Your help and thoughts are very much appreciated. I'm trying to find a used bike for commuting, cruising and general fun in the sun. I'm 44 and coming back to riding  after a 20 yr hiatus. I have to choose a bike that is a good fit for a 6'2 225 lb guy. My budget is around $3500.00. Checking craigslist in my area (North Jersey) there are a few interesting choices.  1st up is 1980 HD Sportster 1000cc for $3300.00 here: http://newjersey.craigslist.org/mcy/737318563.html
2nd up is a 1987 Honda Magna for $3000.00  here: http://newjersey.craigslist.org/mcy/737133989.html
3rd is a 1994 HONDA SHADOW VT1100 for $3350.00 here: http://newjersey.craigslist.org/mcy/736581830.html
4th is a 1997 BMW R850R w/ABS for $3500.00 here: http://newjersey.craigslist.org/mcy/736066420.html
5th is a 93 Yamaha 1100CC VIRAGO for $3800.00 here: http://newjersey.craigslist.org/mcy/734504875.html
6th and last is a Kawasaki Vulcan 800 for $3500.00 here: http://newjersey.craigslist.org/mcy/732773796.html
Thanks in advance!  

I have an opinion but it's only worth what you've paid for it

1) I've been told to avoid the pre 1987 HDs.
2) Decent
3) Very nice bike, I would test drive this one.
4) Not a fan of BMW, no help here.
5) Not too shabby.
6) My favorite (but then I'm a Vulcan owner and looking for a 900 to upgrade my 500 so I'm partial).  I do like the pipes and the seat is great (Corbin seats are a favorite where I live).  Test drive this one too.

To sum up I'd go with #6 or #3.

Mike  

I did much the same as you -- rode in college, then stopped.  Back at it again at age 54!  I currently ride a customized 2002 Honda Magna 750.  It's an incredibly fast, high performance bike. At around 85 horse power, you can keep up with much larger bikes.  The fun part is, you'll smoke bigger bikes (Harelys included) from a red light.  I've done it numerous times; but only when challenged, of course.  
However, the Magna you're looking at is quite a bit older than mine.  And the Magna frame may be a tad small for a guy your height.  (Although my Yamaha 1300 Royal Star-riding brother enjoys riding my Magna. And he's 6'1") It's absolutely perfect for a 5'9" woman like me.  
I don't think you can go wrong with the Kawasaki Vulcan (perennial favorite of many cruiser reviewers).  But I have a friend who has the Shadow 1100 and really loves that bike.
Good luck and may you enjoy whatever bike you decide on.
Melanie  

At 35, and a brand new rider, I went with a 1987 Virago 1100.  As my opinion will be biases, I would say go for that one.  It has good power, flexibility and reliability (so far I have only had to replace the battery).  It is an easy bike and light weight (about 550lbs full).  I have been enjoying it since May.  

Have Fun

Steve  

Stay away from the Sporty. You are much too big for it.

All the other bikes you have cited are good solid motorcycles.  I would try to sit on a few, and see which fits best.  Since you are fairly tall, you will be more comfortable with a more stretched out bike.  I found myself sitting on the pillion pad on the Honda VT1100 I had, so I went looking for a bigger bike. I would suggest more of a cruiser, althought the Magna and BMW are great bikes.

IndianBob