ride. As it turns out, my wife is scared to death of the idea of ever being on a bike and refuses to ever do so. Fits in perfect with my point of view and allows me the solo seat.

[bluesjr]

I hear the money thing. I'm PAYING for two college students so I get it! I just bought a 1999 Yamaha V Star 650 Classic with 3500 miles for $2000. Not only a great deal but a GREAT bike! Nice low center of gravity and easy handling. fantastic Cruiser look. The best part is that people think it's an 1100 becuase it's on the same frame! :biggrin:

As a re-entry rider (30 years absent), I was concerned with weight mainly. I picked up a '02 V Star 650 Custom recently, for $2900, with 2K miles. Yeah, one of the many bikes that just sat in a garage. Great bike, easy to ride, and fun in the twisties. Not a great highway bike though, but I don't like riding on the highway anyway. I get compliments too. Yamaha did a great job on the styling, both custom and classic. I actually like the looks of the classic better, but the custom is a little lighter, narrower and sportier.

Kingshead, that bike of yours is gorgeous!!! I like that very much!