New Bike

 I am looking to buy a new bike and I am looking for some advice.
Currently I ride an 81 Yamaha Maxim 750. It is my first bike and I've
been riding it for close to 3 yrs. It is a good bike but I think I'm
ready for something new..... Being that it is my first bike I
naturally started looking at Yamaha's and  I'm liking the V Star
650's. However i have also looked at some Honda Shadow models and they
sound pretty cool as well.
Basically I want a cruiser that is reliable, that I can use for my
daily 50 mile round trip commute, and 40mpg or better.
But I also want to be able to take my girlfriend for a semi long drive
(100Miles) in semi comfort
for under $9,000.00.
Any advice will be appreciated

Thanks

Steve

 I know this is one of those 'which is the best bike?' issues but...

I'm getting a highway bike, specifically for long distances. Primary
requirements are comfort and endurance over trans state trips.
Secondary is to be able to give the sporties a run for their money in
the twisties if pushed to do so - don't especially want to beat them,
just not be too embarrassed.

I've narrowed things down a bit - Beemer K1200GT, R1200RT (or RS),
Honda ST1300 and Yam FJR1300.

I'm seeing various sales people over the weekend and will have some
test drives - that takes care of the part of the decision related to
comfort and performance, but what about endurance (maintenance, fuel
economy, mechanical issues etc)?

Which one offers the best bang for the buck in the long term?

--
Sam

 
Well, the BMWs are definitely the most expensive of your list, but
"typically" will give you more $$$ value down the road (i.e. low
maintenance, longer life, higher resale).  Of course the maintenance isn't
an issue for many people, and if you take care of any bike, it will last a
real long time.

What it really comes down to is, which one do you like best?  Can you afford
it?  Get it!

I have an '02 BMW K1200RS.  If the GT were available then, I would have got
that instead.  This year I'm considering trading up to a K1200S.

 

BMWs aren't low-maintenance these days - or at least, not compared with
similar size and spec Jap bikes.


--
Trophy 1200 750SS CB750F2 CB400F CD200 CB125S DT50MX
GAGARPHOF#30 GHPOTHUF#1 BOTAFOT#60 ANORAK#06 YTC#3
BOF#30 WUSS#5  The bells, the bells.....

 Take a look at the Triumph line. The America, Speedmaster and Bonneville all
fall under what you're looking for. I have an America and couldn't be
happier!