What kind of cruiser bike????

[Hellgate]

Okay before I get FLAMED for even posting this question consider this...my wife wants to learn to ride. Now, I know the bit about starter bikes, the Ninja 250 is one my favorite small bikes, heck, I'd like one of the new ones for the track.

She wants a cruiser, she is sold on the "laid back riding position", which to me is one of the biggest lies in motorcycling. The Barkolounger position may feel good on the showroom floor by it really sucks for touring. So, what I'm saying is I'm not even going to go there....if she likes if fine.

So I don't know crap about cruisers, aside from the fact they look funny and handle poorly and tend to be over priced.

Now this weekend I did have the chance ride a buddy's Honda Shadow Spirit 750. Stupid riding position, feet waaaay too far forward, then you have to reach for the handlebars. Never the less the engine was pretty punchy, it had a nice rumble to it, and it looked well made. The seat is nice and low. Now it does have carbs and was cold blooded. However they can be had for $4,700 for an '07 locally.

So what mid size cruiser can y'all recommend with FI, no carbs?

We dropped by the Harley dealership and she likes the Dyna FXDF. I told her to get a second job...

Thanks!

[DefyInertia]

Honda Shadow's are a great value. I learned to ride street bikes on a '87 Shadow 1100. Buy a used one for 2 or 3K...why the need for FI?

I'm not up on all the newer cruisers but Yamaha Star Motorcycles makes some nice bikes and the Suzukis are affordable and come in many smaller sizes.

Too bad she won't go for the 250...that would be fun to rail on.

[Beknatok]

The Honda Shadow line is definitely a great place to start, for a beginner cruiser. My first bike was a Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Classic, which is also an excellent ride.

One thing I've found over the past 4 years is that most low-mid cruisers are very similar. I hadn't found much to .... distinguish between riding one vs another, aside from the bike's specific ergonomics like where they place their pegs, handlebars, etc.

If I were in your position, I'd have her just find a good cruiser that fits her from a comfort and ergonomic perspective. You really cannot go wrong with any cruiser from any of the major vendors.

[rockmurf]

It is real hard to find a bike for her to learn to ride and then one she can keep and tour on. Cruiser wise the honda shadow aero is shaft drive but I think it has carbs, which are not a bad thing, was the bike my wife got after she learned to ride on a honda rebel. Now she has a hd 1200 sportser which she loves and I hate. Oh well. Bring her to some dealerships and let her sit on alot of bikes and see what she likes. good luck

[Hellgate]

Originally Posted by biker_dude43

Does this mean the honeymoon's over?

Oh the honeymoon is all well and VERY good!

[yukon_alex]

I've often told myself if I was going to buy a scooter for anyone, this is the one I would look at: Suzuki 650 Bergman. Real brakes, storage, weather protection and a top speed above 100mph, what more could you want? Handling? Can't be any worse than traditional cruisers.

[Hellgate]

Thanks for the feedback. I see the mid-range priced cruisers as the new UJM - Universal Japanese Motorcycle.

She is all about how things look. It has to be the right color, shape, convey the "right" message. She comes from a Harley background and is brainwashed in the thought process of: "Budda, you don't want one a them crotch-rockets, them ain't no good Budda, you needs an "Marcan" moto-a-sicle."

So as we were looking at bikes on line last night she called the Honda Nighthawk 250 a "sport bike". "Well it looks kind of sporty."

So she liked the Honda Shadow Aero...

[wolfc70]

I always liked the Vulcans. The 500 and 900 Vulcans are excellent starter bikes. If you want FI, then you need to go the 1400 and larger bikes. My brother in law has a Vulcan 2000 that is a very comfy bike (for a cruiser).

Edit: the 2008 Vulcan 900 has EFI, the 500 still has carbs.

[Hellgate]

Originally Posted by yukon_alex

I've often told myself if I was going to buy a scooter for anyone, this is the one I would look at:

Hee, hee.

Here's a funny story. I was at my National Guard drill and I saw a black Bergman 650 parked in the Division Command Sergeant Major's parking spot. I think to myself, "Damn Jimmy got a scooter, no way!"

Keep in mind that this guy is a Fire Breathing, Hard Charging, Nail Spitting Infantry Soldier. He is a Vietnam vet with the 75th Ranger Battalion, Purple Heart winner, CIB, etc, etc, etc. ie: hardcore hero dude, and a really nice guy.

"So Sergeant Major, is that your giant scooter?" yes it is, you know I have a 1300cc full dress touring bike and I like my scooter better. It's a 650cc and I can cruise at 80mph.

On his license plate he has the Ranger Tab and a Purple Heart sticker. Too cool.

[DefyInertia]

Hellgate, sounds like you need to turn her on to what she is missing!