Suzuki - Vrod - What The

**98tls** · 12th November 2006, 22:24

Originally Posted by Big Dave

'I couldn't afford a Harley' ?

I gave it a very favourable review. Good bike.
Personally If I could afford either I would buy a 07 softail custom.
But for 20 large a m109 in the shed would not be hard to live with at all.
They accelerate like a Busa down low.

For $20000 i reckon there a steal indeed...was round at a mates house today who has just bought a 07 Harley something or rather....forgive me but not a harley fan.......as hes a good mate i had to say nice but the guy payed $28000 for it and after having a good look at the suzuki last time i was at a dealership i just cant see $8000 difference...still different strokes eh....actually i was surprised at $28000...i thought they were way more over priced than that.....

**diggydog** · 13th November 2006, 20:48

Originally Posted by Virago

Spec seat heights can be deceiving. Being a serious short-arse myself, and attracted to the big cruisers, I check out the seat specs on all bikes that appeal.

Alas, most big-bore cruisers are also rather wide, which in practice adds quite a bit to the actual "inside leg" measurement.

A large proportion of big-bore cruisers have seats lower than my Virago. But while I can sit flat-foot on the Virago, I'm tip-toe on these other bikes. Not very confidence inspiring when trying to manoeuver 300+ Kg around....

Seat height specs should be replaced with an "inside leg" spec, i.e. centre of seat to ground.

i never thought of that the width of the motor which make some sense, i surpose my bike is not classed as wide, your bike would'nt weigh 300+kg, where as mine is 205 kg dry.

**Big Dave** · 13th November 2006, 20:51

Originally Posted by 98tls

For $20000 i reckon there a steal indeed...was round at a mates house today who has just bought a 07 Harley something or rather....forgive me but not a harley fan.......as hes a good mate i had to say nice but the guy payed $28000 for it and after having a good look at the suzuki last time i was at a dealership i just cant see $8000 difference...still different strokes eh....actually i was surprised at $28000...i thought they were way more over priced than that.....

Part of it is that with moderate mileage, good care and 'all things being equal' the Harley will still be worth twenty something in 5 years time.
The Harley also has 'lifestyle options' the best arrays of bling and some really nice riding gear.

I was drooling over the Harley summer boots at amps today.

**Toaster** · 13th November 2006, 20:58

Yeah, but which would be more reliable I wonder? I've got a GXSR1000k6 - same pricing as the Boulevard. It would be interesting to hear more about the pros and cons of the big Suzuki cruiser bike.

I know it isn't a harley, but wouldn't it have a better build quality and reliability as a result? Any experienced non-biased views on this.............

**Virago** · 13th November 2006, 21:29

Originally Posted by diggydog

i never thought of that the width of the motor which make some sense, i surpose my bike is not classed as wide, your bike would'nt weigh 300+kg, where as mine is 205 kg dry.

The Virago is over 250Kg wet, but most of the the big-bore HD's are getting up to 300Kg or more. The M109 is 319Kg dry, not easy for a short-arse to push around with tip-toes......

**Big Dave** · 13th November 2006, 21:34

Originally Posted by Toaster

I know it isn't a harley, but wouldn't it have a better build quality and reliability as a result? Any experienced non-biased views on this.............

Apart from the AMF years I've always regarded Harley build quality and finish' as the best. Paint is beautiful.

Reliability. Not now. the global thing means that they share many components anyway. New ones appear as reliable as any.

The Harley has power outputs more attuned to the capabilities of a cruiser chassis, suspension and ergonomics. Not to mention the speed blitz.

But I still like the zook too.

**Phoenix** · 13th November 2006, 21:51

Originally Posted by Jim2

It's not the cubic capacity, it's the desire to learn and the application of the knowledge that is important.

(agreed)

Sunhuntin' would be another I expect to see going from the 250cc Virago to a big HD, and I'd have no drama with that either.

(Harley Davidson's are gutless, so also agreed)

yes yes yes yes

**Big Dave** · 13th November 2006, 21:52

Originally Posted by Virago

The Virago is over 250Kg wet, but most of the the big-bore HD's are getting up to 300Kg or more. The M109 is 319Kg dry, not easy for a short-arse to push around with tip-toes......

They're for the gorillas in your midst.

**The Pastor** · 13th November 2006, 21:52

So how does the zuki compare to the vrod? Which one is a better bike, I understand the v rod's ground clearance is not so hot, how dose it compare to the v rod?

I think I need help, I actually want a harley >_<

**scumdog** · 13th November 2006, 21:59

Originally Posted by BuckBuckNo1

The 109 is out there in the emotive dreamland of what will be, will be. In the meantime I will be progressing slowly up the levels 600/800cc probably the next bike nothing larger that's for sure.

My goal is to have toured the Sth Island by age 60 [6yrs to go] and then a retirement bike to cruise. Meanwhile, bikes in between will be progressive stepping stones.

Heads Up and Enjoy

Listen ya old fart ( if ya want to listen to a young whipper-snapper who ONLY has 7 years to 60).
Don't worry about what ya ride - just ride it and stay at Chez Scumdog when ya get here!!!!
South Island is tops for you loser North Island overcrowded types.

**Big Dave** · 13th November 2006, 22:14

Originally Posted by renegade master

Which one is a better bike,

That is a question only each individual can answer for their own circumstances.

The Suzuki is probably better value for money - but matters of out and out style are rarely assessed by that criteria.

**Blueskies** · 13th November 2006, 23:16

In about 10 days time I take delivery of my Vulcan 900. And yes, it is a big step from my present GN to this medium sized cruiser. But I agree with Jim 2 re it being the desire to learn and the application of the knowledge that is important ... and I don't doubt I will get plenty of opportunities to learn with this bike.

But I am confident I will get along with the 900. It has a seat low enough for me to get both feet on the ground with no trouble, also has a very low centre of gravity so I can lift it off the side stand with ease.
My goal is to have a cruiser to explore the country on in a relaxed and easy going manner, and this bike I have loved since I first sat on it and knew I had found "my bike".
Sure it will be a learning curve - but who wants to stop growing ?

**Terminated** · 14th November 2006, 07:02

Originally Posted by scumdog

Listen ya old fart ( if ya want to listen to a young whipper-snapper who ONLY has 7 years to 60).
Don't worry about what ya ride - just ride it and stay at Chez Scumdog when ya get here!!!!
South Island is tops for you loser North Island overcrowded types.

Gidday Scumdog, thanks for the invite to Chez Scumdog, being an Aussie living on the North Island, well what can I say....[let the ribbing commence no doubt all and sundry]

**Terminated** · 14th November 2006, 07:05

Originally Posted by Blueskies

In about 10 days time I take delivery of my Vulcan 900. And yes, it is a big step from my present GN to this medium sized cruiser. But I agree with Jim 2 re it being the desire to learn and the application of the knowledge that is important ... Sure it will be a learning curve - but who wants to stop growing ?

Gidday Blueskies, congrats on the Vulcan, look forward to reading your first reviews after you been out on it a while.

Heads Up and Enjoy