PLFKING 4 #1 February 13, 2003 I've been considering getting another bike for a year or so, and finally decided to take the plunge -- I'm going to purchase in the next week or two (brand new). I have very specific wants....cruiser, not crotchrocket (did enough canyon-racing in my younger days), daily driver (must be dependable) not a brute (don't want a 1000 or 1300). After looking around for the last three weeks.....I'm really leaning towards a Honda A.C.E. 750 or a Suzuki Marauder 800. I know a lot of you ride.....what is everyone's opinion on reliability between these two ? I'm not looking for which one is quicker off the line, or faster at top end....just looking at dependability, ease of service, ease on my ass (if I cruise down to Raeford on it) and cost of parts if i break something. I had a KZ900 in college, and a Honda 500 in the mid-80s....at that time, Hondas were VERY dependable. The consensus from my friends is that they still are, plus i like the Honda's styling a little better. Plus, my KZ could be temperamental at times. Thoughts ? Don (ps....in reading back, I notice I'm using words like "dependable", "cost of parts", "ease of service", "reliability".....to describe a BIKE !! F*** ! When did I get old....and why didn't anyone tell me when it happened ???) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Jessica 0 #2 February 13, 2003 QuoteWhen did I get old....and why didn't anyone tell me when it happened ??? Sorry, I thought I'd mentioned it. Repeatedly. Can I ride your bike when you get it?Skydiving is for cool people only Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites WFFC 1 #3 February 13, 2003 My biased preference would be to get a honda. Had one for a couple years and sold it to some chick and her girlfriend. never had any experience with suzuki...----- ~~~Michael Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites nws01 0 #4 February 13, 2003 Build a custom chopper. They rock! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites SkydiveMonkey 0 #5 February 13, 2003 ST4 or VFR ____________________ Say no to subliminal messages Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites PLFKING 4 #6 February 13, 2003 Quote Can I ride your bike when you get it? Sure thing, little one. First let me figure out how to drop the seat about 16 inches, k? Don Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites hookitt 1 #7 February 13, 2003 I no longer ride, but I'd have to lean towards the Honda. ..My grammar sometimes resembles that of magnetic refrigerator poetry... Ghetto Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites nws01 0 #8 February 13, 2003 QuoteHonda So your girlfriend rolls a honda Plays workout tapes by Fonda But Fonda ain't got a motor in back of her honda My anaconda don't want none unless you've got buns hun. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites JJohnson 0 #9 February 13, 2003 I do a great deal of riding and look at bikes constantly, in fact the bike show was just last weekend here in Chicago. Lots of toys. I currently have a Kaw 1500 Classic. Everyone has different opinions but you have to look at the kind of riding you do. The big bikes today are damn well balanced and only akward at slow speeds or when you are pushing them around in a parking lot. I'm only 5 foot 4 inches tall and after lowering my 1500 I have ZERO problems with it. 20K miles and no problems. If you are going to do any real highway cruising you will appreciate larger bike. Much more stable, wind does not knock it around and the engine just feels more relaxed when cruising at 65-75 mph than a smaller bike. If you want a bigger bike that still is real light, comfortable, nimble, quick try the Suzuki 1400 Intruder, its the best cruiser they make. I really dislike their 1500 Intruder. The only thing people have against the 1400 Intruder is the styling. It is more a chopper style, being the oldest Japanese cruiser design. I had an 800 Intruder and loved it. The 800 and 1400 Intruders are very reasonably priced. With a luggage rack you can strap a rig to it as well. If you are going Honda, you only got 2 choices: the ACE or the VTX. I really like the VTX, but it is a $13K bike. If you go the ACE, pop the extra cash and go 1100 cc. Kawasaki offers the 1600 classic at $10K and change and in my opinion is the best cruiser for the money. Lots of after market goodies. The Classic is also available in 800cc if you really want to go down in size. Yamaha, go Roadstar at 1600cc, heavy bike but great and purty. they do an 1100 as well, wich is nice. If you go that route, stay away from the custom look as they are uncomfortable for long rides. The classic styles are much more comfortable. HD???? Whole nother story. I love them, but overpriced for the features compared to the Jap cruisers. Indian and Victory do nothing for me, except the looks of the Indian are so cool. Hope this helps.JJ "Call me Darth Balls" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites JohnnyD 0 #10 February 13, 2003 I had a Yamaha V-Star classic (650). Check them out. Probably fit your needs quite well. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites ladyskydiver 0 #11 February 13, 2003 Personally, I'd say go with a Honda. When I was looking for a cycle, the Honda fit better, was more comfortable, etc. And the bonus for my Honda - if you don't look at the emblem on it, you'd think it was a Harley. Life is short! Break the rules! Forgive quickly! Kiss slowly! Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably. And never regret anything that made you smile. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites bobsled92 0 #12 February 13, 2003 Quote Quote Can I ride your bike when you get it? Sure thing, little one. First let me figure out how to drop the seat about 16 inches, k? Don With your size/length, I would really think of the ergonomics. Go to many different makers and sit as longer as you can on them. If you're not comfortable in the show room, your are going to hurt on the road.I've been riding since I was 4yrs old. I only owned 1 bike that was comfortable. I had to buy a Corbin seat to make it work out. -Grant_______________________________ If I could be a Super Hero, I chose to be: "GRANT-A-CLAUS". and work 365 days a Year. http://www.hangout.no/speednews/ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites riddler 0 #13 February 13, 2003 Riddler, the BMW snob keeps his trap shut ...Trapped on the surface of a sphere. XKCD Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Scoby 0 #14 February 13, 2003 C'mon, a cruiser pretty much says "over the hill." Why not a nice sporty tourer, like a VFR? Or a standard, like a Monster or a FZ-1? Or maybe something funky, like a Guzzi? Friends don't let friends ride cruisers! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites jumperconway 0 #15 February 13, 2003 I would big time go for the VFR. It is the finest all around bike available! I almost bought 1 last year but SDing got in the way! I have owned both and the Suzuki's are very buzy where the Honda's are smooth. I have owned a Honda 700 Night Hawk S, 750 Custom, Yamaha 1100, Suzuki GSX 1100. I would buy a Honda again before any of thr others and the VFR is THE BEST all around bike available for the last 10 years! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites freefallfreak 0 #16 February 13, 2003 QuoteI had to buy a Corbin seat to make it work out. Was that a Corbin/Gentry or did you buy a Corbin after they broke the partnership? FFF "Upon seeing the shadow of a pigeon, one must resist the urge to look up." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites freefallfreak 0 #17 February 13, 2003 My scooter... and I love her... FFF "Upon seeing the shadow of a pigeon, one must resist the urge to look up." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites numbknuckle 0 #18 February 13, 2003 Since bikes r being discussed, I've got a quick question too. If you cant test ride em, how do you know its what you want? the reason I ask is I had a Honda250 duel purpose that was super top heavy-sold it a year later. Also had a over used Ninja650 for a minute but didn't keep it either. I want another one but *shrug Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites flyingferret 0 #19 February 13, 2003 No, cruiser says I look good going speeds less than 110. I am 23 and I ride a 2002 HD Fat Boy. I love it, and actually for 1450cc the center of balance is perfect. She weaves and carves turns like a champ with footboards sparking. I would lean towards the Honda, that was gonna be my bike before I got the HD. But that was mainly because I thought it was the only decent looking cruiser other than HD. My 2nd bike will be a Buell Firebolt. Freefallfreak, nice nostalgia bike. What was the basis for that thing? My Dad has a 68 triumph...?Bonneville? I think. -- All the flaming and trolls of wreck dot with a pretty GUI. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites WFFC 1 #20 February 13, 2003 Quote Riddler, the B(ig) M(oney) W(asted) snob keeps his trap shut ... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Scratch 0 #21 February 13, 2003 I have owned a number of bikes over the years. Yamaha, Suzuki and Honda. Go for Honda. Their build quality is just better, period. I have a Honda 550 4k circa 1977 in the garage. it has 100 000 km on the clock (65000 miles) and still runs like a watch. I bought it with 10 000 miles and have ridden it almost daily. I also have a Honda VFR 750F. THAT is one sweet ass bike. There is nothing quite like it on the market and the build quality is superb. So There you have it. Go Honda and take a long hard look at the VFR Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites freefallfreak 0 #22 February 13, 2003 QuoteFreefallfreak, nice nostalgia bike. What was the basis for that thing? My Dad has a 68 triumph...?Bonneville? I think. Lol...the basis was a cool ride. It started off as a 58 Triumph but like my Pro-Street rod, it's all custom right down to the chrome engine cases. All my friends ride HDs and they teased me unmercifully about it but they kept coming over to watch it go together, lol. Then, when we, as a group, ride they get all pissy cause at the redlights, I can burn 'em (it's really lightweight) and it gets some really cool looks from citizens, too, especially the ladies...tee-hee. Course I'm not known as a low-key kinda' guy, lol. FFF "Upon seeing the shadow of a pigeon, one must resist the urge to look up." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites SniperCJ 0 #23 February 13, 2003 QuoteIf you cant test ride em, how do you know its what you want? When I started looking at bikes again a couple years ago (before I bought the Kawi ZX12R I have now) Honda let me test ride the BlackBird and one of the other sportbikes a couple of times. Maybe the other makers wont let you, but Honda did. My opinion is all the big makers are going to be pretty reliable and all, it get down to styling, fit, and personal preference. JC Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites DYEVOUT 0 #24 February 13, 2003 Hey, where's the pie plate to catch the oil? Just kidding, nice chop. I had an 8 1/2" over springer on my '74 Honda 750 (Amen Savior frame). ----------------=8^)---------------------- "I think that was the wrong tennis court." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites RevJim 0 #25 February 13, 2003 In my heavily biased opinion, neither. I've never owned a Suzuki, since I was never impressed enough to pay for one, after riding friends bikes. I owned a Honda, and had nothing but problems with the electrical system. Since you want a cruiser, I suggest http://www.yamaha-motor.com/products/unitinfo.asp?lid=2&lc=mcy&cid=4&mid=21 or, if you really want some style, try http://www.victory-usa.com/product/detail.asp?contentid=03VICVEGASIt's your life, live it! Karma RB#684 "Corcho", ASK#60, Muff#3520, NCB#398, NHDZ#4, C-33989, DG#1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Prev 1 2 Next Page 1 of 2 Join the conversation You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible. Reply to this topic... × Pasted as rich text. Paste as plain text instead Only 75 emoji are allowed. × Your link has been automatically embedded. Display as a link instead × Your previous content has been restored. Clear editor × You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL. Insert image from URL × Desktop Tablet Phone Submit Reply 0
Jessica 0 #2 February 13, 2003 QuoteWhen did I get old....and why didn't anyone tell me when it happened ??? Sorry, I thought I'd mentioned it. Repeatedly. Can I ride your bike when you get it?Skydiving is for cool people only Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WFFC 1 #3 February 13, 2003 My biased preference would be to get a honda. Had one for a couple years and sold it to some chick and her girlfriend. never had any experience with suzuki...----- ~~~Michael Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nws01 0 #4 February 13, 2003 Build a custom chopper. They rock! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkydiveMonkey 0 #5 February 13, 2003 ST4 or VFR ____________________ Say no to subliminal messages Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PLFKING 4 #6 February 13, 2003 Quote Can I ride your bike when you get it? Sure thing, little one. First let me figure out how to drop the seat about 16 inches, k? Don Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hookitt 1 #7 February 13, 2003 I no longer ride, but I'd have to lean towards the Honda. ..My grammar sometimes resembles that of magnetic refrigerator poetry... Ghetto Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nws01 0 #8 February 13, 2003 QuoteHonda So your girlfriend rolls a honda Plays workout tapes by Fonda But Fonda ain't got a motor in back of her honda My anaconda don't want none unless you've got buns hun. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JJohnson 0 #9 February 13, 2003 I do a great deal of riding and look at bikes constantly, in fact the bike show was just last weekend here in Chicago. Lots of toys. I currently have a Kaw 1500 Classic. Everyone has different opinions but you have to look at the kind of riding you do. The big bikes today are damn well balanced and only akward at slow speeds or when you are pushing them around in a parking lot. I'm only 5 foot 4 inches tall and after lowering my 1500 I have ZERO problems with it. 20K miles and no problems. If you are going to do any real highway cruising you will appreciate larger bike. Much more stable, wind does not knock it around and the engine just feels more relaxed when cruising at 65-75 mph than a smaller bike. If you want a bigger bike that still is real light, comfortable, nimble, quick try the Suzuki 1400 Intruder, its the best cruiser they make. I really dislike their 1500 Intruder. The only thing people have against the 1400 Intruder is the styling. It is more a chopper style, being the oldest Japanese cruiser design. I had an 800 Intruder and loved it. The 800 and 1400 Intruders are very reasonably priced. With a luggage rack you can strap a rig to it as well. If you are going Honda, you only got 2 choices: the ACE or the VTX. I really like the VTX, but it is a $13K bike. If you go the ACE, pop the extra cash and go 1100 cc. Kawasaki offers the 1600 classic at $10K and change and in my opinion is the best cruiser for the money. Lots of after market goodies. The Classic is also available in 800cc if you really want to go down in size. Yamaha, go Roadstar at 1600cc, heavy bike but great and purty. they do an 1100 as well, wich is nice. If you go that route, stay away from the custom look as they are uncomfortable for long rides. The classic styles are much more comfortable. HD???? Whole nother story. I love them, but overpriced for the features compared to the Jap cruisers. Indian and Victory do nothing for me, except the looks of the Indian are so cool. Hope this helps.JJ "Call me Darth Balls" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnnyD 0 #10 February 13, 2003 I had a Yamaha V-Star classic (650). Check them out. Probably fit your needs quite well. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ladyskydiver 0 #11 February 13, 2003 Personally, I'd say go with a Honda. When I was looking for a cycle, the Honda fit better, was more comfortable, etc. And the bonus for my Honda - if you don't look at the emblem on it, you'd think it was a Harley. Life is short! Break the rules! Forgive quickly! Kiss slowly! Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably. And never regret anything that made you smile. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bobsled92 0 #12 February 13, 2003 Quote Quote Can I ride your bike when you get it? Sure thing, little one. First let me figure out how to drop the seat about 16 inches, k? Don With your size/length, I would really think of the ergonomics. Go to many different makers and sit as longer as you can on them. If you're not comfortable in the show room, your are going to hurt on the road.I've been riding since I was 4yrs old. I only owned 1 bike that was comfortable. I had to buy a Corbin seat to make it work out. -Grant_______________________________ If I could be a Super Hero, I chose to be: "GRANT-A-CLAUS". and work 365 days a Year. http://www.hangout.no/speednews/ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
riddler 0 #13 February 13, 2003 Riddler, the BMW snob keeps his trap shut ...Trapped on the surface of a sphere. XKCD Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Scoby 0 #14 February 13, 2003 C'mon, a cruiser pretty much says "over the hill." Why not a nice sporty tourer, like a VFR? Or a standard, like a Monster or a FZ-1? Or maybe something funky, like a Guzzi? Friends don't let friends ride cruisers! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jumperconway 0 #15 February 13, 2003 I would big time go for the VFR. It is the finest all around bike available! I almost bought 1 last year but SDing got in the way! I have owned both and the Suzuki's are very buzy where the Honda's are smooth. I have owned a Honda 700 Night Hawk S, 750 Custom, Yamaha 1100, Suzuki GSX 1100. I would buy a Honda again before any of thr others and the VFR is THE BEST all around bike available for the last 10 years! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freefallfreak 0 #16 February 13, 2003 QuoteI had to buy a Corbin seat to make it work out. Was that a Corbin/Gentry or did you buy a Corbin after they broke the partnership? FFF "Upon seeing the shadow of a pigeon, one must resist the urge to look up." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freefallfreak 0 #17 February 13, 2003 My scooter... and I love her... FFF "Upon seeing the shadow of a pigeon, one must resist the urge to look up." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
numbknuckle 0 #18 February 13, 2003 Since bikes r being discussed, I've got a quick question too. If you cant test ride em, how do you know its what you want? the reason I ask is I had a Honda250 duel purpose that was super top heavy-sold it a year later. Also had a over used Ninja650 for a minute but didn't keep it either. I want another one but *shrug Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flyingferret 0 #19 February 13, 2003 No, cruiser says I look good going speeds less than 110. I am 23 and I ride a 2002 HD Fat Boy. I love it, and actually for 1450cc the center of balance is perfect. She weaves and carves turns like a champ with footboards sparking. I would lean towards the Honda, that was gonna be my bike before I got the HD. But that was mainly because I thought it was the only decent looking cruiser other than HD. My 2nd bike will be a Buell Firebolt. Freefallfreak, nice nostalgia bike. What was the basis for that thing? My Dad has a 68 triumph...?Bonneville? I think. -- All the flaming and trolls of wreck dot with a pretty GUI. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WFFC 1 #20 February 13, 2003 Quote Riddler, the B(ig) M(oney) W(asted) snob keeps his trap shut ... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Scratch 0 #21 February 13, 2003 I have owned a number of bikes over the years. Yamaha, Suzuki and Honda. Go for Honda. Their build quality is just better, period. I have a Honda 550 4k circa 1977 in the garage. it has 100 000 km on the clock (65000 miles) and still runs like a watch. I bought it with 10 000 miles and have ridden it almost daily. I also have a Honda VFR 750F. THAT is one sweet ass bike. There is nothing quite like it on the market and the build quality is superb. So There you have it. Go Honda and take a long hard look at the VFR Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freefallfreak 0 #22 February 13, 2003 QuoteFreefallfreak, nice nostalgia bike. What was the basis for that thing? My Dad has a 68 triumph...?Bonneville? I think. Lol...the basis was a cool ride. It started off as a 58 Triumph but like my Pro-Street rod, it's all custom right down to the chrome engine cases. All my friends ride HDs and they teased me unmercifully about it but they kept coming over to watch it go together, lol. Then, when we, as a group, ride they get all pissy cause at the redlights, I can burn 'em (it's really lightweight) and it gets some really cool looks from citizens, too, especially the ladies...tee-hee. Course I'm not known as a low-key kinda' guy, lol. FFF "Upon seeing the shadow of a pigeon, one must resist the urge to look up." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SniperCJ 0 #23 February 13, 2003 QuoteIf you cant test ride em, how do you know its what you want? When I started looking at bikes again a couple years ago (before I bought the Kawi ZX12R I have now) Honda let me test ride the BlackBird and one of the other sportbikes a couple of times. Maybe the other makers wont let you, but Honda did. My opinion is all the big makers are going to be pretty reliable and all, it get down to styling, fit, and personal preference. JC Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DYEVOUT 0 #24 February 13, 2003 Hey, where's the pie plate to catch the oil? Just kidding, nice chop. I had an 8 1/2" over springer on my '74 Honda 750 (Amen Savior frame). ----------------=8^)---------------------- "I think that was the wrong tennis court." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RevJim 0 #25 February 13, 2003 In my heavily biased opinion, neither. I've never owned a Suzuki, since I was never impressed enough to pay for one, after riding friends bikes. I owned a Honda, and had nothing but problems with the electrical system. Since you want a cruiser, I suggest http://www.yamaha-motor.com/products/unitinfo.asp?lid=2&lc=mcy&cid=4&mid=21 or, if you really want some style, try http://www.victory-usa.com/product/detail.asp?contentid=03VICVEGASIt's your life, live it! Karma RB#684 "Corcho", ASK#60, Muff#3520, NCB#398, NHDZ#4, C-33989, DG#1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
