Need some advice on my second bike

Message

stargazertony · Fri Oct 14, 2005 8:02 am

Hi Storysunfolding: I understand where you're comming from. I ride a 13 year old Yamaha XV535 and consider upgrading every time a see a newer bike. Your Yamaha has laster for 23 years and mine for 13. I don't know about your bike but mine runs perfectly all day, is darn near bulletproof - and can keep up with other bikes for the type of riding I do - so I'm on the fence.

Also, why look anywhere else that Yamaha. The VStars are really nice bikes and if I upgraded it probable would be to a VStar 650 Silverado. I look at the Suzuki C50 and when compared to the VStar, IMHO the VStar is a nicer looking bike - and does everything I w ant it to do.

Tony

jmillheiser · Fri Oct 14, 2005 11:43 am

If your used to your standard you would probably want a cruiser that doesn't have floorboards. The M50 that zoo mentioned fits that bill, the V-Star custom does as well. Of course there is also the Vulcan Mean streak like Zoo has though its a tad more expensive. both the M50 and V-star custom look damn nice. You might even want to look at the V-star 1100 if its still in your budget or the new Vulcan 900 (dont think you can get the vulcan 900 without floorboards yet).

Hey heres an idea for Kawasaki, Do a mean streak version of the Vulcan 900.

ZooTech · #13 Unread post by **ZooTech** » Fri Oct 14, 2005 4:02 pm

storysunfolding wrote:Maybe this is a silly question, but can you take floorboards off? As in, do they bolt on, and can you take them off without leaving an ugly/dangerous bracket on the bike?

If they can be added, they can be taken away. Thing is, the floorboards fit the personality of the C50 and its intended audience. If you want a more spirited ride, get one that is more purpose-built. It's okay if you don't care for the looks of the M50, there are other bikes out there that will fit the bill. Just do yourself a favor and don't even bother looking at the V-Star 650. Hardly an upgrade, IMO.

jmillheiser wrote:Hey heres an idea for Kawasaki, Do a mean streak version of the Vulcan 900.

They can get to work on that right after they make me a Mean Streak version of the Vulcan 2000!

jmillheiser · Fri Oct 14, 2005 7:17 pm

Im suprised they haven't done that yet. It would seem logical to do a mean streak version of the 2000.

ZooTech · #15 Unread post by **ZooTech** » Sat Oct 15, 2005 3:08 am

jmillheiser wrote:Im suprised they haven't done that yet. It would seem logical to do a mean streak version of the 2000.

Here's hoping they do. After all, with the VTX1800F, V-Rod, and Warrior running around, the Mean Streak is no longer respectable. Back in '02 it was part of a twelve cruiser review, and walked away with the #1 spot due to its combination of ergos, power, handling, and braking. Now in '05 they pitted it up against four other "power cruisers" and it didn't fare very well at all, thanks to the upgraded engines, braking, and handling in the other bikes. Kawasaki cannot afford to rest on its laurels here, and a new big-boy on the block is needed. It's not enough to have both the biggest V-twin on the market AND one of the best handling...they need a bike that has both. An aluminum-framed Vulcan 2000 with sport-touring wheels and tires, beefy crotch-rocket brakes, and top shelf suspension should win them top honors once again. Well, at least for a year or two!

ronboskz650sr · Sat Oct 15, 2005 3:58 am

ZooTech wrote:...Mean Streak is no longer respectable. ..

Whoa...easy big fella! That had to hurt your fingers. You take that back right now...or...nah, never mind. We all know it"s the rider that really counts.

Surely you would'nt pitch the meanie for thousands more..would you? Just curious, would seem a little out of character (mean that in a good way, as you know). As much as you advocate power (and I agree), I get the feeling you're pretty happy with the meanie...so, again would you? Just curious.

ZooTech · #17 Unread post by **ZooTech** » Sat Oct 15, 2005 4:45 am

ronboskz650sr wrote:
ZooTech wrote:...Mean Streak is no longer respectable. ..
Whoa...easy big fella! That had to hurt your fingers. You take that back right now...or...nah, never mind. We all know it"s the rider that really counts.

Surely you would'nt pitch the meanie for thousands more..would you? Just curious, would seem a little out of character (mean that in a good way, as you know). As much as you advocate power (and I agree), I get the feeling you're pretty happy with the meanie...so, again would you? Just curious.

I was very happy with the Meanie upon purchase, and have been a very proud owner up until the '05 Power Cruiser shootout. All the good things they said about the Mean Streak back in '02 were soon forgotten once Yamaha made the necessary changes to the Warrior to make it more comfortable, more powerful, and better at handling and braking. Now, there is the matter of price...and the Meanie comes in at $1500 less than both the Warrior and the base VTX1800 according to MSRP, and I intend to use that money to upgrade the performance next Spring. However, that only solves my dilema, but does nothing for Kawasaki's honor. Even Suzuki, after breaking ties with Kawasaki last year, created an all new 1800 for '06 dubbed the M109R (pic below). Kawasaki now needs to figure out how to wring more ponies out of the Mean Streak in order to show they give a rat's about their power cruiser offering.

Don't worry, Ron, my Meanie isn't going anywhere! I plan to keep her until she won't go under her own power any more...then she'll be rebuilt better than before! If I take on another bike in the next couple years it'll likely be an FJR1300 or Moto Guzzi Breva 1100 sitting beside my Mean Streak.

ronboskz650sr · Sat Oct 15, 2005 5:55 am

Cool...took me awhile to get back, doing final shaping of the seatpan/cushion getting it ready for upholstry...smoothing out irregularities, asymetry, sharp edges, etc. also reshaping the tested cushion to my preferred shape.

I'm glad, I like the looks of that bike, the way you have it...to you I'm sure it's like an old friend.