Thinking of switching to cruisers

[Kasha1]

Hey, Ive only had my TLR for a little while, but I'm already sort of getting sick of the sportbike thing. The cruisers are really appealing to me alot more than they used to.

So, Im thinking of selling the suzuki, and getting a cruiser, but I dont know which one to get. Id be looking for as close to a clean trade as possible. So, my question is, does anyone know of a bike I should look into, that would be no more than 6000 bucks used, and would be big enough for a guy thats 6 ft 1? I'm not partail to one make or another.

Thanks,
Leslie

[ksaintg]

Just like sportbikes, the choice of cruiser depends on what you want to do with it. There are cruisers for going slow, getting attention on the strip, and generally just looking bling. There are cruisers that are great for long distance trips. Then there's a small segment that have great performance (compared to the previous two types), and are almost a combination of cruiser and sportbike. "Almost" is relative of course.

Me (5'11"), I ride a motorcycle some categorize as a "sport cruiser". It's quick (80 rwhp), handles great (high ground clearance for the twisties), but still gives the upright/laid back seating position.

For your price range there plenty of options, especially in the used market. Most Harley's will either demand more $$ or more work, just FYI. Depending on how you want to ride (long distance, cruise the strip, or canyon carving), there's a cruiser out there for ya.

Good luck!

[eddiemcrider]

The best way to figure it out is go sit on all of 'em. For 6K you'll have to settle for a used metric cruiser.


I got the 800cc version of the Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Classic (carb). The later models have FI now but doubt you can find one in your price range. (note: these are watercooled)

I wouldn't mind a Honda Magna 750. It's not a twin, but a watercooled V4-- the same one you'd find on a VFR. This one is a power cruiser. Don't discount the smaller displacement because it produces way more power then the air cooled big twins.

I wouldn't mind a Yami Vmax. It's another V4 power cruiser. Or go with one of Yami's Vstar line *I can't remember all the cc's.

After jumping off the Tiller, you would probably be disappointed with the power of the cruisers for 6K. It's all about enjoying the scenery on these babies.


(edit: added more info that makes sense :teeth )

[budman]

I agree for 6k you can find a good metric cruiser...
you'll find the metric brands have a little more power and a little better brakes ( alot better than a 6k Harley). I am 6'-1" and the crusing world has lots better options for someone our size. :teeth

Good luck.


Slo ride buduna buduna buduna slo ride...:thumbup

:smoking

[jcmjrt]

There are several options as others have said. I like the Yamaha V-Star 1100. Here's a link to a forum that is for the Star line of bikes including the 1100.

http://forums.delphiforums.com/star_riders/start

[davidb]

ride them all first, then make your decision. I test rode a few and ended up with a beemer, slow, but handles damn good in the mountains, the abs brakes has saved my ass,(and a few deer)you can get a used one for 6 grand with low miles and expect to get a hundred plus thousand out of the mill.And the slow part, it is middle of the line. The v star was my second choice.

[GetaGripGreg]

Why go all the way from TLR to XLR? Such a huge change. You could always split the difference with any number of upright standard bikes. I'm thinking of bikes like the SV650, VFR, CBR919 (or new Hornet 600), etc. Or tour-type bikes like the Kawasaki Concours.

If I went full cruise, I'd probably go for the Magna, because I just love that v-4. Or an older Goldwing for the maximum overdrive comfort. (Damn, I'm getting old). ;)

[rzims]

I think if you're looking used at 6K you have alot of options for a decent metric cruiser.
I have a shadow ACE 750 and I'm 6'1" and with the forward controls it fits me fine for all day riding.

I do wish I had more cc's though (which is why it's for sale) and I've been looking at the Roadstar and the Vstar
You might also look at the Kaw Vulcan 1500 - you get a lot of bike for your money with these and now that they have the 2000cc bike out I've been seeing alot of nice used 1500 on cycletrader

Good luck

-Rich

[ksaintg]

Originally posted by rzims
I think if you're looking used at 6K you have alot of options for
I do wish I had more cc's though (which is why it's for sale) and I've been looking at the Roadstar and the Vstar
You might also look at the Kaw Vulcan 1500 - you get a lot of bike for your money with these and now that they have the 2000cc bike out I've been seeing alot of nice used 1500 on cycletrader

Good luck

-Rich

Why do you want more cc's? You want a heavier bike? Honestly, I'm just trying to understand what the market is for those 2000cc behemoths... cripe, just get buy a car.

Is it a matter of performance? "If i have a 750cc bike, i'll go twice as fast/be twice as loud/be able to ride twice as far with a 1500cc." Just trying to understand the mindset.

Ken

[Kasha1]

Originally posted by ksaintg
Just like sportbikes, the choice of cruiser depends on what you want to do with it. There are cruisers for going slow, getting attention on the strip, and generally just looking bling. There are cruisers that are great for long distance trips. Then there's a small segment that have great performance (compared to the previous two types), and are almost a combination of cruiser and sportbike. "Almost" is relative of course.


OK. Ive been thinking about it...alot
And Ive decided to go with a cruiser that "goes slow, and gets attention on the strip" Im talking maximum bling factor here. It seems kind of sudden. but Im absolutly done with the superbikes.

Heres why:

I was just riding my bicycle (not the tiller) back from the gym a few nights ago and I was passing another guy, so I decided to be a jerk, and show off. So I wheelied up (yes this IS possible on a roadbike) and rode passed him on one wheel, but I came down so hard that my front wheel bent, rotated, got stuck between the brakes, and threw me off. I landed face first (no helmet) and got knocked unconcious, and scraped off the whole right side of my face. Its gonna take me a few months of healing to look normal again.

So, Ive come to the realization, that Im the type of person thats gonna push the envelope until I kill myself, so Im deciding the sportsbikes arent for me. I know that one day, Im gonna wheeile on the freeway, mess it up, and that will be the end of me.

BUT instead of giving up riding altogether Ive decided that I might be comfortable on a cruiser, becasue that way, I wont be tempted to stunt.

So long story short, Im lookin for the biggest, slowest, shiniest thing I can afford. I want somethin I can stretch out on, and just CRUISE. No racing, no stunting, no fucking around, just cruising.

If ANY of you wanna trade my tiller (yellow 1998-w/ yosh exhaust) for your cruiser, then Id be more than happy to consider it.

[Gragorin]

No offense but I think you might be looking at cruisers for the wrong reasons. You can wheelie certain cruisers but it's no where near as easy as a sportbike from what I've been told. However, I think a cruiser might be a good stepping stone to re-evaluate wether you think you should even be riding at all. If you find that you are trying on a cruiser to do all of the stuff that you did on a sportbike then..who knows. You'll need to cross that road if you ever get to it. Anywho, here are a few suggstions from craigslist.

http://www.craigslist.org/sby/mcy/22128980.html 1999 Honda Magna 750cc $4900
http://www.craigslist.org/sby/mcy/22122906.html Suzuki MAURADER V-TWIN Cruiser, Low Miles, Excellent!! - $3750
http://www.craigslist.org/sby/mcy/21759161.html For Sale or Trade 2000 Vulcan Classic - $4200
http://www.craigslist.org/eby/mcy/22229000.html Honda Magna 1999 - $4500

[Kasha1]

Originally posted by Gragorin
No offense but I think you might be looking at cruisers for the wrong reasons. You can wheelie certain cruisers but it's no where near as easy as a sportbike from what I've been told. However, I think a cruiser might be a good stepping stone to re-evaluate wether you think you should even be riding at all. If you find that you are trying on a cruiser to do all of the stuff that you did on a sportbike then..who knows. You'll need to cross that road if you ever get to it.

:wtf

No no no. I guess I didnt get my point across well at all. Im switchin to a cruiser so that I WONT be tempted to do tricks and shit. Im done with stuntin, and racin and all that.

In other words, Ive grown out of the sportsbike thing, and its time for me to get a REAL motorcycle.

Thatnks for the craigslist links though:thumbup :cool

[Metalstorm]

It's not the tool, but how you use it. err.. something like that anyway. Riding a sportbike does not in any way shape or form require you to go stunting. I'm pretty sure it's not in the contract. Just like owning a gun does not require that you shoot somebody with it. It's all about choice. My Sporty does wheelies pretty well (found that out strictly by accident) but it's not something I do simply because I can. I try NOT to do it. Switching bikes won't change your habits, it just postpones them. So I would say get a cruiser if you really like them and only if you really like them. Don't fool yourself into thinking that it'll change you. Change comes from within. You want to stop stunting? Stop stunting on the sportbike first.
That's just my .02
Text doesn't translate well so I might have misunderstood a large portion. I'm not trying to come off harsh or offensive but if I have please accept my appologies for it was not my intent.

[Kasha1]

Originally posted by Metalstorm
It's not the tool, but how you use it. err.. something like that anyway. Riding a sportbike does not in any way shape or form require you to go stunting. I'm pretty sure it's not in the contract. Just like owning a gun does not require that you shoot somebody with it. It's all about choice. My Sporty does wheelies pretty well (found that out strictly by accident) but it's not something I do simply because I can. I try NOT to do it. Switching bikes won't change your habits, it just postpones them.


Yeah, I totally get what youre sayin. I think I should have elaboarted on the background to the situation.

So...when I decided to get a motorcycle (about a year ago) I was all set to get a cruiser. I was completely set on getting one (although I hadnt picked one out yet) but then, my friends got me into the stunt videos, and my father showed out of nowhere (after being gone for 15 years) and reccomended I get a superbike so that I could quote"scrape-knee on the freeway" (he's been riding sportsbike for 20 years) So, I foolishly took my father, and friends advice and got a TL1000R. I got it for the sole purpose of being able to street race, and stunt. Personally, I think compared to a cruiser, my bike is ugly and uncomfortable, but Ive enjoyed riding it becuase Ive been doing what I set out to do. (race, and stunt)

but now...skip ahead 1 year, and Ive just got my first reality CHECK, (head-hitting-pavement) and ive realized the stuntin isnt for me, so Im going back to the original plan....
Im gonna get a cruiser, becuase In my mind I no longer have any need to ride a sportsbike. Im not interested in racing, or stunting, or track-days, or sideshows.

Im not saying that I wont be able to stunt on a cruiser. Im saying that Im getting a cruiser because Im not planning on stunting anymore, and with all that out of the way, I would much rather be riding a cruiser. Because, I got my sportsbike for a reason, and I have no more use for it.

I hope I explained myself well ebough, and if not...well....Im too tired to care.:x



So anyway........ Back to the reason I started this thread in the first place.....

What do guys think of:

Honda Shadow Aero 1100
& the
Kawi Vulcan 1500

Ive been leaning towards the aero, just because of the reviews Ive been reading and the pictures Ive seen. But, I still haven't seen it in person. Noramlly, Id just go down to the dealership and look at them, but their out of production in the 1100cc form, so Ill have to track down a used one just to see it. So, all you big guys, is that one roomy enough in your opinion? I plan on adding aftermarket drag bars, and highway pegs, to make it roomy as possible, but in stock form do you guys think its suitable for the tall?

[Sane_Man]

I have a buddy that has an awesome looking Vulcan 1500 and is perfect for taller riders.

The Aero had problems with heavy vibrations, plus I think the Vulcan looks better.

The Ero and the Vulcan have shaft drive which is the best way to go. I would recommend a Vulcan 1500 FI which is fuel injected which makes it simpler when installing aftermarket pipes, so you can be loud when you go slow. :p

[Gragorin]

I have a 2002 Kawi Mean Streak which is based off of the Vulcan 1500. I'm 6'3" and about 280 pounds and it fits me perfectly. I put on an aftermarket Mustang seat which is just oh so comfy too. This is a picture of my bike before I put on the new seat.

Oh, check out Aeromach engineering for various parts for the Kawi's..

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/056/440/814292-bike_-_28.jpg

[eddiemcrider]

:thumbup Kasha1 each bike has it's purpose. I totally understand where you are coming from.

<= The "precious" tells me to twist the throttle.. yes the little 400CC precious. It's all-mental. When I am on the sport bike I find it hard not to rail from corner to corner in the twisties. The bike was designed to do it... why not? right. On the freeway, it easily cruises at ticket churning 100mph. I can't imagine if I had another 200cc let alone another 600ccs for the street. In other words, I know I don't have the self-control to own a more powerful sport bike. Now that I am older, I probably do. But I'll ride this Honda to the ground before I do. Even when that day arrives, I just don't have the desire anymore to take chances on the street. I found track days as my new venue to play that game.

On the other hand, the cruiser is just as the name implies. So when I get on it in the twisities and the floorboards are complaining, I know I got to throttle back. The relax geometry and mediocre power band doesn't urge me to go all out in the corners or the straights. On weekends if I want to put for long flat straight distances, I'd hop on the cruiser.

As for a commuter, the cruiser works for me too... car pool lane, free bridge, splitting lanes, cheap SF city parking, 50mpg and saves my sport bike from flat spots... I can't complain.

To answer your question, either the Vulcan 1500 “Classic” or Aero 1100 are big enough for you. Go sit on them (hopefully test ride one) and see for yourself. What I don't like about the Honda cruisers is where they decided to slap the radiator. It looks fugly IMHO. The Kawasaki integrated theirs between the frame for that "air cool" look.

[eddiemcrider]

Originally posted by Gragorin
I have a 2002 Kawi Mean Streak which is based off of the Vulcan 1500. I'm 6'3" and about 280 pounds and it fits me perfectly. I put on an aftermarket Mustang seat which is just oh so comfy too. This is a picture of my bike before I put on the new seat.

Oh, check out Aeromach engineering for various parts for the Kawi's..




SWEET bike Gragorin. If I could find a used one cheap I wouldn't hesitate to upgrade from my 800. I sat on them at the last motorcycle show and was in :love

[Metalstorm]

If the dealers are willing, I'd test ride both bikes and see which "feels" the best for you.

[davidb]

Thats a nice bike, but the price range stated was 6000$. that narrows the field to a v-star or honda

[Kasha1]

Originally posted by davidb
Thats a nice bike, but the price range stated was 6000$. that narrows the field to a v-star or honda

True :thumbup Thanks David

But, I was thinkin of a used one, maybe like a 1998, so the vulcan is still a possibility

[davidb]

I will keep a eye out for you.

[EBRMC]

If you want a kawi meanstreak I have a KICKASS one down at the shop it only have 4000 miles on it has bags a backrest and luggage rack with a bub 2into one pipe on it and is the cleanest "used" bike I have ever seen just took it in so not sure of the price Ill find out tomorrow and see whats its gonna run ya

[davidb]

There is a 1500 kaw in huntington beach for 5000 on cycle trader. EBRMC"s sounds better if you can get it a t your price or trade your tiller in on it.

[davidb]

Or you can get one of these for around 6000$ with ABS brakes. And they can flat out LEAN in the mountains. It can keep up with some of the sport cruisers and stay ahead of most of the big, higher horsepower cruisers because the parts dont drag as soon. (but they will drag so dont look at my exhaust too close)

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/056/440/817465-im000131.jpg

[EBRMC]

the price of the meanstreak is gonna be areound 7500. So a little off your projected budget but if you want to tale a look come on down

[eddiemcrider]

:wow $7500. Where was this last year? Now with Eddie ver 2.0 coming out next month, I'm gonna have to wait. I'll be hitting you up next year EBRMC :teeth

[rzims]

Originally posted by ksaintg
Why do you want more cc's? You want a heavier bike? Honestly, I'm just trying to understand what the market is for those 2000cc behemoths... cripe, just get buy a car.

Is it a matter of performance? "If i have a 750cc bike, i'll go twice as fast/be twice as loud/be able to ride twice as far with a 1500cc." Just trying to understand the mindset.

Ken

Actually, it's a couple of factors. I'd like a bike that's a little heavier - I commute across the bridge every day and when it's windy I get pushed around quite a bit. Also, when I'm on the freeway 75-80 seems to be required to keep up with traffic and the 750 is winding out pretty good at that speed

Good luck in whatever you decide

-Rich

[rzims]

What do guys think of:

Honda Shadow Aero 1100
& the
Kawi Vulcan 1500

Ive been leaning towards the aero, just because of the reviews Ive been reading and the pictures Ive seen. But, I still haven't seen it in person. Noramlly, Id just go down to the dealership and look at them, but their out of production in the 1100cc form, so Ill have to track down a used one just to see it. So, all you big guys, is that one roomy enough in your opinion? I plan on adding aftermarket drag bars, and highway pegs, to make it roomy as possible, but in stock form do you guys think its suitable for the tall? [/B][/QUOTE]

I love the aero - if you check out the aero forum on Delphi you'll see some sweet loking ones too - http://forums.delphiforums.com/hondaaero/start

[EBRMC]

THe areo is a BIG bike and I dont like the motor as well as the 1500 .The style is on though the areo has it you can get alot of great crusing accesories for that bike ,,and its not aftermarket Honda amkes a good line of stuff for it

NOw as far as the 1500 which one?drifter,classic,nomad,meanstreak I think that bang for your buck the 1500 is a good bike
Although I do sell yamahas and there are some good cruisers in that line as well I mean the warrior is awsome and then there is the 1100 classic and then the big boys the 1700 which would fit anybody in a large frame If ya want a yamaha come by the shop and check it out

[RedRex02]

Get a ZRX, has everything a sport bike has without the riding position and more power/torque than anyone needs on the street

[davidb]

Redrexo2, I think he wan'ts a cruiser because of his inability to stop wacking the throttle and doing burnouts, wheelies, and stoppies. You know, like all of us.

[budman]

Ya know this thread made me think..control myself...what age did that happen..has it happened :teeth

To some extent..yes it has..I only get crazy in the eyes of others...not in my mind any more.

Man I am sorry to hear you got hurt and switching to cruisers in one step in the right direction..but "if" cruisin means drinking you still can have big trouble. Always use your head.

I have done the stunt, the haul ass, the run from those that would stop me..
Guilty :teeth

When I quit racing road racing after motocross racing.. I bought a Harley..just to do the same..slow down.
I knew if I hit the street with a sport bike I would have trouble staying intact.

Bought my Hog. It worked! But...

6 years later I had to get another sport bike..could not take it any more :cry Have bought a few..many track days...still have fun on the street , but with more respect to where I am and who I affect and the danger of a given situation. My decisions are calculated and tend to be conservative.

I have decided after thinking this through :p

A crash in '97 at Laguna ...a highside in front of my wife and daughters that caused a trip to Stanford, that I would take the edge off at track days. I was feeling young again:p

An incident just before up on 84 had taken a bite out me. My buddy Danny and I faced a van doing the U-turn thing in a blind turn and we slipped through in the 3' left of pavement..the van had not stopped until Danny was less than 10' from it..:mad

Good luck with the new ride...Hope it works for you.

:smoking

[GrumpaLes]

If you have been riding sport bikes for long, you want to gently switch over to cruisers. Either get a sport tour bike (Bandits, etc) or in a true cruiser, try the Harley V-Rod (not cheap), the Honda Magna (it is what I have -- I am 6'), or the Yamaha V-Max. Most others are heavier than what you are used to, or can't lean, or are just too dang slow. You still will want some performance characteristics < twisties need to be taken -- just a little slower with a cruiser >.
The Magna is the lightest of the 'muscle cruisers' at 500 lbs -- it sits in the 2nd fastest of the 'muscle' pack with V-rod, VTX1800, and Valkrie.
The V-Max is the fastest -- hands down -- and not that heavy.
Both have been around for many years and there should be a good selection of used bikes findable.
The VTX and Valkrie are big, heavy, yet quite fun bikes.

[seaninsjca]

Personally I love my '99 Aero. Lots of people bag on them because of the vibration in the engine, well then don't buy a 98 or 99, buy an 00, 01, or 02 instead. The 98s and 99s had a single crank pin design just like Harleys do. That's why when you ride them the feel just like the Harley does... personally, this is one of the reasons I bought one. My only complaint since I bought mine new in 2000 is that the seat is a bit stiff. I need to buy an aftermarket, but I've been lazy and haven't wanted to spend the money. During the summer I spend about 5-8 hours every Sunday on it and haven't been forced into the new seat yet, so I guess it can't be that bad. For styling I don't think any other cruiser touches it... but that's just my opinion. Great bike, Great price.