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I'm looking for suggestions for a second bike. I started riding last summer. Took the MSF course, bought an '02 Vulcan 800, spent some time learning to ride. Since the end of August, I've ridden over five thousand miles. Most of my riding is commuting to work, an eighty mile round trip. I carry a passenger once in awhile. I usually ride a hundred miles or more for recreational riding, and have plans for a couple rides over several days. I'm 6'2", 190 lbs. I'd like a bike that's dependable, comfortable, and that would be able to handle alot of miles. I'd like a bike with good gas mileage. I'm on a budget, too, with three kids that all need money this year, so I'm looking for a bike that's 2-5 years old. What would you suggest?

Maybe tell us what aspects of the Vulcan you'd specifically like to improve upon?

Sometimes when I'm going seventy miles an hour on the depressed section of downtown St. Louis in rush hour traffic in the dark, I'd like to have an extra 150 lbs. of bike. I'd like to be more comfortable on longer rides. I've had the stock seat reworked, but the seat pan will only allow so much improvement. I'd like more comfort for a passenger.
I must admit I like bike shopping, too. I've looked at everything from a new Vulcan 900LT to a 1999 Royal Star.

have you looked at the vulcan 1600 or yamaha road star models. Any particular style of cruiser that you prefer (i.e. classic, power cruier, touring cruier)

Only seems natural to graduate to the Vulcan 1500 Classic. They're a good value even new, and used units can be had for a steal.

I would suggest the Honda VTX1800, its the best bargain out there. Its fast, light, comfortable and you can get a new 06 for only $7999, or a good looking bike the Yamaha 1700 Road Star for $8999.

I don't know what VTX1800 you're looking at, but the MSRP is $13,399 according to www.honda.com The Silverado Road-Star retails for about the same, according to Yamaha motors website.

If you're able to get them for $8000 I'll but every single brand new VTX1800, and Roadstar you can get your hands on, and I'll give you $10,000 American for them. Maybe you're talking in pounds sterling or Euro's or something?

As for picking a bike, most of the big ones are about the same, it all comes down to matters of personal preference. So whatever feels the best, I'd say sit on it.

I guess in the perfect motorcycle world, we'd be able to drive each one of them for a week or so before choosing. I'm on vacation soon, and plan to rent a Harley around Rapid City for a couple days...not a big Harley fan, but I'm looking forward to trying out a bigger cruiser.

Great posts! Myself - I'd look at the Vulcan 1500 or the Honda VTX 1300. If those are still too small - both Honda and Kawi have 1800's that are sweet rides!

good luck!

can purchace new Honda's VTX1300 for $6999. and VTX1800 for $7999, and new Yamaha Road Star for $8999 at Track N Trail Inc, State College, PA or www.trackntrail.net, phone 814-237-2581