Looking for a cruiser

[Mandingo]

Hey guys,

I'm a new rider getting and i'm just starting to look at bikes. I definatly want a cruiser, I've looked at a nighthawk here in town but honesly I don't like the way that they look, So, I was thinking about something more along the lines of a Honda Shadow Maby? anyone have any other suggestions about a good started crusier?

[Scott58]

Your size, weight, and inseam will influence your decision. get one that feels comfortable. Your also going to have to decide how much weight you want to manuver around. And lastly how much power are you looking for. What you plan to use the bike for (local commute? touring?). Addressing these questions will give you a better idea of what you may want. Sit on a few and see if anyone of them makes your heart beat faster.

[JustJames]

I don't know about your experience but Yamaha V-star 650cc custom or classic should work well with both beginners and experiences.

[allawybiker]

Scott58 is correct, you have to find a bike you are comfortable with. I was looking for my first bike 3 weeks ago and was looking for a cruiser. I ended up getting a Suzuki Boulevard M50, a 800cc cruiser that looks sporty too. Sounds great, has a lot of power both at low and high RPM, shaft drive, EFI (no choke or fuel switch/reserve), and front wheel is radial non-spoked. I fell in love with it... Check the M50 and C50, or the C90 if you want a bigger engine... I've been riding it on the highway and it does 85mph with ample room for more Just make sure you get the windshield, a good investement if you plan to do highway.
BTW, I am 5'10" 190lb and the bike feels just right.

Let us know what you decide on.
Cheers

[Mandingo]

I'm still looking, But there is a used harley avaliabe at a shop in town, It's a 1990 883 Sportster, And they are asking 4000 for it. Too much? Should I keep looking? I have yet to really on the thing or anything, But what do you think?

[DivideOverflow]

The older sportsters dont have rubber engine mounts, so they vibrate a bit at higher rpm's... A lot of people like the Harley vibrations though, and I wouldnt be opposed to getting one myself.

EDIT: Cycletrader has a 97 883 w/ 11k miles for $4k. A 92 w/ 13k miles for $4k, and others ranging from 86 to 93 with 10-16k miles for a little under $4k. So that price sounds about average, depending on the miles.

For $4000, you could get something a lot newer and nicer, but it wont be a harley. How many miles does it have? is it in good condition?

Honda Shadow is a good bike, the Suzuki's mentioned are very good as well, and everyone seems to like the V-star 650.

Alphasport GV250 and the Yamaha Virago are excellent beginner bikes, but you may outgrow a 250cc quickly.

I'd look into a Shadow 750 or V-star 650 personally...

[Mandingo]

Yeah, That is what I was thinking, Both the shadow and vstar are awsome bikes, I just have trouble finding one where I live .

[blair]

I don't think Nighthawks are even cruisers. Standards leaning towards sportbikes maybe.

I'm partial to my Shadow.

I looked at the Suzuki Savage and Yamaha Virago as well. Didn't look at the HD Sportster too closely; 883 cc was too big and the seat was a little tall for my taste.

Better to go with an older used bike, so you don't feel so bad about dropping it. It will depreciate less quickly, too, so when you want a bigger, newer bike in a few months you'll have spent less "renting" this one.

[Randy]

I thought I wanted a sport bike when I first started riding, I fell into a really sweet deal on my Virago 920 (supposed to be a cruiser, but my feet are under me and I sit straight up). I really love it. I have ridden cruiser and sport bikes now, but nothing splits the middle like the standard. While I can't hang in the twisties, I can do it better than cruisers, and I can ride longer than on a sportbike. Well that is my two cents. I guess it all depends on if you are just going to ride on the weekends, or commute with it.

[Telesque]

I rather like my Shadow, but I've never been on a V-Star either. The VLX (600cc) only has a four-speed trans, though, which might help you in making your decision.