bike recommendation

[crash-proof]

I'm planning on gettin me a bike, in a few months. My budget is $2500-$3000 (obviously limiting myself to used).

I want a comfy ride in the back for my significant other, so it looks like a cruiser for me. After browsing thru the classifieds, it looks these are my options:

- Virago 535 (great looks)
- Shadow 600 (a lil pricey?)
- Intruder 800 (i like the chopper look)
- Vulcan 750 (good price but kind of bulky)

Now, I turn to the experts...what are your thoughts and experiences with these jap cruisers? Reliability, rideability, etc etc.

 

[crowbar]

1st picture

2nd picture

My favorite bike, one of the most beautiful and comfortable bikes ever made, I've rode a bike exactly like this across the country 3 times. These pictures show the bike the way it came from the factory, except the 1st picture has a small black engine guard low in front of the engine, I had a chrome one with highway pegs on mine, you can ride all day and never get cramped or uncomfortable, it's a pleasure to ride. It's only a 700 but it's a V4 and she goes like nuts when you give it the gas, tops out about 140 in 5th, had her up there many times.
You can probably pick one up with low miles for around 2 grand.
I'm definately going to have another one some day.

Forgot to mention reliability, it's a Honda, pretty much says it all.
I put 25,000 miles on mine in a year and a half, still ran like new when I sold it with 30,000 miles. The only maintenence I did other than regular oil and filter changes was replacing the fork oil seals, they wore out at about 25,000 miles.

 

[Timebuilder]

After seeing crowbar's avatar, I'd have to recommend an engine with two jugs...

If I had my 'druthers, I'd get back my 1961 FLH. What a machine. With today's mods, just think what could be done with it...

 

[Benhuntn]

bikes

I like the Trek 5900 ($6,000) its all carbon and very light and fast. If you want to go $7,000 get the Madone 5.9. It is the Tour winner.

 

[labbats]

Are you new to motorcycles or have you been around them a while? If you're new, then get a smaller cc. The 600 would be best. If you are more experienced, go for the higher range, 1100 or so.

I'd also suggest taking a riding class at your local community college. Either as a refresher or to get your license, it's a great deal. Mine was 4 hour classes twice a week for a month. They supplied the bikes (little 150cc ones) and a certificate to get my motorcycle license from the DMV after passing the written there.

Tell your lady to look into the turns too. Not at the scenery, unless it's a straightaway. And to wrap her arms around you or hands on your belt. Don't do the hands on the bar behind her, she'll roll right off if you gun it.

 

[Dash8]

may the earth split open and swallow me whole, but i have to agree with crowbar...

i have an 82 vf750c magna, very nice bike, mines beat to hell but still runs good, fairly comfortable when you get the crashbars and highway pegs, and sissy bar for the beyotch on back

 

[FN FAL]

and sissy bar

Sissy bars on motorcyles? How about padded backrests? It sounds a little less queer eye for the straight guy.

 

[Dash8]

Sissy bars on motorcyles? How about padded backrests? It sounds a little less queer eye for the straight guy.

dude, i can't help what it's named....just gotta live with it i'm afraid...

 

[FN FAL]

I don't care what it says on the package...it might even say "harley davidson-live to ride" on the package (ahem...made in taiwan)...but you don't have to call it a sissy bar. This is Amurica...and you gots free speech. Call it a Qwijibow if you want...just please...don't call it a sissy bar. Do it for me, do it for motorcycling, do It for Robert Michum, Clint Eastwood and Rock Hudson. And most of all...do it for yourself.

 

[Dash8]

*snip*
Call it a Qwijibow if you want...
*snip*

now we all know that is a big dumb balding north american ape, with no chin...

and a short temper...

 

[crash-proof]

Thanks for the tips! I've ridden dual pupose type bikes (Honda 125), mostly on dirt roads, back in my teenage years, so city riding in a cruiser will definately by a whole new program for me. On top of that it's been a while since I've ridden anything.

It's funny how we used to all ride in the back with our hands behind the seat, on the bars. We were all convinced that was the way to go.

I'm hesitant on getting a 20 year old bike. You folks with the old magnas, having a lot of maintenance problems? They sure look sweet alright (I just don't like that 80s-style square headlight, though)

 

[Dash8]

Thanks for the tips! I've ridden dual pupose type bikes (Honda 125), mostly on dirt roads, back in my teenage years, so city riding in a cruiser will definately by a whole new program for me. On top of that it's been a while since I've ridden anything.

It's funny how we used to all ride in the back with our hands behind the seat, on the bars. We were all convinced that was the way to go.

I'm hesitant on getting a 20 year old bike. You folks with the old magnas, having a lot of maintenance problems? They sure look sweet alright (I just don't like that 80s-style square headlight, though)

i've never had to do anything serious to my bike (82, knock on wood) and it has the round headlight, it was mid-late 80's bikes that went to square lights

 

[wings421]

I like BenHuntn's rec. However, I think you're probably going for the motorized bikes.

Anyhow, VIVA LANCE! Time for 6!

 

[vossdr1]

Crash-proof,
Unless someone has monkied with the bike (home installed loud pipe and rejet or messed with the electrics), a 1980s vintage jap bike is about as reliable as a stone.

Cookie cutter ugly, but reliable (and fast).

 

[Swass]

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but that Magna is just plain cheesy. Get an older FZR 600, they can be had for your price range all day long.

 

[crash-proof]

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but that Magna is just plain cheesy. Get an older FZR 600, they can be had for your price range all day long.

No crotch-rockets....lookin at cruisers only (she refuses to board a crotch-rocket).

A black Magna looks bada$$...but that's just my humble opinion.

 

[Big Duke Six]

Try looking at an 80-82 Honda CB750 Custom. I think you'll like the look, they are great in town or on the highway and are extremely comfy for her. I have an '82 now and I had an '81 in college. Both have been completely bulletproof, no-nonsense bikes. They are much more of a classic bike than the Magna series - their roots go all the way back to the early '70's when the CB750 took the world by storm on the race circuit. There is thus a faily large cult following today. You can find good examples in your price range. I like the CB750 Custom as opposed to the staight CB 750 because they are styled more like a cruiser, have 5-spoke wheels, have better seats and have a 4 pipe setup. They only made the Custom series from 80-82, the real differences between those years being that the '82 has a black motor. My first one had a full Vetter fairing, the second had nothing on it until I bought a windshield off E-Bay last year for about $40. It made a huge difference in comfort on the highway, but is not really noticeable in town and doesn't detract from the look.

These bikes have evolved into the NightHawk series bikes, and if you look at a 750 NightHawk today there is not a whole lot of difference between them and the CB's.

 

[crowbar]

If you're gonna go for a classic, Triumph rules.

http://www.thewebgal.com/gfx/bikepix/69-tr1-L.jpg

 

[FN FAL]

I'm hesitant on getting a 20 year old bike. You folks with the old magnas, having a lot of maintenance problems? They sure look sweet alright (I just don't like that 80s-style square headlight, though)

I'm hesitant on selling my 20+ year old bike...go take a look at what they want on E-Bay for an 81-82 Honda CBX. Then decide if you want to ride something with 6 carbs...I know low carb diets are in vouge now, but you can buck the trend. Your wife will fit on the back and you will need to find a padded back rest...as I don't have one on there. Plus I have a 50 percent complete parts bike available with the sale. Its junk...but I was able to salvage a few good parts off of it. Front forks, brake rotors etc. It has an engine on it, but it looks like the tech school kids used it for show and tell...the parts bike not my bike.

Mine could use a carb overhaul, but it's not needed right this minute. There is a valve cover gasket leak, that could use a new seal and some permatex. The seal by the front sprocket is showing signs of weeping...but all that would require is to pull that seal out an push one back in.

Other wise its a great bike. Will need a new rear tire, front tire is good for now. I have all the fixings for replacing the brake lines with stainless fittings and flex hose sitting in a box in the garage. I'd recomend a new master cylinder and piston...for at least the front end...real cheap.

 

[Swass]

Try searching here .

This is an awesome resource that I've used several times to buy dirt bikes.