Looking at new cruisers and was able to view some shop manuals on the web, but not all. The Road Star looks good because of the extended valve adjustment schedual and the job of doing it. But some other's I seen schedual the first 600 mile service and every 4000 mile service valve adjustment. On one bike I read I was exhusted just reading the tear down process to even get to the adjusters. When I got to the part of intake manifold removal I closed the book. I would not want to do it and I know a dealer would charge plenty. Then agin the Road Star might be too big for me. Is it possible to get your leg out from under a layed down bike weighting around 800 pounds? Or is there enough leverage there to stand one back up if it's stand sunk in the pavement? It will be the first bike in over 30 years. And there won't be anouther one. I would like feeling firm on the interstate and a company offering a good interest rate. I guess I'm looking for the perfect bike.  

>Is it possible to get your leg out from under a layed down bike weighting around 800 pounds?

Actually, yes it is. This is generally not the problem with cruisers that it can be with sport bikes. Cruisers have things that stick out past the frame, on both sides. These protruding things hold the bike up, allowing you to pull your leg out with no problem unless you're on a very soft surface. Of course, if the bike was crashed instead of just fallen over, these protrusion may have been torn off or smashed flat, but in that case your leg will be too torn up and smashed to try to get up anyways.

>Or is there enough leverage there to stand one back up if it's stand sunk in the pavement?

It's a matter of technique. When I was an MSF instructor, I would routinely lay my bike over and select the smallest person in the class to demonstrate the correct technique by picking up my 850 pound bike. There are some videos on youtube of tiny gals picking up large bikes.

regards,
Joe  

Thanks Joe for that info. Ive. yet to take a class and didn't think that would be talked about. Did get to look on youtube and watched four or five films now I understand the process and the use of your legs. I did notice the first dealer ad offering to reimburse $200 for taking the course. I think most of them will have to do the same shortly.
         Thanks again: Steve