Newbie - Cruiser Choice?

[peterg]

Hi All

I'm hoping for a bit of advice. I'm arriving at biking at age 48 and I'm not into the Sports/Streetfighter styles. I'm chasing Direct Access over the next few weeks/months and plan not to buy a bike until I have passed my test (is this a bad idea?).

With the above in mind, I would like to buy a mid-weight cruiser to get me started. A neightbour has offered me his Virago 535 but I'm baulking as I think this 'might' feel a little underpowered quite quickly (I'm sure I'll love it at first). Price is great (£1250 - 1997, 14,000 miles). I expect to keep the first bike for a couple of years and I will be using it year round on a nice cross country commute of 12-15 miles. Additionally I expect to do pleanty of longer weekend rides and once or twice a year go further afield.

My shortlist so far is made up of the following culprits:

• Yamaha Dragstar 650
• Kawasaki VN series
• Suzuki Maurauder

And of course the wish but can't afford bikes (maybe second time round)

• Triumph Bonneville/T100
• Harley Sportster 1200 Low (I won't cope with a tall bike - 30in Inside leg)
• Harley Softtail Rocker 'C'

What do you think of the 'plan' ?

Many thanks


Peter

[Penguin-TPP]

Hey pete, you have taste! Xvs650 would be first choice, but thats going purely from looks, not experience. I've heard that the marauder is a little sluggish, so you might get bored of it quickly.

Honda shadows would be a good choice too, never heard a bad word against em.



Don't go for any of the cheaper chinese copy models though, they may look nice but they are reknowned for being very unreliable. Other than that, best ask grots.

If it's the Xvs650 you're after, head to MCN and search the used bikes section, lots of em for sale. If you want the real cruiser look don't forget the sissybar!

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/bi...&Ntk=site&Ntt=



Might want to get some crash bars fitted as well, if you come off it'll reduce some of the damage (cheers for the advice grots).
Xvs would be my choice though

[grotbag]

Originally Posted by Penguin-TPP

Honda shadows would be a good choice too, never heard a bad word against em.

I ride a VT125C and love it! The only down side for me is the max speed but it is a 125.

A friend has an 07 plate big Shadow and goes for regular long runs out with his mates who all have sports bikes. He has no problem keeping up even on bends but does go through a lot of foot pegs! This is his first cruiser and he say's that he wouldn't have a sports bike again after this one.

Originally Posted by Penguin-TPP

Don't go for any of the cheaper chinese copy models though, they may look nice but they are reknowned for being very unreliable. Other than that, best ask grots.

I'm not an expert in the least but I get around various 'places' and it seem's to me from what I've read that 8 out of 10 Chinese bikes seem to be 'lemons', so I expect they're just getting what they paid for.

Originally Posted by peterg

Suzuki Maurauder

A guy I work with has a big one and again it's an 07 plate, he uses it all over and also for commuting through city traffic to work.

Just as a by-the-by, did you know that some of the chrome bit's are infact plastic? I didn't until he pointed them out to me!

[peterg]

HI Pengiun and Grotbag (do I really have to call you that???)

Seems to confirm my suspicions XVS650 as my first choice - why opt for anything less! Any opinions on the Virago?

Do you think I'd be able to cope with a 650cc bike after Direct Access (or is it a case of - if you need to ask .... lol). I suppose it's healthy to be a little cautious.

Thanks for responding so quickly.

Peter

[indie]

amercan victory crusier, something different that you dont see that often in the uk, one of the lads at work has one, and although i dont like crusiers strangly i like this bike

[grotbag]

Originally Posted by peterg

Grotbag (do I really have to call you that???)

Do you think I'd be able to cope with a 650cc bike after Direct Access (or is it a case of - if you need to ask .... lol).

Most members call me grots or GB


The guys will advise you on power difference but there is also the weight difference too.
My friends big shadow is about 804 pounds Dry Weight and mine is about 319 pounds, add petrol and it's heavy! Well for this little old lady it is! So whichever ..... crash bars

[peterg]

Hi Indie

I'm checking out the Victory bikes now - like the Vegas Low.

Also (although can't afford it) this is nice!!!.....

20 - 20 Motorcycles

Now if I could get £1500 off the price! hmmm


Peter

[peterg]

Hey Penguin - Is that Dragstar yours?

Peter

[peterg]

BTW - Everything in me says stay away from the Jinluns etc... No, I won't be going Chinese!!!

[grotbag]

Have you seen these on fleabay?

200257764995
110290758792
300262464120
110292087516

worth watching to give you an idea of price