Here's the deal...I rode off-road for many years and just never got a street bike. At 35 I am looking for the "best" all around cruiser. I'm only 5'8"-175lbs, so my concern is size and comfort and not getting something too big. Salespeople will tell you any damn thing so I wanted to put this out and get some thoughts. I have the option of buying a '07 V-Star 1100 custom w/ pipes and jetted for a steal ($6700 w/ 2500 miles on it). My main concern is that the bike may be too big and too much for a "starter" bike. Or, I could go w/ a new Kaw Vulcan 900 custom or a Zuk for abt the same price just w/ no toys on it yet. I want something I can grow into not something I will want to replace in 2 yrs. The Zuks seem to be the best priced (not the main reason to buy) but who makes the best value overall. I know that's open to opinion so any feedback is greatly appreciated. Pros...cons...whatever. I just dont want my 1st bike to be a mistake. Thanks guys  

Here's what I did. I went out to a couple of dealers that would let you drive the bike you  think is best. I choose the C50T. I am 5'10" 190lbs. The bike fits me great. It handles very well in town. It gets me in and around traffic easily. Highway speeds are good up to about 80mph. Then it gets a little buzzy. A very stable bike in heavy traffic. The wind pushes it around just a little. Not so much that you move from lane to lane. I have 15k+ on it with no troubles.
I test road the V-star it seemed top heavy to me. Just in the parking lot and gas station stuff. The manuverabality at very slow speeds felt cumbersome. That just  be me.. I think that KAW 900 would be a very good bike. The stuff I have read about it seems to be very close to the C50T.  Try to stay with the bikes that weight 500lb-650lbs .    Easy to pick up   easier to get in and out of the parking lots and tight places. Then after 2-3years trade up if you want. I have found that the c50 can do everything that the big ones do. Just easier..I have been on and off bikes sence 64, 90cc-1100cc's and this 800 just works for me..Hope that helps some.. ..scruffy  

I have a c50t also and love it.  It does everything I ask it to do.  The bike you are looking at won't be too big for you.  It may take a little bit of time to get used to the lesser ground clearance and turning at lower speeds in the city, but you'll be fine.  The Vulcan, the suzuki boulevard, the Star 1100, vulcan 900, and honda 750 are all great bikes in that size range and you can't go wrong.

If your looking for a dedicated cruiser for mostly touring, you may want to look at something bigger - like in the 1300 range.  I suggest staying with the 750-900 cc range for a bike that is mostly for commuting with occasional weekend trips.

I wouldn't worry about the size of the bikes.  You're background suggests that you have a lot more experience than many riders.  

First, read the review articles on the motorcyclecruiser website. They are pretty objective and written by folks who have ridden dozens (hundreds?) of different bikes.

Second, if you are really concerned about getting the "right" bike, start with an older one that you can buy inexpensively, and later sell at little or no loss. For less than $2,000 you can find a pretty nice ride that you can sell in a year. You really need more than a 10 minute test ride on different bikes to determine your true personal preferences - you need hours of riding in different conditions & speeds. Once you've determined what you are really looking for, then you can find just the right bike for you.

Third, even though you have off-road experience, don't start with a large machine. Since you already have the basic mechanics, you don't need to start with a 250; but I'd suggest 1100 cc or less (and stay under 600 lbs - preferably under 550 lbs - cruisers are wayyyy heavier than dirt bikes or sport bikes, and handle differently). AND TAKE THE BASIC MC DRIVING SAFETY CLASS!!!!

Yamaha Virago 750 or 1100 (predecessor of the V-Stars), Honda shadow series - 750 or 1100, Suzuki Volusia, etc....  There are lots of bikes out there worth considering - again, go read the old bike reviews on the website.  

I agree with everyone here.
Bike under 600 lbs, 1100 cc.
Don't worry too much about the looks (accessories), you can add that later if the bike is right and you want to keep it for longer than a year.

5'11", 165 lbs
First and current bike: Honda Shadow Aero, 750cc  

Guys...thank you all for your time and your input. Going out this weekend to "try on the the Kaw V900 and the Zuk C50 or M50. You are all saying the same things so it's got to be considered the gospel. Thank you all again. Be safe out there...  

Okay here is some good advice, listern to scruffy, he is one of your country folk...But over here in NZ with our roads and conditions I would also say value for dollar and a great bike for learner or advanced rider a suzuki C50 Or C50T you will not out grow this machine it is real good on the gas powerful, or enough for most folk, and will handel a pillion and rider all day at 80 mile per hour if needed, they are not heavy by todays standards but have enough room 4 2 up, you could not spend your dollar more wisely  take care enjoy what ever you purchase...  

I had the Kaw 800, and within a year, I THOUGHT I had outgrown it. Truth was I wasn't riding that bike, I was trying to ride it like another brand... use torque, low rpms always.

The 800 has a redline of almost 50mph in 1st gear, and I was grabbing 2nd at 20, to keep the RPM down.
The 800's (almost any) are a little light on torque, but, they play real well if you use the rpms to get the  horsepower.
Remember, sport bikes have almost no torque, but gobs of HP, and, they scream if you let them.

I rode the bike for another 6 years and 30,000 miles after I "outgrew" it. Tweaked it a couple of times, still an 800.
I only got rid of it because I have a passenger on the back, and it was a little tight.  

I just brought the 1100 custom and to tell you the honest truth I love it . I am 5'8 also and 80 kilo's (not sure what that is converted sorry) Anyhow I just completed a 1000 mile ride from Kalgoorlie to Esperance and back without a hitch. I reckon on the open road, and in town it handle's sweet.

The only bad point's I can say are the foot peg's which are a little cramped "even for a short person like myself" and the gear box can be a little clunky, plus neutral can be found changing from 1st to 2nd if you are a little gentle when changing up.

I think I will learn to live with that no problem's

I hope you enjoy what ever bike you decide to buy and safe cruising mate.

Cheers

Cooky  

I'm in similar situation.  Have been told by alot of people Harley is the only way to go.  More of a investment, holds value better..... Better bike.  I don't know what to think.    Any thoughts on this would be apprec...I am leaning towards yamaha raider s  2008.  

One thing I'd add. Motorcycle Cruiser includes the height and weight of the testers. Find the one closest to you and give a little more weight to their answers.

Barometer111, if you are buying a motorcycle as an investment, you're losing your shirt. Morningstar 5 star mutual funds pull about 10% a year (compounded) - this last year excluded, it's long haul average.

Buy the bike you want, and if it's not the Harley, put the rest in a mutual fund. In 5 years, the money you make from the fund is going to make the bike almost free, even if you toss it in the garbage (not likely).  

I've been told different than what I've read here.  I've rode dirt/dual sport bikes all my life and wanted a cruiser.  I wanted to get the Kawasaki 900LT but a lot of friends told me to get at least a 1300.  I took their advice and got a VTX-1300.  I was tossing these two around because of the great reviews in Cruiser magizine.  I love my bike and it's not to heavy at all.  It's almost 700 lbs but with my experience I handle it with no problem.  Only thing I'm still trying to learn is corning without scrapping the pegs even at slow speed.....  If you are going to ride double at all the bigger bike is a real plus.  

44yrs old and also just a dirt bike rider and I just bought and picked up my 1st street bike this friday 6/13 got the RAIDER (raven), NO REGRETS, already put 350 miles on it in two days. LOVE IT!!!