What is the best mid-sized cruiser motorcycle?

Question

I don't plan to go for long trips. I want a bike that is good for getting to work with. There will be plenty of starts & stops on the way to work because there are lots of traffic lights. I'd like to have a nice quick bike though to beat the cars out of the 'gate'.

I'm looking at:

Suzuki boulevard S50(800cc)

Yamaha V-star (650cc)

Harley Sportster (883cc)

Kawasaki Vulcan (500cc)

Honda Shadow Aero (750cc)

Which is the best among these and do you like one I haven't mentioned?

Answer 1

If you are tall enough, I think a dual sport makes the perfect city commuter bike.  Light weight, great mileage, cheap, doesn't take much damage in a crash, and the long suspension travel soaks up bad pavement.  something like a suzuki drz400 or honda XR650L.

Answer 2

with those suggestions i would say the Honda Aero 750 first then the V-Star 650,  i would also suggest that you look at the Honda Shadow Spirit 750, same price just different look and feel, i am looking at getting a spirit because in my opinion it looks better.

Answer 3

You have an Aero rider here. I love it! 750cc 2008 year. My second choice would be the V Star 650 (because of the options) and THEN the 883L Sporster. All are fine looking, I just opted for the Aero because of the "fit" when I sat of it. Compared it to a Spirit 750 Shadow but they feel different and are the same in price.

Answer 4

I have a Suzuki Intruder 800, it's practically the same bike as the Boulevard 800. I love it. Its got a shaft drive so no maintenance on a chain. My bike has a low seat so you have lots of control, it also only weighs 440lbs. I love the ride, love the style, love the bike. I would rule out the Sportster, you can get a better bike for a couple grand less with a japanese bike. I would also rule out the Vulcan, just don't care for them. I love my intruder, I would also recommend the V-star, they are sweet. The shadows aren't bad looking either. Honda also makes  a vt or vtx, not sure if its its own model or a special version of the shadow but they are good as well.

Answer 5

Cant go wrong with a Honda in my opinionbut try em all out and each to his own

Answer 6

Instead of the vulcan 500, look at the vulcan 900.

I would have to rate the bikes like this:

Vulcan 900 custom-Suzuki S50, i like the looks C50C better though

Honda Aero-Vstar 650

Sportster 883

The kawasaki and suzuki have great power off of the line, and they are easy to handle.

The honda and yamaha are ok off of the line, but are down on power compared to the 'zuk and kaw.

The sportster isnt quick off of the line, but it is a great cruiser, it holds the road great.

The best thing you could do is get out and test ride alot of the bikes, internet window shopping will only get you so far.