Motorcycle recommendations

Doug S. Apr 16, 2011 13 Comments

I’m looking into buying a motorcycle after several years of not riding. I think that a bike between 650 and 1000cc would be big enough. I have been looking at cruisers such as Yamaha V Stars, Kawasaki Vulcan and Honda Shadows and other similar bikes. I have a budget of about 3000. Any recommendations on a reliable comfortable use bike? There are so many more styles and makes since I rode last, it’s overwhelming. Thanks

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13 Comments

Swan

about 13 years ago 

Honda CB750K models 1969-76 are cheap, plentiful and reliable. The first superbike, a classic.

Vicarious

about 13 years ago 

Agree with Swan. Any CB from 74 to 82ish is great. Easy and cheap to work on. And reliable.

I also recommend Kawi's of the same vintage, especially the shaft-drive KZ's from 79 through 82.

Yamaha... Not so much. 

Harley? Hardly.

deafyet

about 13 years ago 

Hey, what about the Yamaha xs650? It's as venerable a Japanese mount as any mentioned so far. 

If you have 3 grand to spend, try for something fuel injected, the advantages cannot be overstated.

shiny simon

about 13 years ago 

You should be able to find plenty of Japanese cruisers in that range.  I don't know if there are any huge advantages from one over another. I bought a Honda Shadow 1100 after getting back into motorcycling.  It lasted me one year then I had to get rid of it.  The thing was rock solid as far as reliability, but power, handling, & excitement was lacking. And loud as hell.  After listening to that thing for 13,000 miles I'll never own a loud bike again.  (stock exhaust is fine though, this one had an aftermarket)  It was so low tech it didn't have a tach or fuel gauge.    

All right, I'll stop ripping on cruisers, I just not a big fan of the segment.  A Suzuki V-strom 650 is an excellent bike for the money, if you decide to look beyond cruisers.

Brandon

about 13 years ago 

I know that it's a little bit more than what you have to spend, but it doesn't hurt to try. 

97 Harley Sportster 1200 cc custom 33,000  miles
purple flame custom paint, lots o chrome, lots o extra parts
$6000 or BO 628-1385

zra

about 13 years ago 

@ brandon: he wants a bike to *ride*...not fix.

B-man

about 13 years ago 

@ brandon-you are about $2k over blue book
http://www.kbb.com/motorcycle/retail/1997/harley_davidson/xl-sportster-1200-custom/237813

@ the OP -the cheaper the bike the more work it will need. Remember a car that breaks down will leave you on the side of the road, a bike that breaks down may leave you off in the trees.  Good luck and happy hunting.

c-freak

about 13 years ago 

I've been riding Harley's for years. Never had a problem.

zra

about 13 years ago 

@ cfreak...yeah, i know. just a dig. just a dig. ain't no thing but a chicken wing...

Baci

about 13 years ago 

Zra, you downin my goldwing? 

[img]http://www.ngwclub.com/gallery/v/wingmans/baci/DSC00081.jpg[/img]

zra

about 13 years ago 

oooh! two birds with one stone...

i'd actually like to get my mitts on a bike an old boss had...a Suzuki RE5 rotary...for the novelty.

there are a couple of sweet triumphs running around town that i have expended a significant amount of drool over. my own foray into cycling was with a 68 BSA Lightening. great for ripping around Seattle, but bad for the repair budget...

deafyet

about 13 years ago 

33K on a sporty, that's maintenance waiting to happen my friend. I've got a bridge I could sell ya!

Doug S.

about 13 years ago 

Thanks for all the input - It will help in making a decesion.

Stay alert and have a safe summer.

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