What is the best starter cruiser motorcycle?
- AnthonyMartello
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What is the best starter cruiser motorcycle?
04 Aug 2012 12:38
Hello friends,
I am turning 18 in February and I am planning on getting a motorcycle. I have taken the MSF course and ridden friends' motorcycles before, I do have my license I want a cruiser type motorcycle and I want a 650 or 600, what are some good starter motorcycles that are cruisers?
Best regards
Anthony
I am turning 18 in February and I am planning on getting a motorcycle. I have taken the MSF course and ridden friends' motorcycles before, I do have my license I want a cruiser type motorcycle and I want a 650 or 600, what are some good starter motorcycles that are cruisers?
Best regards
Anthony
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- 650ed
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Re: What is the best starter cruiser motorcycle?
04 Aug 2012 13:13
If you can find an original KZ650 SR, LTD, or CSR you may be interested in one of them. They had a cruiser look. Ed
1977 KZ650-C1 Original Owner - Stock (with additional invisible FIAMM horn)
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- faffi
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Re: What is the best starter cruiser motorcycle?
04 Aug 2012 13:25 - 04 Aug 2012 13:26
What is the best dinner? What does a boat cost?
There is no best as such, it's all a compromise. How tall are you? How heavy are you? How much experience do you have? What's important to you? How much money will you spend? Do you plan to do long distance touring? Carry a passenger? What defines a cruiser for you?
In my opinion, there are no KZ cruisers, regardless of marketing, there are only stylized standards that have had their functionality reduced with less cornering clearance, tall handlebars and softer suspension. Yet many, many people bought them and enjoyed them. Still do. But don't expect any Harley feelings from them, they are much more performance oriented.
A Honda Shadow VLX600 is an excellent cruiser that really is one and that is very easy to ride, brilliant for learning on. It is also suitable for most heights and weights. Another cruiser, albeit sportier, is the Kawasaki ZL600 Eliminator. I'd go for the latter one with wire wheels as it has a more tractable engine more suitable for a beginner. The ZL have a lot more power than the VLX and more sportier handling because it's more like the old KZ cruisers, only in improved form.
No inline four is going to sound relaxed, though, so no Harley-imitations while gliding through town like you can do on the Shadow.
You also have a Hyosong 650 cruiser and the Suzuki Intruders that start out at 600cc. The Intruder is far more cramped than the Shadow, however.
Without knowing more than you've stated so far, I would suggest the Shadow. You may have requirements that the Shadow cannot meet, however.
There is no best as such, it's all a compromise. How tall are you? How heavy are you? How much experience do you have? What's important to you? How much money will you spend? Do you plan to do long distance touring? Carry a passenger? What defines a cruiser for you?
In my opinion, there are no KZ cruisers, regardless of marketing, there are only stylized standards that have had their functionality reduced with less cornering clearance, tall handlebars and softer suspension. Yet many, many people bought them and enjoyed them. Still do. But don't expect any Harley feelings from them, they are much more performance oriented.
A Honda Shadow VLX600 is an excellent cruiser that really is one and that is very easy to ride, brilliant for learning on. It is also suitable for most heights and weights. Another cruiser, albeit sportier, is the Kawasaki ZL600 Eliminator. I'd go for the latter one with wire wheels as it has a more tractable engine more suitable for a beginner. The ZL have a lot more power than the VLX and more sportier handling because it's more like the old KZ cruisers, only in improved form.
No inline four is going to sound relaxed, though, so no Harley-imitations while gliding through town like you can do on the Shadow.
You also have a Hyosong 650 cruiser and the Suzuki Intruders that start out at 600cc. The Intruder is far more cramped than the Shadow, however.
Without knowing more than you've stated so far, I would suggest the Shadow. You may have requirements that the Shadow cannot meet, however.
1977 KZ650B1
1980 F1 engine
B1 3-phase alternator
B1 Points ignition
1980 F1 engine
B1 3-phase alternator
B1 Points ignition
Last edit: 04 Aug 2012 13:26 by faffi.
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- kzcurt
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Re: What is the best starter cruiser motorcycle?
04 Aug 2012 13:55
well put Faffi. So, what he said
:laugh:

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9 @ 50-2053,
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- Patton
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Re: What is the best starter cruiser motorcycle?
04 Aug 2012 14:53
Would also consider and test ride a Suzuki Savage.
Smooth 650 single with ultra-low seat height.
Good Fortune!
Smooth 650 single with ultra-low seat height.
Good Fortune!

1973 Z1
KZ900 LTD
KZ900 LTD
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- damarble
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Re: What is the best starter cruiser motorcycle?
04 Aug 2012 16:51 - 04 Aug 2012 16:54
My cousin got a 05 Shadow 750 as his first bike when he was 23. Comfy and big enough for him at 6'4". Not a ton of power, easily controlled. Good option.
A twin or single of some sort is a good starter bike, less parts to worry about.
A twin or single of some sort is a good starter bike, less parts to worry about.
Go green, buy a Kawasaki!
82 KZ750M CSR Build Thread
89 ZX600C Streetfighter
82 KZ750M CSR Build Thread
89 ZX600C Streetfighter
Last edit: 04 Aug 2012 16:54 by damarble.
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- trianglelaguna
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Re: What is the best starter cruiser motorcycle?
04 Aug 2012 19:09
v-max...08 or newer
1976 KZ900
2003 ZX12R
2007 FZ1000
2004 ninja 250R for wife
2003 ZX12R
2007 FZ1000
2004 ninja 250R for wife
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- trianglelaguna
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Re: What is the best starter cruiser motorcycle?
04 Aug 2012 19:29
what is the best ketchup
1976 KZ900
2003 ZX12R
2007 FZ1000
2004 ninja 250R for wife
2003 ZX12R
2007 FZ1000
2004 ninja 250R for wife
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Re: What is the best starter cruiser motorcycle?
04 Aug 2012 19:51trianglelaguna wrote: what is the best ketchup
Apparently Sniders. Otherwise they wouldn't be able to say so on the label. :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Attachment 00000_2012-08-04.jpg not found
1977 KZ650-C1 Original Owner - Stock (with additional invisible FIAMM horn)
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- loudhvx
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Re: What is the best starter cruiser motorcycle?
04 Aug 2012 21:03
What is the best oil? :ohmy:
1981 KZ550 D1 gpz.
Kz550 valve train warning.
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Kz550 valve train warning.
Other links.
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- trianglelaguna
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Re: What is the best starter cruiser motorcycle?
04 Aug 2012 22:23
what is the best sunset
1976 KZ900
2003 ZX12R
2007 FZ1000
2004 ninja 250R for wife
2003 ZX12R
2007 FZ1000
2004 ninja 250R for wife
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- wireman
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Re: What is the best starter cruiser motorcycle?
04 Aug 2012 23:26:sick: :sick: :sick: :sick: :sick: :sick: :sick: :sick: :sick: :sick: yyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyeuck! :woohoo:trianglelaguna wrote: v-max...08 or newer
posting from deep under a non-descript barn in an undisclosed location southwest of Omaha.
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