Old_Rider_54 
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« on: July 19, 2009, 08:58:10 PM » |
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I wasn't sure where to post this, so I'll start here.
My buddy wants to buy his first bike. He doesn't want to go with a standard like my Hawk, but wants something that is styled more like a cruiser - Shadow, Virago, etc. Since I have zero experience with road bikes other than the Nighthawk, I need some help here. What would be your suggestions for a first bike? If it makes any difference, he is around 6' and 200 lbs, good coordination and balance skills.
I have him convinced to take the MSF course and want to see him on an easy-to-handle bike, between 2 and 10 years old, ultra-reliable, low maintenance, etc. His spending limit is around $5K (less is better!)
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1991 CB750 Nighthawk
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gammer
Crazy Canuck
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Bike: 85 NH 750S - cam mod, K&N, jet kit, MAC pipe, Andrews ign.
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"Hang on lady, we going for a ride" - Short Round
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« Reply #1 on: July 19, 2009, 09:03:56 PM » |
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Yeah, I would say a newer Shadow. Like a Honda Shadow VLX600C  |
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Technical answers based on experience
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Burgi
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« Reply #2 on: July 19, 2009, 09:47:43 PM » |
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I'll second the VLX. My husband really liked his. Some people say are to small for larger riders. My husband is 6'1" and he didn't feel uncomfortable but his height is on his body. If your friend has really long legs it might not work as well for him.
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Twist N Go
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detdrbuzzard
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« Reply #3 on: July 20, 2009, 06:14:15 AM » |
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i like the older shadow's cause unlike the vlx with a four speed trans the older ones have a six speed od trans
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'75CB750k, '79CB750 super K,
'84aspy '93gl1500se
'79cb750f, '8
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dbracing
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« Reply #4 on: July 20, 2009, 06:43:21 AM » |
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And, unless I am way off base, the older ones are also shaft drive, which to me is a huge plus.
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Dave
86 700S
03 Suzuki B1200S
90 Yamaha Venture Royal
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detdrbuzzard
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« Reply #5 on: July 20, 2009, 07:19:15 AM » |
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And, unless I am way off base, the older ones are also shaft drive, which to me is a huge plus.
they are indeed shaft drive |
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'75CB750k, '79CB750 super K,
'84aspy '93gl1500se
'79cb750f, '8
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gammer
Crazy Canuck
Senior Member
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Gender:
Age: 38
Location: Kingston, Ontario
Bike: 85 NH 750S - cam mod, K&N, jet kit, MAC pipe, Andrews ign.
Posts: 5409
Join Date: Jul, 2008
"Hang on lady, we going for a ride" - Short Round
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« Reply #6 on: July 20, 2009, 08:44:33 AM » |
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And, unless I am way off base, the older ones are also shaft drive, which to me is a huge plus.
they are indeed shaft drive Confirmed. I had an 84 Shadow VT500. It was a shaftie. Very comfortable bike for cruising. If only they had made it with hydraulic lifters, it would have been almost as good as a Nighthawk  |
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Certifiably not certified.
Technical answers based on experience
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