Total Motorcycle Community Forums

I have grown to really like the position of a standard cycle since I started riding 2 months ago. Its the only bike I have ridden besides the 250 Nighthawk I used in the MSF course. I started looking for a bigger bike already, for the purpose of taking longer more comfortable trips.


My buddy was kind enough to let me ride his 96 Honda Magna. I took me a little while to get used to the peg position on the cruiser, but once I did I loved it. Its a V-4 750, and has plenty of power for me. I found it tame and easy to handle in low speed tight turns. On the highway, riding it is almost effortless. I am sold on this bike, I want one.

Take the MSF and see if you can test drive some bikes afterwards. Its not so easy to do though, most people are not so gracious as to let you take their baby for a spin.

Yup, the V45 is a fantastic engine. I don't understand why Honda doesn't have more V4, I guess the V-Twin is just more cruiseresque or something...

Yes, its a shame. But they made them up until 03 I am told, and they can be had at a very reasonable price. I saw a supermagna in person today, and its a very cool looking bike indeed.

Beach

A perfect bike for him would be a used Harley 883 Sportster, you can pick up used ones dirt cheap, everybody has one for sale, it has the normal foot postion foot pegs, not too fast. low to the ground, easy to ride and handle.

What MotoF150 said.
+1.

I went and checked out the Harley Sportster 883; nice bike, and there are definitely a bunch of them for sale in the newspaper. While at the dealership I spotted a used Suzuki Marauder 800cc and this is definitely the best fit for me. It is the most comfortable bike I have sat on during my search. Apparently the Marauder model was replaced by the Boulevard, but I find the Marauder to fit me better.

With regard to the foot peg location; after sitting on the Harley Sportster model with the pegs straight down I realize that it would be quite uncomfortable for me to ride. I haven't riden in about 15 years and it looks like bike designs have changed in that time. With the seats much lower now than they used to be, the straight down pegs just don't work for me. I'm 6' 1" and I'm too scrunched up with that arrangement. So I think I'll concentrate on finding a Marauder. Got to win over the wife first however; she has never been thrilled about me riding motorcycles in the past and I suspect she will object strongly to any purchase I want to make.

Thanks to everyone for your help, and if you have any thoughts either way on the Suzuki Marauder I'll welcome the input.

JR