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Opinons sought on the 800 vs. 1100-1300cc class of bikes. Specifically,

Yamaha v-star 1100
Honda VTX 1300c
Suzuki C50
Kawasaki 800/900 Classic

Apart from the obvious, i.e. displacement, frame size, $$, what other factors might one consider between the two classes? I'm looking for longevity and not a bike for a few short seasons.

The type of riding will be a 50/50 split between city riding and countryside traveling ( elevation changes from 1500-9000 feet ). I assume the smaller bikes will be more agile in town, while the bigger displacement bikes giving greater ability in the more hilly areas.

I'd like to keep comments about the appropriateness of these bikes for beginners out of the thread.

funinaz wrote:Opinons sought on the 800 vs. 1100-1300cc class of bikes. Specifically,

Yamaha v-star 1100
Honda VTX 1300c
Suzuki C50
Kawasaki 800/900 Classic

My dad has the C50 and loves it. The fuel injection is spot on, it looks/feels/rides like a much bigger bike, the aftermarket support is strong, and it has decent power. In addition, the stock exhaust is one of the best I've heard, it's shaft drive, and it's very affordable.

My bro-in-law has the V-Star 1100 Classic and loves it. It has a bit more muscle than the C50 but has very similar ergos. Once he installed a Big-Air Kit (BAK) and some slip-ons the motor really woke up. The aftermarket support for this bike is about as good as it gets.

Having said what I have about those two bikes (I have no experience with the Vulcan 800 nor do I care to), if I had to pick from the four you listed I'd go for the VTX1300c. With all the attention drawn towards big brother (the VTX1800) the 1300 misses out on a lot of the praise and attention it deserves. All three of the mags I subscribe to concluded that the 1300 was the funner of the two to ride, and the looks and style of the 1300 is just as good as the 1800. All in all, it has good power yet remains agile, something the 1800 isn't. And with your desire to ride in mountainous regions, you'll want both power and agility.

Yesterday we went for a little 120 mile putt up into the Sierras . There were 8 scoots all total . 5 HDs , my spousette and I on our 800 Suzukis . another bro on a 1100 Shadow and there was no problem what so ever with keeping up etc.
The only problem was my damaged old back but that's the way it's gonna be until the end .
Kind regards, Wizzard

To me there really isn't much distinction. They all have more then enough power to do anything you want to do. It's really just a matter of choice. You can certainly load down a bike enough to hurt its performance provided your taking the kitchen sink with you, but as far as keeping up? Once you get to 100mph it's really just a question of guts I think or stupidity depending on how you look at it.

If you are going to be doing alot of varying altitude riding, you should definitely make sure the bike you get is Fuel Injected.

As for all the other stuff. Go with what you like. I've been riding for a while, and I find that for cruising (even 2-up cruising) my BMW r80 (800cc twin cylinder) does everything pretty well and in good comfort- on and off highway...

Basically it's what you like, and what's comfortable to you.

I've been riding the suzuki C50 now for 3 months and love it. Went riding this last weekend 2 up and had no problem cruising the interstate at 80mph with throttle left.

I'm looking at the M50 with the same engine. How does your C50 handle stop an go traffic?

The C50 is great in traffic and the open road. I dislike stop and go traffic on any size bike though. The C50 handles nice at slow speeds also.