New to street from dirt, looking for first used cruiser-help

[RocketMan]

I have ridden dirt bikes for the past 3 years, a 300cc Kawasaki. I am now selling my dirt bike to get on the street and I know I want a cruiser. I've been reading this forum for a week or so and I'm trying to nail down what to look for in buying a used cruiser. All I will have to deal with is about $3,250 (for bike, I have other cash for gear).

The models I think I should be looking for are (600-800cc):
Kawasaki Vulcan
Yamaha V-Star
Suzuki Intruder or Marauder
Honda Shadow VLX

Do you have any input on the above models as for quality, reliability, user-friendliness (noob friendly)? I feel bombarded with choices, I browse the local trader and see all of these bikes available. I have read about shaft, belt and chain driven differences, center-of-gravity differences and I'm just not sure what is best. I'd really like to hear from those who own the above bikes as every salesman sounds the same when I'm in sitting on THE BIKES (edited).

So far I have been able to sit on a Yamaha V-Star Custom & Classic, a Honda VLX and a Kawasaki Vulcan. Unfortunately I can't decide on which I like best. So far I think the V-Star's and then the Vulcan. I have to do some more sitting to decide.

Thanks for any and all help guys, I really appreciate it. BTW, I am 28, 5'10" and 165lbs. I like long walks at sunset and reading...oh wait, sorry, wrong post.

Thanks!

[VermilionX]

I'd really like to hear from those who own the above bikes as every salesman sounds the same when I'm in sitting on them.

did they at least buy you a drink?

[RocketMan]

I'd really like to hear from those who own the above bikes as every salesman sounds the same when I'm in sitting on them.

did they at least buy you a drink?

Did I say that out loud?

[bok]

honestly any of those bikes sound decent. not sure what prices are like in your area, but good luck with the hunt.

[sharpmagna]

Of those bikes you listed, I'd get the Vulcan 750. The bike is shaft driven (lower maintenance), mag wheels so they have tubless tires, and the valves are hydraulically adjusted (self adjusting). I also like the 80s Japanese bikes, so I'm kind of biased in that aspect.

[FlyerPhil]

Of those bikes you listed, I'd get the Vulcan 750. The bike is shaft driven (lower maintenance), mag wheels so they have tubless tires, and the valves are hydraulically adjusted (self adjusting). I also like the 80s Japanese bikes, so I'm kind of biased in that aspect.

I'm with the other Magna owner

The 750 Vulcan is the most technically advanced of the bikes you named, though its styling is older. There is also probably a larger used selection of them.

V-Stars are nice but seem pricey to me, getting one for $3200 without a problem would probably be difficult.

The Marauder is a nice bike though it lacks the easy maintenance things (its a chain and manual valves) but there is a great online community for it.

Intruders are nice as well but you should stay away from the older ones with the 21" front wheel which makes steering harder. I think they changed it to a 19" in the late 90s.

I don't really like the VLX but I'm a pretty big guy. If it fits you it should work fine. It just looks and feels a bit too basic to me.

[RocketMan]

Thanks for your advice guys, though if others want to chime in, I would be interested.

I really do like the Vulcan, which seems like a good choice due to its technical advantages and lower prices. For instance, I found a 2000 Kawasaki Vulcan 750 locally for $3000. Mileage might have been high, I cant remember, though a great price!! My buddy has a Vulcan, its the first cruiser I really took a hard look at.

Thanks again!!

[DivideOverflow]

The VLX is pretty weak, and only has 4 gears.

I'd probably go with the Vulcan too.. V-Stars sound like a sewing machine until you swap the exhaust. I heard one on the road and thought it was my own cam noise and got concerned for a bit. I heard it over the kerker slipons on my VF700F

[bok]

too lazy to look on a map as to where you are, but you could look at something like this 650 Vstar, 10k miles for $3100...lots of extra stuff (no it's not me trying to sell it lol)


Craigslist - Ann arbor

[RocketMan]

too lazy to look on a map as to where you are, but you could look at something like this 650 Vstar, 10k miles for $3100...lots of extra stuff (no it's not me trying to sell it lol)


Craigslist - Ann arbor

Ann Arbor? I'm in Ann Arbor right now! It is where I work. I live about 45 minutes from here. This is a great deal, great looking bike. I am going to look into this one.

Thanks a lot!