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So I have a nighthawk 750 and a Spirit 750... Bought the Spirit cause I have always wanted a cruiser... I find myself enjoying the Hawk much more then then the spirit... So I guess I jumped in and bought something without thinking about it...

My question is, is there a cruiser that will give me the same torque or more then the Hawk? I want to commute in the city and I think the heavier cruisers wouldn't be too accomodating... I definitely dont want a sports bike, but I'm thinking maybe the CB919 might be a good alternative... Any thoughts?

You want a torquey cruiser that handles like your NightHawk? Sounds like you're ready for a Mean Streak. Yes, it weighs in at just under 700lbs, but it's very agile and easy to maneuver in the city. I came off a NightHawk, too ('84 700SC) and was concerned about flicking it around at low speeds but was surprised and relieved to find that my concerns were unwarranted.

Another option would be the S83. You get 1400cc's in a short chassis with great ground clearance. It would make an excellent commuter.

From your requirements sounds like you want a standard more than a cruiser. 919 (and the nighthawk) are standards. What type of riding do you do? What is most important to you. It seems like you want extreme torque, then you want something like a Yamaha VMAX. It gives you a cruiser with extreme performance (as good as most sportbikes) and the look and handling (or lack thereof) of a cruiser. VMAXs don't sell well, so you may get a good deal on one.

VMAX will out pull just about any other cruiser and pulls hard in any gear. If you want a standard with excellent power then you want a 919 (like you mentioned) or a FZ1. 919 is naked and doesn't sell that well in some places so you can get good deals. The FZ1 is semi naked and looks mean.

Thanks guys... In terms of type of riding... Obviously a lot of city so Lane splitting is a must.... Weekend I love to take on the open roads in Jersey/Long island on the twisties.... I was thinking 919 cause I know its the upgrade to my hawk, and I love how smooth that thing rides.... I also love the look and the feel of the cruiser.... I will definitely check them out... Unfortunately Im out waiting for the title on my spirit for another 4 weeks or so.... I know im going to take at least 1000 hit, but I screwed up so I deserve it...

If you want a "cruiser" I think a good choice would be a HD Sportster 883 ($7000-8300) or Roadster XL 1200R($8,595-$9,775) these prices are for brand new, you can find used ones for cheaper. I am not a Harley guy but I am saying this might be a good choice because of where the controls are, how it sits, and out of all the newer cruisers that the motorcycle companies are making it is the only one that doesn't seem fat (wide) and low. http://www.harley-davidson.com/PR/MOT/2 ... on=gallery

If you can live without a cruiser, check out the "standard" bikes.

secgeek wrote:My question is, is there a cruiser that will give me the same torque or more then the Hawk? I want to commute in the city and I think the heavier cruisers wouldn't be too accomodating... I definitely dont want a sports bike, but I'm thinking maybe the CB919 might be a good alternative... Any thoughts?

earwig wrote:If you want a "cruiser" I think a good choice would be a HD Sportster 883 ($7000-8300) or Roadster XL 1200R($8,595-$9,775)

If he wants something torquey that 883 isn't gonna cut it. My best friend has one with a Screaming Eagle intake/carb/exhaust combo and it's a real dog.

secgeek wrote:Thanks guys... In terms of type of riding... Obviously a lot of city so Lane splitting is a must.... Weekend I love to take on the open roads in Jersey/Long island on the twisties.... I was thinking 919 cause I know its the upgrade to my hawk, and I love how smooth that thing rides.... I also love the look and the feel of the cruiser.... I will definitely check them out... Unfortunately Im out waiting for the title on my spirit for another 4 weeks or so.... I know im going to take at least 1000 hit, but I screwed up so I deserve it...

I thought lane splitting was only legal in Cali. Damned East Coasters have it to now? When will Chicago catch up!? I hate sitting in traffic.

On the bright side, at least the Shadow is a popular bike so you shouldn't have too much trouble selling it, right? I think the majority of people F up on their first bike purchase, and end up taking a hit. Don't sweat it, it was a tough lesson that you learned.

ZooTech wrote:

earwig wrote:If you want a "cruiser" I think a good choice would be a HD Sportster 883 ($7000-8300) or Roadster XL 1200R($8,595-$9,775)

If he wants something torquey that 883 isn't gonna cut it. My best friend has one with a Screaming Eagle intake/carb/exhaust combo and it's a real dog.

I rode the 883/1200 and although I have always pictured my self on a harley, I didn't like either one... I definitely need something torquey(sp) but I love how I sit on the cruiser... Gonna check out the meanstreak/vmax tomorrow.... I got to ride a 919 last night and aside from being a standard it was so much smoother and torquier then my hawk, but I would def miss the spirit seating position

yeh... I would say the 1200 is a better choice. If he wants a cruiser (that isn't big and fat) there will have to be some compromise. BUT... he is happy with his nighthawk so I was guessing that the low end torque (good for city driving) is probably about the same between the hawk and 883. The 883 is 51.0 ft. lbs. @ 4300 rpm... not too shabby. Or I could be completely wrong! In any case, the 1200 would definitely work for him

ZooTech wrote:If he wants something torquey that 883 isn't gonna cut it. My best friend has one with a Screaming Eagle intake/carb/exhaust combo and it's a real dog.

zarakand wrote: I thought lane splitting was only legal in Cali. Damned East Coasters have it to now? When will Chicago catch up!? I hate sitting in traffic.

On the bright side, at least the Shadow is a popular bike so you shouldn't have too much trouble selling it, right? I think the majority of people F up on their first bike purchase, and end up taking a hit. Don't sweat it, it was a tough lesson that you learned.

Hey I didn't say it was legal Just tolerable...... I bought the hawk as my first bike (after 10 years of downtime) couple weeks back.. I realized the Fork seals were bad after a day of riding. so while I was at the dealer dropping it off I convinced my wife to let me get a new bike.. Im not too upset with the purchase, got a pretty decent deal.. And riding it is fun but just not as much fun as the hawk.... I just don't want to let the bike sit around after only 250 miles.... And my brother in law wants to buy the hawk from me... So I guess I just have to wait for the title on the shadow to show up...