Which Bike Should I buy

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BrymanFl · #1 Unread post by **BrymanFl** » Tue Aug 02, 2005 8:00 am

I'm looking to buy my first bike. Im going to get a brand new one. Im looking for an 1100 cruiser (Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki). There is several different makes and models that I like. Im getting headaches over trying to decide on a few key differences. They are as followed;

1. Liquid or air cooled
2. Belt or Drive shaft
3. Any certain make cheaper for maintnance or repairs

Pros and Cons would be much appreciated on all matters

#2 Unread post by **Kal** » Tue Aug 02, 2005 10:06 am

Okay before I blow my blood pressure can you answer a couple of questions for me please

1) Why the big displcement bikes you've mentioned?

2) Have you taken the MSF course?

3) What is your bike experience?

4) Have you read the sticky threads at the top of this section for new and returning bikers?

5) Why a brand new bike?

Please bear with me and answer them.
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BrymanFl · #3 Unread post by **BrymanFl** » Tue Aug 02, 2005 2:19 pm

To answer your questions

1. I have ridden 750's and 1500's. I felt the 750 was to small and the 1500 was a little big for my taste so I figured an 1100 would be right.

2. Yes I took a MSF coarse

3. This will be my first bike that I have owned however I have rented Harleys several times. Would rent others but all that is by me is Harley Rentals. I would say total time on bike is about 50 hrs. I have also ridden in the Mountains before.

4. yes

5. I feel more comfortable buying a new one verses an used one.

#4 Unread post by **ZooTech** » Tue Aug 02, 2005 2:33 pm

Don't worry about the "big bike" naysayers...an 1100 isn't really all that big anyway.

I've ridden a Yamaha V-Star 1100 Classic, and besides not being my cup-of-tea there's really nothing I can find wrong with it. I like the soft-tail look (but the shock is difficult to adjust) and Yamahas are rock solid.

As far as air versus water cooled, I prefer water. Yes, there's more stuff to go bad or wear out but the benefits of consistent engine temperatures outweigh the cons in my opinion.

Belt versus shaft...well...belt is smoother and more efficient, but shaft is as close to zero maintenance as it gets...so neither should be a deciding factor.

Honda and Yamaha both offer 1100's, but Kawasaki and Suzuki both skip this segment all together...jumping from 800's to a 1500 and 1400 respectively. So, if you have your mind set on an 1100, there are really only two brands and a handful of models to consider (assuming Harley is outta the question). So, go sit on a Shadow Sabre and a V-Star 1100 and see which one fits best or moves you the most.

Randy · #5 Unread post by **Randy** » Tue Aug 02, 2005 5:32 pm

A very nice feature for any bike is fuel injection (IMHO). No messing with pesky Carbs, unless you are into that sort of thing

#6 Unread post by **Kal** » Wed Aug 03, 2005 7:43 am

1100 isnt that big??? Only in America!

A few more questions...

What sort of riding are you planning to do?

Why did the 750 feel small? Was it the ergonomics, pulling away from the lights, the torque?

Whats your budget total?

Would you consider buying a Slightly Used Bike if it had full dealer support?

And which are the closest dealers to you in terms of servicing and parts?

BTW I totally understand what you are saying about the displacement of bike rentals, I've given up trying to rent a medium displacement bike for Biketober Fest.

#7 Unread post by **ZooTech** » Wed Aug 03, 2005 8:21 am

Kal wrote:1100 isnt that big???

Not in cruiser form it isn't. Now a fuel injected 4-cylinder is a different story...

#8 Unread post by **Kal** » Wed Aug 03, 2005 9:21 am

Dragstar Classic 1100cc 62 bhp pushing 110mph which worries me a little as the Dragstar Classic 650cc with its 40bhp also pushes along at 110mph.

I know the large one weighs a ton because I've pushed Shaun's out of the garage and unpowered it handles worse than a Goldwing. That said Shaun has had his for must be three years now and he is quite happy with it.

Is the Big Eleven really that much heavier?

#9 Unread post by **ZooTech** » Wed Aug 03, 2005 9:47 am

Kal wrote: I know the large one weighs a ton because I've pushed Shaun's out of the garage and unpowered it handles worse than a Goldwing.

GoldWings handle great...so I'm not following the analogy...

Kal wrote:Is the Big Eleven really that much heavier?

The 1100 Classic I rode felt no different than the C50 (800cc) I rode, ergos, weight, or power-wise. It's just not a bike to buy if you like to ride at all fast or corner hard. I guess that's why they call it a cruiser and not a speeder...but I happen to like both, and do not wish to compromise.