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Easy-X |
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Easy-X Super Spammer
Joined: 08 Mar 2019 Karma :
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Posted: 00:52 - 29 May 2019 Post subject: "Which bike?" Thread - Cruiser Edition |
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So straight after passing my theory test last week I've booked in some training for the full bike test next week and already I'm thinking of what bike to get when I pass
I don't want to go too nuts to start with so what one would call "A2 Friendly" bike would be sufficient (~400cc.)
New (i.e. on finance) the Honda Rebel and HD Street 750 look good for the money. But I'm completely clueless (yes, I know I could end the sentence there!) about second hand cruisers.
Vulcans, Viragos, Dragstars and Shadows? Well they all look very nice but I have no idea how well they do long term. Please enlighten me
<addendum>
Needs to be good for the ULEZ... bugger ____________________ Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, Yamaha XSR700, Honda Rebel, Yamaha DT175, Suzuki SV650 (loan) Fazer 600, Keeway Superlight 125, 50cc turd scooter |
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ThatDippyTwat |
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ThatDippyTwat World Chat Champion
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P. |
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P. Red Rocket
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leolion |
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leolion Scooby Slapper
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Robby |
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Robby Dirty Old Man
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linuxyeti |
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linuxyeti World Chat Champion
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Posted: 09:40 - 29 May 2019 Post subject: |
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Fairly restricted on 'new' cruisers these days, although, beginning to see an increased range again.
Looking at 2nd hand, you can't go far wrong with a VT700, however, I had a VTX1300, and a cracking bike it was, stepson, now has 1. Before that he had an XVS650, again, good bike, no real issues to speak of, plus, you can get them 2nd hand in good nick pretty cheaply. You can also pick up a Hyosung ST7, or, if you prefer GV650 relatively cheaply, the ST7, is very reminiscent of the Honda Shadow, it's belt driven, which are expensive come replacement time, but, you can get a plug & play chain conversion set. The ST7, and, I believe, the GV650, are quite nippy machines for 'cruisers'.
I wouldn't touch a Triump America though, based on personal experience ____________________ Beware what photos you upload, or link to on here, especially if you have family members on them |
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Easy-X |
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Easy-X Super Spammer
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Posted: 11:41 - 29 May 2019 Post subject: |
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The Moto Guzzi V7 looks interesting in "you can't have what you want but you can have this!" kind of way. And the 883 looks very awesome but, along with the V7, a bit out of my price range. Gives me something to letch over at the dealers while waiting for a bargain to turn up
Add to that the Vulcan and I'm starting to see a general theme of cruisers just being "bigger bikes."
The Honda Shadows all look very nice but ULEZ means nothing pre-2016 or have I got that wrong? ____________________ Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, Yamaha XSR700, Honda Rebel, Yamaha DT175, Suzuki SV650 (loan) Fazer 600, Keeway Superlight 125, 50cc turd scooter |
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Johnnythefox |
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Johnnythefox Traffic Copper
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sulphur |
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sulphur Trackday Trickster
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Easy-X |
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Easy-X Super Spammer
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P. |
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P. Red Rocket
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wr6133 |
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wr6133 World Chat Champion
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Easy-X |
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Easy-X Super Spammer
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P. Red Rocket
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Motorhate |
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Motorhate Nearly there...
Joined: 02 Aug 2013 Karma :
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Posted: 12:32 - 30 May 2019 Post subject: |
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HardlyDavidson wrote: | I'm only 5'5" might get away with it. Certainly I've seen a few > 6' ppl reviewing the Rebel and they looked a bit odd.
Okay, so let's flesh out the spec:
- Daily commute ~15 miles
- Regular runs up the A3 + London streets
- Motorways almost never
- ULEZ friendly
- Shortarse friendly
- Style > Speed!
- Easy to wrestle in and out of my front garden (lighter would be better) |
First thing - avoid anything Chinese and go for Japanese.
If you're small, then a Virago is a very small bike for a cruiser and it'll be a doddle to ride. It's fairly reliable and looks reasonably OK. 550cc bike is fine for what you've listed above.
Vulcan - I've seen the 750cc and they're nice bikes. Kawasaki make a good bike when it comes to cruisers and they're reasonably reliable but get one with low mileage that's been looked after.
Dragstar - Excellent bike. I had an 1100 and it was great but for your needs, the 650cc version will be fine. I'd recommend these above all the others for both looks and reliability.
Shadow - OK bikes but personally I prefer the Dragstar. Reliability is on a par but looks-wise the Dragstar is probably the best. ____________________ Current - Harley Davidson FXDB Street Bob | Harley Davidson FLTR Road Glide | Harley Davidson Road King
GONE - Honda CB500 Ratbike | Yamaha FZ750 | Yamaha XVS1100 | Kawasaki VN2000 | Kawasaki ER-6 F | Harley Davidson XL883L Sportster |
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Easy-X |
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Easy-X Super Spammer
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Posted: 13:20 - 30 May 2019 Post subject: |
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Virago... remind me, when was the last one produced? Correct me if I'm wrong but doesn't a bike need to be Euro 4 (or at least a really good Euro 3) to enter the ULEZ for free?
So far I think the valid suggestions are:
Honda Rebel: 33.5kW/44.6Nm, 190kg, £5699
HD Street 750: 43kW/59Nm, 223kg, £6045
Kwak Vulcan S: 45kW/63Nm, 229kg, £6449
Yammy XV950R: 40kW/79.5Nm, 252kg, £8699
HD Iron 883: 38kW/73Nm, 247kg, £8895
Honorable mention:
Moto Guzzi V7 III: 38kW/60Nm, 189kg, £8699
All list prices, obviously it'd be nice to find a second hand one in October on a stormy day for half the price ____________________ Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, Yamaha XSR700, Honda Rebel, Yamaha DT175, Suzuki SV650 (loan) Fazer 600, Keeway Superlight 125, 50cc turd scooter |
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Motorhate |
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Motorhate Nearly there...
Joined: 02 Aug 2013 Karma :
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Posted: 13:41 - 30 May 2019 Post subject: |
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HardlyDavidson wrote: | Virago... remind me, when was the last one produced? Correct me if I'm wrong but doesn't a bike need to be Euro 4 (or at least a really good Euro 3) to enter the ULEZ for free?
So far I think the valid suggestions are:
Honda Rebel: 33.5kW/44.6Nm, 190kg, £5699
HD Street 750: 43kW/59Nm, 223kg, £6045
Kwak Vulcan S: 45kW/63Nm, 229kg, £6449
Yammy XV950R: 40kW/79.5Nm, 252kg, £8699
HD Iron 883: 38kW/73Nm, 247kg, £8895
Honorable mention:
Moto Guzzi V7 III: 38kW/60Nm, 189kg, £8699
All list prices, obviously it'd be nice to find a second hand one in October on a stormy day for half the price |
Apols ... I forgot the ULEZ scam
Personally I'd go for either the Yamaha Bolt or the HD. The HD is expensive but it's so easy to customise, parts are widely available and can be customised. The Yamaha Bolt is similar looking and reliable but just doesn't sound as good. ____________________ Current - Harley Davidson FXDB Street Bob | Harley Davidson FLTR Road Glide | Harley Davidson Road King
GONE - Honda CB500 Ratbike | Yamaha FZ750 | Yamaha XVS1100 | Kawasaki VN2000 | Kawasaki ER-6 F | Harley Davidson XL883L Sportster |
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pompousporcup... |
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pompousporcup... World Chat Champion
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owl |
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owl World Chat Champion
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Easy-X |
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Easy-X Super Spammer
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Easy-X |
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Easy-X Super Spammer
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stinkwheel |
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stinkwheel Bovine Proctologist
Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :
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Posted: 14:56 - 30 May 2019 Post subject: |
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Nobody mentioning Triumph?
Bonneville speedmaster/Bobber? Feet-forwards custom-ish type style. Probably way more practical than most.
Is the Thunderbird ULEZ compliant? One metric fucktonne of motorcycle right there.
EDIT: Stop being a pussy and get a fucking Diavel. ____________________ “Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles. |
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owl |
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owl World Chat Champion
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stinkwheel |
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stinkwheel Bovine Proctologist
Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :
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Posted: 15:04 - 30 May 2019 Post subject: |
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I'd suggest you go look at and sit on an Enfield Interceptor 650. Have a test ride once you pass.
It's not a cruiser but if you think you like cruisers, I reckon you'll enjoy one. They are narrow so easy to foot-down. Not overpowered, very comfy. Look good. Cheap, you could likely get a new one for the price of some second hand cruisers. ____________________ “Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles. |
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pompousporcup... |
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pompousporcup... World Chat Champion
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Old Thread Alert!
The last post was made 4 years, 329 days ago. Instead of replying here, would creating a new thread be more useful? |
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