I’m looking for a motorcycle. I haven’t had one in 15 years but I’m anxious to get one now that I live in Cali. where I can use it year round. I want to buy a 750cc (kawa vulcan drifter is my first choice) mostly for price - $6,500 vs. $10,000 for the 1500cc but some people say this would be too small. If I should buy something around 1500cc I might as well splurge and buy a Victory. I saw a new 2002 for about $13,000.
I can afford either but I don’t feel I need the big engine. I weigh about 240, ht 5’ 10". The biggest I’ve had previously was a BMW R90. I want to use it for commuting but also for weekend trips. Is comfort an issue?
So can anyone tell me if 750-800cc will do me. Or do I need more power.
From what I can tell from your message, it seems pretty clear that you are interested in a cruiser. I mention this because a 750cc cruiser is completely different than a 750cc sportbike or standard (some of them, at least).
Beyond the size of the engine, you really ought to think about what your end goal it. If you get a 750ish bike and find that you love to be riding again, I think you will end up sliding up to a larger size to customize, enjoy, ect. However, a 750cc engine is plenty to get you around and across the country if you wanted.
Whether you get a 750 or 1500cc bike is probably more of an emotional decision if you can afford both.
Another avenue is that you could probably pick up a used Kawasaki Mean Streak 1500 or something similar in the sub $10,000 range because all the metric cruisers will run forever and ever.
My favorite 750? : The Honda Magna. At 750ccs it will flat out whip almost any other cruiser made. It uses the specially tuned V-4 (awesome engine) from the Intercepter line and it has mucho power smoothness. You can get a new one for under $8000 and a used one for much less. They look great two (completely symetrical). From the factory, its fast and powerful.
Good luck, and I hope you love it.
I ride a BMW 1150R Rockster and its been a blast.
I agree.
I don’t agree. 
Actually, the Magna is one of the few Hondas that just don’t do it for me. I haven’t ridden a new model since around 98, but I found them to be kinda bland and boring. Not a bad bike, to be sure, however.
Might also look into some of the newer Yamaha cruisers. Pretty nice stuff.
I am desperately trying to talk myself out of getting a new Triumph Rocket III… 2,294cc… 147ft.lbf torque at 2,500rpm… I really just don’t need to spend 15K right now…
If you are 240, I’d wager a guess you would feel the lack of power in the hills, or if you had a passenger. I am near that weight, and will get a 1100cc-ish bike for my next one because the wife adds a tiny bit of weight to the bike when she gets on. Just a tiny bit.
Just thought you ought to know.
Tris