Moving to a cruiser...possibly.

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

  1. VFRkat

    VFRkat New Member

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    Well, I'm thinking about making the move into a cruiser style bike. The way I ride and my age don't seem to justify having a bike that can do way more than I can plus I find a little uncomfortable on my wrists and knees for longer hauls. So I was thinking about trading the VFR for a Shadow or something similar.

    Right now I have a guy who wants to trade his 2003 Honda Shadow ACE 750. Anyone driven one? It's nice from the pics and has a lot of extras but I have not ridden one. From what I've read they are reliable and the ergonomics put a lot less on the wrists and knees. I know it won't be fast, but I never ride that way any more. My daughter is mostly on the back with me now a days.

    Any thoughts?
     
  2. sunofwolf

    sunofwolf New Member

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    Bad Billy will get you
     
  3. Y2Kviffer

    Y2Kviffer Insider

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    I have ridden both the 750 and 1100 and they are good bikes. If you just want to ride, the 750 will be a fine, dependable bike. But the 1100 has a lot more torque and you will appreciate that especially if you are going to be riding 2 up much, and longer distances. Both sit you up in the traditional cruiser postion.
     
  4. FMB42

    FMB42 New Member

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    I, by chance, switched from sport bikes to a cruiser during the mid and late '80s (mint '82ish Yam 650 twin).

    Didn't think I'd like the riding style, but it was the only bike I had at the time (I bought it on the cheap). However, it wasn't that bad (my back and wrists really liked it).

    However, the biggest problem I had was that I'd occasionally forget that I was riding a bone stock cruiser while cornering... This got me into "trouble" several times when I pushed it too hard on twisty roads and the like. The good thing for you is that the Honda you're looking at probably handles much better than my Yam 650 did.
     
  5. Scubalong

    Scubalong Official Greeter?

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    Try the ST1300 before the cruiser
    :thumb:
     
  6. Badbilly

    Badbilly Official VFRWorld Troll Of The Year!

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    The OP asked for thoughts, not babble about getting someone. If your obsession with dark thoughts continues, see a mental health specialist. Please do this before you run into one of those 225 lb bodybuilder shemales who is passive-aggressive and allergic to cats.
     
  7. sunofwolf

    sunofwolf New Member

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    Ok, I send you some cat hair!
     
  8. PawnBoy

    PawnBoy New Member

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    I'm with scuba. I'd look into touring bikes before cruisers personally, and with an ST1300 you wouldn't even have to give up the V4.
     
  9. tombrad283

    tombrad283 New Member

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    if your not lookin at new ones look for a magna still the v4 grunt n pretty comfy cruiser! i traded one for the minicepter n i miss it want another one lol
     
  10. V4toTour

    V4toTour New Member

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    Ducati Diavel
    moto guzzi California 1400
    Black 2015 Indian scout
     
  11. Scubalong

    Scubalong Official Greeter?

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    Sir you have an expensive taste and I like it :thumb:
    I am not sure if the OP want to go that route :rolleyes:
     
  12. V4toTour

    V4toTour New Member

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    Honda shadows are... Functional, like a working toilet. If he wants something cheaper and keep that VFRish sound could always track down a used VMAX
     
  13. slovcan

    slovcan New Member

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    V65 Magna. There is a "sister" board with thousands of Maggie owners. Their bikes are usually meticulously cared for and every now and then one comes up on the Classifieds. One just posted yesterday, but it might be in California - about as far from NS as you can get without swimming.

    The V-Max (earlier ones anyway) have a reputation for starter troubles, but I think you can maybe put in a newer style starter that is better.

    Whoever said sport-touring or touring is on the money. OP, do yourself a favour and ride a sport-tourer - not a behemouth or a sofa. I have a Triumph Trophy 900 adjusted to me with Genmar riser, tall windshield & Rick Mayer seat. I don't think I could find a more comfortable, satisfying bike for 12 hour days that weighs 600 lbs or less. The only bike I think that really compares with my Trophy is the Yamaha FJR1300, but it's got monster hp/torque compared to my 900. In every other way - especially comfort - I think it is equal.

    I love this website http://cycle-ergo.com/ .

    Cheers,
    Glenn
     
  14. VFRkat

    VFRkat New Member

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    Thanks for the input guys. I have to keep this basically cost neutral. So right now I'm looking for an even trade or to sell and find something for the same price. The guy that has the Shadow 750 has quite a few extras I'm interested in like saddle bags, batwing (I had to look that one up, didn't like it at first but it grew on me quickly), forward controls and a light bar. It's very well kept and only about 18,000kms. I'm thinking with a trade I should still walk away for a little change in my pocket on this which would be nice as well. I'm not looking for fast here, but comfortable. I have always liked the V-Max but they hold their prices very high around here. The only Magnas I can seem to find are 80's models. The odd 90's but I'm not fond of the looks of these.
     
  15. VFRkat

    VFRkat New Member

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    Been using this a lot lately to compare. Great site!
     
  16. slovcan

    slovcan New Member

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    Hi VFRkat,

    You know, I worked in YHZ for 11 years and knew an NDT tech there (previous life, lots of stories!).

    The '80's Magnas were the best ('82-'86 V45, '83-'86 V65). The '87-'88 were 750's and "de-contented" as they became more cruiser-like. I know they were always cruisers, but MUSCLE-cruisers. If you want to ride two-up, I don't think a 750 is really enough. I guess it's enough, but bigger will be easier and more comfortable (think V65). At least take the Shadow for a highway ride first to gauge the power difference. You could sell the VFR and take your time finding a replacement. The FJR is worth looking at.

    Cheers,
    Glenn
     
  17. MichaelD

    MichaelD New Member

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    Got a 07 Shadow Aero in the stable. Newer version of the Ace. Very dependable. Low seat height 25". Well balanced with a low center of gravity. Easy slow speed handling. I'm 6' and its not bad ergo wise. Has good low end power for a 750 v twin.
    50 hp. Solo at hiway speeds (65-85) its good, still have passing power but two up at hiway speeds its a little anemic. I have ridden this bike all thru the midwest without a hicup. I bought the VTX 1300C for two up riding. Id think you should be able to trade for a 1300. More even in my book. But overall the shadow is a great bike and should serve you well. I keep mine because solo its fun to ride and with aftermarket pipes and jet kit it sounds great. If its what you want go for it. You will most likely miss your VFR after a month or so. I've got a few bikes and I always seem to ride the VFR.
    Good luck. If its in good shape with the bags shield ect... it sounds fair to me.
     
  18. thegreatnobody

    thegreatnobody New Member

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    I'll say it.

    80's cruisers-fugly.
    Magna-Chick bike
    Shadow 750-Chick bike
    Shadow 1100-LOL.
    Harley Sportster-LOL. (cept the '48, it looks hard) Also, chick bike.

    Now, I'm being a little bit of a sarcastic douche, but yeah. Call 'em as I see 'em.

    I would go after a ADV bike. Does all the things!

    Or that new Indian Scout. I don't care who you are, that bike is bad and I want it.
     
  19. ridervfr

    ridervfr Member

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    Older V-Max would be too cool for op I believe. Far as cruiser goes, VTX1300 with carburetor would be my choice if you held a gun to my head and gave me a terrific deal. They are good for two up rides and fun to wrench on to boot.
     
  20. MichaelD

    MichaelD New Member

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    The op is trading even. Not going to get the Scout , which is simular in looks to the Aero. Chick bike? Ok I guess since my wife rides it also.
    As for the magna it was a bad ass in its day. The V65 to this day will give these new bikes other than a Busa or ZX14 a run for there money. I got a friend that's 6'5" 275lbs that rides a magna . I'm pretty shure he's a dude or one big muscular hairy chick. Lol
     
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