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What does the group think about a 1300 - 1800cc cruiser as a new bike for someone who has been out of riding for ~20 years? I finished the MSF course (with no point deductions!) and am now looking to buy a bike. I spent most of my teens and early twenties doing the motocross thing and rode in the 250 expert class before retiring to raise a family. The biggest bike I ever rode was a 70's CB750.
Thanks in advance.

TE

something like the vtx1300 is nice and not outrageous for a returning rider. Truly only you will know your limitations and your past experiences will tell you what you can handle.

it also depends on what you plan on doing. those 1800s are not exactly the best bikes for commuters imo, but the 1300 can do admirably in the city and on the highway.

Returning riders on big bikes frequently kill themselves... they make up one of the larger road-kill demographics. ....but that's probably because they are returning riders, not because of the bike size.

I'd go for something of roughly the same size/weight as the bikes I was familiar with. No jumps from 400 to 800 lb bikes or the like. Other than that... have fun. Just remember that bikes are better now... a modern 750 will clean a 70s era 750's clock....

Check out the M109R before you make a final decision.

I was originally going for the vtx1300 (hence the name) and then discovered the Suzuki M109R.

The bike is beautiful, easy to handle and ride.

Good luck!

The Suzuki 109 as a first bike? ha ha ha ha!!! That bike is a POS, the riding postion is made for a guy thats 6' 7" with long arms that reach to his knees, go with either the Honda VTX 1300 of the Kawasaki Mean Streak, the Mean Streak has a much lighter feel than the Honda VTX and take a test ride on the Yamaha Roadstar, it will surprize you how light it feels and how easy it is to ride.

Whatever, stick to your loner riding style and razz comments.

Save the bike referrals to people WHO ACTUALLY OWN ONE.

VTX1300C wrote:I was originally going for the vtx1300 (hence the name)
Good luck!

Change your name now while you still only have about 100 posts maybe something non-model specific.

VTX1300C wrote: Save the bike referrals to people WHO ACTUALLY OWN ONE.

yeah, but you recommend it to anyone who's looking to buy a bike, no matter what they're looking for
them - i'm looking for a scooter
you - get a M109R!
them - i'm looking for a dual sport
you - check out the M109R!*

i get it, you've got one and you like it. that's cool, but it's probably not for everyone. if you're going to recommend something, take into account what they're looking for, don't keep plugging the bike you own

*i'm obviously exaggerating, but you get the point

Big B wrote:

VTX1300C wrote: Save the bike referrals to people WHO ACTUALLY OWN ONE.

yeah, but you recommend it to anyone who's looking to buy a bike, no matter what they're looking for
them - i'm looking for a scooter
you - get a M109R!
them - i'm looking for a dual sport
you - check out the M109R!*

i get it, you've got one and you like it. that's cool, but it's probably not for everyone. if you're going to recommend something, take into account what they're looking for, don't keep plugging the bike you own

*i'm obviously exaggerating, but you get the point

hahaha, yeah I saw him plugging the M109R to a guy looking for a sport bike.

I like the M109r, but maybe it isn't for everybody...

I understand the orginial poster, has expierence on a bike but the M109r is on the highend of his 1300-1800 range. I'd go sit on a couple of the bikes he's interested in and post back what he likes. Even the mid size bikes are pretty big (Vulcan 900)

Of the 1300 - 1800 cruisers, I chose the Meanie as my first road bike.

I rode only dirt and ATVs during my youth. Didn't ride any 2 wheelers for twenty years when I decided on the Meanie. Be careful if you choose the Meanie though, even though it's nimble, it's still deceptively heavy comparable to other cruisers of its class. If you want sheer size, the VTX1800 and the M109R will accomodate that. Harleys are nice too if you're into them. I really like their Street Rod and V-Rods. They're modern and unique in their styling. All these bikes now days have tons of after market upgrades if you're looking to make yours distinctive.

As for my opinion about returning riders going for this power class? I personally don't see that big of a problem in it. I can't speak for anyone other than myself, but you're going to find that modern cruisers are very very well balanced when compared with bike 20-30 years ago. They ride superbly. BUT, if you do decide to go onto the 600-700 lbs. class, power walking and pushing them backwards can be physically challenging. The easiest way to dump this class of bike is via walking and balancing the bike at foot speeds.