next cruiser

[Oaksong]

Thinking about a v-star 1300 or a Meanstreak 1600.

Anything I should know about the two bikes? Reliability, available aftermarket parts, power to weight ratio?

Anybody who has ridden both, which was the most comfy?

[cruznut6]

If you visit the Kawasaki site, you won't find any info on the Mean Streak for 2009. I think the new VN 1700 is replacing all the 1500 and 1600 Vulcans for 2009. I wouldn't bike a "new" bike that's not going to be in production anymore. I owned a 1600 Classic (great bike!) for 3 years and now have a Vulcan 2000 Classic (another great bike!), so if you aren't bothered by this being the last model year, you can probably find a decent left-over deal. The Meanie is a great handling bike and has lots of aftermarket parts, and the paint scheme and black pipes look awesome.

[DrBob]

They are apples and oranges- the v-star 1300 is a slow, comfortable cruiser, while the Warrior is longer on performance and shorter on comfort. I don't personally like either- the V-star is too underpowered for me, and the Warrior, while having impressive performance, is just not comfortable for the long days I put in the saddle. Ride both before buying either.

[4dtvman]

I purchased a Honda VTX 1300. I love the sound of the single pin after I installed cobra long shoots. Big enough for my long highway rides , this weekend to Coopertown NY. And small eough to ride around town. Me and my wife use it for small trips around 100 miles. Of course with a Mustang seat.

I rode a VTX 1800, petty much the small looks but I would kill my self with that thing. 4th gear doing 60 I cranked the gas and my arms grew another inch.

[Oaksong]

Originally Posted by DrBob

They are apples and oranges- the v-star 1300 is a slow, comfortable cruiser, while the Warrior is longer on performance and shorter on comfort. I don't personally like either- the V-star is too underpowered for me, and the Warrior, while having impressive performance, is just not comfortable for the long days I put in the saddle. Ride both before buying either.

Define "Slow". My marauder 800 is my baseline, and I presume the V-star 1300 can easily out-accelerate it. I don't really need more top-speed, I doubt I will ever find real reason for going 100+mph.

[tbsS50]

My '08 V-Star 1300T is wonderful!

[Photonjock]

Have you looked at a Star Roadliner or Stratoliner? Very nice bike with a great art-deco look. 101HP/125ftlbs torque. Aluminum frame, perfect balance.

My 2007 Stratoliner
-Photonjock-

[JmalB]

Dr. Bob kept mentioning the Meanie's competitor. But I think the sentiment may be the same for either bike. I've ridden the Meanie twice. It's a nice power cruiser. Not the fastest but still a lot faster than a Marauder 800. And it handles well for what it is. I can't say much to comfort beyond the 20min ride I took at the International Motorcyle Show. Which was good for that short ride.

[JHoke]

Originally Posted by Photonjock

Have you looked at a Star Roadliner or Stratoliner? Very nice bike with a great art-deco look. 101HP/125ftlbs torque. Aluminum frame, perfect balance.

My 2007 Stratoliner

When I first was looking for a new bike i looked at the 1300/1500cc range, and when the dealer suggested i take the strat for a spin, gotta admit, 1900cc, I was intimidated...

As soon as I sat on it and rode it around the lot all intimidation disappeared completely... take one for a test spin if you can

[Oaksong]

Originally Posted by JHoke

When I first was looking for a new bike i looked at the 1300/1500cc range, and when the dealer suggested i take the strat for a spin, gotta admit, 1900cc, I was intimidated...

As soon as I sat on it and rode it around the lot all intimidation disappeared completely... take one for a test spin if you can

As it happens, there is a pimped out 1900 stratoliner for sale at the local place. Used, 600 miles, aftermarket pipes and the whole 9 yards. Very nice.

Apparently the guy who bought it worked there, then hurt his back severely and now can't ride at all.

I may try and test ride it.

Also, after my recent scare on the road, considering a suzuki bandit 1250. I like the look and they have ABS.

I wish we could get more cruisers with ABS.

[ORBrit]

they don't all have ABS (the Bandits) but even the non ABS model has dual front disks.

[Oaksong]

Originally Posted by ORBrit

they don't all have ABS (the Bandits) but even the non ABS model has dual front disks.

well, if I were gonna get a bandit, and not a cruiser, it would be for the ABS. No ABS, probably no bandit.

I went down to the local Suzuki dealer and they didn't have any bandits. Sat on an SV650, it wasn't as uncomfortable as most sport bikes, a more upright seating position, slight forward and down footpegs, and it would actually be comfy. I would want to write it for a while tho.