Yamaha VStar 1300 is an excellent good sized cruiser that can be had for very little money. Fuel injection, liquid cooled, belt drive, comfortable, and extremely reliable. A really underrated bike that a lot of people have forgotten about.
Absolutely. They commonly see WELL over 100K miles without anything more than routine maintenance. They also go like stink (especially with a cold air intake, good exhaust, and fuel tuner or ECU reflash), get great fuel economy (I routinely see 48+ MPG, and I ride like my socks are on fire and my ass is catching), and have a lean angle superior to most bikes in its class (34/35 degrees). I believe it is the best midsize cruiser out there.
@@noahmercy-mann4323 I agree with you. I’ve put 66,000 miles on mine and only done routine maintenance (oil changes, tires, a set of brakes). Great bike with a really unique engine that punches above its class in my opinion.
I've owned a honda Vtx 1300 for a few years and never had any issues out of it. I bought it for 3k, and it's been super reliable for me. No issues at all, love my bike 👍
I'm 56yr old rider 240lbs and been in the wind 39 yrs this year I was a harley guy in the beginning until the prices went thru the roof but now I'm currently on a 2014 900 kawasaki classic cruiser, heel toe shifter, floor boards, belt drive and good running bike, plenty of power handles great and affordable and looks and sounds great as I get many compliments on the styling and sound does the same thing the $20k bikes do for a fraction of the price, best $5k I've spent very dependable cruiser and low cost to maintain.
My wife and I bought a big bore cruiser for something for both of us to ride together (she understandably didn't like riding on my sportbike - zero blame there and she turned out not liking riding herself on her shadow 600). We went to a large used dealership (one of those places with 500 used bikes of every type inventory). I rode 4 or 5 of them and bought the one that I thought was most comfortable - which was a Vulcan 1600. I didn't have much excitement about it overall, but fast forward 15y and I still have it. It has cost me nearly nothing over the years and starts every time and is smooth as butter. It's never been my favorite bike in the garage, but it's hard to argue the ROI I got from that thing a decade and a half ago.
I rode a bone stock '07 Yamaha V-Star 650 26K miles thru all 48 states over a 3 1/2 month period in '17. I still own it and it is my daily rider with over 95K miles on the clock. I have a '02 Goldwing and an '91 Kawasaki Voyager XII as well. There are three types of people when it comes to dropping a bike. 1. Those that have. 2. Those that will 3. Those that lie that they never had. What is the most interesting thing about dropping a bike is 90% of the time it will be near or at a dead stop.
I absolutely agree that the Japanese cruisers are the best value for the buck. Reliable, low maintenance, it makes a great entry level bike. Good job Brandon & Chase on showing some typical examples.👍
I started on a Suzuki Savage 650, moved up to a Kawasaki Vulcan 750, currently riding a Honda VTX 1300. All three are very reliable; all were purchased used for cheap.
All those bikes are super cheap because of supply and demand. There's LOTS of them (especially Honda Shadow 750 models, and Yamaha V-Star 650, maybe the most popular metric cruisers) because they just don't die!! And close behind those in numbers are the Vulcans and the Intruder 800, which became the Boulevard C50 when they got fuel-injected. The C50, C50T touring with factory windscreen and storage, and the M50 "muscle-bike" variant all feature liquid-cooling, fuel-injection, and even shaft-drive, which is rare in this price (and weight) range. That suzuki 805cc V-twin is considered one of the most reliable V-Twin engines ever built! Same with the Shadow (which might be a bit smaller in size). The Vulcan 900 has a bit more room to stretch out. In the V-Star line you'll get more leg-room moving up to the 950 or larger, up to 1300 without the bike getting too heavy, AND without fuel consumption going up much. Similarly, the Boulevard C90 is larger with a larger engine, but roughly the same mileage as the C50. The car equivalents (ultra-cheap because they're so reliable and don't die) from the 90s/2000s would include Ford's Focus and Taurus (the old, rounded Taurus with the 3.0 V6), and the Ranger pickup and older Ford Escape (boxy style with V6). Chevy S10 pickups (my favourite is the crew-cab version, which also had decent towing capacity), Buick Century and similar with the smaller V6 engines. I had a 1999 or 2000 Century with the 3.0 engine that did 40 MPG Hwy Canadian/Imperial, so 33 or 34 Miles per US Gallon, with cruise at 100 kmph = 62 MPH. Lots more ... look around, and anything that is both common and old will be cheap!
I still have my 1999 intruder 1400, 26000 miles and not one single problem with it in all those years, very well built bike, still runs and rides like new, not a fast bike but off the line it is very quick to 60,
My first bike was an 800 intruder. Fantastic beginner cruiser with very clean examples topping out around $2500 USD in 2024. The older metric cruisers offer incredible value for those wanting reliability on a budget. 2nd bike was an intruder 1400, 3rd bike was a Harley ultra, 4th bike was a goldwing.
New rider here(24y). Bought myself a '95 Kawasaki Vulcan 750 and I'm absolutely loving the bike. It's nimble, it has that Intruder-ask look, the meinteinence is affordable, its quite comfortable and reliable, which is really important. Thinking of jumping to a bigger cruiser in the near future, I just adore the way those old japanese cruisers look.
I test rode Harleys for years. Then I rode a Yamaha Royal Star Tour Deluxe. I was hooked. Got my bike in 2014 and still have it. I doubt I'll ever part with it.
I own a 2013 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom. It's my first bike. 3 years of fun so far. She's easy to work on, reliable and handles well. Bought her for $4K with 6500 miles. I can't recommend the bike enough for a normal size man as a starter. She'll always stay with me. If I upgrade, I'll simply buy a second one.
I had a Vulcan Classic, same year, for my first. Definitely agree. It was solid, reliable, fast enough, looked and felt good, and fun to ride. And even new they're very affordable. Can't say enough good things about it.
Same here, was my first bike and it’ll always hold a place in my heart, sadly someone hit me at around 20k miles and totaled it so I upgraded to another underrated bike, the Yamaha VSTAR 1300
I actually owned an Intruder 800 for a few years. It was a daily driver with some cheap saddlebags and windshield. It was bulletproof and a lot faster than you would think. Basic maintenance kept it going strong!
Suzi’s just sound like they’re going to blow up- they never do and that’s coming from a guy who rides circles around me. I’m a piano man myself but I currently have a Drz125l in the garage that’s going to take some leverage to let go of
$1000 or less? Everyone around me wont let go of old cheap bikes for less than $2500 with the bike looking like they must have originally fished it out of a lake
I bought an Intruder at 50 years old after a 20 year break from riding. Great little bike to get my legs under me again. Rode it for two years before handing to my younger brother.
The metric cruisers are so much better than any Harley and are worth what you pay for them, which is more than you get from a Harley, new or used. And they are more dependable and easy to maintain especially with the shaft drive models. So many jump on the Harley bandwagon and miss out on some much better bikes.
I love cruisers ! I own a Yamaha Stryker which is a 1300cc bike, and a Kawasaki Vulcan 1500. Both bikes are amazing and I got the Vulcan for under $3k. I'll never own another Harley. Biggest waste of money. I am mid 50's, done with sport bikes and like to cruise, and I can go fast if I want to. I used to own a Shadow 750. Awesome bike. I disagree that Japanese cruisers don't have the same following as Harley's because times are changing. They sold a gazzillion Vulcan 650S's. Those bikes are so popular.
I got a Japanese cruiser as my first bike, at least it was considered a cruiser when it came out but now we say it’s a touring the bike. A Goldwing is not a good beginner bike, even though the 77 GL1000 I had was technically one of the lightest goldwings made, it’s still a hefty bike.
The old ones look sooo much better than the new ones. I'm probably too big for one, or at least too big to ride 2^ but I still like and wouldn't mind a 250. I could always mod it.
I bought a used Suzuki C50 Boulevard (800cc) a few years a go for my first bike and love it. It's fast enough, very comfortable and is powerful enough to do two-up riding all day. I paid under $3k for it with 14k miles. It has over 24k miles on it now, and my wife is interested in learning to ride now because of the rides she's been on with that C50. I'll probably start her on a Vstar 650 or a Savage L40.
I've had a 2005 Suzuki C90 for a couple years now, and I absolutely love it. Can't see myself getting rid of it till retirement, then I'll get a newer Goldwing. Been riding for 16 years, I've been lucky enough to not drop anything I've been riding yet.
My first street bike (besides street legal dirt bikes or on road/off road bikes) was a Suzuki Intruder. I didn’t even know if I would like riding on the street very much. Riding in the dirt, you can wheelie all you want without getting in trouble with the law. You can jump dirt bikes, do donuts without getting in trouble. What fun could you have on a street bike? That’s what I thought. Then, on an Intruder, I got introduced to the fact that you have millions of miles of paved trails/roads to ride on. What freedom! I went from that Intruder to a 1300 Yamaha Royal Star so I could travel a little farther. Then, to Harley. I’ve been on Harley ever since, but it all started with that Intruder.
I love my Suzuki S50 (Intruder 800). I'm short, 5'7". Bike has pegs that allows you stand up when needed (aka adventure bike) and for me in general it is more natural position to seat. It has quite a bit of power. I had no problem doing 160 km/h. It has a drive shaft vs chain, so reliability is much better for long trips. It is just very fun to ride.
as an experienced rider with many years under my belt at the time, in 2002 I bought the bike that was my top choice: 2002 Suzuki Intruder VS800. shaft drive, light weight, very fast, low seat, very comfortable, totally reliable. never had a harley. never wanted one.
10 місяців тому
I have 2 Suzuki VL1500 Intruder (C90). One of them was my first ever bike I earlier had the Yamaha XVS1100 Dragstar/V-star. That's the most fun cruiser I've ever ridden. Dual discs, low weight, and a fun engine. And it's beautiful.
My first legal bike was an 2001 Honda shadow. I paid two grand for it and didn't do anything but ride the hell out of it! After a couple years of beating it up on dirt and rocky roads I cleaned it up and sold it for twenty one hundred.
I owned and rode a 1998 Honda shadow 750 ace for 10 years sold it with 90,000 miles on it tires battery and routine maintenance had replace the fuel pump and a stator change were all the problems I had awsome, dependable bike.
bought a suzuki volusia 800 for 2k last year, never been on a motorcycle (6ish years of mountain biking) and i couldnt be happier, never been on its side, and i do all my own wrenching. great investment and unstoppable smiles/ gallon.
I got back into biking after a 19 year spell away from them , the bike I picked was more to do with what my disability would allow me to ride, so I got a virago 535 and wanted something bigger and more comfortable, then I got the virago 750 and after 6 years I found it to be to heavy for me to get in and out of the shed, so I decided to get a new bike as this one will probably be my last bike, I got a rebel cmx 500 and after modifying it like all in one seat forward controls and bare risers , I found this bike to be better in every way to ride , it’s 25kg lighter and more mpg , I still have the 750 as people who wanted one only want to pay £1300 for it , so it’s staying in my shed for me to admire lol .
I'm 65 and recently sold my NC700X.I owned that bike for 10 years. It was becoming hard for me to get on and off. I'm considering getting a metric cruiser for the shorter seat height. Looking at 500cc to 750cc range. Shadows, Yamaha Star650, Vulcan 500, Suzuki S40.I'm too big for anything smaller. Reliability and easy on and off. Something that can run short runs on the interstate.
I started on a Rebel 250 and a couple years ago I got a Vulcan 900 LT for a steal and it is wonderful. I wish the frame and fender configuration were a little more friendly to a slight bobber conversion because I like that style but otherwise I have zero complaints.
i would also add the honda magna, the 750 cc.. 80 hp on a 240 kg cruiser chassis.. or even the 1100 one with 116 hp and (270 kg i think) from the v4 engine. powerful enough for even the experienced drivers
So true what you guys says, my first was a 2003 Honda shadow and I love it. But I’m 6’1 and feel was small for me but a great bike for beginners reliable and easy to fix and cheap
My neighbor has three Suzuki intruder 800 that he bought used cheap. He also has a 27 inch inseam. It’s perfect for him. I’m sure with the work that he has done on it. He can sell them for more than what he paid for. I almost bought a shadow that looked pristine for 2500. Just because I’m sick of sitting on my nuts.😂
This is going to get me in trouble. I have owned lots of bikes, American, German, and Japanese. These bikes will be way more reliable than a Harley or BMW...
Unless you good with wrench's, the HD's and BMW's are notorious for their parts and labor costs. The parts and maintenance are very reasonable for Japanese brand cruises.
I have a 2002 Kawasaki Vulcan Nomad1500 and ride it everywhere. It’s a nice bike with a smooth ride and it cost less to maintain. I also had a 1998 Suzuki intruder 1500 VL it also was a great bike
Great video. These bikes are great value. I’m not a stunt rider in the phoney movies so the only time I “lay” a bike down is carefully when I want to practice picking it up. Which you need to learn to do along with other training and practice. Have I tipped over or crashed in 40 years? Let me count the ways lol.
What’s with the attitude that once you lay a bike down you have to sell it? A tail light mount is broke, there are some scratches, replaced lever, maybe a tank dent. It’s a lot cheaper and faster to fix than getting a new bike. And what’s with a 750 only being good for taking your around town? I’ve kitted Kawasaki KZ650D and 750 Shadows Spitirts out for tour/shopping easy. I rode my KZ650D hitting every state & common wealth along the East Coast in 2 weeks as a graduation present. I rode my Spirit out 700 miles in one day at 80-85 MPH in midwest cross and headwinds all the way to Omaha NB carrying saddlebags, tank bag, and a rear seat ruck bag of gear.
I own 2011 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic Lt and love it. Came with a few upgrades on it, will be making a few more and I am good. Ride what you like and do not get caught up with you should buy this or that.
Had a 92 Harley electroglide 1340cc (bought new). Loved it till a black lab ran out in front of it at night. Killed the dog and the bike. I could not find another because of the Harley shortage. Bought a Vulcan 1500 97 (new). Still ride it and not thinking about changing. Added Vance Hines loud pipes, a windshield, leather saddle bags and a tour pack. I loved the look of the larger Intruder but my legs are too long and I couldn't think of riding one for even a full day.
I had a long life riding and I can without a doubt the most fun I ever had was riding smaller displacement bikes. There not just for beginners. When you get to the other end of years, a smaller bike works with declined strength and flexibility. The manufacturers are figuring out that as baby boomers begin to age out they want something middleweight or less. It is not just the young riding Rebels!
The VLX 600 is a fantastic smaller bike that has enough power to run highway speeds all day long. The VT750 is great too. Not that far apart performance wise but the later 750 has shaft drive.
The Vulcan 900 and shadow 600 are sitting outside my house now. Solid bikes. Now I don't know how much money y'all have to throw around but I do care if they go down
The suzuki intruder 800 is nice I have one it's my first bike either way there plenty of speed and pull shaft driven is nice good shock system to soft but not to soft and I'm able to easily hook up new accessories on it easy to work on really simple
These bikes are pretty tough too. I own a 2020 Yamaha bolt. A little newer but still an Asian cruiser. I laid it down at speed in a corner. I broke 5 bones and lost some skin, but the bike was still perfectly rideable with a few scratches. The bikes are tougher than the rider.
I'm passing the torch onto my young 20 year old son and we found what I feel is the ideal "starter" bike; 2006 Suzuki L40/ 650 Savage w/ only 1500 miles. Very user friendly and not something he'll outgrow. And when he does, it will be easy to sell & pass along to the next up & coming rider because of it's user friendly characteristics; light weight & easy handling. Very tractable power And so no going crazy shifting this 5 speed. Single cylinder & belt final drive equals less complicated maitences. BTW, w/sub 2K price he had money to invest in a Helolite air-bag vest for some piece of mind!
I’m a crash myself, I just had the awareness of a Givi crash cage- tuning forks forever- chains and cooling fins forever. I’m a Drz to a Tdub fan and I’m not looking back
Have Suzuki Intruder 1400 1991 GLP, most comfortable bike without any modifications to it i have ever ridden. Not a long time experienced bike rider but it is the shit if you ask me. Cheap as hell to maintain and always starts.
The last 20 of my 30 years of riding have been on Harleys. There's nothing wrong with any brand of bike you ride and to be honest, with the crap that Harley-Davidson has been pulling lately I may be coming back to Japanese bikes.
I've always had japanese cruisers, learned on a Honda CM 125, moved up to a Kawasaki EN 454 on passing my test, then a Kawasaki VN 750, then a Yamaha Vmax 1200 (still have it after 25 years) then a Honda X4 (not really a cruiser I know) and bought a Suzuki 1400 Intruder two years ago. Here in blighty they are not cheap like they are in the US, we pay top money for our bikes as we're taxed to the hilt. I rode my mates ironhead Harley once and hated it, couldn't find neutral when stopped and you need forearms like Popeye to hold that clutch in while waiting for the lights to change. I don't like the fact that Harley pipes are both on the right side either, makes the left side of the bike look bare, the early Intruders and Vulcans had pipes both sides which looks so much better. Early 90's japanese cruisers are rising in price here in the UK, I paid £5000 for my Intruder two years ago, a '94 model with less than 10,000 miles on the clock, Vmax 1200's are also making good money, seems like modern styling and electronics are turning off many buyers, I mean that Ducati Diavel looks like a sack of spanners with two wheels attached.
I owned a 2010 roadstar by yamaha ,bought it brand new. I used to love ride by Harley riders stuck on the side of the road.I never had anything major except for normal wear and tear
Ya might have mentioned on the Japanize bikes they have a lower center of gravity so that when you sit on it and stand it up , your not feeling most of it waight as in camepaired to the 883 and up Harleys ,
Since when 800cc motorcycle is small. I travel to Europe a lot and I see people doing cross country rides 2 up on a 250 cc. Only in America where the 800-1000 cc motor is a starter LOL. 😂
In Europe we have different story. For example ER6 you can buy sometimes for 1000€, but choppers... EN500 will cost around 3000€, I have Shadow 750, and this bike cost around 5000€)
I just learned to ride in the past year on a 2007 Rebel and have outgrown it already and am ready to upgrade to a Kawasaki Vulcan S, same profile as an Indian scout bobber, for half the price. Dropped my rebel once in the drive way and once in the grass. I took my MSF on a Vstar, and the rebel is such a better bike than that Vstar
Bought my wife a Honda Shadow 750 for 3200. Sold it a few months later for 3200. Bought her a Honda Rebel 300 for 3400, sold it a year later for 4000. Now she rides a 2015 Kawasaki Vulcan S 650 and loves it. we paid 4300 for it in 2021.
I’ve owned 2 intruders in the past. My second favorite bike I’ve ever owned behind my klr 650. If my 96’ intruder wasn’t destroyed in a accident I’d still have it.
I like the Shadow! Honda motorcycles are comparable to the older, Toyota sienna van's, you can depend on the machine, low maintenance and you can get a lot of miles outof it.
I will never own another shaft drive bike. Many seem to think "less maintenance" means no maintenance. Every shaft drive bike I've owned from a Yamaha to a BMW required major repairs to the shaft drive and differential. So, buyer beware. A belt drive is less expensive and more durable than a shaft. Unless you're in dirt and gravel a lot of the time.
My main bike is a 96 Vulcan 800. I've been riding for about 20 years. I miss nor regret nothing. I actually learned to ride on my father in laws brand new Boulevard c90 back in 2005. Be still rides that bike and I do too. It's fantastic and easy to ride. In 20 years it's only needed a stator and tires.
Add an 🇺🇸flag to the tank of the intruder be sorta ish Peter Fondas bike I said Ish. But my 1st bike was a Big HD & younger then Kase is now. Even his 1st vid which we saw a few days ago when his voice was much DEEPER 😂😅MY pt is it is possible to take great care of one's toys. I've only had 1 "accident" w/a vehicle & deemed not my fault. 1 can treat stuff like it's real cash, if u do? You'll see it quite differently
Yamaha VStar 1300 is an excellent good sized cruiser that can be had for very little money. Fuel injection, liquid cooled, belt drive, comfortable, and extremely reliable. A really underrated bike that a lot of people have forgotten about.
Yamaha makes some of the BEST cruisers on the market.
Agreed. They're a terrific value, and a lot of them are shaft drive, to boot.
Absolutely. They commonly see WELL over 100K miles without anything more than routine maintenance. They also go like stink (especially with a cold air intake, good exhaust, and fuel tuner or ECU reflash), get great fuel economy (I routinely see 48+ MPG, and I ride like my socks are on fire and my ass is catching), and have a lean angle superior to most bikes in its class (34/35 degrees). I believe it is the best midsize cruiser out there.
@@noahmercy-mann4323 I agree with you. I’ve put 66,000 miles on mine and only done routine maintenance (oil changes, tires, a set of brakes). Great bike with a really unique engine that punches above its class in my opinion.
What year did they switch to fi from carburetor?
I've owned a honda Vtx 1300 for a few years and never had any issues out of it. I bought it for 3k, and it's been super reliable for me. No issues at all, love my bike 👍
Same. bought my VTX 1300 for $3K in 2020. Love it. No issues.
I'm 56yr old rider 240lbs and been in the wind 39 yrs this year I was a harley guy in the beginning until the prices went thru the roof but now I'm currently on a 2014 900 kawasaki classic cruiser, heel toe shifter, floor boards, belt drive and good running bike, plenty of power handles great and affordable and looks and sounds great as I get many compliments on the styling and sound does the same thing the $20k bikes do for a fraction of the price, best $5k I've spent very dependable cruiser and low cost to maintain.
My wife and I bought a big bore cruiser for something for both of us to ride together (she understandably didn't like riding on my sportbike - zero blame there and she turned out not liking riding herself on her shadow 600). We went to a large used dealership (one of those places with 500 used bikes of every type inventory). I rode 4 or 5 of them and bought the one that I thought was most comfortable - which was a Vulcan 1600. I didn't have much excitement about it overall, but fast forward 15y and I still have it. It has cost me nearly nothing over the years and starts every time and is smooth as butter.
It's never been my favorite bike in the garage, but it's hard to argue the ROI I got from that thing a decade and a half ago.
I rode a bone stock '07 Yamaha V-Star 650 26K miles thru all 48 states over a 3 1/2 month period in '17. I still own it and it is my daily rider with over 95K miles on the clock. I have a '02 Goldwing and an '91 Kawasaki Voyager XII as well.
There are three types of people when it comes to dropping a bike.
1. Those that have.
2. Those that will
3. Those that lie that they never had.
What is the most interesting thing about dropping a bike is 90% of the time it will be near or at a dead stop.
Yep, at a dead stop: Or forgetting to put the kickstand down while parking in the garage. LOL
Definitely under 5 mph. 99% at least.
I absolutely agree that the Japanese cruisers are the best value for the buck. Reliable, low maintenance, it makes a great entry level bike. Good job Brandon & Chase on showing some typical examples.👍
I started on a Suzuki Savage 650, moved up to a Kawasaki Vulcan 750, currently riding a Honda VTX 1300. All three are very reliable; all were purchased used for cheap.
All those bikes are super cheap because of supply and demand. There's LOTS of them (especially Honda Shadow 750 models, and Yamaha V-Star 650, maybe the most popular metric cruisers) because they just don't die!!
And close behind those in numbers are the Vulcans and the Intruder 800, which became the Boulevard C50 when they got fuel-injected. The C50, C50T touring with factory windscreen and storage, and the M50 "muscle-bike" variant all feature liquid-cooling, fuel-injection, and even shaft-drive, which is rare in this price (and weight) range. That suzuki 805cc V-twin is considered one of the most reliable V-Twin engines ever built! Same with the Shadow (which might be a bit smaller in size). The Vulcan 900 has a bit more room to stretch out. In the V-Star line you'll get more leg-room moving up to the 950 or larger, up to 1300 without the bike getting too heavy, AND without fuel consumption going up much. Similarly, the Boulevard C90 is larger with a larger engine, but roughly the same mileage as the C50.
The car equivalents (ultra-cheap because they're so reliable and don't die) from the 90s/2000s would include Ford's Focus and Taurus (the old, rounded Taurus with the 3.0 V6), and the Ranger pickup and older Ford Escape (boxy style with V6). Chevy S10 pickups (my favourite is the crew-cab version, which also had decent towing capacity), Buick Century and similar with the smaller V6 engines. I had a 1999 or 2000 Century with the 3.0 engine that did 40 MPG Hwy Canadian/Imperial, so 33 or 34 Miles per US Gallon, with cruise at 100 kmph = 62 MPH. Lots more ... look around, and anything that is both common and old will be cheap!
I still have my 1999 intruder 1400, 26000 miles and not one single problem with it in all those years, very well built bike, still runs and rides like new, not a fast bike but off the line it is very quick to 60,
I absolutely adore my 1400 intruder 4 speed model. Ive had shadows, kz, scooters, groms and my intruder is my ride or die bike.
I rode a Yamaha VStar 1100 Classic for 10 years and about 50,xxx miles. Not without issues (starter clutch) but overall I was happy with the bike.
vulcan 1500 and vtx1300 have been 2 of my favorite cruisers to date.
My first bike was an 800 intruder. Fantastic beginner cruiser with very clean examples topping out around $2500 USD in 2024. The older metric cruisers offer incredible value for those wanting reliability on a budget. 2nd bike was an intruder 1400, 3rd bike was a Harley ultra, 4th bike was a goldwing.
New rider here(24y). Bought myself a '95 Kawasaki Vulcan 750 and I'm absolutely loving the bike. It's nimble, it has that Intruder-ask look, the meinteinence is affordable, its quite comfortable and reliable, which is really important. Thinking of jumping to a bigger cruiser in the near future, I just adore the way those old japanese cruisers look.
I test rode Harleys for years. Then I rode a Yamaha Royal Star Tour Deluxe. I was hooked. Got my bike in 2014 and still have it. I doubt I'll ever part with it.
I own a 2013 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom. It's my first bike. 3 years of fun so far. She's easy to work on, reliable and handles well. Bought her for $4K with 6500 miles. I can't recommend the bike enough for a normal size man as a starter. She'll always stay with me. If I upgrade, I'll simply buy a second one.
I love the Vulcan 900
Good size without being too big or too small.
@@volvo09 It's definitely the Goldilocks bike. I hope these sort of bikes stay underrated and overlooked so guys like us can have them for cheap.
I had a Vulcan Classic, same year, for my first. Definitely agree. It was solid, reliable, fast enough, looked and felt good, and fun to ride. And even new they're very affordable. Can't say enough good things about it.
@@spacebear49 💯
Same here, was my first bike and it’ll always hold a place in my heart, sadly someone hit me at around 20k miles and totaled it so I upgraded to another underrated bike, the Yamaha VSTAR 1300
I actually owned an Intruder 800 for a few years. It was a daily driver with some cheap saddlebags and windshield. It was bulletproof and a lot faster than you would think. Basic maintenance kept it going strong!
Suzi’s just sound like they’re going to blow up- they never do and that’s coming from a guy who rides circles around me. I’m a piano man myself but I currently have a Drz125l in the garage that’s going to take some leverage to let go of
I have a '04 and my brother has an '05 Boulevard. Aside from a carb issue , his is FI no issues. Both bulletproof. Not bad for a 20 year old bike.
i have a C1500 Intruder (Boulevard in USA) since 2007, very good bike, i like it and don't want change for an other bike.
$1000 or less? Everyone around me wont let go of old cheap bikes for less than $2500 with the bike looking like they must have originally fished it out of a lake
I’ve got a 2002 shadow spirit for sale, new tires new chain, 9,000 miles, cobra pipes $2500
@@alanmeyers3957 Where ya located
@@user-ep3bb9fk6n Chelan Washington
@@alanmeyers3957you made his point
I bought an Intruder at 50 years old after a 20 year break from riding. Great little bike to get my legs under me again. Rode it for two years before handing to my younger brother.
The old Suzuki Intruder with the straight bars was always "the one that got away" for me. Loved the looks of that bike.
The metric cruisers are so much better than any Harley and are worth what you pay for them, which is more than you get from a Harley, new or used. And they are more dependable and easy to maintain especially with the shaft drive models. So many jump on the Harley bandwagon and miss out on some much better bikes.
I love cruisers ! I own a Yamaha Stryker which is a 1300cc bike, and a Kawasaki Vulcan 1500. Both bikes are amazing and I got the Vulcan for under $3k.
I'll never own another Harley. Biggest waste of money. I am mid 50's, done with sport bikes and like to cruise, and I can go fast if I want to. I used to own a Shadow 750. Awesome bike.
I disagree that Japanese cruisers don't have the same following as Harley's because times are changing. They sold a gazzillion Vulcan 650S's. Those bikes are so popular.
I got a Japanese cruiser as my first bike, at least it was considered a cruiser when it came out but now we say it’s a touring the bike. A Goldwing is not a good beginner bike, even though the 77 GL1000 I had was technically one of the lightest goldwings made, it’s still a hefty bike.
1996 Rebel 125 was my first bike and i still keep it to share with my friends, teach them and ride together
The old ones look sooo much better than the new ones. I'm probably too big for one, or at least too big to ride 2^ but I still like and wouldn't mind a 250. I could always mod it.
@@ItsDaJax old rebel is not for 2up riding. Just get another bike and teach your girlfriend to ride Rebel - much more comfortable and fun
Growing up, my dad had a Yamaha Virago. It was just fine and my first exposure to bikes.
I bought a used Suzuki C50 Boulevard (800cc) a few years a go for my first bike and love it. It's fast enough, very comfortable and is powerful enough to do two-up riding all day. I paid under $3k for it with 14k miles. It has over 24k miles on it now, and my wife is interested in learning to ride now because of the rides she's been on with that C50. I'll probably start her on a Vstar 650 or a Savage L40.
I've had a 2005 Suzuki C90 for a couple years now, and I absolutely love it. Can't see myself getting rid of it till retirement, then I'll get a newer Goldwing.
Been riding for 16 years, I've been lucky enough to not drop anything I've been riding yet.
For me the Yamaha VStar series were the best looking of the metric cruisers.
My first street bike (besides street legal dirt bikes or on road/off road bikes) was a Suzuki Intruder. I didn’t even know if I would like riding on the street very much. Riding in the dirt, you can wheelie all you want without getting in trouble with the law. You can jump dirt bikes, do donuts without getting in trouble. What fun could you have on a street bike? That’s what I thought. Then, on an Intruder, I got introduced to the fact that you have millions of miles of paved trails/roads to ride on. What freedom! I went from that Intruder to a 1300 Yamaha Royal Star so I could travel a little farther. Then, to Harley. I’ve been on Harley ever since, but it all started with that Intruder.
I love my Suzuki S50 (Intruder 800). I'm short, 5'7". Bike has pegs that allows you stand up when needed (aka adventure bike) and for me in general it is more natural position to seat. It has quite a bit of power. I had no problem doing 160 km/h. It has a drive shaft vs chain, so reliability is much better for long trips. It is just very fun to ride.
as an experienced rider with many years under my belt at the time, in 2002 I bought the bike that was my top choice: 2002 Suzuki Intruder VS800. shaft drive, light weight, very fast, low seat, very comfortable, totally reliable. never had a harley. never wanted one.
I have 2 Suzuki VL1500 Intruder (C90). One of them was my first ever bike
I earlier had the Yamaha XVS1100 Dragstar/V-star. That's the most fun cruiser I've ever ridden. Dual discs, low weight, and a fun engine. And it's beautiful.
I own a 2005 Suzuki Boulevard C50T. I highly recommend them! Shaft drive, liquid cooled, and fuel injected! 805cc of reliable Japanese engineering!
My first legal bike was an 2001 Honda shadow. I paid two grand for it and didn't do anything but ride the hell out of it! After a couple years of beating it up on dirt and rocky roads I cleaned it up and sold it for twenty one hundred.
I owned and rode a 1998 Honda shadow 750 ace for 10 years sold it with 90,000 miles on it tires battery and routine maintenance had replace the fuel pump and a stator change were all the problems I had awsome, dependable bike.
bought a suzuki volusia 800 for 2k last year, never been on a motorcycle (6ish years of mountain biking) and i couldnt be happier, never been on its side, and i do all my own wrenching. great investment and unstoppable smiles/ gallon.
Thanks Kase and Brendan, love a nice (cheap) cruiser. Bought a 98 Honda Valkyrie in 2010, great summer ride, needs frequent tinkering
I got back into biking after a 19 year spell away from them , the bike I picked was more to do with what my disability would allow me to ride, so I got a virago 535 and wanted something bigger and more comfortable, then I got the virago 750 and after 6 years I found it to be to heavy for me to get in and out of the shed, so I decided to get a new bike as this one will probably be my last bike, I got a rebel cmx 500 and after modifying it like all in one seat forward controls and bare risers , I found this bike to be better in every way to ride , it’s 25kg lighter and more mpg , I still have the 750 as people who wanted one only want to pay £1300 for it , so it’s staying in my shed for me to admire lol .
I owned a Honda vlx and the Suzuki intruder...800 and 1400 great bikes to start on
I'm 65 and recently sold my NC700X.I owned that bike for 10 years. It was becoming hard for me to get on and off. I'm considering getting a metric cruiser for the shorter seat height. Looking at 500cc to 750cc range. Shadows, Yamaha Star650, Vulcan 500, Suzuki S40.I'm too big for anything smaller. Reliability and easy on and off. Something that can run short runs on the interstate.
I started on a Rebel 250 and a couple years ago I got a Vulcan 900 LT for a steal and it is wonderful. I wish the frame and fender configuration were a little more friendly to a slight bobber conversion because I like that style but otherwise I have zero complaints.
Look up blue collar bobbers,they have a bobber kit for that bike
i would also add the honda magna, the 750 cc.. 80 hp on a 240 kg cruiser chassis.. or even the 1100 one with 116 hp and (270 kg i think) from the v4 engine. powerful enough for even the experienced drivers
I have one, so much fun
Bought a 1997 honda magna. With 11k miles on it that bike has been amazing zero problems
Bought a 1998 with 12k miles last year, likewise I’m loving it.
So true what you guys says, my first was a 2003 Honda shadow and I love it. But I’m 6’1 and feel was small for me but a great bike for beginners reliable and easy to fix and cheap
get a VTX 1300 or 1800
I'm 6'4 and want a Shadow. It would be nice to find a cruiser without the bobber/chopper look, though.
@@ItsDaJax shadow spirit for me the bed looking have short headers
dont forget the newcomer, the yamaha bolt 950.
My neighbor has three Suzuki intruder 800 that he bought used cheap. He also has a 27 inch inseam. It’s perfect for him. I’m sure with the work that he has done on it. He can sell them for more than what he paid for. I almost bought a shadow that looked pristine for 2500. Just because I’m sick of sitting on my nuts.😂
This is going to get me in trouble. I have owned lots of bikes, American, German, and Japanese. These bikes will be way more reliable than a Harley or BMW...
Unless you good with wrench's, the HD's and BMW's are notorious for their parts and labor costs. The parts and maintenance are very reasonable for Japanese brand cruises.
90s shaft-drive v-twins FTW! Virago 1100 is on my list --- I used to have a Virago 750 and loved it. A 90's Suzuki 1400 Intruder is also on my list.
I have a 2002 Kawasaki Vulcan Nomad1500 and ride it everywhere. It’s a nice bike with a smooth ride and it cost less to maintain. I also had a 1998 Suzuki intruder 1500 VL it also was a great bike
I just bought a 2024 Shadow Aero because the heritage on the Japanese cruisers ,my first shadow vlx 600 was awesome back in 1993
Great video. These bikes are great value. I’m not a stunt rider in the phoney movies so the only time I “lay” a bike down is carefully when I want to practice picking it up. Which you need to learn to do along with other training and practice. Have I tipped over or crashed in 40 years? Let me count the ways lol.
My first bike was a Yamaha XV1100 Virago after I modified the engine starter it was super reliable.
What’s with the attitude that once you lay a bike down you have to sell it? A tail light mount is broke, there are some scratches, replaced lever, maybe a tank dent. It’s a lot cheaper and faster to fix than getting a new bike. And what’s with a 750 only being good for taking your around town? I’ve kitted Kawasaki KZ650D and 750 Shadows Spitirts out for tour/shopping easy. I rode my KZ650D hitting every state & common wealth along the East Coast in 2 weeks as a graduation present. I rode my Spirit out 700 miles in one day at 80-85 MPH in midwest cross and headwinds all the way to Omaha NB carrying saddlebags, tank bag, and a rear seat ruck bag of gear.
My good buddy is just getting into bikes picked up a Rebel 300 and is having a blast learning on it!
I own 2011 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic Lt and love it. Came with a few upgrades on it, will be making a few more and I am good. Ride what you like and do not get caught up with you should buy this or that.
I really enjoyed the layed-back vibe of the video. Excellent choices as well, for the bikes to showcase.
You brought the Vulcan 900, but you might be forgetting my first bike, the Vulcan 500.
I would say that would be a better starter bike than the 900.
I'll have my 02 honda shadow saber til end of days.
my first bike was a vstar 650 its was a great bike. I have a Harley now but those metric cruisers are so nice.
My first bike was a Kawasaki 440 and I really enjoyed it. It looked nice and was a fun ride.
That’s my goal VTX 1800
Mine is for sale, 2002 VTX1800R. $3,000. 35,000 miles. Power commander, Vance+Hines pipes, leather saddlebags, and a cover. Southern Indiana.
@@mattdonna9677thanks, I’m from Puerto Rico 🇵🇷
Had a 92 Harley electroglide 1340cc (bought new). Loved it till a black lab ran out in front of it at night. Killed the dog and the bike. I could not find another because of the Harley shortage. Bought a Vulcan 1500 97 (new). Still ride it and not thinking about changing. Added Vance Hines loud pipes, a windshield, leather saddle bags and a tour pack.
I loved the look of the larger Intruder but my legs are too long and I couldn't think of riding one for even a full day.
I had a long life riding and I can without a doubt the most fun I ever had was riding smaller displacement bikes. There not just for beginners. When you get to the other end of years, a smaller bike works with declined strength and flexibility. The manufacturers are figuring out that as baby boomers begin to age out they want something middleweight or less. It is not just the young riding Rebels!
I road intruders for years love them and still have a couple Today even though I ride my road glide mainly npw
One of my kids has 900 Vulcan the other had a shadow with 60,000 miles. Both were very nice for the money.
Oh yes, I've had my eye on a Shadow as my first bike since I found out a Rebel is a tad too small. Would really want one with the split pin crank.
The VLX 600 is a fantastic smaller bike that has enough power to run highway speeds all day long. The VT750 is great too. Not that far apart performance wise but the later 750 has shaft drive.
@@scottsingleton2951 Does that mean the one with the split pin crank is pre shaft drive?
The Vulcan 900 and shadow 600 are sitting outside my house now. Solid bikes. Now I don't know how much money y'all have to throw around but I do care if they go down
The suzuki intruder 800 is nice I have one it's my first bike either way there plenty of speed and pull shaft driven is nice good shock system to soft but not to soft and I'm able to easily hook up new accessories on it easy to work on really simple
These bikes are pretty tough too. I own a 2020 Yamaha bolt. A little newer but still an Asian cruiser. I laid it down at speed in a corner. I broke 5 bones and lost some skin, but the bike was still perfectly rideable with a few scratches. The bikes are tougher than the rider.
I'm passing the torch onto my young 20 year old son and we found what I feel is the ideal "starter" bike; 2006 Suzuki L40/ 650 Savage w/ only 1500 miles. Very user friendly and not something he'll outgrow. And when he does, it will be easy to sell & pass along to the next up & coming rider because of it's user friendly characteristics; light weight & easy handling. Very tractable power And so no going crazy shifting this 5 speed. Single cylinder & belt final drive equals less complicated maitences.
BTW, w/sub 2K price he had money to invest in a Helolite air-bag vest for some piece of mind!
I'm open to purchasing an older metric bike. I don't do group Harley rides. I don't like the noise or breathing 1/2 burnt gas.
I’m a crash myself, I just had the awareness of a Givi crash cage- tuning forks forever- chains and cooling fins forever. I’m a Drz to a Tdub fan and I’m not looking back
Have Suzuki Intruder 1400 1991 GLP, most comfortable bike without any modifications to it i have ever ridden. Not a long time experienced bike rider but it is the shit if you ask me. Cheap as hell to maintain and always starts.
I have a 2007 Honda 1300cc vtx , excellent bike love it!
Don’t forget the Yamaha Viragos!
The last 20 of my 30 years of riding have been on Harleys. There's nothing wrong with any brand of bike you ride and to be honest, with the crap that Harley-Davidson has been pulling lately I may be coming back to Japanese bikes.
Loved this video! I'm going to start looking for an older shadow now. Thanks!!!
I have an 06 en 500 vulcan . Love it . 900 bucks .
I had an intruder 800, loved that bike.
Only thing i disliked was the fuel tank, had to fill up about every 100 miles on trips.
I've always had japanese cruisers, learned on a Honda CM 125, moved up to a Kawasaki EN 454 on passing my test, then a Kawasaki VN 750, then a Yamaha Vmax 1200 (still have it after 25 years) then a Honda X4 (not really a cruiser I know) and bought a Suzuki 1400 Intruder two years ago. Here in blighty they are not cheap like they are in the US, we pay top money for our bikes as we're taxed to the hilt.
I rode my mates ironhead Harley once and hated it, couldn't find neutral when stopped and you need forearms like Popeye to hold that clutch in while waiting for the lights to change. I don't like the fact that Harley pipes are both on the right side either, makes the left side of the bike look bare, the early Intruders and Vulcans had pipes both sides which looks so much better.
Early 90's japanese cruisers are rising in price here in the UK, I paid £5000 for my Intruder two years ago, a '94 model with less than 10,000 miles on the clock, Vmax 1200's are also making good money, seems like modern styling and electronics are turning off many buyers, I mean that Ducati Diavel looks like a sack of spanners with two wheels attached.
I like the Suzuki 650 single cruiser. Maybe not the best for highway but who wants to ride on a highway. It's great for town and twisties.
I owned a 2010 roadstar by yamaha ,bought it brand new. I used to love ride by Harley riders stuck on the side of the road.I never had anything major except for normal wear and tear
Ya might have mentioned on the Japanize bikes they have a lower center of gravity so that when you sit on it and stand it up , your not feeling most of it waight as in camepaired to the 883 and up Harleys ,
Since when 800cc motorcycle is small. I travel to Europe a lot and I see people doing cross country rides 2 up on a 250 cc. Only in America where the 800-1000 cc motor is a starter LOL. 😂
Love my Suzuki c50.
An absolute pleasure to ride.
Those are all great bikes. Affordable, cool and dependable
In Europe we have different story. For example ER6 you can buy sometimes for 1000€, but choppers... EN500 will cost around 3000€, I have Shadow 750, and this bike cost around 5000€)
I just learned to ride in the past year on a 2007 Rebel and have outgrown it already and am ready to upgrade to a Kawasaki Vulcan S, same profile as an Indian scout bobber, for half the price. Dropped my rebel once in the drive way and once in the grass. I took my MSF on a Vstar, and the rebel is such a better bike than that Vstar
I have a 2016 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 and love it
Hi just sold a shadow 750. Loved it.
Bought my wife a Honda Shadow 750 for 3200. Sold it a few months later for 3200. Bought her a Honda Rebel 300 for 3400, sold it a year later for 4000. Now she rides a 2015 Kawasaki Vulcan S 650 and loves it. we paid 4300 for it in 2021.
I’ve owned 2 intruders in the past. My second favorite bike I’ve ever owned behind my klr 650. If my 96’ intruder wasn’t destroyed in a accident I’d still have it.
I like the Shadow! Honda
motorcycles are comparable to the older, Toyota sienna van's, you can depend on the machine, low maintenance and you can get a lot of miles outof it.
I own a 2002 Suzuki VL1500 Intruder and I have been riding for 51 years.
These bikes are also perfect for learning how to work on motorcycles and engines in general
Honestly, the Yamaha bolt is so damn underrated. Love my bolt!!
I will never own another shaft drive bike. Many seem to think "less maintenance" means no maintenance. Every shaft drive bike I've owned from a Yamaha to a BMW required major repairs to the shaft drive and differential. So, buyer beware. A belt drive is less expensive and more durable than a shaft. Unless you're in dirt and gravel a lot of the time.
Bummer 😕. I'm on my 4th shaft drive bike and no trouble at all. XS Eleven, XS Eleven, V-Max, VTX 1800.
ill buy either of those for $1000, lets be real, more like $2500 minimum. covid prices never went away
My main bike is a 96 Vulcan 800. I've been riding for about 20 years. I miss nor regret nothing.
I actually learned to ride on my father in laws brand new Boulevard c90 back in 2005.
Be still rides that bike and I do too. It's fantastic and easy to ride.
In 20 years it's only needed a stator and tires.
Add an 🇺🇸flag to the tank of the intruder be sorta ish Peter Fondas bike I said Ish. But my 1st bike was a Big HD & younger then Kase is now. Even his 1st vid which we saw a few days ago when his voice was much DEEPER 😂😅MY pt is it is possible to take great care of one's toys. I've only had 1 "accident" w/a vehicle & deemed not my fault. 1 can treat stuff like it's real cash, if u do? You'll see it quite differently
I’m looking to find my first bike and I’m trying to find one just these thanks for the video