Cruiser being considered.

[awa355]

I may upgrade from the old GB to a cruiser about mid year. I would be looking at around 600 - 900cc. Last cruiser I rode was a Suzuki Maurader 800 way back. It was a dog on the corners, back roads, I was searching for reverse to back up to get around. That was a 1st ride Putaruru to NP and back. The return trip I had started to understand the bike better. I know they require a different riding style to lighter, shorter bikes.

I want one that pulls from well down without having to use the gearbox like a 2st racer. Reasonable grunt to pull out and pass. Top speed isn't important.

Are the belt drives a problem? A friend said if they get a decent stone flicked up into the belt cleats, they can cut out and expensive.

I've thought about the Honda 750 and the Suzuki savage, and v twins. My problem with Honda is their parts. They dont seem to stock any, and aren't interested. What are the Kawasakis like? Thanks.

[Gone Burger]

Can I tempt you with my Suzuki Boulevard k9 M50z that is potentially for sale? 800cc.. handles like, a cruiser :)

[Edbear]

Can I tempt you with my Suzuki Boulevard k9 M50z that is potentially for sale? 800cc.. handles like, a cruiser :)

Ya, a good choice! A medium-sized muscle cruiser that performs better than many larger bikes and I know it's been well cared for, too. :innocent: Mine is also for sale if into more tourer style... http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=342560393 The C50T and M50 are about the best you can get in either style of bike! And Katie's and mine have been well looked after! :yes:

[Crasherfromwayback]

And Katie's and mine have been well looked after! :yes:

Sure have!

[Toaster]

Last cruiser I rode was a Suzuki Maurader 800 way back. It was a dog on the corners, back roads, I was searching for reverse to back up to get around.


handles like, a cruiser :)

awa355 - if you did not like the handling of a cruiser last time you owned one, why buy another one now? Ground clearance is always more limited with the pure cruiser designs than a sport or touring design.

[Toaster]

mine have been well looked after! :yes:

I thought your's was covered with spider webs? :shutup:

[Edbear]

Sure have!

Thanks mate! Now I've just gotta get it out and clean it! I'm thinking about offering my son-in-law a deal to valet it for me! He's fastidious with his own and his work vehicles! I know it will look brand new once he's finished with it. :yes: Sux having a back injury and having to look at it and wanting to wash and ride it... Even worse having to put it up for sale! :bye: :crybaby:

[Edbear]

I thought your's was covered with spider webs? :shutup:


Shhhhh!!!!!!!! :angry:

[Toaster]

:yes: Sux having a back injury and having to look at it and wanting to wash and ride it... Even worse having to put it up for sale! :bye: :crybaby:


Give it time mate.... you may make it back in the saddle yet.

[Toaster]

Can I tempt you with my Suzuki Boulevard k9 M50z that is potentially for sale? 800cc.. handles like, a cruiser :)


I forgot to say Katie's bike is awesome if you want a cruiser around 800 cc and looks really nice with the limited edition bits. Without sounding like a complete fag, the colours are great!

[wysper]

I've thought about the Honda 750 and the Suzuki savage, and v twins. My problem with Honda is their parts. They dont seem to stock any, and aren't interested. What are the Kawasakis like? Thanks.

Chuck the Harley Sportsters into the mix too.
I have just gone back to a cruiser.
The Suzis were on my list to, the Honda didn't do it for me. After riding the sporty the suzis didn't float my boat any more.

Crasher sorted me out on a good deal. I have been having fun for the last week or so, back at work now buggrit.

Loving the sporty and mine is the smaller one. The only down side I reckon so far is the tank is a bit small. But that can be changed if it bugs me enough. But in NZ there are plenty of gas stations normally. Although I think the 1200 sportys have the bigger tanks.

[Edbear]

Give it time mate.... you may make it back in the saddle yet.

Hopefully, but it's the Osteo that's the worry. That's gonna take a long time to improve even with the meds and I can't risk any further damage... Jill would kill me if I stuffed it up again! :blink:


I forgot to say Katie's bike is awesome if you want a cruiser around 800 cc and looks really nice with the limited edition bits. Without sounding like a complete fag, the colours are great!

Yup! It's a lovely bike for sure! It really depends on what the OP is wanting to do, I guess.

[Toaster]

I can't risk any further damage... Jill would kill me if I stuffed it up again! :blink:

Not if you kill yourself first. :innocent:

[Edbear]

Chuck the Harley Sportsters into the mix too.
I have just gone back to a cruiser.
The Suzis were on my list to, the Honda didn't do it for me. After riding the sporty the suzis didn't float my boat any more.

Crasher sorted me out on a good deal. I have been having fun for the last week or so, back at work now buggrit.

Loving the sporty and mine is the smaller one. The only down side I reckon so far is the tank is a bit small. But that can be changed if it bugs me enough. But in NZ there are plenty of gas stations normally. Although I think the 1200 sportys have the bigger tanks.

The 1200 Sporty is my favourite Harley and I'd have one in a shot! Or I would if I was allowed to ride again and could have two bikes... :facepalm:

[Edbear]

Not if you kill yourself first. :innocent:

Well, I did try... :innocent:

[Toaster]

Well, I did try... :innocent:

But mate, rolling a car..... come on - do it in style next time will ya?!

[Edbear]

But mate, rolling a car..... come on - do it in style next time will ya?!

I thought I looked quite stylish actually, a spin to the right followed by a spin to the left, an elegant slam into the curb and a roll to the right... :yes: Bloody hurt, but...! :sick:

[awa355]

awa355 - if you did not like the handling of a cruiser last time you owned one, why buy another one now? Ground clearance is always more limited with the pure cruiser designs than a sport or touring design.

When I rode my mates Marauder, it was the 1st time on a cruiser for a long while. since the old XS750 lowrider infact. ( now there was a real 'mans' bike).

The 1st 50 odd k's were thru the back roads. and after my KZ250 sports, the Suzi felt like a whale on wheels.

I'm a 90=100 kph rider so a big sports bike would be wasted. The 250's would be too short on passing grunt. The 1600cc up bikes too bulky.

As I said at the start, I'm a few months away from being able to pick up another bike, fianancially, ( want to keep the GB) but will follow the market.

[HenryDorsetCase]

I may upgrade from the old GB to a cruiser about mid year. I would be looking at around 600 - 900cc. Last cruiser I rode was a Suzuki Maurader 800 way back. It was a dog on the corners, back roads, I was searching for reverse to back up to get around. That was a 1st ride Putaruru to NP and back. The return trip I had started to understand the bike better. I know they require a different riding style to lighter, shorter bikes.

I want one that pulls from well down without having to use the gearbox like a 2st racer. Reasonable grunt to pull out and pass. Top speed isn't important.

Are the belt drives a problem? A friend said if they get a decent stone flicked up into the belt cleats, they can cut out and expensive.

I've thought about the Honda 750 and the Suzuki savage, and v twins. My problem with Honda is their parts. They dont seem to stock any, and aren't interested. What are the Kawasakis like? Thanks.

Before you do anything, take a modern Harley Davidson for a spin.

I had never ridden one till last week: rode the demo Sportster "48" (the one with the big front wheel).

I had a ball on it, and I did not expect to. I had expected crude, compromised, and awful, and it was anything but that, really.

when you crank it up, the whole motor shakes back and forth in the frame (rubber mounting) but it is very smooth to ride round town and at sensible open road speeds (up to 120k). It had the best mirrors of any bike I have ever ridden (no joke!) and great front brake as well (as compared to my current bike, a Triumph Scrambler). Beautiful light, neutral steering (again, not what you expect with that front end).

I am unlikely to buy one though*: i scraped the peg feelers on EVERY corner going up to the Sign of the Kiwi (not riding hard, or fast either), and to get them to sit so low they have SFA in the way of rear wheel travel. Hit a pothole and you very soon run out of travel and the roadshock goes up your spine. and cos your feet are out in front, its hard to weight them to take the shock for you. I also dislike the feet way out in front riding position.

I do love that front end "look" (if not the 8.5l tank) but if I owned one it would have longer shocks, midmount pegs, and a well tucked in high pipe. All fixable.

I want to ride a Nightster next. it has midmount pegs, and slightly longer shocks I think.

H-D parts and accessory prices seem to compete very well with the Japanese or British alternatives too. The 48 is $16k brand new: that I think represents great value for money.

In summary: very pleasantly surprised.

[awa355]

Before you do anything, take a modern Harley Davidson for a spin.

I had never ridden one till last week: rode the demo Sportster "48" (the one with the big front wheel).

I had a ball on it, and I did not expect to. I had expected crude, compromised, and awful, and it was anything but that, really

In summary: very pleasantly surprised.

I have to admit, I have bagged Harleys off for years yet never rode one. Not a fair call on the bike ( but then I've never driven a Lada or ridden a chinese scooter and dont have much of an opinion of them either.).

I do like the 883/1200 sportsters, and yes I will look at what is avalible in my price range. When the Japs bought out their cruisers with the radiators in the front, they just didn't look right. Have got used to the cluttered engine compartment since.

If I bought a Harley, do I really have to wear the Johnny Rebs, the Willie & Max frilly sleeves and the live to ride belt buckle? I do have the matt black open face helmet and wrap around shades tho'.
:innocent:

A spine busting suspension is out. Had that with my UZ scooter.

[wysper]

I have to admit, I have bagged Harleys off for years yet never rode one. <snip>

If I bought a Harley, do I really have to wear the Johnny Rebs, the Willie & Max frilly sleeves and the live to ride belt buckle? I do have the matt black open face helmet and wrap around shades tho'.
:innocent:



Me too, I bagged 'em big time. Now I own one and am loving it!

On point two. Rebbs are optional as are tassels but you may not be accepted by your local HOG chapter LOL.

I will probably change my dirt rider boots though, possibly look at some engineer type boots, which are similar to the Johnny Rebs.

[awa355]

Me too, I bagged 'em big time. Now I own one and am loving it!

On point two. Rebbs are optional as are tassels but you may not be accepted by your local HOG chapter LOL.

I will probably change my dirt rider boots though, possibly look at some engineer type boots, which are similar to the Johnny Rebs.

God! If I ever bought a Harley I'd hope the local HOG's wouldn't accept me. I called into the Pirongia pub late one Sunday. About 6 Harleys parked on the footpath. One tattooed monkey looked at my CBF250 and said why didn't I get a real mans bike.
I asked him where they were from. He said they'd cruised out from Hamilton. Told him I had almost clocked up 300ks including about 70k's on gravel that day while he had sat on the roadside watching real riders go past.

I know most Harley owners are not tossers like those idiots but why pay thousands just to strut around town and not use the bike?

[Jerry74]

Get a harley only one real way to say it, buy a hog or buy a hog copy.... japs must try to imitate them for that reason alone.
Or a moto guzzi comes a close second.....

[scumdog]

If I bought a Harley, do I really have to wear the Johnny Rebs, the Willie & Max frilly sleeves and the live to ride belt buckle? I do have the matt black open face helmet and wrap around shades tho'.
:innocent:


Fuckin' bro - 'course ya do!:cool:

[bsasuper]

Dont do it, I cant believe people buy these straight road things:shutup:

[awa355]

Fuckin' bro - 'course ya do!:cool:

Would they mind if I turned up with the polka dot bandana, wrap arounds, sleeveless vest, studded wrist leathers, Rebs on my Keeway?? It would have the studded saddlebags of course.

Then I could be an 'almost hog' owner.

[scumdog]

Would they mind if I turned up with the polka dot bandana, wrap arounds, sleeveless vest, studded wrist leathers, Rebs on my Keeway?? It would have the studded saddlebags of course.

Then I could be an 'almost hog' owner.

A 'hog-hoper' eh?

Do what ya want, it's a free world............

[ukusa]

Would they mind if I turned up with the polka dot bandana, wrap arounds, sleeveless vest, studded wrist leathers, Rebs on my Keeway?? It would have the studded saddlebags of course.

Then I could be an 'almost hog' owner.

Just remove the Keeway badge & replace it with a Harley one from the wreckers, and away you go. No one will ever know until you start it up coz they look exactly the same!!!. :niceone:

[Big Dave]

I have to admit, I have bagged Harleys off for years yet never rode one.

At this point BD sits back and smiles knowingly.
The bike you describe wanting however is a Suzuki M90.

[Gibbo89]

Would they mind if I turned up with the polka dot bandana, wrap arounds, sleeveless vest, studded wrist leathers, Rebs on my Keeway?? It would have the studded saddlebags of course.

Then I could be an 'almost hog' owner.

You forgot to mention the assless chaps :shutup:

[awa355]

In my opening post I asked about belt drives. Are they expensive to replace, how well do they last? How do they compare with chain drives? My 1st choice would be shaft drive but will look at the overall picture.

Big Dave, I like the M90. Look fairly bulky tho'

[wysper]

In my opening post I asked about belt drives. Are they expensive to replace, how well do they last? How do they compare with chain drives? My 1st choice would be shaft drive but will look at the overall picture.

Big Dave, I like the M90. Look fairly bulky tho'

Not sure about the price of replacement belts for the HD, but I think the last pretty well, just don't like stones that much. I like the no oiling and virtually nil maintenance aspect too. Course a shaft would be sweet too.

As to the M90, I looked at them too, but couldn't get past the FUG UGLY headlight and cowling etc. Just looks so damn awful to me. Oh and I wanted mid controls, from memory the M90 is forward.

[skinman]

shaft is the shiz
One bike I would have loved to have had a go on is the Moto Guzzi Nevada or California. not so many around though.
Still not too much wrong with the C50.

[Smifffy]

Not sure about the price of replacement belts for the HD, but I think the last pretty well, just don't like stones that much. I like the no oiling and virtually nil maintenance aspect too. Course a shaft would be sweet too.

As to the M90, I looked at them too, but couldn't get past the FUG UGLY headlight and cowling etc. Just looks so damn awful to me. Oh and I wanted mid controls, from memory the M90 is forward.

Yup, only a mother could love that headlight assembly.

[Horse]

There are belt drives and belt drives. The Buells and Sportsters are fairly easy to replace apparently, but I know from experience the HD touring bikes are a $1k repair because the belt lives under the primary.

My advice: get something shaft-driven. :)

[Edbear]

shaft is the shiz
One bike I would have loved to have had a go on is the Moto Guzzi Nevada or California. not so many around though.
Still not too much wrong with the C50.

Nevada is nice but possibly a bit tight on legroom of you're tall. The Cali is just plain beautiful! As I could only have one bike to do everything, the C50T is the best bike I've ever known!

[AllanC]

And don't forget about Triumph - in that size (800 - 900) the America and Speedmaster are worth considering (but I am biased!)

[wysper]

There are belt drives and belt drives. The Buells and Sportsters are fairly easy to replace apparently, but I know from experience the HD touring bikes are a $1k repair because the belt lives under the primary.

My advice: get something shaft-driven. :)

FAaaaaark - glad I got a sporty!!

[Jerry74]

Get a harley... the M50 Boulevard is underpowered thats why I sold mine.

[awa355]

FAaaaaark - glad I got a sporty!!

Was talking to Trevor Hall at his bike shop in Te A yesterday. He knew of one Harley owner who got 80thou k's frm his belt, and another whos' belt drive was stuffed in 3 months.
I guess that with chain drive, you have a few more options when replacing equipment rolls around.

[Edbear]

Was talking to Trevor Hall at his bike shop in Te A yesterday. He knew of one Harley owner who got 80thou k's frm his belt, and another whos' belt drive was stuffed in 3 months.
I guess that with chain drive, you have a few more options when replacing equipment rolls around.

The one advantage of chain is being able to alter the gearing easily to suit your personal preferences. My choice, especially since buying the C50T is to have shaft drive! I would never want anything other than shaft. There is a kit for converting the C50 to the C90 final drive which is very popular in the US.

[Big Dave]

M90 goes and handles like a 'standard'.

[Big Dave]

I'm happy with belt - but then when I broke one Erik's people sent me one 'with thanks'. Good to be BD :-)

[Edbear]

I'm happy with belt - but then when I broke one Erik's people sent me one 'with thanks'. Good to be BD :-)

See, even BD can't stop a belt breaking... :msn-wink:

[Pogo2]

3 months ago if you had said to me get a cruiser I would have said "yeah right" Now I own one - Suzi C50.

Does require a bit of a mindset change when riding,but in reality no big deal. I love cruising at about 80-90kph and this bike is ideal for me. More than happy with the torque on tap too. It actually gives me the time to slow down and smell the ruralness of NZ - a great stress reliever.

Obviously not everyones cup of tea but in hindsight I'm glad I took the 'plunge'. No regrets here!

[wysper]

I enjoy taking in the scenery as well when on a ride. I had to take the car to gizzy from hamilton on xmas eve, I wouldn't mind doing that on the bike. There is some nice riding and scenery through the gorge. Waiweka I think it was.

[Shadows]

If I bought a Harley, do I really have to wear the Johnny Rebs, the Willie & Max frilly sleeves and the live to ride belt buckle? I do have the matt black open face helmet and wrap around shades tho'.
:innocent:



No. Please don't.


I know most Harley owners are not tossers like those idiots but why pay thousands just to strut around town and not use the bike?

Because they can't quite afford the latest HSV or FPV, they don't have shell out to upgrade to the latest model which has slightly different tail lights every couple of years because their friends couldn't tell one bike from the next anyway, their fat guts would make them look silly on a sport bike (that, and they wouldn't fit into a Power Ranger suit), their stupid nagging wives with the perfect hair and huge earrings won't get on the back with them (always a bonus), and they look way more badass in leather any way.

Oh yeah, and they think it'll help them pick up chicks.

Any way, you needn't talk to them, they can be spotted from a mile away.

Aside from the heroes, HDs are great and Sporties are a good all round motorcycle. Just stay off the gravel, or convert it to chain drive.

And don't sell the GB. You'll regret it. I know I do. Or sell it to me. If you get a trade in price let me know and I'll see if I can better it. :niceone:

[Smifffy]

because their friends couldn't tell one bike from the next anyway,


The first time I rode the bike to work, there was only one other bike in the car park. The Harley of a guy who rides in regularly.

All the buzz was "Who owns that neat Harley in the carpark?"

I say "You know that guy Roger". and they're all

"No. Not his one the other one!"

"Which other one?"

"The one with the saddlebags and the whitewall tyres, and stuff. It's really cool""

Then I chip in with "Oh I think you mean my bike, it isn't a Harley tho"

"What is it then?"

"A Suzuki"

"Oh. Stink. Why didn't you get a Harley?"

"You mean a really cool one?" Nods, "Like yours?"


:scratch:

[awa355]

[QUOTE=Smifffy;1129958926]

"The one with the saddlebags and the whitewall tyres, and stuff. It's really cool"")

Fuck, I hate talking about motorbikes to people who know nothing about motorbikes,

Anyway, what did Roger think of the bike?

[awa355]

[QUOTE=Shadows;1129958

Aside from the heroes, HDs are great and Sporties are a good all round motorcycle. Just stay off the gravel, or convert it to chain drive.

And don't sell the GB. You'll regret it. I know I do. Or sell it to me. If you get a trade in price let me know and I'll see if I can better it. :niceone:[/QUOTE]

I had better keep the GB. It is a good one and I deserve to have two bikes!
I took my 2008 bike ( bland 250) into the shop for a new brake lever and came out with a '87 model.( just what I always wanted)
The wife just doesn't understand what a motorcycle does for the soul. I take the 500 out for a couple of hours around the back roads and time just stops. I'm ageless, even with flogged out shocks and soggy brakes, I have never regretted a single ride.

[Edbear]

I had better keep the GB. It is a good one and I deserve to have two bikes!
I took my 2008 bike ( bland 250) into the shop for a new brake lever and came out with a '87 model.( just what I always wanted)
The wife just doesn't understand what a motorcycle does for the soul. I take the 500 out for a couple of hours around the back roads and time just stops. I'm ageless, even with flogged out shocks and soggy brakes, I have never regretted a single ride.

The 500GB along with the SR500 are iconic singles and deserve to be preserved. Both can be made easily into good looking cafe racers keeping the original bits aside for future restoration.

[jafar]

I may upgrade from the old GB to a cruiser about mid year. I would be looking at around 600 - 900cc. Last cruiser I rode was a Suzuki Maurader 800 way back. It was a dog on the corners, back roads, I was searching for reverse to back up to get around. That was a 1st ride Putaruru to NP and back. The return trip I had started to understand the bike better. I know they require a different riding style to lighter, shorter bikes.

I want one that pulls from well down without having to use the gearbox like a 2st racer. Reasonable grunt to pull out and pass. Top speed isn't important.

Are the belt drives a problem? A friend said if they get a decent stone flicked up into the belt cleats, they can cut out and expensive.

I've thought about the Honda 750 and the Suzuki savage, and v twins. My problem with Honda is their parts. They dont seem to stock any, and aren't interested. What are the Kawasakis like? Thanks.

Nothing wrong with the VN900 or 900 custom ,



:msn-wink:

[Big Dave]

The 500GB along with the SR500 are iconic singles and deserve to be preserved. Both can be made easily into good looking cafe racers keeping the original bits aside for future restoration.

I owned a SR500. Not worth getting sentimental over. I'd get Deus to flat tracker it if I had one now.

I had unlimited budget I'd get Dave to build me a flat track style big block from a dyna. Be a BD special.

[hellokitty]

The wife just doesn't understand what a motorcycle does for the soul.

Get a new wife, or teach her to ride, and get her a bike!

[phill-k]

Up at a cafe just out of Kerikeri last Saturday, 4 bikes already there and as the wif and I dismounted the owner of a BMW came out looked at my ride and remarked about it being a nice looking roadking, said not likely couldn't afford the price of one of those even if I wanted one, he came over and asked what is it (kawa vulcan nomad) he was really surprised and then mentioned he had been a harley dealer so it seems even harley over the last 10 or so years have been successful copying the metric cruisers:eek:

[awa355]

Get a new wife, or teach her to ride, and get her a bike!

Its taken 36 years to train this one. She hasn't been keen on bikes since I took her to Auckland as a 8 months pregnant pillion on a Yamaha R5 350. A 3 hr trip each way.

Better to have a wife that has no interest in bikes, then she will never know how many gloves, jackets, helmets etc are tucked away in the garage.

[awa355]

I owned a SR500. Not worth getting sentimental over. .

Funny how different models leave a mark on you. Certainly an individual thing.

As a 18yr old, I bought a Yamaha TX750 twin brand new. I ran it in as per the book and in 24,000 miles I never had a problem. Never have I seen a bike so maligned in the magazines. Usually by bike magazine 'experts' that have never seen, ridden much less owned one. That bike gave such a sense of power and smoothness that it set a love of motorbikes that still lasts today.

[beatswalkin]

Can I tempt you with my Suzuki Boulevard k9 M50z that is potentially for sale? 800cc.. handles like, a cruiser :)

I remember seeing your scoot on the Interislander coming back from the Burt Munro and can vouch that it's a well looked after sickel. What's the sell price?

[Edbear]

I remember seeing your scoot on the Interislander coming back from the Burt Munro and can vouch that it's a well looked after sickel. What's the sell price?

I reckon you should offer her about $20k... :msn-wink:

[hellokitty]

Better to have a wife that has no interest in bikes, then she will never know how many gloves, jackets, helmets etc are tucked away in the garage.

My excuse is that you can never have too much safety gear - my husband had commented on the fact that I have 3 of everything :bleh: Luckily he doesn't question the need to have more than 1 bike (we both have 3)

[beatswalkin]

I reckon you should offer her about $20k...

Naw... I recently bought an '05 Shadow, 1 owner, never dropped with 6200 kms on the clock, for a quarter of that price. It's a bit soulless, but I'll take it into my lab and give it some life. :scooter:

I tried a number of Sporties and Suzuki cruisers, but couldn't pass up on a bargain.