Looking for my first cruiser!

I'm a newbie as of 3 months ago at the age of 52.  I  learned to ride on a V Star 650 Classic; great starter bike (I'm 5' 9", 165 lbs).  The only problem was that it was underpowered for my freeway commute to work.  After passing the MSF Beginners course I made the somewhat unusual decision to upgrade to a V Star 1300 Tourer (2008) about a month ago.  I now find that my level of enjoyment has increased significantly with the more powerful bike.  Making the decision to upgrade so soon after learning to ride was not done lightly; with my level of inexperience (probably 2000 miles under my belt), I knew I was taking a risk of getting in over my head.  I'm very happy I made the decision.  My only advice to another new rider that would make a similar choice is to always remain cognizant of your level of experience and to not take risks that are beyond your skill level and you will ultimately become a more confident rider.  Just my 2 cents.  

I am a large guy like you 6'3" 260lbs. Do yourself a favor and stick with a larger framed bike that you will be comfortable on. My current ride is a 2007 Kawasaki Nomad. The 1500 classic would be an excellent choice and you can pick up a quality used one at a reasonable price. I have owned one myself and loved it. My suggestion is that you stick w/ a fuel injected model for better fuel delivery and better cold starts. I'm partial to the Kawi's, they are dependable, look good, and ride even better. Good luck.  

Don't be afraid to check out the Kawasaki's. A really nice ride is the vulcan classic 1500. I now has fuel injection standard and is easily customized. I had a 1998 classic a few years back and now ride an 07' Nomad 1600. I have never read a bad review of these bikes and I can attest to their reliability, looks and comfort. Good luck in your search....  

Like you, I'm a big guy 6' 2" and 260. I started riding 9 years ago with a Kawasaki vulcan 500. I then upgraded to a 750 which wasn't much of an upgrade size wise. The problem is this: Those bikes were excellent beginner bikes but the frame sizes were too small to accomodate my size. I then went with a vulcan classic 1500 and that was heaven on wheels. You only notice it's heft in slow rolls and manuevering it around in the garage. On the open road it's a dream and handles extremely well. Kawi now offers a 900cc which would be a good beginner bike. It comes as a bare bones cruiser or for a few extra bucks a LT model (light touring). Good luck and stay safe.  

Check out the vulcan 2000 awsome bike  

Mark, You need a big motorcycle !! As long as you can touch the ground with both feet while seated,you'll be OK. Just be prudent with the power until you and your new bike (learn each other).Don't even think about any thing less than 1000cc's.Try for a comfortable handlebar and footpeg fit.You will just be cramped on a small bike and tire of it soon. Used *** bikes are the most inexpensive,and are pretty reliable. Don't buy any thing over 5 or 6 years old;you may have trouble getting parts and service...Have Fun, that's what it's all about.  

I'm 58, 6'4 and 245lbs.  Returned to riding about a year ago after a 14 year layoff.  I purchased an 06 Stratoliner S and after 11,000 miles I still love it.  My advice, if you've ridden before, is to go as big as you want, ride carefully, and spend lots of time practicing in a big, empty parking lot.  It only goes as fast as you turn the grip.  Don't buy anything without a test drive. How the bike fits you is probably more important than how fast it goes, but sooner or later everyone wants to go fast.  My suggestion is later, after you've ridden a few thousand miles.  Big cruisers require repetitive parking lot practice, not just enough to get your license.  I've never had a bad Honda, and I've had several.  This is my first experience with a Yamaha, but the Stratoliner is comfortable, has plenty of power, and handles like a considerably smaller bike, but remember the parking lot practice.  

they should have a live chat room  

HI guyz cant make up my mind between the vulcan 2000 & roadliner s. Both r good bikes jus havin a hard time making up my mind ah decisions decisions.  

I know a guy about 6 ft who bought a vstar 650 and regrets it's size. He feels cramped on it. Trading in when you owe is not not very do-able either. It is best to at the very least, sit on the bike, put your feet on the pegs and think about how it will feel balance-wise and make sure your knees aren't higher than your hips. Cramping is not a part of riding. Consider where you will ride. Is there a lot of cornering? As far as power-learn to carefully operate a throttle. The power is only as dangerous are you are impatient. You don't HAVE to open it all the way. An ability to move forward quickly can be lifesaving if you are about to be rear-ended, loving your bike is important. You won't be happy long on too much of a compromise bike. The "fits like a glove" bike sounds like a place to at least start considering. Don't rush. Even a really good looking bike may b disappointing after a while as you gain experience. If you are a pretty level headed, strong (physically) person, them maybe start with the best dream bike you can afford. The main difference is the learning curve may take a little longer. Too small of a bike bike an especially a bike that vibrates too much over 50mph will get old fast. Some dealerships allow licensed riders to test ride. You can also rent a bike and try it out.  

To help you decide-try reading critiques by other riders. There may be mechanical,comfort, cost issues that would tip the scales  

I thoroughly enjoyed reading your advice on bike selection and the wise words from your previous instructor.  I was amazed when you said you were 66yrs young when you purchased the bike and now 67yrs young, that is fantastic.  I am 58yrs young and 30yrs in the army as ensured I still remain fit.  I have just sold my Triumph Tiger 1050 as it was too tall and now looking for something I don't have to throw my leg so high to get on it, or trying to balance and negoiate around the 4 wheel idiots in heavy traffic.  I like the sound of the Vulcans as i couldnt possibly afford the big Goldwings.  Having said that the bikes in America and Canada are a lot cheaper for you guys than us in UK. By the way I now live in France and they are even more expensive. I think our version of your bike in the UK is the Intruder 1800RT coming in at £10700.00 a really nice bike.

Enjoy your riding and your are an inspiration to any guy who thinks he is too old to ride. Live long and prosper, but most of all enjoy uour bike.  

Thanks Spencer.

Still riding and enjoying every opportunity I get.  I was just thinking though about your interpretation of what bike in Europe compares to my C50T and your comparison of it to an 1800RT.  I'm presuming that the 1800 refers to the engine displacement, which would mean 1800cc's.  That would be more than twice the size of my 805cc engine.  I don't know what a new version of my bike is now, but I paid $7500 Cdn in 2007 for a 2005, which was exactly the "Black Book" price it was listed at as an "extra clean" bike, which it was and is still.  Prices in the U.S. are considerably less than we pay for the same bikes here in Canada.

I'm still happy with the size of my bike, particularly as a single rider vehicle.  However, I can now appreciate that a larger bike has it's appeal and advantages if you are going to regularly ride 2 up, particularly for any kinds of distances, even lengthy day rides.  And that comment applies to the passenger as well...the seat is just not made for long-distance comfort.  I have taken a passenger (my wife) on short rides on a few occasions, but I must admit, I don't like the feel of the bike.  Granted, experience is no doubt the cure for that.  However, she has no desire to take rides longer than an hour or so either, so I don't plan on a change in bikes.  (Interestingly enough, she has a cousin with a Gold Wing (Lehman) trike, which she went for a ride on and loved, but at $50,000 Cdn, that's not happening!)

Having said that though, if I was going to, my personal preference would lean towards the Kawasaki 1600cc Nomads and Vulcans.  At that displacement size, they get my vote.  I don't care for the look of the Suzuki 90's and 109's.

Anyway, sincerest best wishes as you search for your best fit for style, size, comfort and budget.  Stay safe and well.  Cheers.  Herb.  

Hi Herb

You are of course correct abot the 1800 being an 1800cc i got it wrong.  That particular model is a M109.  We don't use the those series numbers i happen to know them as a result of reading bike reviews for the last 3 weeks and still none the wiser on choice.  I have gone from cruiser through sports tourer and back again. I seem always to end up on the Kwaka Vulcan 900.  However having just read one of the comments he suggests if you have ridden before go as big as is comfortable and basically treat the bike with respect, after all you only go as fast as the right hand wants. My previous bike Tiger 1050 is an awesome bike and great to ride on open roads it was the towns i disliked with it.  That as now gone to a great guy who will cherish it as i did. OH well, back to more research my biggest problem is finding the bike I want to test ride and I have to wait to go back to the UK for that, the end of the month cant come quickly enough.  Cheers Spencer    

Spencer, you may have already come across this thread on this site but, if not, check out "Suzuki Boulevard C50T vs Kawasaki Vulcan 900LT".  Pages and pages of comments from other readers which you should find interesting at least, and probably informative.  May assist or may confuse the issue for you, but at least more stuff to mull over.  I wavered between these 2 bikes myself for some time, but was leaning towards the C50 (shaft drive as opposed to belt drive) when the mint-condition used, all-black and chrome C50T came on the market.  That factor ultimately was the difference, I bought it, and have never regretted it.  But there is no doubt the Vulcan is a good bike too.  Cheers.  Herb.