Metric Cruisers

[Sean L]

Hello all, I'm looking for an opinion on upgrading my motorcycle. I currently have a 2003 Yamaha VStar 650 Silverado and I really think I've outgrown it. She's good for back roads and around town but she seems revved out at highway speeds, and it seems like they really could have included a 6th gear to help with that.

Ideally, A Kawasaki Nomad would be a good replacement, but in the event I can't find one for a good price would a smaller displacement Japanese Branded Cruiser with fuel injection still be a good choice? Or would I feel the same about a Honda Shadow on the highway?

Also, Most used Harley-Davidson and Indian Motorcycles are still above what I am looking to pay for a bike.

Any thoughts?

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[caged]

if you like your current V star, maybe look into another, but either an 1100 or 1300. they are nice bikes.
i have a couple friends that ride a v star. i rode one of theirs and it was pretty sweet. lots of power.

my father in law rode harleys for years, but bought a kawasaki nomad 1500. that bike was nice, but she's big.

 

[Sean L]

if you like your current V star, maybe look into another, but either an 1100 or 1300. they are nice bikes.
i have a couple friends that ride a v star. i rode one of theirs and it was pretty sweet. lots of power.

my father in law rode harleys for years, but bought a kawasaki nomad 1500. that bike was nice, but she's big.

Thanks, I'd look at the 1100 but I'd like to get away from carburetors for now. The 950 and 1300 don't really do it for me in the appearances though. Maybe a 1300 Deluxe but I really haven't seen those around much.

 

[Dogboyslim]

I had a Suzuki M50. It was also a bit wrung out on the highway, but I loved it around town. I ended up trading it for a v-strom because the cruiser seating position aggravated by lower back issues and the upright seating of the v-strom was great, and had way more power with 650ccs than the 800cc M50. Anyway, my point was that if you are going to get something for more highway (70 mph+) from a cruiser, you probably want something over 1000 CCs. Best of luck!

 

[Sean L]

I had a Suzuki M50. It was also a bit wrung out on the highway, but I loved it around town. I ended up trading it for a v-strom because the cruiser seating position aggravated by lower back issues and the upright seating of the v-strom was great, and had way more power with 650ccs than the 800cc M50. Anyway, my point was that if you are going to get something for more highway (70 mph+) from a cruiser, you probably want something over 1000 CCs. Best of luck!

Ah, Figured as much. I shouldn't have an issue finding a bigger cruiser for a good price when it comes time.

 

[caged]

right now i have a project bike that i've been riding for the last two summers. started life as an 883 but was bored out to 1200. it's still a little slow on the top end, so my plan now is to do a hammer 1275 kit with andrews N4 cams and mikuni 42 carb. then want to chop off the rear swing arm and do a hardtail kit with springer fork.
it's a great in town bike, but i need a cruiser for the highway. so i will see what i can find come springtime. but that's when the prices go up.
you should be able to find a nice metric cruiser for 3 to 4 grand that is more than 1000cc. they're making 1800's now.

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