Metric cruisers - possible choices for new bike

[Angusdog]

Hi all,

I'm trying to work out which bike to buy, having decided I want a cruiser. I probably can't afford a Sportster, as I don't want to spend over $8,000.

The choices would seem to be:
Honda VT1100 Shadow (One on Trade Me (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=109580255) - possibly too high a mileage?
Vulcan 800 One on Trade Me (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=109917595) - leading contender
Suzuki Marauder Trade Me (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=109067855) - have read here they're possibly gutless compared to others.

I don't know of any other models I should be looking out for. Viragos look like they've been in a shunt already and I don't like chrome that much (Apologies to any owners out there), and Suzuki S50/Intruders never appeal for some reason. M50s look nice but still a bit pricey.

I'm quite open in what bike to buy, but I'm not after anything sporty. Even a VMax would be worth a look :) I'll be using for commuting and rides to the Manawatu and Wairarapa. Are there any other bikes I'm missing out on? And is there any feedback on the above? And apologies if a member here owns any of the bikes linked to above...

[xwhatsit]

67,000kms is nowt for a big understressed 1100cc engine. Plus, it's 1998 too. Going by the auction the owner seems to be a proper `biker' who rides to rallies and stuff like that -- sounds like it would've had a decent amount of maintenance.

One of my Dad's mates has a Vulcan 800 Classic, with the white-wall tyres. Has been hugely reliable; lacks a wee bit of poke compared to Dad's 1100cc Yammie, but will do the ton, and that's enough on a naked bike with your hands in the air. I can't vouch for the bike itself, but the pillion accomodation was very comfy.

[Big Dave]

Ha! I picked up the Vulcan 900 Classic, Kiwi Rider test bike, this afternoon.

Really liking it. Sounds great, it's one of those 'nail it' type engines and I've been flogging it around the city.

Thanks to the guys at Mt Eden for sorting out the ergos and raising the bars etc, once I got comfy, It handles quite nicely, typical cornering clearance, footboards were on the deck within 300mtrs of KR office, but a grin inducer for sure.

Hard to say what it sounds like - but it's not bad.

[Virago]

Welcome to the site!

I've got a Virago 1100. Some reckon I look like I've been in a shunt myself, so the Virago suits me...:shutup:

There's a wide variety of mid-size cruisers to choose from. Take your time, sit on as many as you can, and if possible test ride them. A comfy laid-back ride for one person, can be a cramped or stretched position for another, so make your own decisions on what suits you ergonomically.


Check out motorcylecruiser.com, for a huge variety of cruiser reviews. Reviews here:

http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/roadtests/motorcycle_road_test_finder/

Obvious the reviews are American, but most models are the same as available here.

If you want to do plenty of open road riding, make 800cc the absolute minimum. Smaller V-twin cruisers tend to run out of legs rather quickly on the open road - a common comment regarding the Honda VT750 Shadow.

Good luck - keep us informed of your progress! :scooter:

[Hitcher]

Suzuki Marauder Trade Me (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=109067855) - have read here they're possibly gutless compared to others.

The others you've listed are bigger capacity bikes, so should have more go. But a Marauder VZ800 is anything but gutless. Mrs H has owned two of these and wound up big mileages (literally) on both. Unlike many mid-size cruisers you don't have to phaff around cleaning spokes on a Marauder.

[Edbear]

The others you've listed are bigger capacity bikes, so should have more go. But a Marauder VZ800 is anything but gutless. Mrs H has owned two of these and wound up big mileages (literally) on both. Unlike many mid-size cruisers you don't have to phaff around cleaning spokes on a Marauder.


I concur! On a ride through Waipoua Forest with a 1340 Softail, new 1600 Softail, 1450 Dyna Low Rider, and a 1500 C90, we were all two-up and our little C50T had no trouble cruising with the others at around 115+ topping out at 140 on occaision, (road, weather and traffic conditions were perfect!:shutup:).

My Bro-in-Law on the 1340 said that when overtaking he could match but not catch me. Only the 1600 Softail seemed to have the edge. Through the twisty bits the two Suzuki's walked away from the Harley's without even trying! (And I'm not Harley bashing, I like them, just stating what happened.:yes:)

The Marauder is a great bike, just check the swingarm bushes as they wear, and the Volusia has shaft rather than the Marauder's chain, so you might want to consider that if you can find one for sale. You won't think they're down on power once you ride one!:rockon:

[outlawtorn]

If I were you I'd go for a Suzuki, reliable, affordable and the Marauder is fun to ride as well as looking good, if you can find a Volusia BUY IT. They are without a doubt the best looking of the mid range cruisers........

[Waylander]

Ooh someone interested in a Vmax. Lots and lots of fun to ride but beware the bugs some of them have.....
Only had mine a little less than a year and have already replaced, regulator/rectifier, flywheel and starter clutch and now need new pick-up coils and stator. But mines an 85 so had all the bugs of a first year bike.

Though if you think the 1100 shadow is a gas guzzler, you more than likely don't want a Vmax.

[jafar]

you need to figure out what you want the bike for then test as many as you can to make an informed decision. The shadow you have seen on trademe has touring luggage the others do not . Are you looking @ touring or just day tripping as your main focus ?

the vn900 vulcan is my pick as value for money
next would be the m50 boulevard
Should be noted that you can get a s40 boulevard new for around $7,500. 650cc single & worth a look :yes:

[bmz2]

the vn900 is the best bang for your money , :yes:agree with jafar i do

[Waylander]

the vn900 is the best bang for your money , :yes:agree with jafar i do
Comfy to sit on aswell. (havn't found demo yet) Just one thing worries me about it though, with a decent size rear tyre and a bicycle front tyre, wonder what it handles like...
This is the Custom model by the way.

Mt Eden Motorcycles had a few in there when I was up in Aucklnd a few weeks ago.

[jafar]

Comfy to sit on aswell. (havn't found demo yet) Just one thing worries me about it though, with a decent size rear tyre and a bicycle front tyre, wonder what it handles like...
This is the Custom model by the way.

Mt Eden Motorcycles had a few in there when I was up in Aucklnd a few weeks ago.

yeah that front bicycle tyre does look a bit suspect, but I see honda has done the same with the vt2 750 as well .... be interesting to take one for a squirt & see if it hangs on round corners though

[Waylander]

yeah that front bicycle tyre does look a bit suspect, but I see honda has done the same with the vt2 750 as well .... be interesting to take one for a squirt & see if it hangs on round corners though
Don't think it's meant to. Seems like Cruisers are getting something like the nakid bikes, Sportbikes have (stock streetfighters) Only ours are stock choppers.

Might have to make another trip to Auckland or Hamilton to find a demo, the Kawasaki shop here doesn't get many new model bikes in.

[bmz2]

a mate of mine brought the first 07 model from mt eden m/c and it rides great , but for me after riding the my beast , i was looking for more power, but he rides two up and it goes real well,good riding postion good all round bike

[Virago]

...Should be noted that you can get a s40 boulevard new for around $7,500. 650cc single & worth a look...

Personally, I wouldn't recommend the S40 as a serious cruiser, in fact I reckon it's more of a commuter than a cruiser. Tiny fuel tank, only 130-140km on a full tank. They are built to a price, selling for the same price as the VL250 V-twin cruiser. Still, you get what you pay for.

[jafar]

a mate of mine brought the first 07 model from mt eden m/c and it rides great , but for me after riding the my beast , i was looking for more power, but he rides two up and it goes real well,good riding postion good all round bike

vn900 is the flavour of the month it seems ..... bmz is getting one for his WIFE :gob:

[jafar]

Personally, I wouldn't recommend the S40 as a serious cruiser, in fact I reckon it's more of a commuter than a cruiser. Tiny fuel tank, only 130-140km on a full tank. They are built to a price, selling for the same price as the VL250 V-twin cruiser. Still, you get what you pay for.

your comparing a VL 250 with a suzuki 650 for the same price !!!!!!
work it out for yourself which is value for money

[Virago]

your comparing a VL 250 with a suzuki 650 for the same price !!!!!!
work it out for yourself which is value for money

Value is relative to quality - as I said, you get what you pay for.

[bmz2]

v-quad for the wife:gob:

[jafar]

Value is relative to quality - as I said, you get what you pay for.

so true .... IMHO the 250 cc bikes are way overpriced for what they are but the dealers/importers know they can charge what they like up to 250 because of the learner licencing system .
Is a sad fact that you can buy a 650cc machine for a similar price to a 250

[jafar]

v-quad for the wife:gob:

is that as well as or instead of the urban terrorist S U V you just brought her ?
:sick:

[Angusdog]

Hmm, all good advice. I do like the styling of the Vulcan, plus they've really tucked the radiator away nicely.

Incidentally, the VT1100 has 67,000miles, or 107,000km.

The only problem is finding a similar bike to any of these in Wellington. I feel a bit awkward pretending to buy a bike just so I can see if it's okay. I guess I could walk through Wellington and check out the bike parks, and have a sneaky sit on ones I like ;)

[jafar]

Hmm, all good advice. I do like the styling of the Vulcan, plus they've really tucked the radiator away nicely.

Incidentally, the VT1100 has 67,000miles, or 107,000km.

The only problem is finding a similar bike to any of these in Wellington. I feel a bit awkward pretending to buy a bike just so I can see if it's okay. I guess I could walk through Wellington and check out the bike parks, and have a sneaky sit on ones I like ;)

new vulcan is around $13,000... there are a few 2nd hand though.
surely there is a kwaka dealer in wellys that can help you ?

[Virago]

...I feel a bit awkward pretending to buy a bike just so I can see if it's okay. I guess I could walk through Wellington and check out the bike parks, and have a sneaky sit on ones I like ;)

Oooh, be careful with that sneaky sitting - some people see red if they catch someone doing that...:dodge: However, bike enthusiasts are usually open to genuine interest in their machines.

You're obviously not a young tyre-kicker - I've found that most bike shops are quite happy to help you find what's right for you. Be open about it - tell 'em you want to try different cruisers for size and fit before deciding.

Good luck.

[Angusdog]

Oooh, be careful with that sneaky sitting - some people see red if they catch someone doing that...:dodge:

I was joking - it would be very odd behaviour in my view. Unless of course I made "vroom vroom" noises and lean into the wind...

[SlashWylde]

Dude, given that line-up, I wouldn't even consider the Marauder. I rode a couple before settling on my Vulcan VN800B and haven't looked back. Also rode a Yamaha XV-1100, but it didn't compare.

The Vulcan listed on trademe looks sweet. V&H pipes, saddle bags, sissy bar all for less than $7k. OK the miles aren't low but the engines on the 800's are well designed, and if looked after should last a long time.

The 800 will out perform it's stable mates in the 800cc bracket. The light front wheel and slightly higher top tube on this model make it sportier which is good if you want to fang it through the twisties.

There are also several websites on the net with simple but well documented and proven mods for the intake and exhaust systems to improve performance of the Vulcan 800.

That Honda Shadow looks a treat too, and for $7k you get a whole lot of bike. Good for touring with.

[Blueskies]

Check out the Vulcan. You won't be sorry.

[98tls]

For something a little different what about W650........nice looking bike for sure,cruising would be a pleasure on it methinks.

[Big Dave]

Check out the Vulcan. You won't be sorry.

After hooning around doing the Kiwi Rider test on the latest model for much of the last 3 days I agree.

It's a good fun bike. It sounds great and it's a sweetie in the saddle. Handles nice and doesn't have the barge arse feel of the 2 litre jobs.

Nor does it have the 'bam' - but I've been nailing it in first, second, third, and ha! 60kph. And then skidding it to a halt.

The KR test is all about good fun on a tidy, easy to ride, mid power bike that doesn't cost the earth:

Vulcan 900 Classic - Live long and prosper.

(it's a gift - nanoo nanoo)

[peg]

Hi all,

I'm trying to work out which bike to buy, having decided I want a cruiser. I probably can't afford a Sportster, as I don't want to spend over $8,000.


I'll use my first post to give another vote for the Vulcan. I've had mine a few years now, and it's about as bullet-proof a bike as you'll find. Stock it will nearly keep up with it's bigger brother the 1500, and get ahead in the twisties due to the better power-to-weight ratio. (And lets face it, NZ is mostly twisties).

Modified, it's a whole new bike. Stock it produced around 46HP. With simple intake & exhaust mods, it's possible to gain up to 14 more HP. Changing the rear sprocket for one with a few less teeth then gives it much longer legs to use the extra power. We use ours for two-up touring, and it handles the load easily.

The 900 engine is essentially the same powerplant updated, stroked & injected, but the bike is styled more like it's bigger stable-mates.

Happy hunting, whatever way you choose to go.:yes:

[Virago]

Howdy peg, welcome to the site! :2thumbsup

[Angusdog]

Well, the final answer is (cue drum roll...), a '06 Suzuki Boulevard M50. Bought sight unseen on Trade Me, and it all worked out fine. The bike is great, fulfills all my expectations and more. Looks good in the garage (I believe),and is a hoot to ride. Quite a different sensation, rising a cruiser compared to my CBR600 as you'd expect.

Bought a new helmet as well, a Shoei XR1000 Matrix which I'll post in riding gear when I get around to it.

So thanks for the advice - that and the online reviews have all been on the money. My workmate is a little annoyed I bought a metric cruiser and not a Harley. I very nearly did, as the deal at Wgtn Motorcycles is very good but in the end I went with the bike I want to ride, not the one other people expect me to ride.

Pics attached.