Lets Talk about 800 Class Metric Cruisers

I am finally going to step up from my old KZ 650, and plan to get a Classic styled cruiser. I really don't want to get into the larger models, just an 800, 750, or possibly the 650 Yamaha. For some reason, I am not real brand loyal when it comes to a bike, (unlike everything else in my life)so I am open to opinions on all the bikes available. I am going to be shopping for a used bike in '98-'03 year model range, simply due to cost.
Also wondering if any of them have stainless steel spokes. I really don't like cast wheels, but we have a tremendous corrosion problem here.

I drove to Kemah Tx and bought the wife a 750 Vulcan. Nice little bike. I like the liquid cooled bikes over air cooled because they seem to last for several hundred thousand miles before major engine work. That may not be a factor to you depending on how much you ride. There is a ton of Vulcans around now with over 200K on the clock. The 750 I got spent all it's life near the coast and every thing is in good shape. Smooth runner,smooth on the hiway. The factory seat is a pain after about 50 miles. The Mustang seat is MUCH better. I put the factory seat back on until the wife gets used to riding a bike. I would hate for her to rip up a $400 seat while learning to ride. :blink:

I never have been a huge fan of the cruiser styled machines, BUT i have often caught myself on ebay drooling over Kawasaki Drifters and they do come in a 800.

I know the 650 Yamaha Classic is a bit underpowered, so buy bigger if you go with a Yamaha. This comes from two people I ride with who "had them and sold them" to get the 1100 Yam cruisers.

My daily rider is an '04 Suzuki Volusia (Now known as the boulevard C50). Liquid cooled, Shaft drive, 804cc, spoked wheels, goes as fast as I need it to. Big frame, doesn't look like a small bike. New ones are EFI, comes in a T (Touring) model. I went back and forth between this and a vulcan 750. I chose this for the retro styling and the feeling that I was sitting "on top" of this bike as opposed of "in" the bike a vulcan. I love it.

Post edited by: Talman, at: 2008/01/13 22:17

If I can find a Drifter for a good deal when I get ready to buy, that's the one I really want. I love that look with the skirts and wide bars. Then when it's all dressed up, it's sooooo kool looking.
I also have read a lot of good things about the Volusia, and it's my strong 2nd choice.
Definitely prefer the "Classic" look, with full rear fender, wire wheels, leather bags, windshield, and maybe a set of WWWs.
Saw this one on e-bay a while back:

Post edited by: TLH101, at: 2008/01/13 22:28

Truth be told if I was able to get the deal on the drifter that I got on the Volusia I would have snapped on up, to. They're pretty cool. But you can't beat 5,200 for a brand new '04 leftover (purchased in early '05).