Upgrading from sport to cruiser

joeyjoejoe

joeyjoejoe

Well-known member
Upgrading from a BEGINNER sport to a PERFORMANCE cruiser

So I now have about 2 years of riding experience. I still only have my M2, but should upgrade to a full M prior to buying a new bike.

Right now I have a GS500F, but instead of moving up to a super sport, I'm looking at cruisers instead. What caught my eye is the Suzuki M50/M90/M109R... M109R is way too powerful, but I feel that the M50 might not be powerful enough. The thing about the M90 I don't like is that it's only been made in one year. Makes parts hard to find.

I'm a big guy, so I don't want an under powered cruiser, but is a 500cc (450lbs curb weight) sport bike to a 1400cc (700lbs) crusier too big of a jump? Should I go smaller?

The kind of cruiser that I want is something which does handle well and reliable, but also modern in design. I'm also considering HD V-ROD and Yami Stryker. Are there any others?
 
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V-rod's the only one worth your money. I happen to know of one for sale, come to think about it.
 
joeyjoejoe said:
I'm a big guy, so I don't want an under powered cruiser, but is a 500cc (450lbs curb weight) sport bike to a 1400cc (700lbs) crusier too big of a jump? Should I go smaller?
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If your confident in your abilities, go with anything you want, big or small. My brother learned to ride on a Harley Ultra Classic, thats what he rode for starting for 2 seasons, no lay downs, no nothing. He is responsible careful and respectful of the bike and the road. I dont see anything wrong with moving to the M109R, so long as your confident in your abilities.

When I started riding, I moved from a yamaha maxim 400 to a goldwing 1100 interstate. A big jump from a small little bike, and it was a bit intimidating at first, but once I got moving, I had no issues at all. Basically what I am saying is you can ride anything, its up to you.
 
I think you meant to say "downgrading."

:D

Bet you'd love the Tuono.
 
Myztyk said:
http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/10/10321/Motorcycle-Article/2011-Performance-Cruiser-Smackdown.aspx

Good article at the link above on power cruisers. It doesn't cover the Stryker, however will seal any thoughts you had of getting a 109. That thing is a BEAST...

And to anyone looking to **** on the VROD...note it actually won the OBJECTIVE category, by tying with the Diavel.
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Well technically, ALL the motorcycles they tested are beasts! I don't understand some of the scoring. The M109R is cheaper than the V-Rod, but was scored lower in MSRP?

Thanks... gives me more options.
 
joeyjoejoe said:
Well technically, ALL the motorcycles they tested are beasts! I don't understand some of the scoring. The M109R is cheaper than the V-Rod, but was scored lower in MSRP?

Thanks... gives me more options.
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Might be a US vs. Canada thing. There's also some pretty heavy rebating going on with the M109 (that I have seen) based on my assumption they aren't moving.
 
ooo...as an FYI... Suzuki has a demo day coming up in Brampton on July 16th. You should be able to try out a couple of different things there.

Harley has demos all the time. Just need to head to their website.

Yamaha has a demo truck as well, however sadly has no strykers that I could see.

Victory had demos up at Biker's Reunion this weekend.
 
Myztyk said:
Might be a US vs. Canada thing. There's also some pretty heavy rebating going on with the M109 (that I have seen) based on my assumption they aren't moving.
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Good! Maybe I can get a great price for new!

Yeah, I saw the post... won't be able to try out the M109R (only M2), but that doesn't mean I can't try out everything else!
 
joeyjoejoe said:
Good! Maybe I can get a great price for new!

Yeah, I saw the post... won't be able to try out the M109R (only M2), but that doesn't mean I can't try out everything else!
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If you want a tank. :)

If you get there early and prove you can ride a smaller bike, they might let you try a bigger one later in the day. Guys on the Suzuki demo truck are pretty cool guys.
 
Why not move into an intermediate sport tourer instead of a cruiser.

One of the Suzuki 650s or some such.

Suzuki-Road-Motorcycle-Sport-Touring-GSX650F.png
[h=3]GSX650F[/h] Presenting the all-new GSX650F, Suzuki’s testament to the fact that sportsbikes can have versatility packed in them too. Add some advanced fuel injection to this, and you have the ultimate multi-purpose bike roaming the streets.

The GSX650F is powered by a four-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that is tuned for optimum power delivery, providing strong midrange and low-end power. Also, its ability to cut corners is enhanced with the revolutionary fuel injection system, providing smooth power, crisp handling and improved fuel efficiency. This makes racing through winding roads a ride to remember.

The Suzuki GSX650F is crafted to perfection, so as to zoom across open highways and winding back roads with considerable ease. Its touring ability is complemented with the comfortable design offered to the riders. The comfortable upright riding position and short reaching handlebars make for a lovely ride, no matter how far the distance.

To top off matters, the Suzuki GSX650F comes with a price tag that almost begs to be bought. Its economical pricing has led to it becoming the steady favorite for riders who like to go the extra mile.
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I rode a Stryker. Strong powerful straight liner. Doesn't like to turn. It was fun to ride but not my first choice in cruisers.
I'm a fan of the older VTX1300s and VTX1800s. I wouldn't be worried about moving from a 500 sport to a 1000cc cruiser.
Also, if you do not need a new bike, you can look for something gently used that is loaded up for less than the cost of brand new.

Happy shopping.
 
Katapult said:
I rode a Stryker. Strong powerful straight liner. Doesn't like to turn. It was fun to ride but not my first choice in cruisers.
I'm a fan of the older VTX1300s and VTX1800s. I wouldn't be worried about moving from a 500 sport to a 1000cc cruiser.
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It was a toss-up between the Stryker and the VT1300 Interstate when I shopping for a new bike. I chose the VT and have absolutely no regrets. It's a bit wide in turns but is a complete joy to ride and even though it's heavier than the Shadow, it felt easier to handle due to its low centre of gravity.
 
Why not move into an intermediate sport tourer instead of a cruiser.

One of the Suzuki 650s or some such.
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saw you are a big guy.....then perhaps on of the litre sport tourers in stead of the cruiser.

The V-Strom's 90-degree V-Twin is the only liquid-cooled two-cylinder and though it doesn't win either the horsepower or torque categories on the dyno, the comfy Japanese bike is deceptively fast, easy to ride and confidence-inspiring.

"The power was there whenever I needed it," says Ramos. "Passing or powering up a steep gravel hill at an unexpected shortcut, the engine was eager to please. The lay-on of power was smooth and even, just right for rolling on and off the throttle through the corners."
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Suzuki-V-Strom-1000.jpg


reviews of various versions here Vstrom 1000 shown

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/464/Motorcycles/Suzuki-V-Strom.aspx
 
The vstrom is what the man has..his is the 650..plenty of power. When I sit on it, my feet don't reach the ground ;) he just got back from Dragons Tail and LOVES this bike
Leslie
 
MacDoc said:
Why not move into an intermediate sport tourer instead of a cruiser.

One of the Suzuki 650s or some such.
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Honestly, I hate the way the GS500F looks... but other than the looks, I do like everything else about the GSX650F.

MacDoc said:
saw you are a big guy.....then perhaps on of the litre sport tourers in stead of the cruiser.
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Maybe, I'll see if I can get on it on the Suzuki Demo ride next week. There are at least 2 bikes, I want to try out, GSX650 and M90.


Speaking of demo rides, I went to the HD Demo ride. The guys running were all nice and professional. Too bad I can't say the same for the people that attended. 4 times the guy behind me passed me! This is why I hate riding with people I don't know. Seriously who are you trying to impress? The bikes all had their HP lowered. What's the point of zooming ahead of me and then braking hard so he didn't ram the guy in front of him? The sad thing was this wasn't some snot nosed 19 year old kid, but a guy that looks like he's pushing 50!

Even though I was there about 45 minutes early, I couldn't get a V-ROD in the early sessions. I went on another bike which was too small for me. I had plans at 11:30am, so I didn't try out any more bikes... Note to self... get to the Suzuki Demo ride much earlier and clear the calendar.
 
Good luck...just thinking that after a sport bike the cruiser might be a let down in the twisties.....
Seems a sport tourer covers both and may have better seating for your size over the low cruisers.

Depends on your intended use. .....lot of money if you get it wrong ;)
 
joeyjoejoe said:
Honestly, I hate the way the GS500F looks... but other than the looks, I do like everything else about the GSX650F.



Maybe, I'll see if I can get on it on the Suzuki Demo ride next week. There are at least 2 bikes, I want to try out, GSX650 and M90.


Speaking of demo rides, I went to the HD Demo ride. The guys running were all nice and professional. Too bad I can't say the same for the people that attended. 4 times the guy behind me passed me! This is why I hate riding with people I don't know. Seriously who are you trying to impress? The bikes all had their HP lowered. What's the point of zooming ahead of me and then braking hard so he didn't ram the guy in front of him? The sad thing was this wasn't some snot nosed 19 year old kid, but a guy that looks like he's pushing 50!

Even though I was there about 45 minutes early, I couldn't get a V-ROD in the early sessions. I went on another bike which was too small for me. I had plans at 11:30am, so I didn't try out any more bikes... Note to self... get to the Suzuki Demo ride much earlier and clear the calendar.
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VROD is a high demand bike at those demo rides. And given the nice weather, recovering economy....HD rides are way busier than they were last year. I remember being able to get on 3-4 rides in a day last year. Other option is to head down to Niagara to a Clare's demo ride day for HD. Guys out there tend to be less interested in the VROD. :)

That being said, demo rides are pretty much populated with retards. On a Ducati ride, had some guy sitting about 2 feet off my rear tire like we'd been riding together for years. And Suzuki had this little tiny guy who took out an M109 that was obviously way too big for him, wobbling all over the place. Leave some space in front of you and enjoy the ride...that's my only recommendation.
 
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