Posted by Dennis on September 16, 2007, 4:51 pm
I would like to get a small crusier type bike - below750cc's- for
comfort and backroad riding. I would like to add a windshield and full
faring so that I can be as wind-free as possible. I have had several
operations on my legs and cannot take the wind over time.
I want to get a used bike but not more than ten years old. I was
thinking about something like an Kawasaki EN400 or a V-Star 600 ish..
Maybe even a small Virago but those are getting old. I would like
something with reasonably forward controls or leg position.
Anyway, what are some small reliable cruising bikes that can be made
comfortable without a lot of hunting and gathering for parts or hard
to find add ons.
I have an old KZ440 LTD which really is not that far off from what I
would need power wise. Maybe just a notch or two about it would be
okay so I don't need a lot of power.
Thanks for any comments.
Dennis
Posted by Dennis on September 16, 2007, 4:53 pm
> I would like to get a small crusier type bike - below750cc's- for
> comfort and backroad riding. I would like to add a windshield and full
> faring so that I can be as wind-free as possible. I have had several
> operations on my legs and cannot take the wind over time.
> I want to get a used bike but not more than ten years old. I was
> thinking about something like an Kawasaki EN400 or a V-Star 600 ish..
> Maybe even a small Virago but those are getting old. I would like
> something with reasonably forward controls or leg position.
> Anyway, what are some small reliable cruising bikes that can be made
> comfortable without a lot of hunting and gathering for parts or hard
> to find add ons.
> I have an old KZ440 LTD which really is not that far off from what I
> would need power wise. Maybe just a notch or two about it would be
> okay so I don't need a lot of power.
> Thanks for any comments.
> Dennis
I meant to say EN 500 not 400.
Posted by oasysco on September 16, 2007, 5:46 pm
> I would like to get a small crusier type bike - below750cc's- for
> comfort and backroad riding. I would like to add a windshield and full
> faring so that I can be as wind-free as possible. I have had several
> operations on my legs and cannot take the wind over time.
> I want to get a used bike but not more than ten years old. I was
> thinking about something like an Kawasaki EN400 or a V-Star 600 ish..
> Maybe even a small Virago but those are getting old. I would like
> something with reasonably forward controls or leg position.
> Anyway, what are some small reliable cruising bikes that can be made
> comfortable without a lot of hunting and gathering for parts or hard
> to find add ons.
> I have an old KZ440 LTD which really is not that far off from what I
> would need power wise. Maybe just a notch or two about it would be
> okay so I don't need a lot of power.
> Thanks for any comments.
> Dennis
Dennis,
I owned a KZ440LTD up until this past Spring. While it fund to ride
because it was so easy to handle, it lacked power and stability on the
interstate.
Most any Honda aero 750, Kawa VN750, etc will be better than the KZ440
but still be fairly easy to handle - not as easy as the KZ, mind you.
Greg
Posted by Sean on September 16, 2007, 6:26 pm
Dennis wrote:
> I would like to get a small crusier type bike - below750cc's- for
> comfort and backroad riding. I would like to add a windshield and full
> faring so that I can be as wind-free as possible. I have had several
> operations on my legs and cannot take the wind over time.
>
> I want to get a used bike but not more than ten years old.
The archetype of a mini-Goldwing would be the Honda Silverwing
with fairing (GL500 & 650). They were discontinued after 1982,
but have a good reputation for endurance, so you might want
to reconsider your 10-year criteria as there are still
some around in good shape.
I actually have one sitting in the driveway -- without a motor
(it's a long story and an even longer project).
Sean_Q_
Posted by oasysco on September 16, 2007, 9:28 pm
> Dennis wrote:
> > I would like to get a small crusier type bike - below750cc's- for
> > comfort and backroad riding. I would like to add a windshield and full
> > faring so that I can be as wind-free as possible. I have had several
> > operations on my legs and cannot take the wind over time.
> > I want to get a used bike but not more than ten years old.
> The archetype of a mini-Goldwing would be the Honda Silverwing
> with fairing (GL500 & 650). They were discontinued after 1982,
> but have a good reputation for endurance, so you might want
> to reconsider your 10-year criteria as there are still
> some around in good shape.
The PC800 was a mini-goldwing as well; in fact, it was often referred
to as a Baby Goldwing. Discontinued around 200, they still fetch $$.
> I actually have one sitting in the driveway -- without a motor
> (it's a long story and an even longer project).
> Sean_Q_
Greg
> comfort and backroad riding. I would like to add a windshield and full
> faring so that I can be as wind-free as possible. I have had several
> operations on my legs and cannot take the wind over time.
> I want to get a used bike but not more than ten years old. I was
> thinking about something like an Kawasaki EN400 or a V-Star 600 ish..
> Maybe even a small Virago but those are getting old. I would like
> something with reasonably forward controls or leg position.
> Anyway, what are some small reliable cruising bikes that can be made
> comfortable without a lot of hunting and gathering for parts or hard
> to find add ons.
> I have an old KZ440 LTD which really is not that far off from what I
> would need power wise. Maybe just a notch or two about it would be
> okay so I don't need a lot of power.
> Thanks for any comments.
> Dennis