I haven't ridden bikes for about 25 years now and maybe mid-life crisis has gotten a hold on me but I want to buy a new bike and return to that great feeling of freedom I remember as a younger man. It's no surprise that bikes have changed drastically over the past quarter of a century. That leads to my poll. I do know that I want a mid size cruiser. There are 4 on my list that I'm considering. I realize it all comes down to my personal likes and dislikes but I'm curious as to which bike is most popular in this forum. If you were in my shoes, which one would you buy and why?

BugZ

Welcome back BugZ. I'd advise you to sigh up for the MSF course in your area. It would be a refresher course for your riding skills and give you the opportunity to ride several types of bikes. Good luck dude.

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Always wear a helmet, eye protection, and protective clothing. Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Johnj,
Until I found this website, I hadn't even considered taking a riding course but after looking through the forums and beginner's guide I'm starting to think that is a piece of good advice. I'm not as young and cocky as I once was and I think a course would give me the confidence I need.
BugZ

I voted for the S50 because that's what I bought.

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Motorcycle Safety Foundation - USA
Patriot Guard Riders
My Blog
Fire and Iron MC
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I didn't vote but my brother in law has a mid size Suzuki cruiser and he is thrilled with it. He is not a new rider and has about 25 years of riding behind him. He admits that although he got the Suzuki the Yamaha was right up there with the Kawasaki behind. Personal preferences made the difference for him along with a decent dealer (rare).

Before I bought my bike, I asked him about Honda's. He mention the tend to be more expensive and not have the standard features than several of the other brands have, depending on what it is that you value. Like foot boards standard, decent dealer, seat height, CG on a bigger bike, standard storage, standard gauges, rider position, was a fairing standard or not, was the second seat for a adult or looks only, seat or grip warmers standard or not and many of these are personal preferences so if you don't value them, they are a non-issue in the deal.

After the bare bike is sold the dealer add on's is where they make there money. Just like McDonalds Hamburgers profit vs the fries profits. Its all in the fries/onion rings, drinks, apple/cherry pie, ice cream shakes, kids toys in "kids meals" and even the coffee is a rip, I mean profitable.

So sit on each bike for a 1/2 hour and see if the dealer will let you ride it as many will not but there is not rule as every state I know of has dealer plates for bikes (tells you about type of dealer your dealing with), if its not been checked by local mechanics ask when you can come back. Bluffing is what they do.

If you like the bikes features, price, fit, ride and the dealer, then you got a deal.

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Goldwing 1500se '98
VN500 LTD '07 Sold

I second that. If your just going for looks i guess any bike will do, but you don't give alot of information. Bikes have changed alot in 25 years. going to just cruise or are you going to use it as a daily driver? Like to wrestle alot of weight in parking lots? If you don't you can really narrow the field by limiting the weight you want to deal with. Just about any bike these days are good quality, but if it is a midlife crisis (I'm enjoying mine!) and your thinking corvette the S50 is as close as you'll get in a mid-size cruiser. It's a hotrod on 2 wheels.

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05 Honda Rebel
04 Spitfire Cub-24
05Suzuki S50

The V-Star looks heavier and beefier than the S50 if that matters to you.

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Flickr.

Any of these four bikes is a reasonable choice from a reputable manufacturer, each of them has advocates. However, "feel" is going to be quite different among these bikes, and comfort should be a prime deciding factor.

For example, the S50 is the old Intruder. Personally, that bike has always seemed on the compact side - though it's an excellent bike, I wouldn't buy one for myself. On the other hand, the Vulcan 900 is a medium engine in a large-bike frame. It feels much bigger than the other medium-class cruisers. I like it for that reason and would probably buy one for myself if I wanted a cruiser.

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2005 Triumph Bonneville
2005 Suzuki V-Strom 1000
2003 Triumph Trophy 1200
2009 BMW F650GS (wife's)
1990 HD Sportster XL883 (for sale; wanna buy a Sportster??)

The S50 is definitely the most compact. It fits my frame well. I'm 5'7" and 215lbs. It's not a touring bike by any means. It's also still carburated.

I do find myself wishing for more space. Your limited to small saddlebags due to the bike size but, I can still pack plenty into them.

The carbs are annoying in the morning having to choke it but, you get a reserve tank and don't have to worry too much about running it dry. Plan on stopping about every 110 to 130 miles to refuel. I can scratch out around 140 to 150 if I have to off the interstate. It's been averaging a steady 52 mpg with be cruising at 60 to 70 mph.

Overall, I think it's a solid entry/re-entry cruiser. I'm already thinking about my next bike a couple years from now but, planning to keep this one for running about, commuting to work and getting my wife to ride "handlebar to handlebar" with me.

Good Luck, Have Fun and Stay Safe Out There!

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Motorcycle Safety Foundation - USA
Patriot Guard Riders
My Blog
Fire and Iron MC
Fire&Iron Station 281

^ All true. I carry 2 extra backpacks on long trips with a bed roll for back support. My mileage averages about 55mpg on the interstate at 75mph, but I weigh about 70lbs less.

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05 Honda Rebel
04 Spitfire Cub-24
05Suzuki S50