ok.here is why I'm at. I want a bike in that 800-1000cc range, I like the Kaw 900, the yamaha 950 and the suzu 800....Ultimately I have to decide, but can you give me some tech info........belt vs shaft, should this be a concern, does it really matter....I want a windshield, some bikes come from the factory with one, but I like the quick release idea, so I would assume I should get it without, add later, not sure about the flloorboards, one issue (as I have stated in other post) is the fact that NONE of these bike do I feel my legs are in a good position. to my suprise, NONE of the salesman were helpful in looking into forward controls, except one and he said it would be $900!!!! installed for a kit, I went to a Harley dealer today just to satisfy curiousity , I don;'t fitt in that crowd or budget for that matter, any insite please pass on. gary one more thing, where could I look for a good used bike, been on Craigs list, cycle trader, and e bay so far.
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Need deciding on bike
- Thread starter Rachel.
- Start date
Chris Brown
New member
Salespeople are helpful for one thing- selling bikes. They usually know nothing about accessories, especially as most motorcycle manufacturers do not offer forward controls so you would need aftermarket items. $900 installed is not a bad price at all for forwards- the parts alone can easily set you back $600 or more on a metric cruiser.
But if no bikes out of the group you are looking at are comfortable, why are you looking at them? Looks for something bigger, like a Suzuki C90.
Belt vs shaft both have their advantages and drawbacks. The old rubber belts sucked, but the new Kevlar and carbon fiber ones are great, so with the exception of Suzuki and Honda most brands are switching from shaft to belt drive. Nothing wrong with a shaft though. This should not be a deal breaker on a bike you like.
Windshields are also a matter ofr preference. I've been riding for 25 years and absolutely hate them, while others will not ride without one. The only difference between a quick release and a regular is that you might need a tool and 2 minutes to take the regular one off, while the quick release ones usually come off in seconds without tools. Not a deal breaker either.
For used bikes, don't forget the local paper, and also check out swap meets and bike nights in your area, as people bring bikes for sale there so people see them. Also, see if you have a local Southern Cruisers chapter, or some other riding club, which usually has a website were members sell bikes. Or go to one of their meetings/ bike nights and ask if they know anyone with a cruiser for sale.
But if no bikes out of the group you are looking at are comfortable, why are you looking at them? Looks for something bigger, like a Suzuki C90.
Belt vs shaft both have their advantages and drawbacks. The old rubber belts sucked, but the new Kevlar and carbon fiber ones are great, so with the exception of Suzuki and Honda most brands are switching from shaft to belt drive. Nothing wrong with a shaft though. This should not be a deal breaker on a bike you like.
Windshields are also a matter ofr preference. I've been riding for 25 years and absolutely hate them, while others will not ride without one. The only difference between a quick release and a regular is that you might need a tool and 2 minutes to take the regular one off, while the quick release ones usually come off in seconds without tools. Not a deal breaker either.
For used bikes, don't forget the local paper, and also check out swap meets and bike nights in your area, as people bring bikes for sale there so people see them. Also, see if you have a local Southern Cruisers chapter, or some other riding club, which usually has a website were members sell bikes. Or go to one of their meetings/ bike nights and ask if they know anyone with a cruiser for sale.
hopetrammell2004
New member
What made you decide on that displacement range? How much ridding experience do you have? Have you owned motorcycles before? What is uncomfortable about them? Is it the peg placement? What type of ridding are you planning? Touring, weekend runs, main transportation,... What made you decide on a cruiser?