Bike Recommendations

[loup001]

I am shopping for a new bike and open to suggestions.

What I would like (or think I would like) is
-Shaft driven
-Fuel injection
-700-800cc
-OTD for <$7000

I don't take major road trips, so the 800cc is where I am thinking will be better suted.

I am open to suggestions - I know I have looked at the C50 and liked it, but are there any other options?

My goal is to walk out the door at the dealer with a new bike for under $7000.

Suggestions are welcome.

[mydlyfkryzis]

If this is your first bike, why don't you get a slightly older model of the type you want. You won't feel so bad when you drop it. Seriously, if you are a new rider, you will drop it. Even after 35 years of riding, I still knock mine over occasionally. But if you are new, you tend to do it more. Nothing is more painful then getting off your new bike, fresh from the dealer, and realize you left the kick stand up. Or you park it on an incline and it rolls off the stand. Or you accidentally use the front brake as you turn into a parking spot and the bike just drops.

Plus you will save quite a bit. There are plenty of bikes out there with low mileage, like new, but at a used bike price.

Just my 2 cents...

[loup001]

100% agree - I am looking at used bikes as well, but the lack of a warranty is somewhat concerning.

Working with a dealer, you pay more, but like with a car, you get the added security.

But I see where bikes depreciate very quickly and a $7000 new bike will drop to $5000 or $6000 very quickly.

[mydlyfkryzis]

I bought my 91 NH750 for $2000 3 years ago. I can still get about $2000 for it today.

A used bike depreciates very little.

The NH is a good starter bike. Easy handling and controllable for a newbie, but it will take a while to outgrow, as it is pretty capable.

If you are looking for a V-Twin Cruiser, than the NH isn't for you, but it is a good all around bike that is pretty cheap to start off with, low maintenance (No valve adjustments), handles well enough, and keeps it value.

Just a suggestion.

[KingRobb]

Kaw vulcan 750's meet most of those requirements...carbed tho.

and they are bullet proof.

[tropicalhotdog]

I myself went with the C50T as my first real bike (I had negligible experience on a 200cc Suzie Dual Sport). I recommend it highly. Yes, I bought it new and am terrified of dropping it - I've come as close as is physically possible (usually at gas stations after filling up), but have managed to keep it up. It takes some careful practice to control the weight at 0-5 MPH. Beyond that, it's pure 'gasm.

I think beside the Vulcan, the other similar bike would be a Honda Shadow Spirit. There's also the Yamaha V Star, which is 650cc. Go to a dealer and sit on them to see what you like the feel of, and check out www.motorcyclecruiser.com and other sites for reviews.

As for price, here's the Dealer Invoice Report for the C50T. A C50 is obviously less, and since the '08's are coming out the dealer may be willing to drop the price of an '07 (the only difference in the '08's is the paint job):

2007 Boulevard C50T

List Price: $7949
Dealer Cost: $6773 - Dealer cost price includes $175 freight charge for shipping from the manufacturer to the dealership.

Assembly Cost: $75 per Suzuki dealer price sheet

Ready to Sell Cost: $6848 this is what it would cost if the dealer made no profit. Dealer should be able to make 5% - 10% profit.

Dealer Holdback: This Suzuki has 5% (of list price) dealer holdback.
Holdback money is paid to Suzuki dealers in February for units sold between July 1 and December 31 and in September for units sold between January 1 and June 30. Dealers must pay Suzuki the full "Dealer Cost" price and wait 1 to 6 months after selling the machine to receive their dealer holdback.
Wholesale Incentives: none for this model
Retail Incentives: none for this model
The "Ready to sell cost" is the cost of the machine with NO PROFIT to a dealer. Dealers do not stay in business very long by selling machines for no profit.
Many dealers charge additional fees for "Freight and Setup" over and above the selling price of the machine. Add the "Selling Price" to the "Freight and Setup" charges and subtract the "Ready to sell cost" to determine the PROFIT a dealer is asking to make.

[earwig]

Check out a Buell dealer and see if they have any left over xb9sx (City X). You can usually get a really good deal on these bikes. They are very comfortable, versatile, unique and comfortable http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photos/2 ... XXB9SX.htm they are not shaft driven... but are belt driven and require no adjustments... and the belt is good for life.