Moving to a cruiser...possibly.

Discussion in 'General VFR Discussions' started by VFRkat, Aug 8, 2014.

  1. MichaelD

    MichaelD New Member

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    On the money. My VTX is super easy to work on. Valve adjustments super simple.
    Not much you need a shop to do its so simple. With 45k on the clock its only had my mitts on it. Sounds great with a set of Vance and Hines with the carb kit it runs great to. Just got this done last week. Great bike.
     
  2. duccmann

    duccmann Member

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    VTX is that a1300?

    Sent from my SGH-T679 using Tapatalk 2
     
  3. MichaelD

    MichaelD New Member

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    I have the VTX 1300 C model. There's also the 1800 models, they can be a chore to ride in stop and go low speed.
     
  4. VFRkat

    VFRkat New Member

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    Here are a couple pics of the Shadow. The only VTXs I can find are all above trade range for the 1300. The previous owner had it painted satin black.

    Having trouble making a decision...

    2.jpg
    1.jpg
     
  5. TOE CUTTER

    TOE CUTTER Mullet Man

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    I think I would rather walk.
     
  6. ridervfr

    ridervfr Member

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    Neither? sorry, you wanted an honest opinion. Get a VTX1300 and call it a day.
     
  7. VFRkat

    VFRkat New Member

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    Yeah, don't worry about it. I wouldn't expect the styling to appeal to everyone. I'm still not sold personally either.

    I did just come across this for sale though:

    1988 Super Magna
    SuperMagna.JPG

    It's within grasp price wise and I think would be a pretty cool bike to own. It's just getting up there for age is all.
     
  8. TOE CUTTER

    TOE CUTTER Mullet Man

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    I tried several years ago to help another VFR World member with his very clean "Super Magna" that had transmission issues but he was never able to find any of the parts needed. Something to keep in mind.
     
  9. MichaelD

    MichaelD New Member

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    You should be able to find a 06 or soVTX 1300 with 15k miles for about 3500-4000 with a shield and bags. Well around these parts. Kansas. Toes correct about parts and its hard to get a dealership to work on that old of a bike. A friend has a V65 Magna but also has a couple parts bikes. Have you thought about risers to take the pressure off your wrists and a foot peg lowering kit to sit you more upright. A touring wind screen will knock the wind down also. Just a thought.
     
  10. Gweglez

    Gweglez New Member

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    Shame about the cost neutral part, I really like the CTX1300's myself, a contender for my next bike which will also be a cruiser type machine
     
  11. zoom-zoom

    zoom-zoom Member

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    I have ridden the Shadow 750 and it is indeed a nice machine. Honda reliability and build quality and it certainly has a more upright riding position. The only thing I couldn't get used to was the riding position. Since I already suffer from chronic low back pain, I find the sitting straight up riding position with my feet farther forward to put too much weight and thus pressure on my lower back. This is more of a personal preference though I realize. The idea of the ST1300 might also be a great alternative as they are more upright and quite comfortable.

    While my wife and the kids were off visiting her parents on the island for a couple weeks I had the chance to get in a fair bit of solo riding and something struck me rather unexpectedly. I had noticed a need for a more upright position offered by adding heli-bars to take a bit of pressure off my wrists. I do a lot of two up riding with my 7 year old son Liam, and found my wrists bothering me more and more, but while the family was away I rode a fair bit on my own and noticed that even after a few day long rides there was little discomfort at all. The only reason that made sense is that my son usually leans against me when riding, and the extra weight really pours on the pressure on my wrists.

    If I were to move to a cruiser style bike, personally I might be tempted to try a VMAX. Still has the V4 engine, sound and the ability to wick it up in the twisties if desired. Did I mention the sound they make...........almost as nice as the VFR. One bike I have ridden lately is my boss's V-Strom 650, and it is without a doubt a comfortable bike, and has the benefit of being able to venture off the paved road when you feel the need for a change of scenery. For two up riding the V-Strom 1000 might be a better choice but I think the 650 would do you just fine, even with your daughter on board.

    Maybe keep both for a little while and see which one actually speaks to you more. Just because you can run fast on the bike, doesn't mean you HAVE to. I say this because I really missed my 97 after I sold it and greatly regretted selling the bike and hope and would not wish you the same horrific experience. LOL
     
  12. zoom-zoom

    zoom-zoom Member

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    Ooh, and just as a side note Kat, if you do decide to sell the bike, could I perhaps ship my wheels to you in exchange for your chrome ones. Love the chrome wheels and you know they would go to a good home. LOL.
     
  13. VFRkat

    VFRkat New Member

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    Hey zoom!

    I totally would exchange wheels with you. Unfortunately I had a guy come by yesterday to look at the bike and he really liked them. I think he's going to buy it. Sorry man. If I had of known...

    I appreciate the replies too. There is a lot to think about and to choose from out there. I think I've decided against the Shadow, any of them. Not the right look for me. I did find one of these I'm very seriously considering now. A 2007 Suzuki Boulevard M50. Love the look, fuel injected, nice extras, 25,000kms and a little more power than the Shadows. He's got a removable windscreen, custom seat with removable backrests too. I dig the colour too with the ghost flames on the tank.

    2007-Suzuki-BoulevardM503.jpg
     
  14. metallyguitarded

    metallyguitarded New Member

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    That ergo website is awesome.

    I understand the desire to get a more comfortable bike. I want it all - speed, handling, braking, dependability, aesthetics AND comfort. Of course, I'm not alone in wanting those things. I wish I had a bigger budget and bigger garage so I could have at least three bikes at any time. Until then, I'm left trying to find the one bike that delivers the most of what I'm looking for. I'm convinced the VFR is a keeper and will do everything I can to hold on to it even if I'm able to buy another bike some day. I ended up selling my first bike (and have had a number of bikes since) and I regret it. I wish I would have kept it, if for no other reason than the fact it was my first. It was nothing special (Kawasaki Vulcan 900) but it was new and I was new to riding and I loved it. What it lacked in speed and handling, it made up for in comfort. Your VFR is a great bike. I suspect it's one you might one day regret giving up.

    I'm sure you've thought it all through a bunch and if you could, you'd hold on to it and buy another, more comfortable bike for your longer rides. You've gotten a lot of good suggestions on what to go for (and some interesting feedback). Personally, I really like the Trophy and am seriously considering getting a CB1100. I like the look of the Boulevard that you're considering. Everyone's going to have their favorites and bikes they can't stand. Hopefully, one will call out to you more than others. I'm sure you'll be able to find a number of bikes that you'd be happy with. Good luck.

    My first bike:

    View attachment 28499 View attachment 28500
     
  15. Alaskan

    Alaskan Member

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    Why not invest in handlebar risers and the Sato adjustable rearsets? Then you'll have a cruiser comfort AND that sporty V-4 fun. Best of both worlds.
     
  16. VFRkat

    VFRkat New Member

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    Well, the VFR is gone. Unexpectedly quickly too. Guy showed up to look at it about an hour ago, loved it and made a great offer. I think he appreciated the compulsive nature in which li kept the bike and all the documentation and parts.

    Not sure how I feel about it watching him drive away... I miss it already!

    I think I'll be getting that 2007 Boulevard M50 Limited. The M50 was initially at the top of my cruiser wish list bit they were a little pricey. I didn't think I would find one never mind a limited. Gorgeous looking bike in my eyes and it has an aftermarket seat and handle bars, windscreen, saddle bags. Hopefully it's as described and as nice as the pictures.
     
  17. zoom-zoom

    zoom-zoom Member

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    Hmmm M50Kat, not quite the same ring to it, but ah well. Good to hear that you were able to sell quickly as the more time passed on more drawn out the sale, the more you might have thought about keeping the ole girl. WAIT, what was I thinking, you should have.......... :(

    Don't forget to wave at all us fellow VFR dudes as you cruise off in to the sunset................. You'll be back. If you move to BC at some point, you may want something with a bit more cornering clearance. LOL
     
  18. metallyguitarded

    metallyguitarded New Member

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    I agree. The Boulevard is a nice looking ride. I'm sure you have mixed feelings on letting the VFR go but what matters most is that you'll still be riding now that you'll be more comfortable. So, congrats for that.
     
  19. Alaskan

    Alaskan Member

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    Have fun with your new motorcycle, amigo.

    So many bikes, so little time . . .




    .
     
  20. VFRkat

    VFRkat New Member

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    Off to look at the Boulevard M50 tomorrow. If it is all it appears to be I'll be driving it home. Looks like a Mustang seat on there which should be nice and comfy.

    The new owner of MY VFR was back by today to pick up a couple tidbits I had forgotten about. I could hear it coming from down the street and knew that sound! I told him about the forum and think he'll join up here.

    zoom-zoom, I've already warned him you might want the chromed wheels...but you can still try lol. He seems attached to them already.

    Take care all. Great community here, great bikes! Off I go to cruiser land....at least for a while.
     
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