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i love my cruiser and im keeping it but ive been getting the itch for more punch and better fuel economy. i have a hard time not looking at the suzuki bandit 1200 but i sat on a yamaha fz6 and was kinda bummed of the "pitched forward" seating of the bike. now dont go screaming, i know how the crotch rockets are but thats why i said "sporty" type of bike. funny, in the pictures the bikes look like a pretty upright seating position but then again i only sat on one but i bet the bandit, kawasaki Z750s are all similar in seating position, no? that led me to sitting on a honda 919(couldnt find the 599 but i know they are very similar) and to me that was a bit more comfortable and maybe it would be a smoother transition although the gear shifter is so tiny i couldnt even fit my boot under it!

guess i never got the 750 nighthawk itch out of me since ive never owned one and i was curious what you guys have tried on and enjoyed after riding your cruiser.

ive read about the vmax having some serious power with its v-boost and all but its pretty much way out of my price range anyhow. 11k new.

The V-Max has most of its power at low RPM like a cruiser though as about double the power of most cruisers. They can be had resonably if your willing to buy used.

the 919 or B1200 should be just as fast as a V-Max if not faster, just with a more sportbike like powerband. Triumph Speed triple is another option for a high powered standard, has 130hp out of its 1080cc 3cyl, also an incredible sounding engine.

More punch could be had out of a lighter bike if you are also looking for more fuel economy.

Have you checked out an sv650? That to me seems like the perfect bike to compliment your marauder.

The marauder though is a mildly tuned 800cc bike. I really doubt you are going to get better fuel economy out of anything with more punch (Tho I could be wrong)

TechBMW wrote:More punch could be had out of a lighter bike if you are also looking for more fuel economy.

Have you checked out an sv650? That to me seems like the perfect bike to compliment your marauder.

The marauder though is a mildly tuned 800cc bike. I really doubt you are going to get better fuel economy out of anything with more punch (Tho I could be wrong)

its not so much the fuel economy as its more of a change wanted. guess i want the best of both worlds in a cruiser and more of a sporty bike. i NEVER see any vmax bikes used around by me. i havent gotten a chance to sit on an sv650 but i like the look more on the v-strom 650 in comparison. this is just up in the air until at least mid next year so i got some time to do some shopping around and what not.


i know this has been mentioned before but is it customary for dealers to have test bikes to try out? i mean, if im gonna plunk down a decent amount of money if i decide to go the used route again, i feel like i should demand to test the bike if i have the cash in hand. thoughts or experiences with that situatiion?

If you have cash in hand, they might be willing to do it, especially if you convince them you are serious about the purchase. Maybe go find some used ones in the paper and see if you can get a test ride out of them, then go buy one at the dealer.

The SV650 is a good bike. I love my SV1000, which is pretty much the same thing, except the engine and weight. V-Twin as well, which is a different feel, but I guess you have one now. Definitely different the the I-4 of the 919.

I went from a Vulcan 800 to a 2001 ZRX1200. I LOVE the ZRX. I tried a V-max and I liked it but the ZRX was faster (only slightly) stopped Way Better with the dual six piston calipers and it handled better. The suspension is fully adjustable both front and rear.

The Bike is fast everywhere in the powerband and used ones can be had for very good prices. The aftermarket is great for the ZRX and the site www.zrxoa.org is great for info on the bike.

The seating position is comfortable and I have risers to raise the handlebars up and back a bit. I have done several 400 Mile days and it was more comfortable than the Vulcan.

I have a lot of experience on naked bikes, including the Bandit and FZ1, and overall I went with the ZRX.

Hope that helps,
AJ