What's a good 1 to 2Kish motorcycle?

[SomethingClever]

I used to own a 1981 Yamaha Maxim 550, which was a pretty great bike for $800.

I want something similar, although this time around I'm thinking possibly of a V-twin (mid-80s Honda Shadow?)

Specifications: I don't want a crotch-rocket. I like standard bikes.. no fairings, windshields or fancy looking stuff. No dirtbikes, either. To give you an idea, I think the best looking bike in the world is the naked Ducati Monster.

Has to be reliable and start every time I want it to without a lot of fiddling around.

Any ideas besides the Shadow?

[mostsmooth]

[ QUOTE ]
Has to be reliable and start every time I want it to without a lot of fiddling around.

[/ QUOTE ]
dont get a duc then

[Boris]

The Honda V30 is a great city bike. I used to own one and liked it lots. Problem is I got too paranoid about idiot drivers not paying attention.

[SomethingClever]

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dont get a duc then

[/ QUOTE ]

If I get a Ducati, it'll be less than 8 years old. Not one of the older ones with the finicky reputations.

Of course, I probably won't get a Ducati until I'm crushing 15/30.....

[SomethingClever]

[ QUOTE ]
The Honda V30 is a great city bike. I used to own one and liked it lots. Problem is I got too paranoid about idiot drivers not paying attention.

[/ QUOTE ]

Just googled this bike and it looks pretty fresh.

http://www.motorcycleminnesota.com/071501/07/image1.jpg

Although a bit on the small side. I'm 6'1" and I don't want to look like I'm riding a big wheel. Is this bike big enough for me?

Agreed on idiot drivers.

[Boris]

I'm 5'11" and the bike fit me well. I have shorter legs and a longer torso than the average build. You might also want to check out the V45 if need something bigger.

[balkii]

dude dan this bike is parked like 1 block from my house, if you wanna see it up close i'll show you .

[HUSKER'66]

Depending on where you live, you might find a late 88-93 Suzuki GSX1100G. Comfortable cruiser with plenty of power (1127cc)and your woman won't give you grief about the ride on back.

Do a search here for your price range and area:

http://www.cycletrader.com/index.html

Husker

[lostinthought]

I bought a 1992 Honda Nighthawk 750 for $1900 in great condition a couple of years ago and it has treated me very well.

It was my first motorcycle, and I'm very happy with the purchase.

[SomethingClever]

I see that one a lot. Are you sure it's a V30?

[regisd]

the shadow's a good v-twin. it's also got a fairly good customer base, so parts/accessories are easy to come by - even for the older models. i had a magna for a few years, which is the same basic bike, and it ran well. dual-disk brakes on the front are a nice-to-have -- i'm not sure what model years (if any) have them.

if you want to do any of your own wrenching, i'd recommend getting a model old enough to have carburetors. i know some of the newer larger shadows have moved to fuel injection engines.

the nighthawks are also good, although i find them a bit tall (i've got a 27" inseam, so i have trouble finding bikes that fit well). same with the BMW's, although i love the look and handling on some of the sport-tourers they sell.

the honda valkyrie (aka the hondapotamus) is probably out of your price range. they're comfortable for tall folks.