Help me pick a motorcycle

TangoWhiskey

TangoWhiskey

Touchdown! Greaser!
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Feb 23, 2005
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Midlothian, TX
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3Green
OK, looking to get back into motorcycling after many years. I'd like a cruiser, capable of carrying two people, that can be used for commuting, day trips, and the occasional longer road trip.

I like the retro look (See Honda VTX or Shadow Aero, Suzuki C109RT, for examples of the style I like).

I'm not really thinking about buying a NEW bike, though that could be an option. Something used, in the $3000-$6500 range would be better--let somebody else absorb that initial depreciation.

Beyond knowing what "look" I like, I'm way out of date with the technology side of this... I see discussions about solid vs spoked wheels, tubed vs. tubeless tires, shafts/belts instead of chains, etc. But I also don't know what makes/models I should steer away from (lemons).

Suggestions?!
 
Solid wheels are better. Tubeless tires are better. Shaft is way less maintenance if you don't mind a slight loss in performance. Of course some people think that the spokes look cool--blah--hard to keep clean.

I'm not huge into the cruiser scene so I don't know much about them. But it is hard to go wrong with a motorcycle from one of the big four (Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Yamaha).
 
jesse said:
Solid wheels are better. Tubeless tires are better. Shaft is way less maintenance if you don't mind a slight loss in performance. Of course some people think that the spokes look cool--blah--hard to keep clean.

I'm not huge into the cruiser scene so I don't know much about them. But it is hard to go wrong with a motorcycle from one of the big four (Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Yamaha).
Click to expand...

Thanks, Jesse. You're confirming the impressions I got reading online...
 
I've been bike free for almost a decade now, my last was a Yamaha Virago. If you're getting into it or back into it, I recommend buying a good used shaft-driven japanese cruiser in the 750 cc range, without a lot of chrome or other "junk" on it. Spend the money you save on a good custom seat for it, a throwover set of saddlebags, and protective gear like chaps and the best helmet you can find. A small windscreen can make a huge difference in fatigue on long rides, and be sure your pillion-rider is comfy on the bike.

Bikes are "mature" tech, so you really can't go wrong with a used bike if it hasn't been abused.
 
If it comes from any of the four Japanese makes, like Jesse said, you pretty much can't go wrong. Things I'd look for would be:

-Shaft Drive
-Dual front disc brakes (one rotor and caliper on either side of the front wheel)
-Fuel injection

The brakes I'd say are a requirement. The shaft drive is more reliable, like Jesse said (you don't have to oil it). Fuel injection makes starting a lot easier, and you don't have to deal with syncing the carbs and things like that. It's basically lower maintenance.

The choice to get a V-twin is more one of personal preference. The in-line 4-cylinders are smoother and more powerful, and probably more reliable. But the V-twins still have that V-twin sound. The Japanese V-twins don't quite sound like a Harley or a Victory, but they still sound neat. I prefer the 4-cylinders, personally.

Once you find ones you think you're interested in, take them for a test ride. Normally now's the time to buy, at least from up north, although I suppose in Texas the demand isn't quite as elastic as in the North.

Regardless of whta you get, if you've been out of riding for a while, I'd suggest taking the MSF course. They have refresher courses to help people who are out of practice get back into practice. It's some very worthwhile practice, and allows you to practice your maneuvers in a controlled environment.
 
I had a Honda VTX...nice bike for what is was. However my ALL TIME favorite motorcycle is the Yamaha FJR!
 
My last and favorite bike, gone since '85, was a Yamaha XS1100 ... loved that bike!
 
If you decide to change directions and get into a nice solo-only sportbike, let me know. Sadly, the carbon R1 is going to be evicted from my hangar this spring and needs to find a good home. (Time vs. money again)

Matthew
 
Ted DuPuis said:
Regardless of whta you get, if you've been out of riding for a while, I'd suggest taking the MSF course. They have refresher courses to help people who are out of practice get back into practice. It's some very worthwhile practice, and allows you to practice your maneuvers in a controlled environment.
Click to expand...

+1 on the MSF course for any new or returning rider.

Not much to add, all of the big 4 Japanese bikes are fine, I would stay away from wire wheels and tube tires, though.
 
Thinking a bit more on it, I've owned four bikes. '84 Kawasaki KZ700, '97 Suzuki Bandit 1200S, '00 Yamaha VMax, and '01 Honda Interceptor.

The KZ was a great bike. The KZ1000s can frequently be found cheap, and are great bikes. They were used as police cruisers for a while, so are very comfortable and ridiculously reliable. My KZ700 had over 100,000 miles on it. They do have carbs, but they also handle nicely. Not too cruiser-ish in terms of sloppy handling. I hear the KZ1000s are great for all-day trips. The KZ700 wasn't, but it had no fairings.

The Bandit was a great bike. The slight fairings made a big difference. I loved riding it, but the longest trip I ever took it on was probably about 3 hours of riding in a day. It was very nimble and good for trips as far as sportier bikes go. I really loved the thing.

The VMax was a pretty awful bike. It's very fast, but lacks any sort of handling prowess. I was comfortable riding it, but I didn't like it all that much. Certainly not as much as I would have hoped to like it.

The Interceptor is fabulous. It's quite comfortable as far as sport tourers go, and has wonderful handling. My only complaint is that I wish it was a 1200 and not an 800. I like it better than the Bandit, but I would like to have that 1200 from the VMax in it. The fuel injection is a big plus.

I get the feeling you aren't looking for any of those sorts of bikes, but just a little review. :)
 
TangoWhiskey said:
OK, looking to get back into motorcycling after many years. I'd like a cruiser, capable of carrying two people, that can be used for commuting, day trips, and the occasional longer road trip.
Suggestions?!
Click to expand...

My current choice:
thruxton_gallery_main_2_2008.jpg


Although if you want something a bit cruisier:

t100_gallery_main_1_2008.jpg
 
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jesse said:
Solid wheels are better. Tubeless tires are better. Shaft is way less maintenance if you don't mind a slight loss in performance. Of course some people think that the spokes look cool--blah--hard to keep clean.

I'm not huge into the cruiser scene so I don't know much about them. But it is hard to go wrong with a motorcycle from one of the big four (Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Yamaha).
Click to expand...


The key drawback I found to a shaft is that if you go into a turn too fast, you can't get out of the throttle because you'll come up on the case or a peg as you lose the gear climb. I think that a belt drive is the happiest median.
 
gkainz said:
My last and favorite bike, gone since '85, was a Yamaha XS1100 ... loved that bike!
Click to expand...

Heh heh, I had one of those, CHP took it away from me around Warner Springs and left me to hitch a ride home to San Diego.:rofl: Best $300 motorcycle I ever had, but like I said about shafts, If you go into a turn too fast, hang on and stay in the throttle.
 
Henning said:
The key drawback I found to a shaft is that if you go into a turn too fast, you can't get out of the throttle because you'll come up on the case or a peg as you lose the gear climb. I think that a belt drive is the happiest median.
Click to expand...

Henning said:
Heh heh, I had one of those, CHP took it away from me around Warner Springs and left me to hitch a ride home to San Diego.:rofl: Best $300 motorcycle I ever had, but like I said about shafts, If you go into a turn too fast, hang on and stay in the throttle.
Click to expand...

Henning, can you expound on this deal with shaft drives?? I'm not entirely following you. Explain it to a newbie.
 
Unless you are pushing to the edge of the envelope, the shaft drive shouldn't be a handling problem. The shaft and its gears produce a gyroscopic momentum that can throw you off a bit in tight turns. If you're riding hard through the twisties you need a sportbike anyway.

You likely have numerous choices in the retro sportbike market. I agree with most posters, the Nip bikes are made well and out perform just about anything else. What the Nips lack in originality they make up in engineering prowess. I also agree that a shaft drive is preferable, and you just can't have enough brakes. And I second the lack of chrome doo-dads, they just add drag.

In addition to an MSF course you should invest in gear. If you've read any of my other bike posts you know me for an unapologetic gear nazi. I imagine mesh or perforated leather would be de rigeur in Texas. Dress for the crash.
 
steingar said:
Unless you are pushing to the edge of the envelope, the shaft drive shouldn't be a handling problem. The shaft and its gears produce a gyroscopic momentum that can throw you off a bit in tight turns.
Click to expand...

Ah, that makes sense.

steingar said:
In addition to an MSF course you should invest in gear. If you've read any of my other bike posts you know me for an unapologetic gear nazi. I imagine mesh or perforated leather would be de rigeur in Texas. Dress for the crash.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I agree 100% with the gear, dress for the crash thinking. And I will re-take the MSF course. My wife is thinking about taking one too, first weekend in March. They're running an all-weekend 'ladies-only' class that she may go take with one of her lady friends.
 
TangoWhiskey said:
Henning, can you expound on this deal with shaft drives?? I'm not entirely following you. Explain it to a newbie.
Click to expand...

Shaft drive transfers force to the rear wheel the same way as a car does, with a ring and pinion gear, however with the exception of BMW (there may be others now that I'm not aware of), none of them have a flexible link at the wheel end of the shaft, so, as you apply roational action to the pavement, the equal and opposite reaction is for the back of the chassis to come up and the space between the wheel and fender to open up. Conversely, when you get out of the throttle and decellerate, the back of the chassis comes down and the space between the fender closes up. Now, when you're riding in a normal angular trim, this doesn't present a problem, however when you enter a turn too fast and have the case next to the pavement, if you let out of the throttle, the back wheel will come up reducing the clearance between the case and the pavement so that you may end up sliding on the case unless you are acutely delicate with the throttle. This phenomenah is why my ignition case on my XS 1100 Midnight Special was covered in this nifty transparent blue tape.:D Of course, if you ride like a sane individual, this issue should never come up, however CA Hwy 94 does not exactly inspire sane riding.:rolleyes:
 
I like this one: MTT. It's good enough for Jay Leno. And there is a link to aviation. It uses a Rolls Royce Allison.
 
I am currently riding a 1996 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Classic. Love it. I took the stock pipes off it right away and put straight pipes on it to make it louder in traffic. I just traded out the saddle bags and added a wind shield to it. Other than that, it's served me well since I bought it in 1996. I have changed tires and oils/lubes and that is about it. I am planning on trading out all the rubber hoses soon just because of the age.
 
OK I, m just a lurker here but really, there's two kinds of bikes. There's motorcycles and there's Harleys. Case closed. Go for the REAL bike. It'll never disapoint you.:) Just ribbin' you. I still have my 1981 Yamaha midnight Special with 10000 miles on it and still like new today,but I ride a 07 Harley Ultra Classic and would'nt change it for the world.
Harley1.jpg
 
stich said:
OK I, m just a lurker here but really, there's two kinds of bikes. There's motorcycles and there's Harleys.
Click to expand...
Exactly. Notice how the title says Motorcycle? If he was looking for a slow, loud, underpowered, expensive, unreliable, oil leaking, POS that isn't even worthy of the word 'motorcycle' he would have said it. :)

What is the purpose of that 'helmet' in the picture?
 
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Henning said:
To comply with inane helmet laws while allowing you to hear the guy that's about to kill you.
Click to expand...
Over the 'harley noise'? Doubtful.

A full face helmet does not decrease my hearing in any way. In fact I've found without one it's so damn loud you can't hear anything after a hour or so. From a hearing perspective--I find the full face *much* safer. Better yet is a full face with ear plugs.
 
Like I tell my boss who owns several Harley dealerships..."you give me the money or the bike and I will ride it." Otherwise, it's a very expensive peice of equipment.
 
stich said:
,but I ride a 07 Harley Ultra Classic and would'nt change it for the world]
Click to expand...

That bike is almost exactly like my 2007 Classic. I've added the
lower farings so it looks like it's twin.

I'm on my 4th Harley and I really enjoy the comfort of the Electra
Glide. My first Harley was back about 1980 in the AMF days. They're
far more reliable now and I've not had a single issue with the last 3.

If I wasn't on a Harley my next choice would be a Honda.

RT
 
jesse said:
'... slow, loud, underpowered, expensive, unreliable, oil leaking, POS that isn't even worthy of the word 'motorcycle'
Click to expand...

I think everyone rides what they like, and the insults can probably
be left out of it.

MMM .. I think I sense a business review coming up on a certain Internet
provider.

;-)
 
RogerT said:
I think everyone rides what they like, and the insults can probably be left out of it.
Click to expand...
Notice the smiley face. The thing is--they aren't that bad of a bike--it's the price that gets me. I'm also not a huge fan of the 'let's see how loud we can be' attitude that seems strong in the Harley population. At the end of the day it seems to me that people just pay way too much money for an image and nothing else.
 
jesse said:
Notice the smiley face. The thing is--they aren't that bad of a bike--it's the price that gets me. I'm also not a huge fan of the 'let's see how loud we can be' attitude that seems strong in the Harley population. At the end of the day it seems to me that people just pay way too much money for an image and nothing else.
Click to expand...

The thing that scares me most about Harleys is that down here at least, they seem to be the choice for those suffering midlife crisis, both male and female, and have decided that a motorcycle would ad some thrill and youth to their lives, yet have never rode a motorcycle before. These are the people who really scare me, because they don't have a clue.
 
Henning said:
The thing that scares me most about Harleys is that down here at least, they seem to be the choice for those suffering midlife crisis, both male and female, and have decided that a motorcycle would ad some thrill and youth to their lives, yet have never rode a motorcycle before. These are the people who really scare me, because they don't have a clue.
Click to expand...

I'm not sure it's a midlife crisis. Maybe for some. I think it's a matter
of people are finally at a point in their life that they can afford to
have one. Most of the older riders I know either have been riding
their whole lives or did when they were younger and then when the
kids are grown could afford to get back into it. I started out on dirt
bikes (Kawasaki & Yammie) back when I was in the Army in the early
70s. Every ache and pain I have today I can trace to all the dirt bike
crashes. I've had several vices most of my life .. motorcycles ... sports
cars .. airplanes .. and racing karts. When my daughter was born back in
the 80s there just wasn't enough money and the toys had to take
a back seat for a while.

Another issue is comfort. I'm 59 and my tired old body isn't going
to deal with the riding position on a Ninja for long distances. A bagger
is very comfortable to ride, and in spite of the weight the EG is
fairly nimble. However ... the temptation is still there to buy a crotch
rocket to tool around on in town if I could afford it at some point.
 
jesse said:
Notice the smiley face. The thing is--they aren't that bad of a bike--it's the price that gets me. I'm also not a huge fan of the 'let's see how loud we can be' attitude that seems strong in the Harley population. At the end of the day it seems to me that people just pay way too much money for an image and nothing else.
Click to expand...

Me either. I have stock pipes. It's hard to hear the stereo with loud
ones.
 
RogerT said:
Me either. I have stock pipes. It's hard to hear the stereo with loud
ones.
Click to expand...

I put the Screamin Eagle slip ons for a little more of the Harley sound and better breathing but still a nice quiet ride where I can hear the stereo and follow the voice on the gps. As far as comfort, this bike is absolutey the most comfortable bike I've ridden, full of power, and very reliable. Listen, I was also ribbing about bikes & Harleys. Any M/C is a blast to ride. Heck, I've had at least a dozen of them. My best advice is to go to several dealers and ride as many as you can. Some HD dealers even rent out most models. ride for a day and then decide on the right one for you. Price is alwys an issue with some but heck, we're not getting any younger and can't take it with you so do what makes you happy. I did and I'm not sorry:goofy:
 
Well sorry Jesse, you will hate my Vulcan than. It's loud as crap. However on it, you dont hear it as much. Just the people around you when you get on it. I wear ear plugs or ear buds for my mp3 player anyway to cut out the wind noise. I have lost hearing compaired to when I first started flying (even wearing noise cancelling the whole time) and I am trying to do my best to keep it as good as I can. Not much loss but enough for me to notice.

The good thing about Harleys is they hold value when the Jap bikes do not. They are 100 percent better on mx than they used to be. Also the shaking/vibrating at speed is gone now. It's just the initial cost that gets me. I can buy a HD at cost and it's still expensive for my blood. Especially when my Vulcan is paid for.

I have toyed with getting a crotch rocket and keeping my cruiser at the same time. Dunno. The kid in me screams yes. However I was a complete Dumbass when I was younger and I had one. IE: grabbing onto flat bed semi's and hitching rides. Extended pegs so I could drag knees in corners, etc. I would hope that I have matured since then.
 
RogerT said:
I'm not sure it's a midlife crisis. Maybe for some. I think it's a matter
of people are finally at a point in their life that they can afford to
have one. Most of the older riders I know either have been riding
their whole lives or did when they were younger and then when the
kids are grown could afford to get back into it. I started out on dirt
bikes (Kawasaki & Yammie) back when I was in the Army in the early
70s. Every ache and pain I have today I can trace to all the dirt bike
crashes.
Click to expand...

Yep, I'm the same way, and all you have to do is watch someone pull up to or away from a stop light and you can tell if they're new to riding or not. The ones I'm talking about are really green riders, and down here, it's a lot of them.
 
Henning said:
Yep, I'm the same way, and all you have to do is watch someone pull up to or away from a stop light and you can tell if they're new to riding or not. The ones I'm talking about are really green riders, and down here, it's a lot of them.
Click to expand...

Most of the Harley riders I see down there seem to know what they're
doing. It's the kids on their crotch rockets that are nuts. I can be
cruising up the Turnpike or the Palmetto at 5 or 10 over the speed limit
in the car and some fool will go flying by me and you know he's doing
at least 100 splitting lanes and weaving around traffic.
 
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