Opinions sought from cruiser riders...

[Chill]

I am, I will admit to start with, a 'token GN250' rider. I'm on my restricted, full licence to come in January (hopefully). But I'd like to think I'm not a newbie: I've done 17,000 km, I've ridden in wind, rain, and shine; on gravel, highways and back roads.

What I would like to hear is opinions on stepping up to the Suzuki Intruder 750cc V-twin. I have questions like: Is it a handle-able step up in power and weight? Is the Intruder a nice bike (in its class) to ride? Would it be good value for money over other similar bikes? And any other thoughts you might have.

I'm a semi-poor student, that's why I'm looking at a slightly older cruiser. I very much like the stripped-down old-school cruiser look - not overly flashy or chromed.
If it helps, if I had the money now I'd be seriously looking at this one:
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-133116261.htm

Thanks for any advice.

[The Lone Rider]

I have to say.. yes to all your questions.

All good choices, not to big a bike, and frankly people have done bigger jumps in engine size then gn to intruder.

Only thing else I can say is... SIT ON THE BIKE and wheel it around to make sure you like the way it feels.

Most comfortable bike in terms of leg length and bar position for me was a chopper - yes I'm not shitting you - but for price and ridability it's poos. So I've now have a bike that I've raised the bars and forward controls are coming in the mail. Hoop yaa!

And should you want to go chromed, you can get parts chromed once you learn to do some of the strip down of the bike.

[RC1]

and frankly people have done bigger jumps in engine size then gn to intruder.

i went from scooter to gs1000 before my learners

[bmz2]

nice bike, cant really go wrong, easy to ride.

[HDTboy]

Fuck Suzukis!

Get a V-rod! Or a Rocket 3!

[Chill]

Those two are OTT in my opinion. My favourite bikes are Triumph bonnies or speedmasters.

Thanks for the opinions guys.
It it helps any, I'm six foot, 80kg.

[HDTboy]

Fuck slow Triumphs! Thruxtons are cool!

[Chill]

Granted, they are Very cool. I'm an old school styling fan.
Those Triumphs also all need after-market pipes. Happily most I've seen around have done this. In fact one guy flew past me on the Hutt motorway on a beautiful red Thruxton that sounded amazing.

Best 'biking' day I've had was visiting the Ace Cafe in London.
http://www.acecafelondon.demon.co.uk/

Spent about 80 pounds on their t-shirts...

[Edbear]

nice bike, cant really go wrong, easy to ride.

Wot he said! My Bro-in-law had one for years and eventually sold it and now has a C90. I rode his Intruder and had a ball! Only criticism he had was my sister wasn't so comfy on a trip and fully loaded two-up they wanted a bit more torque.

[Cave Cleaner]

Great bikes the Intruders. I love riding mine. I find them easy to ride, low centre of gravity, and plenty of power.Wouldnt swap it for anything else.

[Hitcher]

The Intruder 750 is a LAM in Australia, as are all of the mid-range cruisers. You won't find that it has too many demons, besides a pathetic fuel range. And spokes.

[FJRider]

Ride what you LIKE and can afford. Intruders are fine. The older ones seem to hold their price. And riding ANYTHING is better than walking... or caged !!!

[rainman]

I went from a GN to my VZ800 Marauder and the first time I rode it was from Pahiatua to Auckland (over two days)... By the time I got to the desert road I was quite comfortable riding it, although the first 30 mins or so were a bit "different". (Coming through the Manawatu Gorge with a ferkin big logging truck right on my tail and blowing his airhorn at me - I didn't know the road and had nowhere to pull over, plus it was a bit greasy having just rained. I just kept to a speed I could ride at and waited until I could pull over...)

Now, six months later, I'm really as comfy on the VZ as I ever was on the GN, and feel I could comfortably ride anything. I did ride before, years ago,but that was mostly little (<500cc) off-roaders and street scramblers, so the VZ is a bit different.

You'll be fine, just take it easy and ride to your real abilities - push the limits, but not too much too soon. Sounds like you're realistic anyway. And when you're ready to buy, test ride everything you can get away with. I'm very happy with my choice but probably didn't test as many options as I could have. Give a Marauder a try if you can find one - you may like it...