rugger
TheOrginalMiataGuy
I had the Valkyrie Interstate. I built a quick release system and ran it as a bagger most of the time. That was one badass fucker.
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Which cruiser ?
- Thread starter Leadfoot21
- Start date
gunracer1
Collector of fine junk
I have had a bunch of sport bikes, mostly ninjas with a R1 thrown in for good measure. When I turned 40, I said it’s official, I’m a fat old white guy. I bought a 89 tour glide and a GMC. That was almost 20 years ago. It still has the stock exhaust on it. Not loud at all. I bought a 15 road glide special in 19 for 13k. Drove it for a few years and sold it for 15 to a dealer when supplies were low. I never really enjoyed that bike, it was too loud, and rode a bit rough. I have a 2002 ultra I picked up for 5 k that had 15k on it in 20. All stock, nice and comfortable. I need to upgrade the speakers.
There are a shit load of bikes out there right now, the market is collapsing.
There are a shit load of bikes out there right now, the market is collapsing.
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Gtrplyr78
Nuttin’
Local to me prices are not reflecting a collapse just yet, bikes are listed high as owners want to get their mod money back, or have someone finance their adventures in sampling bikes.
Have money ready for the right deal...
xr-nut
GROUP W BENCH
Baldy beat me to it, but what does she have to do with it? Unless she plans to ride with you ALOT, I wouldn't put stock into anything she's saying about it.
Ah look.......a couple millennials having a circle jerkMee too
Asking any group of men what motorcycle to buy will only lead to 15 more options than men who replied. Take your 3k and get on fbm and buy the first one you see. Ride it. Keep it. Sell it. Whatever.
One of my current sleds falls in that price point. It's an 02 gs1150. $3500 . Sewing machine engine, huge ergos, back seat it I want it. lots of wind protection . Bags if I want them. Etc.
For me, it's Harley or nothing. I know their shortcomings, I know their reliability, and I know damn near every other bike out there is faster and handles better.
To me, they're beautiful and tickle me where I need it on a ride. The hard part will be finding one with age that hasn't been finger blasted by a left handed mechanic.
To me, they're beautiful and tickle me where I need it on a ride. The hard part will be finding one with age that hasn't been finger blasted by a left handed mechanic.
Pocahontas
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Harleys are the cummins of the motorcycle world, they are all name recognition and haven’t made anything decent in the last 20 years.
Going to need a little more info but don’t pigeon hole yourself into looks, there’s tons of aftermarket options to make your bike look like whatever you want.
How tall and heavy are you and what it your intended use? If your doing backroad cruising vs around town or interstate touring your going to want different bikes for all of that.
You’re better off with a sport touring or sport cruiser than a “cruiser”. More options for storage, they are quieter and have a better ride in my experience.
Most comfortable bike I’ve ever been on was a fjr1300, felt like riding a lazy boy. Most uncomfortable was a 250 ninja. Most fun was probably a 525exc ktm, could pull the front und up without a thought.
Going to need a little more info but don’t pigeon hole yourself into looks, there’s tons of aftermarket options to make your bike look like whatever you want.
How tall and heavy are you and what it your intended use? If your doing backroad cruising vs around town or interstate touring your going to want different bikes for all of that.
You’re better off with a sport touring or sport cruiser than a “cruiser”. More options for storage, they are quieter and have a better ride in my experience.
Most comfortable bike I’ve ever been on was a fjr1300, felt like riding a lazy boy. Most uncomfortable was a 250 ninja. Most fun was probably a 525exc ktm, could pull the front und up without a thought.
Stuck
In Hell
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You're not getting a Harley for that. Love them or hate them, they hold value better than metric bikes do.
And honestly, I prefer a Harley. They're not fast, they're loud, and contrary to popular belief, they don't fucking leak oil, post Evolution.
Low speed maneuverability is fun once you get the hang of it, and once you learn how to grind the footboards into the road, you can hang with most sport bike riders out there today. Most of those guys can go fast in a straight line, but they choke when the road makes a bend.
And trust me, a Milwaukee vibrator will get you more tail than any other bike out there.
You need to start looking on FBMP all kinds of Harleys under $5k, and youre delusional if you think a Harley is going to keep up with a sportbike. I have a few bikes including a SG with a seriously built 121 and theres no way its keeping up with even a half decent rider in the twisties. My bmw 1200 will just walk away from it, hell even my cafe'd '78 z500 makes it look the slow heavy pig that it is when the turns get sharp.
Oh and if you need a bike to pull tail youre a loser.
I always liked the look of Yamaha Stryker, but have never ridden one.
There are deals out there. I just picked up an 05 Suzuki Boulevard C50 with 10K miles, fuel injected, new tires, needed nothing to ride, for $2200.
There are deals out there. I just picked up an 05 Suzuki Boulevard C50 with 10K miles, fuel injected, new tires, needed nothing to ride, for $2200.
Leadfoot21
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Ninjas used to be “the” sport bike . I’m surprised you don’t have something faster still with your track record lol
They are here they start high but aren’t moving
The GS1150 is slick !! In response to wife comment I am indecisive as hell so other than the fact I value her opinion she helped narrow the search . Hell at first I was ready to pick up a klr650 for dirt cheap and just try it out.Baldy beat me to it, but what does she have to do with it? Unless she plans to ride with you ALOT, I wouldn't put stock into anything she's saying about it.
Ah look.......a couple millennials having a circle jerk
Asking any group of men what motorcycle to buy will only lead to 15 more options than men who replied. Take your 3k and get on fbm and buy the first one you see. Ride it. Keep it. Sell it. Whatever.
One of my current sleds falls in that price point. It's an 02 gs1150. $3500 . Sewing machine engine, huge ergos, back seat it I want it. lots of wind protection . Bags if I want them. Etc.
I love them too and as weak as it will sound I am afraid I’ll wish I had a Harley if I buy anything else lol
5’10 230 I am not small . Going back and forth to the lake primarily . I got excited because I’m going to OKC next week and wanted to ride there only a 5 hour drive
fordguy
blah.
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Toreadorranger
Atomic Test Lab Rat
DMG
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I went back to dual sports and adventure bikes because cruisers are kind of lame and too many cruiser guys want to ride from bar to bar.
But the mean streak was a quick bike so that was fun.
Pocahontas
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If you’ve never had a “street bike I would recommend something 650cc or less and something cheap. That way you can lay it down and not really feel bad or hurt its value too much.
Can always buy a cheap bike and wait till fall or winter for a deal on you “dream bike”.
Your “ideal size” not too tall not too short and not super heavy or light, you should fit on just about everything. How for is the lake and is it backroads or highways, gravel, pavement or dirt?
That’s a long ride for a first timer expect to be saddlesore and not want to ride the next day.
I opened this thread because I thought it was going to be about Land CruisersLand cruiser is always an appropriate choice.
Pocahontas
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DMG
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My V-Strom 1000 was good at everything, if it was a bit tall.
Spreader
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If you want a HD, buy one. You'll look at whatever else you get and be disappointed. Sounds as if you're not going to do coast to coast cruising, but relatively short (<500). Evo's, 1985-1998 IIRC, are the SBC engine of the Harley world. Reliable. And easily in your price range.
All that said there's nothing sounds as sweet as a Shovel
All that said there's nothing sounds as sweet as a Shovel
Leadfoot21
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Pocahontas I started riding when I was 15. Came from long line of family that road and was riding choppers and Harley’s as a young adult when those were the thing . No way in hell am I buying a 650. I remember riding a 883 sportster for the first time and how miserably slow it was.
Just haven’t owned anything c
Just haven’t owned anything c
aron82
Well-known member
With a name like lead foot, you will be disappointed by just about everything Harley. Only one I've really enjoyed was my buell Ulysses, still wasn't fast, but it was a lot of fun.
For 5k you should be able to find something decent. If you want performance you will want water cooled. It makes a huge difference in power and performance.
Brother had a mean streak 1500 was not a fan.
Liked his raider a lot more, but it still wasn't as fast or comfortable as my Suzuki m109r.
Might be able to get a rocket 3 in budget. Awesome bike, but big and heavy tons of torque earlier ones have issues with clutch and final drive.
Vtx 1800is a solid reliable bike if not the quickest. Then again quick cruisers aren't anywhere near sport bikes.
Yamaha made a v4 cruiser with the same engine as the v max. V max is a good muscle bike but doesn't handle.
Might be able to find a Ducati diavel in budget. They are a real kick in the pants, but weren't big enough Pugh for me at 6'3" and fat.
The Harley vrod is hated by the dress like a pirate crowd, but they are a good bike with pretty decent performance.
Rocket 3 roadster
Suzuki m109r
Buell Ulysses
For 5k you should be able to find something decent. If you want performance you will want water cooled. It makes a huge difference in power and performance.
Brother had a mean streak 1500 was not a fan.
Liked his raider a lot more, but it still wasn't as fast or comfortable as my Suzuki m109r.
Might be able to get a rocket 3 in budget. Awesome bike, but big and heavy tons of torque earlier ones have issues with clutch and final drive.
Vtx 1800is a solid reliable bike if not the quickest. Then again quick cruisers aren't anywhere near sport bikes.
Yamaha made a v4 cruiser with the same engine as the v max. V max is a good muscle bike but doesn't handle.
Might be able to find a Ducati diavel in budget. They are a real kick in the pants, but weren't big enough Pugh for me at 6'3" and fat.
The Harley vrod is hated by the dress like a pirate crowd, but they are a good bike with pretty decent performance.
Rocket 3 roadster
Suzuki m109r
Buell Ulysses
gunracer1
Collector of fine junk
Ok I just did a Facebook marketplace search. Lots of pretty good deals on Harley’s. And others here in DFW area.
Animalmother
Flexed cracker
I dont think I could get a japan cruiser. Seems anti American. Id probably find the ugliest dumb harley I could find tho and dress like a fucking dork to troll the walking harley billboard leather chain wallet guys.
Fl-Krawler
Well-known member
Yamaha FJR 1300 would be my choice. Engines will go 100k with no issues. Shaft drive so no chain/belt maintainence. Sport bike so the handling is on point but they have taller bars for more comfortable seating, and saddle bags for storage that can be removed when not in use
Arps
Well-known member
Hard to beat a Roadstar
Ranchtruck
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A 20 year old xr650r dirt bike has the same 0-60 and quarter mile time as a brand new road king. Any 600cc crotch rocket will be faster. Comparing a "small" Harley motor to anything that actually has good flowing heads and can rev is a folly.
wireman
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I have a 2001 heritage softtail classic and a 2011 street glide 103. The softtail is nice for cruising around local, but for highway, expecially 2-up, the street glide is much nicer. I also have a Grom. That thing is a blast and gets 120+ MPG.
DRTDEVL
Mothfukle
I resemble this remark.
My first bike was a Yamaha XVS1100A VStar 1100 classic. It was a great bike and was super-reliable. Another guy in my unit at the time had one that was about to cross 100k on the odometer with no issues.
My next bike was a 2010 HD FLHTCU Electra Glide Ultra Classic. I bought it in 2015, and still have it today.
The very first commenter nailed it. You can get a lot of bang for your buck with a metric bike, but if you want to modify it you are SOL. Meanwhile, every Harley offering in the last 40 years has ample aftermarket support and you can tailor the bike the way you want it.
A final word of advice would be to purchase a bike based upon your frame matching the bike's frame. I rode that Yamaha as long as I could, but I looked like Grape Ape on a BMX. I had some problems with low speed maneuvers, because the handlebars would hit my knees when turning. I specifically looked at the same date range for the Electra Glide because they have more legroom than the prior and later generations. I don't fit comfortably on the Rushmore bikes at all, and was disappointed when Victory was shuttered, as the bike on the market in the mid-2010s that I fit the best was the Cross Country Tour. Being 6'5, 245, I am one of the few people that can make an Electra Glide look small and possess the ability to stand flat-footed over a BMW R1300GS Adventure.
Of all the new bikes out there, I fit the best on an Indian Roadmaster. Of the used bike world, a Honda VTX 1800T is the biggest cruiser/tourer for larger individuals, but more difficult to find for sale and aftermarket support is nearly non-existent since the lineup was discontinued 15 years ago.
Bullshit. The Pan America rivals the R1300GS in nearly every way. The V-rod was a unique take on their idea of a V-twin sports bike. The Rushmore project brought the bikes into the 21st century with technology, hybrid cooling, and modern infotainment. Granted, the hybrid cooling is why I could never own one, as the mini-radiators take away footwell space that I need. The livewire will allow them to continue selling bikes in communist states like CA after the ICE bans take effect, and they have serious torque.
Your statement shows you haven't looked beyond the basic Sportster, Fat Boy, Road Glide, Electra Glide and Road King offerings.
