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I'm looking to buy my first bike. Im going to get a brand new one. Im looking for an 1100 cruiser (Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki). There is several different makes and models that I like. Im getting headaches over trying to decide on a few key differences. They are as followed;

1. Liquid or air cooled
2. Belt or Drive shaft
3. Any certain make cheaper for maintnance or repairs

Pros and Cons would be much appreciated on all matters

Okay before I blow my blood pressure can you answer a couple of questions for me please

1) Why the big displcement bikes you've mentioned?

2) Have you taken the MSF course?

3) What is your bike experience?

4) Have you read the sticky threads at the top of this section for new and returning bikers?

5) Why a brand new bike?

Please bear with me and answer them.
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To answer your questions

1. I have ridden 750's and 1500's. I felt the 750 was to small and the 1500 was a little big for my taste so I figured an 1100 would be right.

2. Yes I took a MSF coarse

3. This will be my first bike that I have owned however I have rented Harleys several times. Would rent others but all that is by me is Harley Rentals. I would say total time on bike is about 50 hrs. I have also ridden in the Mountains before.

4. yes

5. I feel more comfortable buying a new one verses an used one.

Don't worry about the "big bike" naysayers...an 1100 isn't really all that big anyway.

I've ridden a Yamaha V-Star 1100 Classic, and besides not being my cup-of-tea there's really nothing I can find wrong with it. I like the soft-tail look (but the shock is difficult to adjust) and Yamahas are rock solid.

As far as air versus water cooled, I prefer water. Yes, there's more stuff to go bad or wear out but the benefits of consistent engine temperatures outweigh the cons in my opinion.

Belt versus shaft...well...belt is smoother and more efficient, but shaft is as close to zero maintenance as it gets...so neither should be a deciding factor.

Honda and Yamaha both offer 1100's, but Kawasaki and Suzuki both skip this segment all together...jumping from 800's to a 1500 and 1400 respectively. So, if you have your mind set on an 1100, there are really only two brands and a handful of models to consider (assuming Harley is outta the question). So, go sit on a Shadow Sabre and a V-Star 1100 and see which one fits best or moves you the most.

A very nice feature for any bike is fuel injection (IMHO). No messing with pesky Carbs, unless you are into that sort of thing

Kal wrote:1100 isnt that big???

Not in cruiser form it isn't. Now a fuel injected 4-cylinder is a different story...

Kal wrote: I know the large one weighs a ton because I've pushed Shaun's out of the garage and unpowered it handles worse than a Goldwing.

GoldWings handle great...so I'm not following the analogy...

Kal wrote:Is the Big Eleven really that much heavier?

The 1100 Classic I rode felt no different than the C50 (800cc) I rode, ergos, weight, or power-wise. It's just not a bike to buy if you like to ride at all fast or corner hard. I guess that's why they call it a cruiser and not a speeder...but I happen to like both, and do not wish to compromise.