I'll be moving to the Pismo Beach area in California pretty soon and where I'll be commuting involves a lot of hills. In an effort to keep as much gas money as I can in my pocket, what would be the best bike to get that will haul my 5'5" 140lbs butt? It'd also like to take it to to NORCAL every other weekend, so riding comfort is also a factor. As far as riding experience go, I used to own a CBR 600 F3 for a little over a year until selling it. And if it helps, I'm a fan of bobber and cruisers without the chrome treatment. Anyway, any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks H-T.

 

any bike, besides a harley, will save you gas money given that you stay under 7k rpm. you choice of bike will vary greatly depending on how much cash you have to blow, if you want a FI or carbed, if you want new or used? you're short so you will be better suited for a cruiser, which is convenient since that is what you're looking for anyway. provide more info and you can be steered in the direction you need.

 

Budget wise, as long as it's not over 6k, I'm happy. As for choosing either carb or FI, I'd prefer FI only because it's "modern". What are the differences between the two fuel systems? I remember putting up the choke when I had my carb'd CBR. So which cruiser out there is 1) great price for value, 2) has little to no shiny parts (i.e. chrome) and 3) won't feel like I'm redlining a weed whacker in the freeway.

 

look into the honda vfr800, honda shadow phantom, a very used ducati monster, suzuki boulevard, a very used bmw f800st, suzuki hayabusa, or even a can-am spyder

these arent exactly cruisers besides the shadow and boulevard, but have the fun factor without a aggressive riding position

 

I wouldn't recommend a Honda Shadow 750 if you are on the highway alot. A little too small IMO.

 

750 is too small??? I had no problem getting around the highway when I had my CBR 600, so I figure a 750 should have no problem on the highway. Or am I mixing apples and oranges? My December issue of Motor Cyclist lists the Honda Sabre as a "smart money" buy because it's listed at $3800 for 2003 models. Any impressions on the Sabre's? what's everyone'sopinion on Harley Davidson's? Overprice? Reliable? Expensive to maintain? The HD XL1200C is listed around $4550. Not bad right?

 

When I mean small, I am talking engine size. The Shadow 750 only has 50 horsepower. It's not the same as a CBR600. I had one for awhile and it didn't have enough power for me. I'd go with the Sabre.

I did have an H-D XL1200C for over 2 years and it was a decent bike. I think you can get more cruiser for the same money if you stick to metric bikes though. You could probably find a VTX1300 or 1800 for about the same priced as a used Sporty.

 

I would go with the Honda Sabre or Shadow if you are looking at long rides up to NorCal.