Need motorcycle suggestions.........

[lonewolf01]

I saw the H/D thread but didn't want to hijack it. I want a good middle of the road motorcycle for mainly weekend riding. I eventually want to move up to an H/D someday but want to get something affordable now. I don't mind used but I'm not sure what to look for. I want to spend between $2500-$5000. I don't want speed but rather a comfortable quality ride on back country roads. I used to have a Honda Shadow a long time ago but only for a year before I had to move so I sold it. It was nice but too small. Suggestions?

[HollowHead]

V-Star 1100. There are lots of them in that price range that are only a year or two old. HH

[liliysdad]

Yamaha. There is not a better metric cruiser made, in my opinion.

My father, brother, uncle, and cousin all have Roadstars. My father just clocked over 80k on his 02 he bought brand new, and has never had an issue. My uncle has roughly the same number of miles on his. My brother has a bit over 60k, again with no troubles. My father averages just under 60mpg....and loves it.

The smaller Stars should be just as good.

[USMCsilver]

Do it right the first time, and look into Victory Cycles!

[Road Runner]

+ 1 on Victory.

Do you plan on any hard pack dirt roads / trails? I've got a Suzuki Dr650 that's the cat's ass. Put a nice windshield and some side racks and the big thumper will run all day long - as long as you can stand the seat!

EXCELLENT mpgs too.

[Hawncho]

You should be able to find a fairly new (01-04) V-star in that price range nicely equipped. Don't be afraid of the 650cc model it will carry the average couple without any problems regardless of what some people say. I bought an 03 in 06 for around 4000 my wife and I rode it without any problems in the foothills of Southern Indiana I weigh around 180 and she is about 125. They are very comfortable rides and the shaft drive eliminates the jerk and chain maintenance. I do not think you can find a Victory in that price range.

[USMCsilver]

I do not think you can find a Victory in that price range.

OOPS. Crap. Missd that part. Just caught onto the fact that he wanted to do a Harley some day but wanted to settle for something now.

Yeah, a Victory won't happen.

However, if you shop around, it is possible to find an older 1200cc Sportster that would haul y'all's asses around quite easily.

[HollowHead]

Yeah, a Victory won't happen.


There are many V92's in that price range. HH

[WellArmedSheep]

I'll have to agree that a V-Star 1100 would be a good bike. I started on the 650 version and it was a good dependable motorcycle.

[AnimalK]

Even my "05 Shadow Aero 750 is big enough to run with the big boys. Cobra pipes are loud enough to be heard by the cagers.

[ms1600]

Look on craigslist in your area. Any metric cruisers from 750cc-1500cc should work for you. See if the sellers will let you test drive. In Alaska, the riding season is waning so depending on where you are you may get a good deal.

[PBCounty]

Dual sport it up.

[J.P.]

Dual sports are way cool!

I've got this:

http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/JxMxFxPx/ms001.jpg


...and I still want this:

http://www.suzukicycles.com/images/ProductImages/logo/500/DRZ400SMK9.jpg

[ranger88]

Find a Ducati Monster with low miles and preferably of the 900cc variety. I had a 1998 Ducati Monster 900 between 1998 and 2002 and sold it for $5800 bucks when I was through with it. 10,000 miles on the clock and in pristine condition. I'm sure you can find one in the upper limits of your price range. A very comfortable motorcycle, head turner everywhere you go, and plenty of power for those Sunday rides. I still miss that bike. And if I were ever to get another, it will be a Duc.

[CheesyD]

Another V-Star 1100 vote. I used to have one and it was a great bike. Never any problems with it and rode like a dream.

[glock2619]

Find a Ducati Monster with low miles and preferably of the 900cc variety. I had a 1998 Ducati Monster 900 between 1998 and 2002 and sold it for $5800 bucks when I was through with it. 10,000 miles on the clock and in pristine condition. I'm sure you can find one in the upper limits of your price range. A very comfortable motorcycle, head turner everywhere you go, and plenty of power for those Sunday rides. I still miss that bike. And if I were ever to get another, it will be a Duc.

I second this motion. All those in favor...

If you buy one of these right, ride it for a couple years, you'll probably be able to sell it for just a bit less than you've got into it. I had a 96 SS/SP that I rode for 2 years and sold for $500 less than I had into it. I miss that bike.

But, having said that, if a cruiser is more your style, one of the Yamaha's or Honda's would be just fine.

[tat2guy]

V-Star 1100. There are lots of them in that price range that are only a year or two old. HH

Yamaha. There is not a better metric cruiser made, in my opinion.


The smaller Stars should be just as good.

'Zactly what I was gonna say.

Though I would have added, you probably won't feel the need to trade down to an HD later.

[liliysdad]

I agree, I just thought it was assumed. I think Yamaha is building a better bike than Harley in every single category. I would take a Vstar 650 over an 883 Sportster, an 1100 Star ovr a 1200 Sportster, a Roadstar/Starliner over any of Harleys big bikes, and the Roadstar Warrior way before the V-Rod.

[tat2guy]

I agree, I just thought it was assumed. I think Yamaha is building a better bike than Harley in every single category. I would take a Vstar 650 over an 883 Sportster, an 1100 Star ovr a 1200 Sportster, a Roadstar/Starliner over any of Harleys big bikes, and the Roadstar Warrior way before the V-Rod.

:thumbsup:

[TurboRocket]

I just bought a used V-Star 650 Classic with 8000 miles for less than $2500. Getting back into motorcycles after having 2 600cc sport bikes over 15 years ago. The V-Star is a great bike. Get lots of looks and comments. They say it looks like a Harley Fat Boy. I have no clue because I'm not a hard core HD guy.

The V-Star has good power, and cruises nice at 75mph. I have stock everything on it now in terms of power. Will probably put after-market pipes, air intake of some kind and jet carbs as a winter project, just to get a bit more ooomph - not that it really needs it.

Eventually, I'd like to add a Triumph Speed Triple or a V-Max to the stable.

[lonewolf01]

Thanks for the replies! I will look into the V-star. I just don't know between the 650 or 1100. I want enough power for mainly just me but does the 650 have enough? I don't mean speed wise but nice torgue and not running real high rpm's while cuising.

[KYGlock23]

I agree on the Yamaha line of bikes. Here is a recent pic of my 2001 Roadstar with 50K trouble free miles. No such thing on "moving up" to a Harley. Why would I want one?

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h179/homan1964/nibroc/IMG_2183.jpg

[KYGlock23]

Thanks for the replies! I will look into the V-star. I just don't know between the 650 or 1100. I want enough power for mainly just me but does the 650 have enough? I don't mean speed wise but nice torgue and not running real high rpm's while cuising.


What type of Shadow did you have before? 1100? or? If you are concerned about revs at highway speeds the 650 V-Star will be running quite a few higher rpm's on the highway. The 1100 V-Star a few less and the Roadstar even less still. My Roadstar feels like it is just cruising at 70mph.

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h179/homan1964/Weldon_Classic_Car_Show_055_CROPPED.jpg

[TurboRocket]

Thanks for the replies! I will look into the V-star. I just don't know between the 650 or 1100. I want enough power for mainly just me but does the 650 have enough? I don't mean speed wise but nice torgue and not running real high rpm's while cuising.

I weigh 170ish and putt around mostly one-up, and the 650 pulls fine. If I were to do it again, I'd get the 1100. Again, not that the 650 isn't enough but I am just use to more power than needed (have a 435 hp twin turbo cage :supergrin:). Also, I wish my V-Star had a 6th gear. Not sure if the 1100 would have that... maybe the Roadstars do - dunno.

[sourdough44]

A lightly used Jap bike.

[Denny Crane]

I'm getting a H-D FLHR Road King, it only cost $25.00. I bought a raffle ticket at http://www.nleomf.org/media/press/NLEM_raffle08.htm. The drawing is Sept. 05. I'm trying to figure out how to get it out to the west coast!:supergrin:

.......................................................denny crane

[srothman]

I just bought a Yamaha V Star 1300. I found a new 07 for a little over $8,000 out the door. I went with the 1300, instead of the 1100, because the 1300 is Fuel Injected. I was told that they are going to discontinue the 1100 after next year, and only make the 1300. The V Star 1300 is a great bike. I love it. It is big enough for two up riding, yet small enough to still be great for city riding in traffic. I have put over 1,000 miles in it in less than four weeks. My only complaint is that it does not have a fuel gauge or tach on it. Other than that I love the motorcycle.

I would consider any of the Yamaha Star cruisers.

[jim123]

Get a 1982-1984 Yamaha XJ650 Maxim. $1500 or so for a decent running one and you will get all your $ back when you realize you don't like riding on the street. Just my personal feelings.

[Faulkner]

For a dual sport you can't beat a Suzuki DL650 V-Strom. 60+ miles per gallon, comfortable, bullet proof reliability, and a very fun bike to ride.

Here's a picture of my 2008 in matte black.

http://pic50.picturetrail.com/VOL488/1124764/6540857/315985870.jpg

[liliysdad]

I just bought a Yamaha V Star 1300. I found a new 07 for a little over $8,000 out the door. I went with the 1300, instead of the 1100, because the 1300 is Fuel Injected. I was told that they are going to discontinue the 1100 after next year, and only make the 1300. The V Star 1300 is a great bike. I love it. It is big enough for two up riding, yet small enough to still be great for city riding in traffic. I have put over 1,000 miles in it in less than four weeks. My only complaint is that it does not have a fuel gauge or tach on it. Other than that I love the motorcycle.

I would consider any of the Yamaha Star cruisers.

The 1300 is a nice bike, but I really think Yamaha went in the wrong direction with it. One of Yamahas biggest selling point was the fact that it was air cooled, and 1300 killed that. Hopefully, Yamaha will see fit to retain the 1100 in the lineup, as many of us prefer an air cooled bike.

For me, the 650 is a better bike than the 1100, simply because of the physical size and height of the bike. I have yet to find a cruiser that fits me as well. The 1100 is close, but not quite there.

[Glock 19 God]

http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/JxMxFxPx/ms001.jpg



What is this?

[HollowHead]

What is this?

Looks like a Warrior, or a Mean Streak, or Boulevard. A VTX, maybe? HH

[Not Simple]

You might be able to tell what I'm going to suggest by looking at my avatar. But I have 5 letters for you. They are BMW-GS. If you ever ride a GS you will forget all about V Twin primitave technology and the low resale price of our Japanese friends bikes. I have been the Harley route Ducati, Norton, Honda Early Triumph and doing it since 1968. I had some pretty exotic bikes. Ever seen a Benelli 750 six? ((That's not a shotgun)) I love my fourth BMW It's a K1200GT 08 And there is a 04 GS1150 Adventure. I made the 1000 mile iron butt on that one in 18 hours. It's very comfortable and you will have a bike that will get you there. Go to a BMW Dealer and they will let you ride a GS or anything for that matter. We just had our owners assoc. ralley in Gillette WY. about a month ago there were 5000 + in attendence. Check out, www.bmwmoa.org (http://www.bmwmoa.org)
Here is a sample of what I'm talking about in your price range.

http://sacramento.craigslist.org/mcy/818916380.html This bike is in Sacramento that should be fairly close to you.

Bikes are a very personal thing and I would tell you to ride a few and make up your mind that way. Sorta like buying a new pistol huh?

Well good luck and remember this "If you have a ten dollar head wear a ten dollar helmet." That's from an old Bell helmets add from the early 70's. I think it still makes a great deal of sense today. You only have one pretty face to mess up. And there are two types of riders. Ones that have gone down and ones who haven't. I am in the former group and I like to error on the side of safety. Glasses, Gloves, Good Boots, Good Jackets, = You'll live !!
Ride carefully because you can't bluff someone in a "cage" if they don't look.

[Trigger_Rush]

Don't be a girl, get a Hayabusa.

http://www.bikebros.co.jp/images/wallpaper/yoshimura/suzuki_hayabusa_01_1024.jpg

:tongueout:

[KYGlock23]

Looks like a Warrior, or a Mean Streak, or Boulevard. A VTX, maybe? HH


That is a Mean Streak.....

[fnfalman]

Get a scooter if you were to want an easy ride on the weekend.

No point in buying a slow, heavy, awkward motorcycle.

[Fishing73]

Don't be a girl, get a Hayabusa.

http://www.bikebros.co.jp/images/wallpaper/yoshimura/suzuki_hayabusa_01_1024.jpg

:tongueout:


:rofl: Now that is pretty damn funny!:rofl:

I love my 07 Shadow Aero 750. It does me just fine and I weigh 200+:cool:

[Trebuchet]

I just picked up a 96 VT1100 Shadow about a week ago for $2500. There was a Victory V-92C Deluxe for sale locally for $4500 also. Bottom line, you should be able to find plenty of choices at that price range.