First, I'm new here. This is my first post. I'm 60 and have been riding on and off since I was 18. My last bike was a Yamaha 650 V Star Classic. I sold it four years ago after a Kidney Transplant.

I've got the itch again and I'm looking for a used bike. I liked the 650 V Star Classic. It was a looker that was easy to handle and comfortable to ride. I thought it lacked in the power department though. I was thinking about going with a 1100 V Star Classic this time to have more power. But I've read some troubling reviews about noise issues and lack of power. I've been reading a lot of great reviews on the Kawasaki 1500 Classic and Nomad. It seems they are priced reasonable and get high marks for comfort and reliability. They're also over 700 lbs.

One question I have is on mileage for used bikes. I know it's better to go with low miles, but how about bikes with higher mileage? How many miles is to many? How do these bikes hold up after higher mileage (above 15,000).

I'm looking for advice. Anything you would like to share would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Res  

Don't know if this will help, but I'm 52 and just back on 2 wheels over the past year after about 15 on 4.  Last year I bought an old Goldwing (78 - GL1000), which was great for getting back into the swing of things.  The Goldy I bought had a lot of miles (32K), but at that age it was bound to.  I bought it from someone I knew took great care of it, and he was a friend of my son's - both have been riding for years.  

Like you, after awhile, I wanted something heavier, more responsive and more comfortable and with a lot more power.  I also didn't like how I sat on the standard design and wanted something much lower.  I decided I wanted something I could use to commute or tour, so that meant either a cruiser configured for touring, or a tour bike.  After months of research I narrowed it down to three rides, and chose to go with a new bike instead of used.  The three I narrowed it down to are; H-D Road King, Honda VTX1800T(or F) and the Vulcan Nomad 1600.  After lots more research I bought the '08 Vulcan Nomad, and I haven't regretted it.  It's a smooth ride and is extremely responsive.  So far about the only thing I would change is to get a custom saddle with a nice backrest, but otherwise....it's sweet.  

The Kawasaki's are just well broken in, at 15,000 miles, assuming they are well cared for. That's about long enough to work the assembly line bugs out of them :-)

Some of the heavier riders, with heavier passengers, say the Kawasaki's don't have enough rear suspension for the load. Changing to Progressive shocks seems to satisfy them.

I've also seen people complaining about clutch slippage. The problem seems to be easily and permanently solved with installing some thicker washers to increase spring tension.

Finally, the stock cam chain adjusters have limited range and some people replace them with aftermarket adjusters, to get more miles from a set of cam chains.

Those are the only patterns of complaints I've seen for the Kawasaki's and most people make the changes themselves.

Many people find this site helpful...
http://www.gadgetjq.com/gadgetsfixitpage.htm

regards,
Joe  

Thanks guys. I was just out at a local dealer this morning. I'd like to throw a couple more bikes into the mix. How are the Vulcan 900 Classic LT's and the Suzuki Boulevard C50T's? Both look like great bikes.

Where is the best site to get honest reviews on all the bikes?

Thanks, Res  

>Where is the best site to get honest reviews on all the bikes?

There is none. What you will find is that there are forums devoted to individual lines of bikes, where owners discuss the bikes they ride. By taking the time to peruse each of those forums, you'll find the maintenance problems common to that line.

here's one for the Vulcans...

regards,
Joe  

HI Res,
I have owned a Vulcan 800 And now own a 02' 1500 classic.  Both were great bikes.  If your knees are on the weaker side you may want to go with the Vulcan 900.  It's a great bike, comfortable, and, when equipped with the tour package can take you miles and miles away in comfort.  The 1500 will go for miles.  Mine has 22k on it and I've had no problems but one, I hit a nasty bump and my kickstand spring ejected itself.  I have pushed my 1500 like a sport bike on the twisty roads often and it handles great for a cruiser.  I heartily recommend the Vulcans.  

Hi Res,
Just happened to check this link today and saw your note on the Yamaha.  Until recently, I had an 1100 V-Star Classic which I loved.  It had 'more than you need' power and a great low center balance.  Since I'm approx. 5'6" that helps when you can place your feet flat on ground.  I never had any problems with the bike and it was a great ride.  Recently purchased a BMW R1150R to perhaps do more touring with my husband.  Funny thing, he kept the BMW and I just purchased a 650 Suzuki Burgman Scooter which I have to say is the best of both worlds.  I can keep up EASILY with the BMW (0-60 in 4 sec).  I actually drive it about 25 miles to work at least 3 times a week.  Don't know if I will go back to a 'regular' motorcycle because I think this one is the ultimate, great ride, great mileage and so easy to drive...no shifting.  Recently another rider of one told me the way to get better mileage while on long drives was to use the optional manual (on left handlebar)controls to get close to 60 miles to the gallon.  Right now (city), I'm getting 50+.  Anyway, sorry for the long wind...here's to the RIDE!
Gloria  

I have a 2005 vulcan 2ooo with high miles and havent had any problems. One nice thing about the vulcan 2000 you dont have to ever adjust the valves,very comfortable great on long rides. Hope this helps good luck  

I to am looking at the Nomad. It has every thing drive shaft,water cooled and the best part its fuel injected.  

BTW, anyone that says the 1100 is a slouch doesn't know how to ride the bike... I almost had the same problem with my 800 Kawi till I read and learned(first bike). They are designed to rev free, if you upshift at low rpms, you get garbage for performance. 1100's are probably among the fastest of the Cruisers if you ride them correctly.  

As an owner of several Kawasaki's over the last 9 years I can attest to their reliability, looks and comfortable ride. I currently ride an 07' Nomad and will never be without one. To me there isn't a more aesthetically pleasing motorcycle out there. My suggestion would be a 1500 classic unless you plan on touring alot. I had a 1998 1500 classic a few years ago and kick myself for trading it in when I did. The previous owner had accessorized it nicely. My Uncle had the v-star 1100 and sold his once he saw my 1600 Nomad. He loves it and says he'll never own another bike. Good luck.