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metric cruiser?

6K views 34 replies 22 participants last post by  webbiker 
#1 ·
Well my situation has changed so I have been looking at different bikes.
I would love to have an XR but I do not see that happening. Kids are starting college and funds are limited so I have started entertaining looking at some metric bikes. Anyone have some good experiences before you upgraded? I had originally stumbled onto this site while looking at V92's last spring. I still watch for 92's and KP's in my price range but have started to see some nice looking metrics with extra's that are priced right. Thanks to everyone for the wealth of information I have gleaned off here. Appreciate the attitude on here towards other manufacture's. I would commute some, occasional passenger if we can find the time.
 
#2 ·
Well...two things to start with here:

A) Location (this time of year, it can really affect prices)
B) Price range

Can't be of a ton of help without at the very least the second one. Flying blind, if you like the XR, look at the Kawasaki Nomad. Great bagger and you can find them going back in to the 90's for good prices. They're well built, do everything well and really nothing bad. Just don't expect them to excel at anything. lol
 
#3 ·
It is according to what kind of Metric you are looking for. I got my new XR back in Sept. for much less than an equal sized yamaha or kawasaki. If your limited on funds then a 750 to 900 metric cruiser may meet your needs. I have a Suzuki M50 800cc that I bought 4 years ago to learn on and it is one hell of a bike. Plenty of power for 2-up riding or a short tour and good enough for a lone rider to take week long trips at interstate speeds (have done so many times). You may want to look at a good used Suzuki C50 or C90 or a Kawi 900, all great bikes and super dependable. I am actually going to be selling my M50 when spring comes because I just don't have time to ride 2 bikes and since I got my XR the M50 has been sitting lonesome in the corner of the garage.
 
#28 ·
I got my V92TC for a little over $5000.He started at $7000 and came down fast when cash came out.I wouldnt trade the V92 for any of the Jap cruisers.too big of quallity and power dif.
 
#6 ·
Japanese metrics are pretty solid in terms of reliability, so I think it's just a matter of finding what fits you best. If youre a short guy, you might like Hondas. I'm 6ft and the only honda that felt right was their biggest 1800. There's a lot of really nice stuff out there. Just depends on your size and your needs (highway vs backroads, solo vs 2up).

I am particularly fond of the smaller cruiser segment (700-950)due to the fact that I live in the city. I like the agility, comfort and peppyness those bikes provide on my relatively short rides(typical 10 miles each way).

If you give us your typical riding distance, your size and weight, requirements for comfort. and whether you need storage or not, I'm sure you will get plenty of suggestions.
 
#7 ·
Honestly, being from the Midwest and looking to spend under $6K, there's a LOT available to you for a good price...especially if you're more northern in the MW like I am! Get out and toss your leg over a bunch. Up here in MN there's actually '99 V92 for $5K.

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ram/mcy/3388320541.html

Or this one:

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/wsh/mcy/3296776653.html

You really won't go wrong with any bike in that price range. You'll be in the late 90s to mid 2000s. You can easily find one with lower miles. I'd say stay in about the 800ccs and up. In '06, Kawi made the 900 and you can find '06/07s for $3-4K and they're very solid little bikes. Great for commuting, larger build. Not the greatest for two up but most bikes in that range won't. Not for lack of power really, but more for braking and handling with the added weight. My wife has one and she keeps up just fine, including long trips over the slab.
 
#8 ·
6'1" 34" inseam. commute is 20 miles of straight hway each way.
180 lbs. I am a little concerned with a seat height that is too low.
Sat on a Dyna and it hurt my hip, may have been the forward controls. Road King, KP and XR all good. I would be riding with a group of Harley riders and their passengers on occasion. No need to show them up, just keep up. Passenger is 5'8" 150ish. Giant storage not mandatory. I will make due with what I have and worry about that when I upgrade.
 
#11 ·
Thanks for the suggestions on the Vulcan. Quite a few choices around here (KCMO). Are warrior and mean streak the same bike? Anyone migrate from one of these metrics to a V92? Would like to hear some thoughts. I know from reading here that almost everyone is happy moving up to their X bikes as far as comfort, power, storage.
 
#12 ·
The main reason I moved to the XR was more power and storage but as far as comfort goes I actually find my Suzuki to be better but every person is different when it comes to what is comfortable. One thing at your height (I am the same size) is that most bikes just don't have the legroom to really get comfortable. The Cross bikes are the first I have ever sat on that fit my 34" inseam in stock configuration. Had to get forwards for my Suzuki which made it a whole different bike when it came to comfort.
 
#15 · (Edited)
....but as far as comfort goes I actually find my Suzuki to be better but every person is different....
You cought me off guard with that one.

I know every person is different but really curious what you mean by that, it would be really cool if you could elaborate.

Is it because of the way you have your M50 setup?

I don't feel my bike handles 2up well at all, doesn't feel stable. It'll do it, but it's not pleasant (to me). But maybe that's because mine has the factory seats without backrests.

On the other hand, when I threw the same chick on the hammer, I wouldn't have know she was there, if she wasn't making me blush with excitment.

Personally, as much as I enjoy my M50 on my own, for cruise night 2up riding I'd skip the 800-900 segment alltogether.
 
#20 ·
OUch man! Heal up quickly ok?

If EFI is a requirement, those c50s and vulcans are exceptional values. The clutch is easy on them and there is absolutely nothing wrong with those bikes.

I rode the wife's c50 for 20k miles before I picked up the XCT this year. I liked that bike!

NADA for a 2005 c90 is $5600, but you'll find the clutch-pull on them is harder.

I'd seriously recommend c50 or vulcan 900 since you plan on moving to american made when your health and finances iimprove. The c50 has FAR superior stock seat by the way. The Mrs will appreciate that. thumb up
 
#14 ·
Clutch pull was a lot easier on my Vulcan 900 than on my XR. I still have my 09 Vulcan for sale, but I'm in TX. :/

The 900 was a great bike, I too just wanted a little more power at highway speeds and a 6th gear. Also wanted American made. I would own another Vulcan though if I were more budget constrained. :)
 
#16 ·
M109s and Warriors are exceptional machines. LOTS of power, and in the case of the Warrior, you get exceptional handling along with the power.

Also a nice, large aftermarket to customize as you see fit. A much larger aftermarket than Victory.

I prefer the look and feel of a Vic like a Vegas, Hammer or Jackpot, but in your price range, I would shoot for one of the two I mentioned.

If you're ok going a little down in displacement, the Yamaha Star Stryker is a very comfortable bike to ride and looks hot as hell.
 
#18 ·
Check out Yamaha's RoadStars or Warriors. You can find them reasonably priced for used. I think 08 was the first year for fuel injection on the RoadStar, but the Warrior had it long before. I owned an 03 roadie, had a lot of fun customizing and was very reliable. 1602 CC bike, newer version is 1700cc.
 
#22 ·
You can get the Honda Shadow 1100s for cheap. I had a Shadow Sabre years ago - very solid, fast and reliable. Plenty of after market stuff to make it what ever you want.
You can find them in great shape going for $4000.

Good luck!
 
#24 ·
I would hold out for a older Vic if your spending around 6000 their out there, I found this 04 Vic TC for only 4000 bucks it only had 2500 miles on it. I've always promised myself I would never become a brand loyalist but the longer I ride this bike the harder it is to keep that promise.
 

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#26 ·
Well, maybe you should look at an 07 or 08 Kingpin.......after all, some vendors mix Victory under the Metric banner for parts..... So you would be true to,your search for a bike...... A metric cruiser = Victory Kingpin.:ltr::ltr:
 
#29 ·
V Star 1300

Take a look at the V Star 1300. I sold my 2007 for $5,000 setup with a fairing and bags. They are a very dependable bike. Sold mine with 38K on it and never had a problem. I think Star will be using the same V Twin in the Royal Star and Venture when they finally update them after 12 years. The 1300 is a very good long range bike like the CC is.

Word to the wise about a MS Batwing fairing. Save your money and buy a Med height windshield with lowers. Batwing looks cool but beats the crap out of you at higher speeds.

A freind of mine actually has his for sale in Ames, IA. It is setup for solo if your interested.
 
#30 ·
im another vtx 130C convert. bought new in 04. best overall bike
i ever had. we rode 2 up all the time. put on an ultimate seat for comfort. and easier clutch pull is available.smoth,quiet,good
power, and good mileage.32000 trouble free miles. new owner
loves it. we wanted more carrying room and the dealer also
sold victorys.--irv
 
#31 ·
I came over from the Mean Streak. I had an '06 that I absolutely loved. Two complaints though are what drove me away from it. You get about 100-120 miles on a tank and there's no good storage options that look good. But, love the look, feel, power and handling. It's not the fastest of the power cruisers by any means, but it is the best handling. I have some pics of it hotlinked in my signature.
 
#32 ·
We have a '99 Vulcan 800 in the garage that we just won't sell. It is regulated to the duty of loaner bike for riding friends that are in town and our friends who are new to riding. It's got the bobber look now which people seem to love and I think we have a whopping $2500 total tied up into it. You can find the on CL used for very good prices. Normal they sit and need the carb cleaned so people freak out and sell them cheap.

Moving up into the present a bit, you can get into the 900 Vulcan. EFI if you are a baby. JK. :D Either way, very nice motorcycles and ours gets ridden whenever, put on the battery tender and then behaves nicely the next time it is called upon.
 
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