I want a cruiser. What motorcycle would you recommend in the $10,000-$12,000 range?

Question

I am 6 foot tall and weigh 270lbs. I really like the way the HD Vrod and Kaw Mean streak look, keeping that in mind what motorcycle would you recommend? Any make or model, just want it to be a sort of sporty cruiser. I have a crotch rocket so that is not an option.

Answer 1

$12K will get you a Suzuki M109R (see first link below). I saw one at a dealership last summer, and believe me it's the closest thing to Kaneda's bike from "Akira" that any of us is likely to ride this side of the Apocalypse (unless you're REALLY a fanboy, in which case the second link might interest you). Or, for just a little more money you can get a new Victory 8-Ball (see third link).
Both of those bikes are definitely on the "sporty" side of cruiserdom.

You're already aware, obviously, of the Mean Streak ($11K). As a Kawi rider myself, I heartily endorse that choice. If you want clean lines for a lot less money, though, take a look at the new Vulcan 900 Custom. The MSRP is only $7K, which should leave you plenty of scratch to buy new pipes, a better seat, and a free-flowing intake.

And, naturally I should mention the bike-I-would-kill-for (even though I don't particularly like Harleys): The Night Rod Special. Yeah, at $16K it's not in my budget, either, but that is one wicked killer ride.

Answer 2

the subject with middleweight cruisers isn't the bike, it quite is in basic terms the seat! A Virago or Shadow 750 could be super, it quite is in basic terms that the seat isn't comfortable for long sessions. look at an o.e.m seat, consistent with danger you will come across a used one on EBay or Craigslist. or possibly a sheepskin pad or gel pad, something like that. I quite have ridden V-twin cruisers and that they do vibrate, in spite of the shown fact that that's a low-frequency vibration that's in many cases no longer objectionable. consistent with danger some fashions are worse than others. What bothers me is the seating place, ft out forward, sitting on my tailbone. yet that's in basic terms me, plenty human beings excursion on cruisers and love them. I spent an afternoon on a Harley history Softail a pair of years in the past and that's certainly a good traveling mount! Too undesirable it is so ^*(%_#@ high priced! no longer enormously speedy or sturdy dealing with yet very comfortable and sturdy on the throughway.

Answer 3

Why a cruiser? Looks? If so, look at the Yamaha Road Star twin. 1600 CC v-twin, nice layout, tons of upgrades. Honda Shadows are cheaper, but cheaper built overall. You might wanna look at a Honda Valkyrie. Itis basically an old Gold Wing motor in a cruiser chassis, but pretty fast, and nice and 'phat' looking. This is one of the only Jap bikes that Harley snobs have much respect for.

Answer 4

my boss has a v-rod, and those bikes are very thirsty...especially when ridden hard. u could get a vulcan2000 kawa if u dont think u could afford a used electra glide. u didnt say whether u wanted to go extreme long distance, or have a bike that's capable of blasting thru the twisties. hd soft tail deuce would be the ticket for both worlds, but they'd be overbudget for ur range new.

Answer 5

I would recommend a really nice low mile metric cruiser.

The Harley Davidson Heritage will always be a stitch in the fabric of our nation but in my opinion it lacks high thread count when it comes to build quality and reliability. Don't get me wrong, there are some killer HDs out there and I like to appreciate the aftermarket touches but I think you'll get more bang for your buck going with the metrics.

Answer 6

You can get a really good, used Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha or Kaw cruiser for less than 5 or 6 grand. Pick one, ride it for a while and then trade up to something "nicer". Definitely stay away from the Harley's initially, for monetary reasons.

Answer 7

If you like to go to bars and bike shows buy a Harley If you like swap-meets an garages go European, but if you like to ride then you have to get a metric personally have a Honda shadow and love it However I have ridden V Star 1300 of my Friends and it was great.I haven't ridden it but my brother just got a Suzuki M109R for about $12000. and it looks great.

Answer 8

Honda vtx 1300

Answer 9

^^^^^ I wouldnt suggest an encredibly over-priced bike made by a snowmobile company like victory. those types fit in with BMW riders. I'd suggest you would fit a honda 1800 VTX just fine.

Answer 10

if i wer you i would go with the harley for two good reasone first no motorcycle company has been around longer and if you need to sell it for any reason you'll get a good price they dont depreciate the price as bad as jap bikes, dont get me wrong ther are alot of dependable jap bikes just wont hold value for anything