DaveInSaltLake

far too long.

I had a 1983 Honda Magna V45 for a number of years that was finally put to death when it was knocked over and dragged by a bus at the University I was attending. I bought it back from the insurance company and carted it around the country with me for a few years...but it was never really the same and I never really trusted it after that.

Now...I find myself looking at some of the 2000 to 2002 bikes in the $3k to $5k range, longing to pick one of them up. I'm attracted to the Magnas from what I recall was a reliable 4-stroke 4-cylinder motor. Is that still the case with the newer ones? What's the scoop on the motors in the Shadows?

what else would you recommend for a weekend cruiser?

nothing

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The have a soul that can't be found in any other bike, and once set up right are more reliable than anything else on the road. There have been a couple of decent ones on SLC Craigslist lately. I can come show you mine if you want.

Whatever you end up buying, call me when you do and we'll go ride.

DaveInSaltLake

I'd love to see it next time you're out cruising my way...and you can count on a ride together.

I certainly don't mind rolling up my sleeves and digging into just about anyting....been doing it most of my life.

nothing

If I were buying right now, I'd get the 1980 R100RT that is up on CL currently and strip the fairing off. It started at $4k but is now down to $3k - I'm sure could go down a bit further. Those big Luftmeister fairings are hideous, but there is a gorgeous 1000cc of German engineering hiding under it. These bikes are so easy and fun to work on.

BeeRock::Riding Red

most hondas are mroe reliable then any other bike brand on the planet

MonkeyLover

Are all Japanese brands fair game, or just Honda?

DaveInSaltLake

reliability and safety. I prefer a cruiser over anything I'd be hunched forward to ride.

not looking for a commuter, a show bike, or a racer. I have no desire to run hard and fast anymore, just looking for some quality road time on the weekends with the wife.

MonkeyLover

...and the best piece of info you gave me turned out to be that you'll be riding two-up with the wife ; )

Honestly, reliability among the Japanese "Big Four" is pretty much the same. We don't see more bikes of a particular brand coming in for service more often than any other. Although, Kawi does seem to have a fair amount of recalls...just a sidenote. I'm actually a big Kawi fan and wouldn't hesitate for a second to buy another one, though.

As far as safety goes, they're all on par with each other...so no worries there.

Factoring in price, I would suggest finding a bike from 1999-2000, leaning towards '99 just because it'd be less expensive, obviously. Also, between the two years, the bikes I'll suggest are basically identical to each other (regarding that particular model), other than paint schemes and possibly bits of chrome here and there.

Having riding experience, and the fact that you'll be riding two-up, I would recommend going no lower than 1100cc. Any smaller than that and you'll be quite displeased with power and comfort...especially with a passenger. Unless, of course, you're both skinny-minis and weigh a combined total of &lt;200lbs ; )

Here's my list for you:

1999 Honda Shadow Ace or Spirit 1100 (VT1100) ~$3400

1999 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Classic 1500 (VN1500) ~$2600. (A second suggestion would be to find a 2000 Vulcan Classic with fuel injection. This was the first year it was offered and is very nice. The carb bikes are very good bikes as well, just a FYI. They can be had for ~$4000.)

1999 Suzuki Intruder 1400 (VS1400 - NOT "LC" model) ~$3200

1999 Yamaha V Star 1100 ~$3500

I asked around and the suggestion from the service writer/mechanic here (who has been working on Japanese motorcycles for many years - and who's opinion I would definitely trust) was a Yamaha Roadstar 1600. This is a quote, "Hands down I would get the Roadstar. It's more customizable, has a better chassis, and has a great engine." BUT, the '99 Roadstar retails for ~$4600. If you found one in the $4000 range it'd be an absolute steal.

Hope something in there made sense to you =)

DaveInSaltLake

first of all, when I brought this up with the wife I got good feedback. she then told me how it's her preference to ride what I could only describe as "side saddle". seems that's the only lady-like way to ride as a passenger in her home country. that's one of those cases where I put my foot down and veto't THAT idea. That might be OK for third world cities with massive jams of stop and go traffic...but certainly won't fly here on canyon rides at highway speeds.

why the rec for a VT vs a V4?

I agree with your assessment on the 1100. My old 750 was fine for one, but lost a lot with a passenger.

escargot

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