Looking for Mid-Size Cruiser Test Rides (800-900cc range) - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

vtbme · 01-21-2009, 06:42 PM

I've logged about 5000 miles in the past 18 months on my '99 Virago 250. Took the MSF class before I even considered buying a bike...just always wanted to learn. Still need to practice slow speed skills, etc, but I'm beginning to look for something a more comfy and that can get out of the way if need be. Hopefully I will have completed my savings and be ready to purchase out right within 9-12 months. I'm open to new/used.

I've been lurking around on various forums and it is obvious that the best way to make the decision is to ride as many bikes as possible...Obvious problem is that most dealers do not let you ride unless the manuf has provided them with a demo. The one exception I've found is the BMW-Triumph-Ducati dealer here in Charlotte.

Initially I really liked the custom versions of the Vstar 650 & 1100, but with the intro of the 950 I'm rethinking those.

I'm considering the following bikes (note they all have mag wheels, I hate the laced):
*Vstar 950 - prefer its looks, but it's air-cooled (why did they do that???), wish they had black out version, every review mentions floorboards scraping early
*Vulcan 900 Custom - don't prefer rear fender gap or drag bar, but it's liquid-cooled
*Suzuki M50 - liquid cooled but not as wild about looks, shaft vs belt?
*Triumph Speedmaster or America - good looking but both are chain drive...current bike is chain and it is a PAIN...especially since I have no garage to do even minor work. I use Cycle Shell for weather protection.
*Harley Sportster 1200 Low - felt really comfy when I sat on it, but it's air cooled; web lists primary drive as chain, but does not list final, which I think is belt.

My main driving includes commuting to work about 12 miles round trip; city errands; joy rides around the Charlotte outskirts. I hope to add some weekend trips as my skills improve and I meet more riders. Eventually I'd like to go to smaller rallies/shows. I'm a woman rider, 5'6" and 160lbs.

So, I guess I have a couple of questions:

1. Is air cooled vs liquid cooled that much of a detriment? Liquid is obviously better for the machine and the environment (my mechanic recommends the vulcan over the vstar just from that fact), but is overheating really a threat? No problems with the Virago yet and Charlotte gets pretty hot and sticky. I guess if all things were equal, it would be dumb not to go for the bike with liquid cooling. Seeing the radiator does not bother me.

2. Belt v Shaft - camps seem to be divided here on maintenance and power loss opinions. Should one or the other be a deal breaker if all other things on the bike are equal?

3. If anyone has any info as to how I can test ride some bikes, that would be great. Or if you know anyone in the Charlotte NC area with any of the bikes mentioned who wouldn't mind me trying them, I would really appreciate it. I am not a speed demon and I don't do highways. I just want a chance to get a feel for the bikes handling, weight, etc. Shoot, I'd be grateful just to try them out in a large parking lot. I guess I could just look on ebay or craigslist, but I don't want to waste anyone's time who is trying to sell the bike now. And i doubt they'd want me just riding their bike without the possibility of a sale.

4. Any strong opinions on bikes mentioned would be much appreciated.

Sorry for the novel - thanks for reading it...and especially for responding if you're so inclined.

Peace beyond us!