Suzuki, Yamaha, Honda or Kawasaki

Shrike9

Shrike9

Joined
Jul 7, 1999
Messages
645
I've been looking around at these motorcycles & was wondering how they stack up against each other. Way back when I had my other bikes Suzuki was what I had (650 & a 850) & never had a bit of trouble from them.

Right now I'm looking at the 2004 Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Classic :cool: as I'm more into the crusing mode than the crotch rocket style.

So, what's the general concensous about crusing motorcycles under $10,000
 
Off to Gadgets & Gear because............THAT'S WHERE THIS BELONGS!!! :rolleyes:
 
I am a Kawasaki fan but yamaha and suzuki make nice bikes. Honda is ok also.

Yeah, I was a huge help!!!!:p
 
:rolleyes: I don't see BMW or Motoguzzi in the choices(although they would be good choices).

As for the 4 listed brands, flip a coin. You really can't go wrong with any of them. I have had Hondas and Suzukis, so I know they are good. Have heard nothing negative about Yamahas or Kawasakis either.
 
Good Afternoon All-

Honda, Yamaha, and Suzuki are known for their attention-to-detail, build quality, and excellent transmissions. Excellent dealer network. From a cost-to-benefit ratio, one of these would likely be my choice.

Kawasaki builds bulletproof, monster motors with huge horsepower but tends to have switchgear and transmissions that aren't quite as refined as the other manufacturers. Excellent dealer network.

BMW is the king of refinement, but at the expense of horsepower and handling performance. Their motorcycles last forever and actually look cooler twenty-five years later as classics. Outstanding dealer network and the unique BMW Anonymous directory for afficianados and assistance throughout the country.

Moto Guzzi, Ducati, and Triumph are all very slick imported bikes. They clearly don't have the reliability of the Japanese or German marques, which most people understand. They have a soul and spirit that is undeniable, but I don't know if that will provide any comfort on the side of a windblown highway with approaching thunderclouds! :p They are probably the most fun to ride and will attract the most attention parked at the cafe.

With that all that said...I would tend towards the Honda, Yamaha, and Suzuki models for fun and reliable motorcycling. The aftermarket is chock-full of companies who make accessories and other things for these bikes to make it even more enjoyable. Check back into this thread and let us know how you're doing with this decision.

~ Blue Jays ~
p.s. I'm not dissing the Harley-Davidson folks, but the $10,000 threshold would be exceeded at a H-D dealership even faster than it would at the BMW or Ducati stores. If you can't haggle prices too much, try to get a jacket, gloves, or a helmet thrown into the deal...
 
Water cooled, shaft drive, good deals right now. Cruising style.

But best bet...TRY THEM OUT. Then decide what you want.


Paul
 
Living in Japan and haven ridden bikes for a while I can throw a bit of opinion on this subject from a Japanese point of view.

In Japan Honda rules. I had a buddy that used to build custom bikes. Meaning he took measurements and built frames and added whatever engine they wanted. These were racing bikes not for road use. Anyway it kind of went like this

1: Honda
2: Yam or Kawa (Yams tend to use a lot of oil though, but this is the design to reduce part wear)
Absolutely last choice : Suzuki

I had a Suzuki, I rode it for just over 2 years everday in 40 deg humid summers to snowy days in mid winter. All I had to do was hit the start button once and she fired up. Apparently the Honda's have better metal in the parts but I'll be damed if I could find anything wrong with my Suzy.

Given the choice I would prob go for the Honda, given enough $ a Guzzi :D
 
Suzuki Volusia VL800. I won one in a contest and sold my old Honda. The difference is remarkable. THe Suzuki has not had a single problem, turns on a dime, and starts with a flick of the finger,(take that Harley!).
 
If you are thinking about a big bike give the Suzuki LC 1500 Intruder a test drive. Great bike with little to no maintenance (shaft drive, hydrauic valve train) and runs like a top. Tons of torque, day long seating. The only thing you can find wrong is that it only hold 4 gallons of gas and you have to stop every 125 miles or so to fill up. I bought mine last September and haven't regretted it for a minute. I could have bought just about any bike short of a full custom, but after a fair amount of research settled on the Intruder.

Check out the intruder forum and ask some questions. There are some great looking custom Intruders that will give you an idea of what the bike can look like with a few accessories.

http://www.intruder1500.com/forums/start/login.php?webtag=&msg=

This is mine
TennLC.jpg
 
While I dont ride a cruiser, I can recomend a brand, Suzuki. I have ridden maaaaany brands of bikes but they have all been sportbikes. Right now I am riding a Suzuki SV650. It is an awesome bike, not too agressive of a riding position, and its a VTwin so it is torquey as a muddafukka. I have also ridden a GSXR 750 for a while and it too was a great bike. Here is my SV650:

Bike1.jpg
 
After "playing" around with acruisers from the above listed we ended up taking home a 2004 Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Classic :cool: :cool: :cool:
 
"and you have to stop every 125 miles"


I have yet to ride a motorcycle that I DIDN'T have to stop every 50 miles because my butt was falling asleep. :)
 
Gotta go with BMW.
Here's mine.
I absolutely love it!


BMW_small.jpg


BTW, BMW is releasing their all new 1200cc sportbike this July.
It's designation is K1200S.
More power and less weight than my bike.
But it should be very comfy for touring also.
Lenny
 
Yeah! The funniest part of the whole situation was when I won it, the guy was amazed that I was actually a motorcycle rider.
 
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