Tall Rider + small budget = hard to find! help!

I am looking for a cruiser to ride for the next 2-3 years that will fit comfortably after a few mods if necessary. I am 6'4'' about 215 lbs. I do not have any past experience (I am taking MSF) and i would like a bike that is decent to learn on but i will not outgrow in 2 months. I was thinking something around the 700-800cc range. I cannot afford anything over $1,500, so i realize i am making my search more and more difficult on myself. I have checked out a few old Honda VT700s and Suzuki Intruders, do you think these would be way too small for me? Would a few modifications help out? (handle bars, move foot pegs, etc)

Thanks in advance for your input!

Clint from Lancaster, PA  

You might consider the Kawasaki VN800 classic. With less trail than most other cruisers, it requires less manhandling than most midsized cruisers, when you make those early mistakes, and it is definitely sized for someone taller than my 5'8".

regards,
Joe  

I am over 6 feet and find the V-Star 1300 T very comfortable, they streched the frame 4 inches longer than the rest.