Help Deciding on a New Bike

[ZooTech]

I should have been more clear. I am wanting to move up to an 1100 class. I was at the Yamaha dealer this morning and the 1100 V Stars didn't talk to me. I like them OK but something was missing, maybe it's the lack of chrome on the engine, don't know. One big negative is no hydralic lifters. In my old age I find it harder to do maintenance I used to enjoy such as adjusting valve clearances. I have no preferance between belt drive or shaft drive. Any more all I want is to put in gas and ride. Thanks all for the response.

If the V-Star 1100 doesn't do it for ya (I don't blame ya there) check out the Honda Shadow Sabre 1100. It's the same price but it's water-cooled and has shaft drive. For the ultimate low-maintenance bike, however, kick in another $1,000 and step up to the Kawasaki 1500 Classic. It's shaft drive, water-cooled, fuel-injected, and has hydraulic valve lifters. It's about as "gas-and-go" as bikes get. And don't neglect to check out the used market or ask dealers if they have any previous-year leftovers. I paid sticker on my Mean Streak ($10,999) and have since seen brand new ones going for $9,000!

[adam_77_fair]

If I were going 1100cc, the Honda Sabre really would talk to me. I love their street rod look with the flame paint and mag wheels. Of course, like the others said, you could always jump on up, then there's the Mean Streak.....DROOOL!!

[BudmanTom]

My brother in law loves his 2003 Spirit 1100.


Tom

[Abner]

I have a Spirit 1100 and love it. Handles great and it's one of the most comfortable bikes to carry passengers on a regular basis on this type and size bike. The other bike I really like, but it's better for solo riding, is the Honda VTX1300C. It sits a little lower than the Spirit 1100. And as far as customizing it, I think you will have more options with the VTX1300C.

My wife wants her own bike, so when she gets hers, I will most likely get that VTX1300C. I will keep the Spirit 1100 for 2-up riding and customize the VTX, I need at least a 250 rear tire for it. I want to make it look and sound like a mean Street Rod. It would look something similar to this one.

[smokey_243]

I've starting investigating the Kawasaki 1500 classic and it has potential. I'm going look at one Monday and if it's as good as it seems to be I may be riding it home. I still like my Shadow and have been trying to get the wife to drive it but she won't. If she'd drive we'd keep it. Thanks to all for the replies.