I need help deciding on a cruiser?

[squale]

Hi, I am coming from a streetbike background having 3 different sport bikes over the past 4 years. I am 25 years old, 6'3", 180lbs, and I want to get a cruiser that is comfortable to ride. Obviously I like the fast acceleration of a streetbike, but I can't stand the uncomfortable riding position anymore. I just want something that is a lightweight, easy to handle, not very big, has decent acceleration, can do 80-90mph on the highway easily and something I can use to commute back and forth to work on (40 miles each way). I like the looks of the Honda Shadow VLX but I don't know if I am too big for that bike or not. Again something sort of lightweight would be much nicer, I don't want any HUGE cruiser.

Can people here recommend what bikes they feel would be a good choice for me to look at? I want to get something used and hopefully stay within the 3-5K price range. I know some of these cruisers haven't really changed much for years so I may be able to pick up a 2-3 year old cruiser that is pretty much identical to the current 2006 models expect for maybe the paint scheme.

Thanks all!

[ZooTech]

For $3-5k I'd probably track down a Marauder 800. Otherwise increase your budget a bit and pick up a used Mean Streak, M95, or Marauder 1600.

[squale]

I want something small and lightweight, no more than 750CC, and I would like to stay at 500lbs or less..

that's why the Honda Shadow VLX and Spirit 750's look nice, I wonder how good these bikes are and how long it's been since they have had significant mechanical changes to them

[V4underme]

the perfect bike for you, in my opinion, would be a third generation Honda Magna. I believe '04 was the last year they were produced, but there are a lot around and some good owner's groups, too. The V4 motor is smooth as silk and has great acceleration for a cruiser. I'd recommend an aftermarket seat, like maybe a Corbin Gunfighter. You should be able to find a nice one for a very reasonable price (under 4k). From '93 - '04 the body was unchanged. It's a beautiful bike (I love the 4-4 pipe layout, really sweet), easily modded if you want to.


750 cc V4, 78 hp to the rear wheel, weighs around 530-540 pounds but feels much lighter, easy steering and great handling.


Read this comparison for some more opinions...
http://motorcyclecruiser.com/roadtests/Musclebikes/


here's a quick pic of one in stock form to see what it looks like...

[bennettoid]

My 750 vulcan sounds about right.

[cb360]

I agree that a Vulcan or old Magna would be a great way to go. They've been making Magna's for a long time. There are three beauties for 3k and less on craigslist in Seattle right now. It's a solid reliable bike.

[Venarius]

Yeah, the magna's are nice if you only want the cruiser look.

But if you want the cruiser feel, you need a V-twin. No magna will ever sound like a V-twin (Magnas are V-4). If you want that speed though over the feel, go for a magna or valk.

Unfortunately, if you want a nice V-twin with a lot of Vroom, you need to get a big twin, but this is out of your catagory because of their heavier weight (usually 650 pounds and over).

I might suggest looking into a VTX 1300. She'll cruise at 80 with plenty to spare. Shes barely over 650 pounds, but thats still on the light side for a nice cruiser. She runs with 74 horses and about 90 foot pounds.

Good luck.

[gsJack]

<<<< 25 years old, 6'3", 180lbs..............I just want something that is a lightweight, easy to handle, not very big, has decent acceleration, can do 80-90mph on the highway easily and something I can use to commute back and forth to work on (40 miles each way). I like the looks of the Honda Shadow VLX but I don't know if I am too big for that bike or not. Again something sort of lightweight would be much nicer, I don't want any HUGE cruiser.

Can people here recommend what bikes they feel would be a good choice for me to look at? I want to get something used and hopefully stay within the 3-5K price range. >>>>

I'd like something like that too one of these days. Your wanting to do 80-90 mph easily would be a bit much for the 600cc VLX but a Vulcan 500 would do it, it has about 10 mph higher top speed although the parrallel twin engine might not meet your looks requirement. Here's some test data from a Budget Bike Comparo in the 03 Cycle World Buyer's Guide I saved:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v443/ ... omparo.jpg

The best performing current mid size cruiser is the Suzuki Intruder 800 (S50 now) which will match the big cruisers mentioned above in top gear roll on speeds if your still wanting that much highway performance, I do. You can find a nice late model used one in your price range. Dry weight is about 440# same as the Vulcan 500.

You could try on the Vulcan 500, Intruder 800, and VLX for size, I can fit comfortably on them. I was 6'2" and 230# when I started riding 21 years ago but have declined to 6'0" and 240# now and coupled with increasing arthritis I'm considering lowering myself to a cruiser. I'll sit on them and many others again at the CW bike show end of next month.

The past four years we rode 400 mile first days south on I77 on our trip to the Smoky Mtns. We rode a steady 75-80 mph indicated and I was a bit cramped on the GS500 by evening, but it is possible and I have a nice small sporty bike for the mtn twisties when I get there. Sure you don't wan't to try a EX500 (Ninja) or GS500, both of which have much less extreme ergos than the current sportbikes and will still run circles around the VLX. I'm almost half century older than you and need the kinder gentler ergos now.

[basshole]

Sounds like a Suzuki M50 would be right up your alley!

[ZooTech]

I think the 4-speed tranny knocks the Shadow VLX outta contention right from the get-go. It's good for nothing but urban commuting.