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I currently own a 1986 Kawasaki 600ZL Eliminator. I have no problems keeping up with my friends 2003 Kawasaki Vulcan 800.
It is my first bike, and I passed my riding test on it. I have never rode any other bikes. I have put less than 3000 miles on it.
I am looking at a 2003 Suzuki Intruder 1400. Does this have to much power, or is this bike to difficult to handle? I have read things about the tall front tire causing problems.
I was also looking at a 1994 Honda Shadow 1100.
I like the size of the 1400 Intruder. I don't want a big bike like the 1500 Intruder or the 1500 Vulcan.
Any advice would be appeciated.

I think you will like the 1400 intruder. Its probabaly not a great deal faster than your eliminator but delivers its power at much lower RPMs and will have more low end torque. In essence you wont have to rev it to get into the power, unlike the eliminator.

its also shaft drive so it will be smoother and require less maintaince than the chain driven eliminator

The 600ZL Eliminator is a shaft drive bike like the 1400 Intruder. This thing has never tried to stand up on me, but I don't punch it from a dead stop either.
Your right about it's power being in the higher RPMs. This thing really kicks in after 7000 rpm. I was told that this is the same engine they put in the base 600 Ninja of that year.

I would personally go with the Shadow 1100. Going from a 600 to a 1400 is a pretty big jump, but you can probably handle it if you are sure you want that bike.

600cc 4 cylinder to 1400cc v twin isn't a huge jump. those old 600 eliminators had quite a bit of power

Oh, I thought the eliminator was a twin.

I have 2003 1400 and it's a nice ride. I think you you will adjust to it fine. Lots of torque and plenty of power to when you crank the throttle.

Thanks for the input.

Go for a Daytona 675!

Oh wait, that's what I want.


Go for the Intruder, you're more than capable to handle it. Any 1,000cc+ cruiser should be fine. Go test ride a few and see what you prefer.