What Motorcycle should I buy?
 

r.f.

I would say to give both a test drive then choose the one with which you felt more comfortable in riding - as in how you were able to handle it in acceleration, braking and steering.

Bikes are fun, but don't let machismo make the decision for you. Buy the bike that you can control, not the bike that controls you.

A few questions...

1- Why are you buying this motorcycle? (e.g. alternate transportation, weekend toy, etc...)

2- How often will you ride?

3- When you do ride, how far will you ride?

4- Where will you be going?

Here's why I ask...

If you're buying a toy, then you want to consider what you'll be doing. Will this be for spins around the neighborhood or long trips up the coastline.

Depending on how you're going to use it, there are several factors that can make a pretty big difference. Some bikes are more sporty and others are more comfortable. You can make adjustments to any bike, but certain things are important up front.

Archaea, can you bump this to the spirit world thread?

r.f.

Are you sold on the V Star? They are nice bikes and have served as the frame for many nice custom bikes. If you want a nice cruiser though check out the Honda VTX. My dad bought an 1800 Retro. The thing is a beast. It's heavy but you don't get blown around on it. The thing is smooth and you can roll the throttle easily. Plus there are tons of upgrades for customization including a bigger rear wheel etc, much like the V Star. Also, my dad bought his VTX new in a crate. It was a 2004 though, but paid just over $7,000 for it. There are several deals out there like that, even for the V Star.

r.f.

What's wrong with the BMW? It's the only bike I've ever considered, but did not buy.

I looked at V-Stars but didn't trust a bike that wasn't water-cooled. I ended up getting a Suzuki Volusia. I love it. Suzuki changed the name to Boulevard, but it's basically the same bike. I'm thinking of upgrading to a bigger bike and am seriously considering the Boulevard C90. The other bike I really like is the Kawasaki Mean Streak. It has a little bit of a V-Rod look to it, kind of a cross between a cruiser and a sport bike.

r.f.