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Message started by MeLikeBike on 08/06/13 at 22:51:49

Title: "Next" bike recommendations
Post by MeLikeBike on 08/06/13 at 22:51:49

Hi Everyone,
Now that I've been riding a little longer, I've been considering a "next level" bike that will give me a little more highway riding ability. I love the Savage, but when I get it on the highway and get up to around 60mph, the vibration from the big single and the lightness of the bike start to become a bit disadvantageous. I'm also 6 foot, so I'm probably a hair tall for the Savage.

I like the Cruiser styling, the laid-back riding position, and the simple design, and I'd like to keep it under $10 grand, new. I figure something like the Honda Shadow (which seems cool), or the Suzuki C/M50 (which are a bit much in styling for my tastes).

Opinions? I'm not ready to write any checks, but I'm curious to everyone's thoughts.

Thanks.

Title: Re: "Next" bike recommendations
Post by PerrydaSavage on 08/07/13 at 05:16:00

I'm an FSO (former Savage owner) and currently own/Ride an '06 Honda VT750DC Shadow Spirit and find it (for me) a perfect step-up from the LS650 ... it's hauls my 5'-4", light-weight ass around just fine and is more than enough Bike for me ... even on the highway ...

At 6 foot, depending on your inseam and preference for the Roadster-esque, Custom Cruiser stylings of the Savage/S40 (Shadow Spirit is similar), then a Yamahog V-Star 1100 Custom might be just the ticket for you ... especially if you intend much highway work ...

Title: Re: "Next" bike recommendations
Post by Blinky-FSO on 08/07/13 at 05:29:03

Well, you will get recommendations all across the spectrum. Personally, I went from an S40 to a C50 this spring and love it. To me the C50 feels more nimble than the S40. The weight goes to 600 but has not been an issue. There are just a few known issues with the C50 and there is a good forum for support. You would be well served looking at one.

With that said, you indicated you would buy a new bike, not used, up to 10K. One of the reasons I buy used is that you can get a used bike with very few miles on the clock for a song, if you are patient. There are a bunch of old guys that buy a bike because they have always wanted to ride. They put on a few miles and then either scare themselves or figure out it is hot, cold, or wet out there. They park the bike in the garage and then, in a few years, get the nerve to tell the wife they made a mistake and sell the bike. Case in point, I picked up the 2007 S40 with 3,600 miles for $1,500 and this spring, the 2007 C50 with 2,200 miles for the S40 plus $3,200.

But new is nice. Take a look at them all and don't forget the Triumph America.

Good hunting

Title: Re: "Next" bike recommendations
Post by Arnold on 08/07/13 at 05:37:29

I think I want to chop a Sportster next. I can find plenty older models under 5k on CL. Are those things reliable though? I see a few from 90s have had tranny replaced, not a good sign I guess. Any of you guys messed with these?

Title: Re: "Next" bike recommendations
Post by bobert_FSO on 08/07/13 at 05:42:20

I had the same circumstances. As much as I loved it for running around town, my Savage felt a little cramped and a little light for longer highway rides. Rather than make a lot of mods to the Savage, I moved to a Kawasaki 800, the classic model.

It is working well for me. It is bigger, more comfortable, but still not real heavy. It gives me all the power I care use. It is an older model bike, built from about 1997 to 2005. Not sure of the exact years. Although liquid cooled, it has a fairly simple and reliable carburetted engine. What I really miss is the the Savage's set and forget belt drive. I'm back to lubing chains.

Title: Re: "Next" bike recommendations
Post by Arnold on 08/07/13 at 05:53:10

Right about that, had a Magna before, dont miss the chain deal one bit, no more grease on pants. I dont like shaft drive either, can get costly, I think belt is cleanest and cheapest alternative.

Title: Re: "Next" bike recommendations
Post by Dave on 08/07/13 at 06:03:07

4653484B4B42534255270 wrote:

Contact MMRanch......he is our forum Sportster expert. He had a 1200 with issues, and just bought a used 883. I also believe Lancer is knowledable about Sportsters.

My experience is limited to what I watched on the TV show "Then Came Bronson".....and even though I was just a kid I could tell when they used a dirt bike painted to look like the Sportster for all the stunt work on the show.

Title: Re: "Next" bike recommendations
Post by PerrydaSavage on 08/07/13 at 07:41:46

I'll second the low-mileage, used Bike comment ... in the 10 years since I've gotten my motorcycle endorsement, I've had 7 different Bikes ... only one of 'em was bought brand new, out of the box (2003 LS650 Savage) ... the rest have been low-mileage, pre-owned units ... all perfectly fine and (much) cheaper than new ... lotsa GREAT deals out there if you are a savy looker! :)

Title: Re: "Next" bike recommendations
Post by old_rider on 08/07/13 at 09:39:03

Well MLB, wish you lived closer to me....my Harley ain't low miles, but i'm selling it under 10k and its in garage queen shape...LOL... of course its a 850+ lbs touring bagger, but I loved riding it. At 6' tall most Honda's under 1100 cc's won't do...my wife of 5'4" can sit a shadow 750 and touch. If you get a sportser 1200cc you will have to get a forward control set, I read somewhere that most MC companies design bikes for the average guy (5' 10"), so you will either have to mod your seat, foot controls, or find a used bike that a taller guy has already setup.

Title: Re: "Next" bike recommendations
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 08/07/13 at 10:37:43

If I was rich I wouldnt buy a new Anything with wheels.

Title: Re: "Next" bike recommendations
Post by PhantomII on 08/07/13 at 14:34:58

I would love to own a newer Triumph T100 i love the classic looks of them.

Title: Re: "Next" bike recommendations
Post by Midnightrider on 08/07/13 at 20:19:23

I don't believe there are any bad bikes out there anymore. Triumphs are my favorites but it may not be what you want. Get whatever you can afford and looks and works best for you.

Title: Re: "Next" bike recommendations
Post by old_rider on 08/07/13 at 20:21:55

7B5F52585F515E42445F525344360 wrote:

I don't believe there are any bad bikes out there anymore. Triumphs are my favorites but it may not be what you want. Get whatever you can afford and looks and works best for you.

Very GOOD advice! That's how I stumbled onto the wifes 2004 savage and am now in the process of getting me one, it just FITS...nuff' said :)

Title: Re: "Next" bike recommendations
Post by Pine on 08/08/13 at 08:27:06

Its almost sad how many bikes go on CL about nov - jan for near nothing around here. If/when I look for another thats my plan. I have seen greak looking C50's for well under $4k.

As for bikes themselves.. still stuck on the America, or that Honda CB1100

Title: Re: "Next" bike recommendations
Post by LANCER on 08/08/13 at 09:10:23

Suzuki 1200 Bandit...pretty much a standard type bike with a straight up sitting position but with a dash of "sport" look thrown on.
No shortage of power. Nope.

Title: Re: "Next" bike recommendations
Post by SuperSavage on 08/08/13 at 13:05:52

I have a 1996 Kawasaki Vulcan 800A for sale. It has ~3,900 miles on the clock and it's in excellent shape. Starts right up and purrs like a kitten. It is similar in style to the Savage but larger, more poweful and will run all day, it's watercooled. If you want to check it out just to see what that style looks like, go to Craigslist, Long Island, NY. It's listed under 1996 Kawasaki Vulcan 800A. I also have Jardine 6" forward controls for it as well, I took them off for selling purposes. It is a very smooth and stable bike. I'm selling it because I just bought a Honda Sabre 1100. If I can't sell it for near what I want, I'll just keep it and ride 'em both. Yee Haaaa...

Title: Re: "Next" bike recommendations
Post by Skid Mark on 08/09/13 at 18:40:30

I went from the S40 to the C50. New will be under 10k. Loved it. Much better on the hiway and still pretty nimble when you get used to the bigger size. I loved the bike but it fell a bit short when going 2 up. It worked ok but it was close to its limit at 70 mph with 2 up.