I’ve been doing some research on a 400 versus a 650 for a Suzuki Burgman, and from what I understand the 400 is perfectly capable of highway speeds, but the 650 can run at 75-80 mph for hours without an issue. The 400 is noticeably sluggish going through mountains and the like while the 650 has no problem. If you’re looking at long road trips, a 650cc ought to be more than enough.
Granted, all my knowledge of motorcycles at this point is book-learnin’, so take it for what it’s worth. For all I know a 650cc on a cruiser may be entirely different from a 650cc on a touring scooter.
Well, the weight is just as important as the power. I’m not a small guy by any stretch, and my old 450 still manages to max out at about 75-80mph (as long as I’m not on a steep incline). But it’s just too light to be on the freeway. At these speeds, I get pushed around quite a bit by the wake of larger vehicles. Granted, the vast majority of motorcycles are smaller than cars, so this isn’t going to be completely avoidable no matter what I get. But I want something that will be a lot more stable at highway speeds.
Well as I’ve said, I had a Honda Shadow VLX 600. I put about 20k miles on it, a lot of those in the first year. I hit almost every state east of the Mississippi, did one 1100 mile day on it, and really can’t remember a time when it wasn’t enough for me. I think it would top out around 90-95, never took it that high, so freeway speeds were not a problem. I had a windshield on it, and though you would get soaked in a good rain, it worked pretty well.
Since I’ve never spent much time on older bikes I can’t say what the power difference is. I do know the 250 Nighthawk has no power, wouldn’t even get past 60. A 250 Ninja is actually faster then the 600 I had. I don’t think you’ll have any problem with any cruiser above the 5-600 range if it’s from the mid 90s on.
You do have the experience so I wouldn’t hesitate to say you could ride a much bigger cruiser, even the 1100+. I don’t see the point in these huge damn machines they have out now a days. I personally wouldn’t get one, mostly because I don’t need the extra weight, burns more gas, and higher cost.
Honestly it depends on what type of riding you’d like to do. For years I was doing a lot of touring, I’ve seen all the lower 48 and a lot of Europe. Most of that done on the Connie. If you’re looking at that, then a sport tourer is probably the way to go, it will be more comfortable, larger gas tank, more storage area, much better protection from the elements. However if you’re just looking at riding a few hundred miles for the most part then a cruiser will work just fine. I almost went with the Shadow 1100 instead of the Connie when I was looking nine years ago.
If you’re looking at a lot of touring, you’ll want the pegs under you as much as possible. This allows you to put more weight on the legs and you can move around more. I know my Shadow didn’t allow much movement since the pegs were forward. I think that maybe the biggest thing you want to look for. I don’t know much about floorboards as I’ve never ridden a bike with one, nor looked into getting them.
I’m not much into the different motorcycles. Hell I’ve just looked and am surprised at the differences in the past few years. I know more about the touring, riding aspect. I hope I’ve helped out some though. If you’re looking for touring advice, especially long distance stuff I can help out there. I do think that if you find a cruiser that’s above a 600-750 you’ll be good to go. What you’ll be missing is more places to store stuff, and the back seat will be smaller. I wouldn’t have a problem with hopping on my old 600 and riding cross country, so power shouldn’t be a problem.
Edward, I meant to thank you for that last post – very much appreciated. That also goes to everyone else who has participated in this thread.
This morning, I had to drive most of the way to work. During my time crawling along on the freeway, I must have counted 25 motorcycles lane-splitting their way past me. Cruisers, Ninjas, sport tourers, and at least one Harley. All of them seemed to be having a better time than I was in my cager.
I think I’ll be happy with whatever I end up with.
No kidding. I’ve signed up for an MSF class this month. I was a little unsure of whether or not I wanted to go through with it, but as I was reading up on how to control a bike, countersteering and whatnot, I remembered riding my bicycle in college and how much I enjoyed that. I’m really looking forward to being able to commute on two wheels again.
It sounds so cliché, but even on my little seven mile (round-trip) daily commute on my putt-putt bike, there’s a freedom that comes with two-wheeling that I just haven’t experienced any other way.
Looking forward to hearing about your own adventures once you join the club!
I’ve ridden when it’s been over 100, and it’s not a pleasant experience. And that’s without the humidity you get down there.
Of course, a lot of yokels around here simply ride in shorts and t-shirts when it gets warm. :rolleyes: I don’t even blink at it anymore, except for when I see the occasional person who wear sandals or flip flops while riding. :smack:
Bosstone’s post reminded me: You ARE going to take the MSF course or an equivalent, aren’t you?
ETA: Regarding wearing full safety gear in 100+ degree heat: When someone asks “Aren’t you hot in all that gear?”, a good standard reply is “Well, thanks for noticing…”
Same here. I was pleased to see two folks in helmets this morning, although only one was wearing a jacket. I saw another cruiser with two guys on it, both in raggedy t-shirts and jeans. Here’s hoping they never actually get in an accident.
I think Bosstone already covered it, but if that was directed at me, my wife and I spent a very romantic weekend back in September '06 taking and passing the MSF course together at a local community college. I wouldn’t have sat on a motorcycle without it. I feel pretty strongly about safety and safety gear. The only time I’ve ever ridden anywhere without a jacket was home from the train station when I couldn’t get the lock on the Connie’s hard bag unjammed (my jacket was inside).
I just ran across an ad for a BMW K1200RS. I think it’s bogus because the price doesn’t make any sense compared to what I’ve seen others going for, and I’ve yet to get a response to my questions to the person doing the advertising.
Regardless, I’m curious as to whether anyone has an opinion on this particular model.
I’ve heard good things about BMWs, but have never ridden one or known someone who has. NADA lists 98 K1200RS at about $3900 - 4900, so it looks like a good deal, but not insane (although a quick glance at Cycle Trader they seem to be going much higher).
The craigslist listing says Antelope Valley. If you’d like me to take a look at it for you, I can (if he ever gets back to you and it’s not in Victorville or something - or not tomorrow).
That is an awesome offer, thank you. I’ll let you know if I hear back from the guy. The thing is, the offer seems close to insane to me given that the bike actually has low mileage for its age. No reason is given for the sale or the low price.
As for BMWs in general, my friend who loaned me the Concours currently has an RT which he’s extremely fond of (except for the cost of maintenance), so I think well of the brand already.
So, in the end, I got an offer I couldn’t refuse. You know the Concours I mentioned in the OP that my friend had loaned me for a few months? I’m going to buy it from him. Should have it by next weekend.
