Which Cruiser

I'm thinking about getting a cruiser soon for next riding season. Right now I just ride sportbikes and dirtbikes. I have it narrowed down to 3. Vulcan 2000, VTX 1800, or a Honda Fury. I love the looks of the Honda Fury the best, but like the bigger size bikes. Any experience which is best??  

fastride09, if you can, ride each before deciding. I haven't ridden any of these but the motorcycle mags all have ride reviews. Cycle World's current issue has good story about making mods to a Fury. Motorcyclist also did a comparison between the Fury and a Big Dog K9 earlier this summer. Something they noted is that the Fury (which Catterson ended up referring to the Furby by the end of the article) won't go faster than 99 mph, though most other things I've read about the Fury are positive (biggest criticism I've see is that the "chrome" is all plastic, as are the fenders, but that's how Honda chose to reduce the bike's weight).

If quality carries through a line, the Vulcan would be a good choice. My father-in-law rides a 900 LT and loves it! He's had no problems with it.

I ride a V Star 1100 and really like the whole Star line. Have you checked them out? Stars in the size you're look at include the Roadstars, Stratoliner (my favorite and one I will have one day), Warrior (might appeal to the streetbiker in you in a cruiser format), and Royal Stars. My general take on the Star line is that they are dependable rides that may or may not lead their classes and have very good price points.

Hope this helps. Since cruisers differ so much from sportbikes, definitely ride what you can. They can feel drastically different.

Good luck on making your choice. Ride safe, watch out for cagers on cell phones, and thank The Man Upstairs for every safe ride.  

CruiserBruiser:
fastride09, if you can, ride each before deciding. I haven't ridden any of these but the motorcycle mags all have ride reviews. Cycle World's current issue has good story about making mods to a Fury. Motorcyclist also did a comparison between the Fury and a Big Dog K9 earlier this summer. Something they noted is that thee Fury (which Catterson ended up referring to the Furby by the end of the article) won't go faster than 99 mph, though most other things I've read about the Fury are postive (biggest criticism I've see is that the "chrome" is all plastic, as are the fenders, but that's how Honda chose to reduce the bike's weight).

If quality carries through a line, the Vulcan would be a good choice. My father-in-law rides a 900 LT and love it! He's had no problems with it.

I ride a V Star 1100 and really like the whole Star linee. Have you checked them out? Stars int he size you're look at include the Roadstars, Stratoliner (my favorite and one I will have one day), Warrior (might appeal to the streetbike in you in a cruiser format), and Royal Stars. My general take on the Star line is that they are dependable rides that may or may not lead their classes and have very good price points.

Hope this helps. Since cruisers differ so much from sportbikes, definitely ride what you can. They can feel drastically different.

Good luck on making your choice. Ride safe, watch out for cagers on cell phones, and thank The Man Upstairs for every safe ride.

fastride09, I agree, test ride as many as you can, but I can attest to the versatility, handling, carrying capacity, and comfort of the Vulcan VN900.  Good gas mileage, plenty of power to get down the road.  This Sept took an 800 mile trip to North Shore Lake Superior, side boxes and trunk fully loaded and pulled a trailer total weight 300# and with 2 up! Cruised the freeway at 70mph for hours on end, no problem, still got 45mpg!  Lots of goodies out there for customizing. Take a look at my 900 Classic "cruiser". In '08 it took us from SD to Yellowstone Park, 10days of gear loaded (without trailer that time). "VN900 TOURING" on photobucket.
http://photobucket.com/ironsinthefire_bucket
http://ironsinthefire.webs.com  
Ride Safe and No Faster Than Your Guardian Angel Can Fly !!

If there was truly a best bike... only 1 bike would be made.
The 1800's are large, heavy, stable, and slightly resistant to turning.
1300's like the Fury, have less weight, and as a result are going to be a little more nimble, and a little less stable.
You just have to pick which areas you are willing to give up  

Before you choose an VTX1800 over a VTX1300 you might want to check some reviews. The 1300 got better reviews at least in 2008 and the 1800 didn't score too well. The 1300 was considered a better buy and bike. Try looking into web reviews of the others.  

The Vulcan and VTX are cruisers and the Fury is a new chopper.  If you like something inbetween you may want to think about the STAR Raider.  It is a 1900cc with the same engine as the Stratoliner and Roadliner (I have the Stratoliner and really love it but I suggest one of them if you really preferred the cruiser style).  The Raider gets really good reviews. I've done a brief ride on it and found it fun but I like a cruiser more.  The Raider doesn't have as 70's a look as the Fury does with much less exposed frame and a sort of funky looking rear light/license plate holder.  But it would give you the big engine, rides really well, and has gotten really good reviews in every article I've read.  I'd suggest you at least look at it, especially if you have a STAR/Yamaha dealer in your area.