Getting back in the game

Hey guys/gals,

Getting back in to the bike game here. Rode for about a year before selling my last bike, just rode again recently and fell in love with it again. I am looking at some of the V Star's and Shadows. Going to get one of them in the 750+ range. Anything these bikes are known for that I should check out before buying used? So far I have my eye on a 2003 Shadow Ace deluxe.

Is there another bike out there that is about the same size that I should take a look at as well?

 

Start riding dirt!!

 

That Shadow ACE is a good bike. I prefer the Spirit models, but they are more sporty than the ACE. Great motor.
If you go with a V-Star, the clutches are typically a little more sensitive. Very little engagement range to slip; it's either off or on.
Not a big deal, just something to get used to.

I'm not a cruiser guy but used to work at a Honda/Yamaha/Ducati shop, so I'm pretty familiar with them.

 

Im not a big dirt guy. Especially after my cousin damn near died racing. I am getting this mainly to commute and save some $$$ instead of filling up $40 every week.

Awesome! Thanks man! I wouldn't be opposed to the Spirit if I found one for a decent price. I will most likely be doing some trips on this bike so having something a little bigger and "comfy" is what I am going to keep in mind.

Is there any way to adjust the V-Star clutches at all to allow for a little more slip?

 

Yeah I hear yah. Dirt is pretty crazy and dangerous.

 

yeah it is. My cousin used to race dirt for a long ass time till he got clipped up front and came down so hard his helmet split. He ended up having to relearn everything he was taught. Never been the same since. Definitely makes you have respect for the sport thats for sure

 

Sorry to hear about that. Riding in general is all dangerous I guess you can say whether its dirt or street.

 

yeah very true. Gotta keep your eyes out for everything. Be one step ahead of the drivers around you too.

 

Copy that.

 

sportsters

 

Not nearly as comfortable as the bikes the OP is looking at and it's a Harley so they're naturally overpriced...

 

got my 2000 1200 for $3500. not overpriced imo and i have no problem riding mine for hours. well compared to the r6 i rode for 2 years its confy as hell

 

How many miles on it, that's actually not too bad? I didn't like the Sportster at all. When the engine was off, just sitting on it was nice and comfy but once they're running that f-er would vibrate!

I like my sport bikes

 

The Honda VTX is a great cruiser. They come in three flavors as well so they generally can suit anyone. Only thing is the smallest size they come is 1300. This however should not steer you away as you would be able to ride this for a long time before you started looking for more power. Most people who get something in the 750 range either end up leaving it in the garage or looking to upgrade in a year or two.

If you want to stay small, take a look at the BMW F800ST. This is torquey bike that fits between the sport and cruiser class. They are still new to the market, I believe 2007 was the first year. If you are looking for a cheap ride, this may not be right. I ride Touring bike, but this will be my secondary bike once I have another garage. Here is a link:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2007-BMW-F800-ST-/370531210364?pt=US_motorcycles&hash=item564561947c

 

15k. i never thought i'de own a HD but it was cheap and good looking enough and sportsters pretty much have grown on me.

check on the 2nd gen yamaha VMAX. one sexy bike imo.

 

yeah I am not a big HD fan. Rode a sportster once and didn't like it at all. Plus those things are expensive and from what I hear, a pita to work on.

thanks! I will check those out. I do like the VLX line. 1300 isn't bad for me at all. The Harley Lowrider I rode in FL was a 1500 and didn't have any issues. If anything, I like having that power there if I need to get out of a situation.

 

an inherent trait with hydraulic clutches which I assume the V-Star has. If a cable clutch conversion is available then that would offer a better feel.

 

On the V-star you can adjust the lever so it will engage closer or further from the bar, but it doesn't change the behavior of how it engages.

The VTXs are cool too, but the 1300 has carbs while the 1800 has EFI, unless that changed in the last few years.

 

You need to get a 1800VTX. It will make you day.

 

That was another thing i didn't like too much about my shadow I had. It had the hydraulic clutch which was a pita to adjust or work on. I think there was a small leak in the line letting air in so the clutch wouldn't disengage

Thanks for the info. I am surprised the 1300 has carbs for that big of a displacement. I have some searching to do!

Having that 1800 cc engine between my legs would be nice . How heavy are those VTX's? Both 1300 and 1800? I am still in the learning phase of riding so I don't want to get too big and screwing up somewhere.