Need some advice on my second bike

[storysunfolding]

I currently have a 1982 Yamaha Vision, 550cc engine and one hell of a great ride. However, I find that a 23 year old bike, while great in many ways, just doesn't cut it on the many 200+ mile trips I make.

I want to start doing research on brands, and individual bikes so I have a good idea of what I want next spring and I'm hoping to get a kick start from this discussion.

I like the cruiser style of bike best, and it seems that a cruiser is a decent ride over long distance yet still fun around town. I don't want a harley or anything equally expensive, because as much as I love riding, it's not that pivital in my life to warrent the cost. What I don't know about is what brands have good reputations for cruiser style bikes, what models have a good history, how much power do I really need (may or may not have a lady friend on the bike from time to time.. she needs to hurry up and buy her own anyway), and how much I should budget for the bike. I'm thinking around eight large? Any information is appreciated, especially on the ride and handling since shops won't let you give them a test ride.

[Craig7220]

I'm partial to the Suzuki C50. 805cc with plenty of power to ride 2 up on long trips. I bought one in July and love it. New they are running around 6500 buckaroos. The next one up is the C90. Think its 1100 cc or there abouts. Basically the same frame as the C50. Last I checked they were running around $9500 or so.

[ZooTech]

You have an $8,000 budget, and your last bike was a sporty standard, so I'd go with the Suzuki M50. It's still a cruiser, which is what you're looking for, but it's not as sedate as most. I think the transition will be easier for you in the long run, plus the M50 is dead sexy!

The next one up is the C90. Think its 1100 cc or there abouts.

Nope. It's a 1500 (1475cc).

[storysunfolding]

Just in case there is some confusion, the only reason I'm riding a sportier standard bike is because I was able to get it, and get her back into great shape for under $600. A great learner that wouldn't hurt me financially if she... I don't know.. blew up?

[ZooTech]

Well, you live in Northern Virginia. With the kind of roads you have access to I just assumed you'd want something with a bit more cornering clearance. The C50 does pretty well, but the M50 doesn't have floorboards and should do even better.

[sapaul]

Check out the new Moto Guzzi's. Strong machines known to be reliable.I had an older 1982 SP 1000. Bullet proof and did that thing grunt.

[storysunfolding]

Well, you live in Northern Virginia. With the kind of roads you have access to I just assumed you'd want something with a bit more cornering clearance. The C50 does pretty well, but the M50 doesn't have floorboards and should do even better.

Thank you. I hadn't considered that. How much of a problem are floorboards to cornering? The Yamaha V-star 1000 series has been catching my eye but all the ones in the local shop have floorboards.

[ZooTech]

Well, you live in Northern Virginia. With the kind of roads you have access to I just assumed you'd want something with a bit more cornering clearance. The C50 does pretty well, but the M50 doesn't have floorboards and should do even better.

Thank you. I hadn't considered that. How much of a problem are floorboards to cornering? The Yamaha V-star 1000 series has been catching my eye but all the ones in the local shop have floorboards.

It depends on how spirited your riding style is. If you're used to tossing your standard around in the twisties you'll be surprised by the sound of sparks shooting off of chrome when your C50's floorboards touch down for the first time. If you're more of a casual rider who likes to smell the roses, you'll probably be just fine on the C50.

[Craig7220]

The next one up is the C90. Think its 1100 cc or there abouts.

Nope. It's a 1500 (1475cc).[/quote]

Hey thanks, goes to show how much the dealer knows about his bikes.

[storysunfolding]

Maybe this is a silly question, but can you take floorboards off? As in, do they bolt on, and can you take them off without leaving an ugly/dangerous bracket on the bike?