scorpio wrote:
"gotta agree with okiestar - since you're over twice my size and i ride a vf750c magna, stands to reason you should look at 1500cc & up"

I am almost as large as chrisschaffer but I ride an Aero with an engine of only 750 cc. I use it for commuting 20 miles each way on US Route 90 (San Antonio). The Aero keeps up with traffic quite comfortably. I do not see a need for a larger bike just because we are larger guys.

You might enjoy the 1500 cc on the highway just because it is so much larger, though perhaps larger is not an advantage on city streets. But I just can't see anyone NEEDING such a large bike just because you are large.

Also on the mileage side, my Aero gets 55 (or better) to the gallon. I don't think the larger bike has an advantage in that area.

I have considered getting a VTX 1300 to do some fun cross country trips and just because every guy wants a bigger ... umm ... bike, but I don't believe that the benefit just as a commuter would  make it worth the extra $$.  

I was in the same boat and was looking at Honda's Spirit Aero and  Suzuki C50 Limited Edition.  I ended up buying the C50 due to the reviews I read and the little extras.  I also took the riders class which I will say helped quite a bit.  The bike feels very responsive when I hit the throttle and looks great.  It is an 07 and I got it for 6700 out the door. Which ever you chose, make sure you are happy with it.  The bike you really want calls you when you see it.

Ride safe.  

Back to the original thread. I think  the old Savage (I think it's the M43 these days)might just hit the bill, you seem to indicate mostly short range riding. I'm 6'0. 240 lb, and on  rides, it was fine. I also did 30 mi or so on the interstate at 70-75 (had windshield).

In modest riding, it does 60mpg+ on regular. Highway... a little less.
You should be able to pick one up (2 years old or so, with less than 2,000 mi for less than $3k)  

you already have alot of good advice.but i just want to add my 2 cents. i ride an 1100 v-star. and i love it. the handling is very good. good mileage and the price is right. you'll get a good bang for the buck. i'm a heavyweight also. the bike does have plenty of power.  it would be a good choice. enjoy!  

I don't know if you're still looking into buying a cruiser, but I'll tell you my experience with a 2007 Vulcan 900 LT.  I purchase my VN900 in October of 07, my first bike, and I have over 10,000 miles on it as of today (3/21/2008).  I'm 52 years old, 6'5" and 280 lbs.  The bike handles great and is very comfortable on long trips. I put over 1200 miles on it over Thanksgiving weekend and was never tired of riding.  Very reliable as I've had NO problems so far.  My only wish is that it had a little more power (mine is stock..no upgrades), not that I can't keep up with traffic (I can cruise at 90+ all day long), but we always want more...right?  I always get between 48 & 51 mpg.  

It's a great bike for the money.  

get the one that fits you the best...with some power  

Getting in on cheap is a way of life for me. I have an XS 650 Yamaha. They are very reliable once you get them there. They can get 62 MPG ! Good bike for cheap too. Look at the XS sites. XS Gardge USA is a realy good one with lots ofadvise on how too's.  

I am fairly new rider but I have to say I have done some serious research on alot of bikes, taken them all on test drives and looked into every detail and after all was said and done I think the one that made me feel more comfortable on was the keeper, What I am trying to say is that there is alot of bikes out there and no one single bike is the same-you should just try them out and go with what you think is the right one, and believe me it will be made apparent when you ride the ONE because it will call to you and scream "Buy Me" and overall it will make you the most happy.  Quick experience I drove alot of bikes in the 650 range for my first bike and none of them really excited me even though all were terrific bikes but then I decided to go up in cc range and after doing so I caught my eye on a Suzuki Boulevard s50 07' Pearl white and after I got on it and just drove 1 block I knew this was the bike I want. sorry for the Rambling just giving food for though  

My wife is 5'2" and about 125(better watch what I type) lbs.  She has been riding dual sport bikes for 5 years and made the change (dragged me along) into the cruiser world.  She loves her VStar 650 Custom.  Low 27" seat height and very nimble in traffic. She loves the weight, the feel and most of all, the ride.  Besides, she looks HOT on that VStar, not that it's important, but a level of LCF is just fine (look cool factor).  Find what works for you and enjoy.

Peace be to journey  

Hi Chris -

I too just got back into riding after many years off a bike,  I tested a lot of mid sized cruisers.  I went with the Honda VT750 Aero Shadow..AND I LOVE IT!!  Bet deal for the money, great service programs, many on the road - but yet, easy to add some customizing to stand out from the pack...and...it's a great, easy controlled and safe ride.  I'm a retro kinda guy, and I get a lot of comments on the look and style of the bike..and I can keep up at any pace with any other cruiser out there.  This buy will be an easy flip..if and when I want to change to another bike.

Do yourself a favor and check out Honda's line....