10K-7K Range for 1st Cruiser, Help me choose!

Looking to buy my first cruiser soon:

My experience with cruiser riding has been my MS class, then renting a 2009 Harley Sportster for a weekend, and a 2009 Harley Road King. Both different bikes and interesting rides. I found the 1200 Sportster (which had custom pipes and a stage 1 kit) too loud and too rough a ride. Its fun for a few hours but then my butt goes numb. The Road King was amazing- getting used to the weight took a bit but after that I loved it. If I could justify the cost I would get it. Only issue with the Road King was the location of the instrument panel- too far of a look down to see anything.

So I am a few weeks away from buying my first bike and Ive narrowed it down to 6 ranging from most expensive to least (all are ’09 models):
1. Kawasaki Vulcan 1600
2. Honda VTX 1300R
3. Suzuki Boulevard M90
4. Yamaha V Star 1100 Classic
5. Yamaha V Star 950 Tourer
6. Suzuki Boulevard M50

I had originally been looking at the 600-700cc range but read a lot of posts from people that said they outgrew those bikes very quickly. Both Harley’s I rode were as or more powerful than these bikes and gave me no issues. My thought process is rather than buy a bike, trade it in after a year, and repeat the cycle I would buy a good sized bike and keep it till the wheels fall off. Also I am a big guy at 6’ 2” and 300lbs and want the ability to ride two up. Thoughts?

Without test driving any of the bikes yet my thought process has been: Cost, Engine, Injected or Carb, Driveshaft, method of coolant, Weight, obviously looks, availability of accessories, and location of the instrument panel on the bike.
My goal is to do weekend trips with any bike so accessories such as a windscreen, light bar, saddlebags, comfortable seat, and foot rests are a must for me. If anyone knows of issues with these bikes for getting those that would be a big help?

Questions:
-I live in Texas and the summers here get hot- I want to be able to ride for the better part of the day in the sun and not have to worry about overheating or not having precious parts of my body heated so I wouldn’t be ableto father children in the future. How concerned should I be of Liquid vs. Air cooled?
-Carburetor vs. Fuel Injected –ive heard that fuel injected is less of a hassle but you can tinker with a carburetor yourself. I know my way around a car engine but have never worked on a bike. Im a “don’t fix it if it aint broke” guy so most of the bikes I have been leaning towards are injected. Thoughts?
-Drive train- I like the idea of a drive shaft for lack of maintence. I know it adds a little weight but I am not too concerned about this. Thoughts?  

Thoughts, rants, and comments are welcome!  

I have to recommend the Yamaha/Star V-Star 1300 Tourer.  I'm a fairly new rider (less than a  year, but with about 5,000 miles under my belt), having started out on a V-Star 650 Classic I quickly learned that I needed more power for the amount of freeway riding I do.  Though the 1300 is a 650+ lb. bike, it is so well balanced that it actually felt lighter than the 650 (has a low center of gravity).  The thing flies on the highway and has a very comforts me ride for longer trips.  It is belt drive, water cooled and fuel-injected.  The Tourer comes with hard, leather covered saddlebags,, a windshield and passenger backrest.  I bought my new 2008 model in August for just over $10K, I've heard of even better deals, particularly on a leftover 2008 (the 09s are out).

If you are in a warm climate, I would recommend a water-cooled bike such as the V-Star 1300, less potential for overheating in traffic.  I much prefer fuel injection; east starti g and no choke.

Physically, I think the 1300 would be a good fit for you as well.  I'm a bit smaller (5' 9", 168 lbs.), and look a bit puny on the bike, though it is perfectly comfortable to me.

Fit and finish of the bike is outstanding!  I feel it compares very favorably from a looks and performance standpoint with comparable Harley's at a price that is around $5K less!

Just my thoughts.  You'll surely enjoy whatever you choose.  

Thanks SFBILL- I do really like that bike and I'll add it to my test drive list. Any issues you have had with the belt drive? Also how many miles do you usually get on yours once the low gas light comes on?  

I suggest you to buy a belt drive, linquid-cooled and fuel-injected motorcycle...so...
Honda VTX1300R: carburator...x
kawasaki 1600vn: belt drive, linquid-cooled and
                fuel-injected...and beautiful...YES!!!
Suzuki Boulevard M50:belt drive, linquid-cooled and  
               fuel-injected..but..UGLY!!
Suzuki Boulevard M90:belt drive, linquid-cooled and  
               fuel-injected..but..UGLY TOO!!
Yamaha V Star 1100 Classic:aircooled, carburator...NO WAY
Yamaha V Star 950 Tourer: aircooled...NO WAY...

Between the bikes you are checking..i suggest you..KAWASAKI VULCAN 1600CC

P.S.  There are also and other great bikes but there are a bit more expensive...Just check them out...
kawasaki 1700vn: belt drive, linquid-cooled and
               fuel-injected+ stereo system +abs
               +6 speedgearbox...The perfect bike!!!
BMW R1200C - R1200CL: Also great bike...but you can find
                     this model omly....used..
Harley V-rod: Great bike....but expensive and..too..small!  

I am also a 6' 300# rider and have been looking for a new bike this year I had been leaning twords the Vulcan 900 but now I think I wil look at the VStar 1300 for 2up riding. With the cold here FI is the way to go and I like the ease of belt drive repair. even with the 60# differance I think the 400cc's will more than make it a better ride even single.  

I usually get around 100-110 miles before the low fuel light comes on; but I'm a pretty hard rider.  I am usually getting in the low 40s for gas mileage, but have gotten up to 53 mpg on a longer cruise.  I've had no issues with the belt drive, and prefer it over the shaft drive on my former bike (V-Star 650 Classic); the shaft drive felt a bit abrupt on takeoff, the belt drive feels smoother to me.

Bill  

Sorry, I forgot to mention that I have ridden around 25 miles with the low fuel light on, but could likely go a bit further, but wouldn't want to chance it  

After Riding for several years, and several kinds of bikes, weather Street, Dirt, or Race. I want pretty much the best bike for the money. For any rider with some riding experience, I would choose the Stratoliner. I can get flowers, diapers if needed, or milk. I can out run most any Harley. I get alot of looks, and compliments. The bike rides like a DREAM, even double-up power when needed. I can corner quicker and safer than I did on any of my Harleys, Roadstar, or Magnas. The Stratoliner is a Great Bike Hands Down! But so is the Honda XR650 for dirt explorations, Suzuki GSXR 750's and 1000's for Mountain Roads or Race Tracks, the Honda RC51 V-Twin 1000, and the Goldwing 1800's for ANY TRIP. Hope this helps, and starts some replys, Chazzei1  

I sold my 04 VTX1300R in late Nov. 08 and she had 30,000 miles on her.  NO MAINTENANCE on fuel system or shaft drive whatsoever!  Adjusted valves two times!  I averaged over 38mpg over the life of the bike with a high of 44 mpg and a low of around 34 mpg.  You want reliable and fun and plenty strong go VTX.  Sharp looking bike and GREAT for two up IF you buy a custom seat like a Mustang with backrest for you and backrest for your babe.  I had windshield, leather bags + a tool bag on the handle bars for accessaries.  I got 10,000 miles on each set of tires but did have 3 flats over the life of the bike.  Get the mag wheels so you can plug the tire and not require a tow to the bike shop for tire repairs.  Join Honda Riders Club & get free tows if you need them.  Best value in a used bike with low miles (around $6500 if you shop hard).  I stepped up and now ride an 08 Triumph Rocket lll Touring.  WOW - no comparision but twice the $ too!  This is my last mid-life crisis ;-)  

I agree with Chazzei1.  I Love the Stratoliner.  Star (Yamaha Cruiser brand name now)has a Stratoliner custom, I forget the name.  I rode it just after it came out last summer.  What a fun ride.  I have ridden Beemers, Harleys, Hondas, Kawis and this bike has a superior ride and finish.  The fun and WOW factor is way up there.  Good luck with the search.  Mostly, just make sure it fits you. At least one foot flat on the ground, comfortable reach to the handlebars (elbows slightly bent).  Oh yeah, totally, the "Cool factor"
Cheers  
Jay T.
www.ridesafe.today.com

A 300 pound rider, plus a passenger, plus luggage for the weekend... How heavy is that passenger?

Modern cruisers are usually rated for somewhere in the vicinity of 400 pounds maximum, of riders, cargo and acessories. While it's not unusual to load up more than a bike is rated for, it's a bad idea to plan to routinely exceed the capacity of the rear suspension on a bike that has a belt or chain drive. Being able to adjust the rear suspension preload so the sprocket centers and swingarm pivot pin are all in a line, when going down the road, is critical to long term reliability of the chain and belt drive systems. That would seem to rule out any bike that doesn't have a shaft drive, unless you can find one rated for over 500 pounds.

regards,
Joe  

Hi Joe,
If your are replying to me on the 300#, I am righ now 290 (and losing) and the wife is about 130(dont tell her I said so) that brings us to 420. the load limit on Vstar 1300 is 463# and she wont ride for more than 60 miles so weekend rides are more likly trailer the bike to area we want to check out ride from hotel in short hops and then return.
My Long distance riding partner will be my son on my old 84 magna 700.  

I was replying to MorleyJC's original post, where he commented that in addition to riding two up, he would be riding on weekend trips.

regards,
Joe  

All of the bikes you are considering are good bikes.  All of the features that different opinions promote are based largely on personal preference and experience.  Belt, shaft or chain drive - - on modern bikes, all are reliable and suitable for your purpose.  Air or water-cooled: again, modern bikes in either mode are excellent and will give you many years of trouble-free service.  And either one can get hot to sit on in Texas in July.

In my (humble) opinion, the determining factor in your case is your size, the accessories you want to add, and the fact that you will want to ride two up occasionally.  All of these desires speak to the need for the largest, most powerful bike you can afford.  Stop short of that, and you will be trading up sooner, rather than later.

I ride a Stratoliner, and like several other posters, think it is the ultimate ride  - - for my needs. I came to this conclusion only after trading up from six or seven other bikes over a number of years. It doesn't fit in your price range however, and neither do a lot of other really nice big bikes.  So I'd follow exactly the path you are on:  ask for opinions, read the literature, but mostly, try to test drive every bike you are interested in and can afford, in the manner in which you want to use it - - and then make an educated choice.
Even so, I predict you will trade up later, but by following the intelligent route you are already on, you may not have to trade up as often as some others do.  Good luck, and great riding!  

I would give another vote for the Star lineup of bikes. I'm 6'0", 195# and I used to own the Suzuki M-50 (GREAT balanced bike but just too small) and now I own the Star Roadliner (naked version of the Stratoliner). The balance, quality, fit/finish, power, handling....etc are at the top of the Cruiser world, but with a price tag. If you cannot sqeeze into the price range of the fully dressed Stratoliner (around $11,500-12K if you check E-bay) or Roadliner (around $9.5K off E-bay) then I would HIGHLY recommend the Star 1300 Tourer. This bike is modeled after the 'Liner models and is very well balanced with similar looks...only a little smaller and lighter.

The Star motorcycles are so well balanced that they feel significantly lighter than similar models from other manufacturers. I didn't really believe this until I rode the bike but I was a believer after the test ride.....and this is coming from a guy who was hell bent on getting an American made Victory Kingpin, which is one of the few bikes that I felt came close to the 'Liner in quality, performace and balance.

Best of luck to you and keep us posted on your final choice.