I just can't take the arm twisting

[Rickrod3]

I love my bike to death and will never get rid of it and I mean never.
I recently broke down with it and my wife has been encouraging (twisting my arm)to get a bike made in this century, which is in its second decade I might add.
I gotta be nuts to ignore this!

I want a bagger with a frame mounted fairing. I'm a big fan of crash bars.
I like the Harley Road Glide but; for the money I'm looking at the Kawasaki Vaquero.

Value is inportant to me.
Do you guys have any recomendations?
What is a good bike mechanically one I can maintain myself with good longevity. I'm considering a water cooled engine.

Tia
Rick

['OlGuiltyBoy]

It's all your personal preference dude, don't get what everybody else thinks is cool. You might ride it for a few and end up hating it. Do your homework on your top three favorites. I say three because while your researching those three something else will catch your attention as well (I speak from experience). You can work on ANY bike yourself. How do you think people learn how to do this stuff - get yourself a clymer manual and you can take that bike apart and put it back together without a problem. I'm on my second buildup now with only tools I've purchased at Lowes and some wiring stuff from here and there that I found out about on the forums and cruising the internet. There's a forum for every bike out there - you'll find the information you ll need. I see no point in paying some jerk off hundreds of dollars just to change your oil or clean your carbs. To me - that's the difference between a Biker and some douche bag that wants to ride on the weekend - you wouldn't let some other guy work on your wife. Don't let one work on your bike it's basically the same thing.

[motoman]

U leanin' towards new or used?

[Rickrod3]

U leanin' towards new or used?

Used or new price range 8 to 12k maybe a little more if new waranty would probably make it worth it.

[lee_dutcher]

here is a little read for yea

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/10/10474/Motorcycle-Article/2011-Bagger-Cruiser-Shootout.aspx

[Rickrod3]

here is a little read for yea

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/10/104...-Shootout.aspx

Cool thanks Lee

[tarzan]

Have you looked at Victory? American made, good power, very comfortable, and handle really well. I may be biased though, as I own one.And they will let you test ride them too.

[jetmechmarty]

A GoldWing because it's that good, or a Harley, because you can get parts and service wherever you go.

I'd ride my XS1100 anywhere, and sometimes I do!

[Rickrod3]

Have you looked at Victory? American made, good power, very comfortable, and handle really well. I may be biased though, as I own one.And they will let you test ride them too.

Was looking at the cross country not crazy about the style.

[Rickrod3]

A GoldWing because it's that good, or a Harley, because you can get parts and service wherever you go.

I'd ride my XS1100 anywhere, and sometimes I do!

I'm looking a the Road glide have not found anything in my price range.
I'm open to the Gold wings any years that are better or any to stay away from?

[jwhughes3]

Tools not the same

you wouldn't let some other guy work on your wife. Don't let one work on your bike it's basically the same thing.

The tools and gadgets used on one cannot be used on the other!

JW

[jetmechmarty]

GoldWings are all good. The ones in your price range are prone to stator failure. Stator replacement requires engine removal. This can be avoided by keeping the stator connector contacts clean or removing the connector and "hard wiring" it.

The 1984 GoldWing begins fat forks and front tire. Stay away from the 1984-1985 Limited.

[Rickrod3]

GoldWings are all good. The ones in your price range are prone to stator failure. Stator replacement requires engine removal. This can be avoided by keeping the stator connector contacts clean or removing the connector and "hard wiring" it.

The 1984 GoldWing begins fat forks and front tire. Stay away from the 1984-1985 Limited.

So that is the stator scoop I have been noticing many for sale with the stator problem.

Thanks.

[jetmechmarty]

Yep. That is the stator problem. The stator is fine. It just takes proper maintenance of the wiring and the stator is as good as any other.

Your ability to replace one might get you a good deal on a good book.