I am finally going to step up from my old KZ 650, and plan to get a Classic styled cruiser. I really don't want to get into the larger models, just an 800, 750, or possibly the 650 Yamaha. For some reason, I am not real brand loyal when it comes to a bike, (unlike everything else in my life)so I am open to opinions on all the bikes available. I am going to be shopping for a used bike in '98-'03 year model range.
Also wondering if any of them have stainless steel spokes. I really don't like cast wheels, but we have a tremendous corrosion problem here.
Thanks
Terry  

I was looking at the yamaha 650, the honda 750, the suzuki boulevard c50t, and the vulcan 900.  I bought the suzuki and love it.  I rode it for the first time the first week of October and I have about 4000 miles on it now.  I use it mostly for commuting and some weekend trips into the mountains.  It's very maneuverable and does everything I want it to.  It also has great gas mileage.

I don't think you can go wrong with the boulevard.  I just read a post written here about it from a guy who worked at a yamaha/suzuki dealership and he said the power was similar to that of the yamaha 1100.

I ran across a guy with a honda 750 that was five years old and had 72,000 miles on it with no major work or repairs.  He loved it and is still riding it daily.  

The vulcan has good reviews and I really liked the way it looked and felt.  You don't hear too much bad about that bike.  

Good luck and have fun...  

I looked at the Yamaha 650 V Star, the Kawasaki Vulcan 900, the suzuki M50, and the Honda VT 750. I chose the suzuki M50 for the following reasons I weight about 230 and stand 5' 10"  and I wanted something that was big but not to big, tall but not to tall, power but not too much power, and a look that said I am a cruiser but not old school, reliable in cold and heat and reasonable price. The M50 met all of these requirements
reliable
electronic fuel injection - Yama and Kawa did not have
liquid cooled - Yama does not have
shaft drive train -  none have
seat height 700mm/27.5in - Kawa taller and yama and honda much shorter honda 2.5 inches shorter
805cc - yama 650cc, kawa 900cc, honda 745cc
$11,000 Australian Dollars - Yama 10,000, Kawa 14,000, Honda 13,000

I also like the modern crusier styling of the M50 but I almost went with the Honda except for the price and seat height.

I would just recommend write down your own requirements based upon your riding style and predicted miles and body composition and you will easily see which one is right for you.

I have had my bike for 6 weeks now and have already put on  2000 miles on it. I did a 1000 mile trip from Canberra to  Melbourne and I can tell you no matter what your butt will be numb no matter what bike you buy.
 
Good luck on your search  

I'm really looking for info on earlier model bikes, '98-'03 or so. I have no intention of buying a new bike.  

The C50 is just a Suzuki Volusia .The way it rides is the same. I have the C50T suzuki 05. I got it for the same reasons that th other post said. The Honda shadow 750 would be a good first bike. As would be the Volusia Suzuki. The 900 Kaw is new 2007. I like the seat hight of 27.in on the C50. It has 4 gal tank so you don't have to stop every 125 miles for fuel. It gets 45-50 mpg. The seat fits me well. I can ride for about 3 hr before I get TB. The C50 is stable at speed and easy to manuver around town and heavy traffic. The wind doesn't push it around much.WE have lots of wind around here. When passing semi's the bike is very stable no webble wobble. I rode other bikes and the Suzuki just fit me the best. You need to find the bike that fits you.Try to get one that does'nt feel top heavy..  

I bought a kawasaki 900 vulcan classic last June and love it. It has the spoke wheels that you like also. I would say that you should ride some of the bikes that you mention, but definately include the kawasaki on your list. you will be amazed at the bike. Good luck and have fun,
Brian  

Hi. I have a Yamaha 650 Vstar Classic. I love it and have a lot of fun. It has good power but I would prfer something a little bigger, but not to big. I have 12,000 miles on it and have had no problems otherr then the scheduled maintenance. I am thinking ablout getting a Suzuki Boulevard C50T. You can't beat the price for what you get. all the articles I have read about it rate it very well. My other choice would be the Yamaha Vstar 1100. I don't know if I want to go that big. good luck and safe riding.  

Hey buddy,
My first post but reading yours was like reading my mind.
I have a 77KZ650 and a 69 CB350 Cafe that I've been riding for 20 years and since I'm turning 40 in two weeks, I decided to buy a used cruiser.
I just did a deal on a 2002 Vulcan Drifter 800.
It has the 40's Indian styling with the nimbleness and tech savvy of the newer bikes.
It arrives in two weeks.
Check the Drifter out, you may like it.  

Triumph America or Speedmaster. They are lighter (< 500lbs), more agile and powerful. You will be pleasantly surprised!  

RadBear mentioned the Drifter 800. A truly fine bike. I had one for 7 years, 37,000 miles. It can actually grow with you. Chain is a pain, but, if you start doing high speed, you can have the sprockets changed to 17/38 for highway cruising (kind of 4 speed with overdrive). If you need more power, there is a thunder air kit that will kick it up a couple of notches. (same commentary applies to all kawi 800's). Since they're no longer made, they should be available for a good deal.
It will even transport 2 up if you get a 2 up seat, somewhere around 2002/3 they went solo. I'm 6' 230, and with my wife on the back, we're only good for about 100 miles.
Solo touring is a breeze. I did several weeks on the Drifter up and down the eastern states. Three thousand miles in 10 days, with a couple of the days spent visiting relatives , and another 2 staring at a monsoon coming down outside the motel window.  

That's hilarious.
I'm 6'3" and 230lbs....two great looking guys who drove/drive Drifters..what are the chances.  

Drifter Riders are like brides...
Good looking by definition  

Well I'm currently on a 06 Vulcan 900 ...great bike couldn't be happier...C50 is a good choice,,,but if your looking for a little older bike I would check out a Honda Shadow 750 (have one of those too) shaft drive,smooth ,and very dependable.  

I have to agree on the Kawi 900. They tweaked the suspension, they ditched the chain, and they got rid of the carb.
It's everything I loved about the 800, just without the warts.  

My last bike was a 2005 C50"C".  Custom paint, red w/ ghost flames.  Sharp.  I had no complaints whatsoever with that bike.  I traded up in 2 years as my wife began to ride two up with me more frequently and recovered my total investment in the Suzuki.  Unheard of eh?  It was a great re-entry bike for me after 25 years off.