I need a bike for this

[jonny228]

I want a bike that I can easily, travel the P.C.H. from Santa Barbara to San Diego and back on one tank. I also need it to be comfortable enough for rides from Cali to Indiana and back. I am approximately 5'10" and 200 lbs. I don't want a dresser, but I want it to be capable of carrying a week worth of clothes. I have looked at Volusias in the past, but I am questionable on if or how long this bike will hold up to these trips. I no longer am thinking about a Honda, they look cheap, for some reason. It is down to Suzuki, or Yamaha. I like the road star but I think it might be overpriced. What kind of bike do I need? Somebody please help!!!

[Weazel]

For those of us who are less Left-Coast savvy, could you give us a mileage estimate for the trip you're talking about? I spent some time in SD, but don't know how long your round trip is.

I've heard really good things about BMWs for long distance touring like that. Big fuel capacity, bulletproof motors, and hardbags to carry your gear. They're very comfortable. But the repair costs, should you need any, they're horrendous.

I hopped over on www.epinions.com and didn't see any commentary on new Suzuki cruiser bikes. Looking on their site the Volusia doesn't look like it'll cut it, since it's smallish with no storage. The Intruder 1400 only has a 3.5 gallon fuel tank. The Marauder 1600 is AWESOME looking, 4.5 gallon tank, and I'm sure has accessories for luggage. But it's pricey.

There are a lot of good bikes out there, I'd say go drive some! Good luck.

[ion54]

Jonny,

I don't know of any cruiser capable of doing 440 miles on one tank.
I don't think you can get a car capable of doing that consistently either.

[Uncle Bob]

Originally Posted by ion54

Jonny,

I don't know of any cruiser capable of doing 440 miles on one tank.
I don't think you can get a car capable of doing that consistently either.

If we're talking about a 440 mile ride there are no bikes that have that range without adding extra fuel storage. largest tanks on bikes are I believe 6 gallons but most are in the 3.5 to 4.5 gallon range at an average 40 miles per gallon.

My diesel Volkswagen gets about 600 miles per tank. lol

[jonny228]

I guess I did not really think about how long that trip was, and how small bike tanks are. I want a bike that is very comfortable. Besides, rumor is I will be moving to Virginia Beach, not my choice, but I hope, its so much less expensive, and still very nice. From there to Indiana is approximately 800 miles and I would be doing that trip a little more often. Are there any bikes that I would not have problems placing 5000 miles or more on a year. I do not want this bike to cost more than 9000 and any more than 900 cc is probably overkill for my likes. BMWs do not really fit my style they look like sport touring-euro design, well they look stupid, to be blunt. I want a cruiser, I don't sip my coffee!!!

[Mike Burnham]

Any bike you take care of should be able to do 5000 miles a year. But keep in mind with tube tires you will be replacing tham every year or two. You will be changing oil twice a year, but should anyway. You will have to keep up and maintain the bike. My 800 Intuder does that or close to that every year and my last bike went from Maryland to Datona twice and to New York a few times let alone every where else I decided to take it and it was a 82 Honda Nighthawk 450. A freind has it now. Still running. It is a matter of how far you ride at one shot and how much vibration you can indure on a long ride before your extremities go numb.
I went with the 800 Intruder for a number of reasons.
1) I love the style.
2) Has some power.
3) Water cooled is easier for wear and tear.
4) Shaft drive is smother on a long haul.
5) The dealer was willing to sell me it for the Manufactures Retail Price, out the door. I was not finding Harley even willing to go to 2 times the MRP.

[vol01jim]

I paid $5500 for a 01 volusia with 6k miles on it. It was fairly loaded with w/shld, lightbar, crashbar, flr/bords, sissybar, bags etc. I've seen similar vols on the volusia owners league going for mid to high $4000, maybe 02 or 03 for alittle more..?$ 5500-6k. And like I told you on another topic, I've been very satisfied.

TWo other points I wanted to make per your above question. Since I take the wife for weekends sometimes, I purchased a travel bag (like a small suitcase with detachable compartments etc) that attaches very well to the sissybar and rests on the rack behind it. This holds cloth etc for a trip and any larger items that the saddlebags will not hold. It easily detaches and even has backpack straps if needed. Cost me $100 dollars and it has been well worth the money. It may be just what you need for your long trips.(sissybar not included)

Second point is, the vol gas tank is 4.5 gal I believe.

[Uncle Bob]

Remember guy's a Sissy Bar is a backrest .

[Mike Burnham]

Just wondering if you found the bike you are lookng for. I was discussing with a feeind the concept of Hybrid bikes. We are working out the mechanics, but are in no way ready to produce one. We speculate at pressent 100 - 150 mpg. e will have to work out the full mechanics.

[The Chad]

it'll be tuff to store al the electrical that's needed, that and to make it well enough to work for very long, the bike would be heavy as heck. If the owner ever dropped it, it would take two men and a small boy to pick it up. I really wish you luck in your venture with it.

[wsharp]

Hmmmm... if you haven't decided yet I recommend looking at the 1500LC. I know you said that over 900cc would be overkill, but if you are going to do a lot of cross country runs the larger bike will probably be more comfortable and able to haul more stuff. I have one and I have to say that it handles like a much smaller bike (it has a low center of gravity, or so I have been told, since the fuel tank is actually under the seat.) I have been putting 1500 miles a month on mine and it has been a fine machine.

[jonny228]

Granted the price made me jump even more on board. Anyhow, I purchased a 40th Anniversary Volusia. That gorgeous pearl white and all that studded leather, I sat on it and fell in love, then I took it for a ride, my loins were more tickled than Thursday night after E.R. I am sure some people out there know what I am saying. What tipped the scales was I came back, and the dealer said the other guy looking could not get the money, and he offered to take $800 off the tag to take it out the door, so I did. I got it used, only has 4000 miles on it, and it needed the saddle replaced, I only payed $3200. Chicago is the best place to buy bikes, they are dirt cheap!!!

[Calibrator]

You got a good deal, I was looking at a Aniversary Vol. and could only get the stealer down to $5600.

I guess I'll keep the 1400 for a while....

[MadCow]

Originally Posted by Calibrator

You got a good deal, I was looking at a Aniversary Vol. and could only get the stealer down to $5600.

I guess I'll keep the 1400 for a while....

Whats wrong with the 1400?

[Calibrator]

Nothing wrong with 1400 but I need new toys every few years.

I keep hearing rumors about a new 1400 from Suzuki but nothing yet. The stealers around hear either won't or can't talk about new models.....

I would like to see a cruiser from Suzuki with hard bags and fuel injection like a cross between the kaw. mean streak and the nomad.

Maybe one day .............

[MadCow]

By thwe way Calibrator, I really like your Intruder

Sweet looking bike