Which one to buy?

My wife and I have decided to purchase our first cruiser, and since there are three kiddies at home, until they are grown, we are NOT buying new.  We really seem to like the 750 Shadow spirit,( shaft drive ), and the newer Vucan Custom.  Can anyone tell us their experiences/opinions on these, or hell, just give us newbies some advice!  We are not gonna do long treks, nor are we very big people to need a huge bike.  I'm only 5' 7!  Give us some feedback.  Thanks!  

I had the vulcan 800, and it was awesome. Ok, it had a chain drive with all the lubing issues, but, after I replaced the intake, gave it taller gears, and had the carbs adjusted correctly, it put out power very similar to a stock 900. I've had friends with the Intruder 800 (m50) who liked it, but complained about it on highway.
The "not long trips" is going to save you a bundle. My 800 Drifter was 1 person 700 miles in a day. 2 people, 200 miles, and the divorce attorneys are circling the bike. I ended up stepping up to a Wing. I'm 240lb, and my wife is over 100. It gives us enough space to be comfortable on long trips.  

Do yourself a favor and at least consider a Yamaha Roadstar. There are many used bikes available at reasonable prices. These bikes are great rides and virually bullet proof!
Bill D.
 

Dadofagun, I'll throw in a V Star 1100 or 1300. I ride an 1100, I go about 250 and my wife is no lightweight and it has plenty of power when we go two-up. The Roadstar is a great suggestion but might be a bit much bike for a newbie. I have two brothers-in-law who ride Roadstars 9both experienced riders) and they love them (they're 6'4" and 6"7" and the Roadstars fit them great).

The 1100 is a shaft drive, too, but has a design flaw in that you have to remove the pipes to change the oil filter unless you get (or the bike already has) an oil filter relocation kit, which goes for about $250 (you can find them a little less at DollarRider.com). It's a proven, very popular bike.

If you're not locked into shaft, a viable alternative is the Star 950. From what I've read about it and been told by a Yamaha dealer, the 950 costs less to get into (though it's only been out for about 2 years, so not many used ones to be had), gets better mileage, and is belt driven so about matches the 1100 in power and performance.

I got my 1100 (my first bike and a 1999 model) July '08 and it's been a perfect size. I've often wanted something bigger, not because the 1100 is inadequate but because I've found motorcycling such a blast I just want more! Is that so wrong? (hehe)

I would suggest getting something with a sissy bar for your wife's comfort and peace of mind (assuming she's on the back).

It's tricky to balance a bike big enough for two-up riding yet not too big for a newbie and not so small that you'll want to trade up in six months.

Something in a mid-size cruiser is what I'd look at. And talk to your dealer about recommendations, too. When I got my first bike, I also looked at a Roadstar and asked my friendly cycle shop owner if it was too much bike for a beginner (I'd just passed my MSF class), and he said he thought so.

And used is a great way to go because you will drop it and it'll sting less with a used bike.

BTW, I'm sold on the Star line (can you tell?!?) because, for the most part, they do everything well but won't necessarily be the class leader or bring up the rear. My father-in-law has a Vulcan 900 LT (light touring bike with windshield and saddlebags) and loves his. Another friend has a Honda 1300 and loves his. There's lots to choose from and one that's perfect for what you want to do.

Good luck finding the right bike for you. And remember, ride safe, watch out for cagers on cell phones, and thank The Man Upstairs for every safe ride.  

My first cruiser was a 2006 Honda VT750 Shadow great bike never had an issue with it, just get on a ride it has plenty of power to ride with the wife on the back nice clean no frills bike.  
MY RIDE: 2009 Pearl Black  Suzuki Boulevard M109R (VZR1800K9)
MODS: Cobra Dragster pipes/ K&N High flow air filters/ K&N High flow oil filter/ Dunlop E3 250 rear/ Chrome Grill

Kawasaki Vulcan is the best to choose as it has a wide range of colors suiting most men and women choice, I suggest you go for it.