Total Motorcycle Community Forums

I rode all this summer on my 1978 Honda CB400TII Hawk. A great little motorcycle, good to commute to work on, but just doesn't get the job done on a cruise/open road ride. And, I'm ready for a new motorcycle!! I'm 35yo, 6'4" tall, 230#, and have completed the MSF course.

I'm looking at selling this old girl (or letting my wife ride it) and purchasing a new (or newer used) bike. I am pretty sure I have my requirements down...hopefully you all can help with some suggestions.

First off, I want a bike that will be comfortable and safe enough to take on day trips...maybe even a quick overnight trip now and then. Every once in awhile with the lady on the back. I'm not looking to "tear it up" in any sense of the words. I just enjoy nice, easy, comfortable riding. Heck, this past summer I took a '47 Willys CJ2A on a camping trip - we didn't get above 45mph the entire 700 miles!

It needs to be good for commuting. My "commute" now means a 4.5 mile ride. But, I am in the U.S. Coast Guard, and we transfer units every 2-4 years...and we are due to rotate in 2007. So my commute could be a 40 minute ride instead of a 10 minute ride.

Cost...I would love to be able to keep a new purchase at or below $7,000 if possible. Used - well, depending on condition of the bike - around $3-5 sounds about right. I already have all the protective gear I need, so that's not an issue.

And - being 35, married for almost 15 years, I'm not too concerned about "looking cool". I've got nobody to impress anymore!

So...I know I don't want a crotch-rocket. I think I am more of a standard or cruiser kind of rider. And I'm a big fan of Triumph motorcycles, but am not limiting myself to just that mfgr...I'm open to all.

I would love to hear what you all think would be the best bike for me.

Thanks for reading...sorry it went on so long!
Andy

Posted in new riders forum, because I don't ever want to think of myself as "experienced"!

Based on your size, weight, and needs, a used C50t would probably fit the bill. A regular C50 could be had for ~$7000.00, but the "t" version is what you'll need to make the commuting and 2-up riding more practical.

Suzuki Bandit - great all round bike

Triumph Thunderbird ('99 and '00 are the best years for these)

Honda Shadow 1100

Kawasaki Vulcan 800

Yamaha V-Star 1100 (the 650 is a bit underpowered)

Suzuki Marauder 800

late 90's Yamaha Virago 1100

late 80's/early 90's BMW R100

There's lots of bikes in that price range, so in the end it all comes down to which one makes your pulse quicken. My preference would be the Triumph or the Kawi Vulcan.

I've always liked the ST1100 and the newer ST1300 bikes from Honda. It is more of a touring bike than a standard or cruiser, but I think it'll fit the bill. You'll have to go used for either to fit your budget, but from what I've heard of these bikes they are very reliable. You're a fellow Honda man so I'm sure you know what I'm talking about

Or if you want to stay closer to the Cruiser market, the C50 or Vulcan 900 would be ideal IMO. The VN900 is more ideal for 2up riding, but the touring version is over your budget but you may be able to find something used.

Check out cycletrader.com to get an idea of some used options in your area. With a $7k budget there will be a lot of choices available to you.

Go and sit on bikes... you'll probably find that something in the "almost" 1100 cc range will fit the bill, depending on which style you prefer (cruiser or sport-touring/standard. If you are quite confident in your skills, then go ahead and step up to a 1000, if you feel you need an 'in-between step,' then stick with the 750-900cc.

For longer trips and pillion comfort, I'd say avoid the sporty bikes.

Careful. Most of the sport-tourers, though very comfy to sit on for long rides, are on the top-heavy side and can surprise you with a tipover if you tip too far one way or the other. Shouldn't be a 'deal breaker' but just something to be aware of.

P

Andy G wrote: And - being 35, married for almost 15 years, I'm not too concerned about "looking cool". I've got nobody to impress anymore!

you should still try to impress the wife.

get a triumph rocket III.

yeah baby yeah!




but yeah... standard bikes 600 and up will give you enough zip, comfort, and passenger carrying capabilities, like the 599, 919, etc.

Had a friend suggest a V-Strom 650...any thoughts on that bike?

If you're looking for a bike to take a passenger with on long trips look away from the 599.

I've been looking at touring bikes that I might one day buy and was very impressed with triumph sprint st. It's the only tourer that weighs less than 500lbs and yet it's supposed to be comfortable enough for 2-up riding across the country. Costs a bit more than your budget, but looks like a very versatile bike.