Hi,
lam looking to buy my first big cruiser [when gas hit $3.20 my wife suggested it and I have been renewing my motorcycle license for the last 12yrs just waiting for this!!!!] lam 6' 235lbs...travel about 110miles round trip to work...been looking at the brochure for the Yamaha road star silverado 1700 which hasn't made it to my dealer yet,and the Kawasaki nomad 1600...1 has belt drive 1 has shaft 1 has air cooled engine the other has liquid any fore site on either model would be helpful,also as far as rider comfort on either model for when the wife wants to ride along?
                      Thank's  

HI; I have a C50T shaft and liquid. I like the bike cause it heats up quicker and no hesitaion due to the cold. The shaft drive is very smooth I have not had any trouble with it. Never had any rear jacking that some talk about. The rear does make a small howl just ring and pinion noise. Nothing bad. Just differant.
A friend has the Road Star and loves it.  Never had any trouble. Test drive them both. They are big enought that you and your wife should not have any problems with power and handeling. As far as the seat she will have to be the judge. Good luck... have fun looking and riding.. scruffy  

vanqa:
Hi,
lam looking to buy my first big cruiser [when gas hit $3.20 my wife suggested it and I have been renewing my motorcycle license for the last 12yrs just waiting for this!!!!] lam 6' 235lbs...travel about 110miles round trip to work...been looking at the brochure for the Yamaha road star silverado 1700 which hasn't made it to my dealer yet,and the Kawasaki nomad 1600...1 has belt drive 1 has shaft 1 has air cooled engine the other has liquid any fore site on either model would be helpful,also as far as rider comfort on either model for when the wife wants to ride along?
                      Thank's

I purchased a new 2006 Roadstar last month and here in Illinois, at least, there is an abundance of new 2006 model Yamahas cruisers.  As expected they need to get rid of them and the pricing is very attractive.  You might push your dealer to look around.  They can find them with a few clicks of a mouse.  I prefer the simplicity of the air cooled engine but both have their pros and cons.  The same holds true for the belt drive, it's simpler and reliable but as with any belt, they can break, drive shafts on the other hand will probably outlast the engine.  Good luck on your quest.  Like you, I had just intended to use mine to putt around on but the gas situation, I've equipped it where I can haul items and get more use out of it.

Later.  

I ride an '07 Nomad and really enjoy all it's comforts, you won't be disappointed, take both for a rip and deside which one is you. If you end up choosing the kawi, let me know.....I have a simple and economic fix for the windshield buffeting at higher speeds! Good luck!  

I have a 07 Yamaha RoadStar 1700 and love it.  Wife and I cruise around alot with not a problem.  I always had a belt drive and never had a problem.  No worries about breaking due to my laid back riding style.  I still romp on it at times but not crazy like drag racing and burnouts.  It's not fuel injected so you can play with the jetting to get it right for your modifications in pipes/air cleaner.  It is cold natured due to air cooled in the winter mornings.  Just allow more time to warm up.  Aftermarket parts are everywhere.  You can make it your own with little cash.  Good luck on whatever you buy.  

I am very happy with the Roadstar. No radiator gives the bike a nice clean look and I also like the belt drive - cleaner than a chain and without that side to side movement you usually get with shaft drive. The belt will last you tens of thousands of miles. Loads of after market stuff available means you can personalise in virtually any style you want. Good build quality, reliable and good value. This is the best bike I've ever owned and would buy it again without hesitation.  

Hey Guys,
Thanks for the input,after much looking and research I finally decided to go with the Kawasaki nomad 1600..after trying it and several others it just "felt right"..gonna go pick it up tomorrow..  

HI new to the thread

I hate to jump on the back of anothers thred but this was easyer then starting a new one.

I m going to buy my first cruiser this month.and Im not sure what to buy at all, Ive been looking at the V-star custome. but 650 or 1100 I dont know. I am 5'8" and 175 lbs 28 yrs old. I have some dirt bike riding expriance on Mtn trails but never even been on a cruiser. mostly be using for around town, and the ocational 200Mi Hwy trip. Any Sugestions would be Great.

Thanks
C.W.1  

i would get the 1100 both my wife and i have them..she had the 650 and after 2 years made the move up to the 1100 and is very very  happy she did and wished she would have done it soon