Other motorcycles

[shooter64]

Sometimes people ask advice about which cruiser motorcycle they should buy. If the price is similar which brands have the least mechanical problems? Would you recommend a VTX, Volusia, Intruder, etc? All good machines? Lots of issues with a particular model that you know of? Seems like V-twins are all the rage now. Seems odd that a Gold Wing sells, usually for much more than a Valkyrie of similar year, mileage and condition.

[WamegoRob]

Seems odd that a Gold Wing sells, usually for much more than a Valkyrie of similar year, mileage and condition.

Similar to why HD's are overpriced... people are familiar with the name.

[salty1]

I own a few other machines, including VTX's, I really prefer riding Valks. It's obvious I have a Honda bias, guess there the best in my opinion. 

[sandy]

First you have to decide whether you're a visual person or a technical person. I'm technical so I prefer watercooling, overhead cams, shaft drive and fuel injection (OK, I do own a Valk). For smoothness, I want multiple cyclinders which limits my choices. That's why I have a '98 Tourer and an '05 Wing.

[Chiefy]

I prefer parallel twins to V-twinkies any day.  My VTX 1300 was not enjoyable for me.  If/when the day ever comes that I part with R'ota, I will look very-very-very closely at the Triumph Thunderbird.  The Rocket looks interesting too, but a straight 3 seems weird.   

[fudgie]

I'm really diggin the new Kawasaki Vaguero. Fully loaded was around $16,000

[ptgb]

If I was recommending a motorcycle for someone (price be cursed) or if Valkyries were no where to be found I would be looking at:

1. Kawasaki Vaquero
2. Kawasaki Voyager (has some issues though, from what I have read)
3. Yamaha Venture
4. Gold Wing

But I am glad nice Valks can still be had.

[olddog1946]

I really like the looks of the Vaquero and the value. Seems like you get a lot for the money. I do not like the side opening bags though.
I also like the new Victory bikes (except the Vision).

But I'll stick with the Valk and the beemer.

[fudgie]

2. Kawasaki Voyager (has some issues though, from what I have read)

I could not get it off the kick stand. 

[Farther]

I would be taking a close look at the Royal Star Tour Delux, too bad it doesn't come in a naked version:  http://www.starmotorcycles.com/star/products/modelhome/413/0/home.aspx

[mario]

I'm really diggin the new Kawasaki Vaguero. Fully loaded was around $16,000

yes!  i want to test ride one really bad.  i was looking at the yamaha strykers but they don't have duel front brakes?? and they're about as much as an '11 vaquero would be.  

i'm riding the kaw mean streak and really like tooling around town on it.  tj put risers on it for me which helps a lot but it would need a different seat for long distance.  valk for distance, meanie as a townie.  i love the "smoothness" of the fuel injection for a vtwin.  the honda sabre 1100 is a good ride, too, if you can keep the carbs sweetly adjusted.  it handles well.  tj is loving his kaw concours, how quick and smooth it is.

[N8171S]

I tried a BMW R1200C Phoenix.  Only kept it less than two years.  Not nearly as smooth or powerfus as the valk.  Did handle & stop well.  Made me feel that ABS should be standard on all bikes.