After 500 miles, thinkin new purchase

[cqt1414]

the Vequero is all new for 2011, and the fairing has muscle-car styled gauges and stereo, not just a shell (as some others). nice modern bagger, turn on the cruise control and listen to your tunes while you eat up the miles. I admit it is nice to have cruisers and a nice sport bike. keeps all bases covered.

 

[GsxrBots]

the Vequero is all new for 2011, and the fairing has muscle-car styled gauges and stereo, not just a shell (as some others). nice modern bagger, turn on the cruise control and listen to your tunes while you eat up the miles. I admit it is nice to have cruisers and a nice sport bike. keeps all bases covered.

Not my cup of tea is all. I like the streamlined cruisers, not the blocky, old looking ones. Just my taste is all. Some people must like them, they sell a ton of 'em...

 

[KvHotDog4]

In my experience with my bikes and riding with people on other bikes. It doesn't really matter what you ride after 150 miles your ready for a break, which works out good because if your with any Harley's they need gas . One question though, did you just hope on the Busa and take it 500 miles or did you do a couple 100 mile trips to help build up? I have done 3000+ mile weekend trips and I have put every mile on my 2007 that is about to click 56,000 miles. Most in one day that I can remember is about 750 miles, that was all stock seating position. I have recently upgraded to the lowered pegs and I had memory foam put in my seat, the stock ride never really bothered me but now it feels like a Cadillac. Before any long trips I always take a few 100 miles to get a tolerance level built up. The cruiser guys are always, "I don't know how you can ride that thing!, I wouldn't be able to walk if I rode it that far". Of course the whole time they are saying this they are barely able to get off their bike due to stiffness and pain lol.
Having said all that, my next bike will be the M109R I just love the big looks of it. I had a Honda Shadow 750 after 100 or so miles I hurt, thats why I traded it.

 

[BusaBret]

What about the Victory Vegas Jackpot?


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[OneTrueRider]

I won't bash you for buying a Harley. I'll bash you for buying a Road King. Why not a Street Glide??

I've always liked the classic look of the RK and like the open/clean view over the bars by not having a fairing. It's great to be able to pop the windshield off in hot weather.

Plus the SG sits an inch lower and is stiffer to ride because of it. I already drag hard parts the way it is now

 

[jellyrug]

the Vequero is all new for 2011, and the fairing has muscle-car styled gauges and stereo, not just a shell (as some others). nice modern bagger, turn on the cruise control and listen to your tunes while you eat up the miles. I admit it is nice to have cruisers and a nice sport bike. keeps all bases covered.

Guess we all have our likes and dislikes. This is me:

1.) Wimpshields are only for bikes wich can go faster than 150mph.

2.) Europe and the Japanese make sport bikes, the rest don't count in this catagory.

3.) The US makes cruisers, the rest don't count in this category.

4.) BMW makes the only touring bike I will ride and it's OK to have a wimpshield in this instance. It's not really me scene though.

5.) For the bike pictured above, think I may rather ride in a convertible.

In category #3 Harley has the world market, even in Japan they outsell everyting bigger than 600cc. The V-Rod is the best performer (Look at numbers) in this category, yet it is Harley's worst seller.

In short, you will never see me on an American sports bike and similar, you will never see me on a Japanese cruiser.

 

[PaLVBusa]

One question though, did you just hope on the Busa and take it 500 miles or did you do a couple 100 mile trips to help build up?

I use the bike as my mode of transport to work. 30miles/45-hr ride one way x 6 days a week. I have gone on several 2 hr rides here and their, aching but not crippling by end of every ride.

Just thought it would be nice to have a more comfortable ride maybe to work and for longer rides. Keeping the busa for wkend fun

 

[2hip]

PalV...I can see your heart is set on a cruiser of some sort...I just want to ask some questions...in no way are they being critical of your thinking process..because picking a bike is no joking matter.
I believe there were quite a few guys who've had back problems tell u explicitly that a cruiser is even harder on your back then the Busa..how do you reconcile that with the bikes you are interested in? 2nd question...do you think that a v-twin with all the attending vibration issues will be less of an issue for your arms and back than a smooth inline 4? Are u fully aware of the cost and maintainence issues of the Harleys...and the upfront money is no joke...right?
I dunno..I've been in your spot before where I just fall in love with something and no matter what I hear it is filtered and basically stored in the Netherworld net. One of the guys made mention that Harleys make cruisers and the rest don't count...Each to their own opinions...but how do you discount the Goldwing as a cruiser/road machine?

Have u considered going to a rental shop where they rent cruisers and tried it for a day? In California we have such deals...don't know about your area of the USA. Wish u the best of luck...but try and put some credibility in some of the statements from guys who have back problems and who have owned cruisers and they are all telling u ...DON'T DO IT

 

[Gpmo]

Cruisers are nice and the back issues can be solved with a large selection of seats and or kidney belts that are available for the market. I say get whats pleasing to you, if you want a HD get one, i personally would love a Ultra or Road King and you can ride them all day long and be happy. They do vibrate and have that distinctive feel and presence that the import cruisers have yet to replicate. As for quality you can easily get 100k mile out of a new HD motor as long as you follow maintenance procedures. Sounds kindof like any other bike or motor, treat it right and it lasts. The cost of an HD will be higher but your resale is also higher. HDs have good value retention.

I've heard folks that have back problems sell off their sport bikes and get cruisers and swear you should never get a sportbike with a bad back... and i have heard it in reverse. I think it depends on the person. As mentioned hit up an HD rental place. Its normally about $120 for a day but i bet you can work a deal with a sales guy to get one for cheaper if you are a serious buyer.

Have you tried a different seat on the BUsa? or Heli Bars or buell peg mods? I may have missed you answer earlier if so sorry. But good luck hope you get it figured out and enjoy yourself.

 

[cqt1414]

1.) Wimpshields are only for bikes wich can go faster than 150mph.

fascinating, would you care to elaborate on how you arrived at this exact speed and what precisely is a 'wimpshield'? Thanks.

 

[jellyrug]

fascinating, would you care to elaborate on how you arrived at this exact speed and what precisely is a 'wimpshield'? Thanks.

I twisted the throttle on my Busa for a few seconds, that took me past 150 mph and I ducked behind my screen, or windshield, which at that speed was no longer a "wimpshield".

Any more questions ?

 

[GsxrBots]

Guess we all have our likes and dislikes. This is me:

1.) Wimpshields are only for bikes wich can go faster than 150mph.

2.) Europe and the Japanese make sport bikes, the rest don't count in this catagory.

3.) The US makes cruisers, the rest don't count in this category.

4.) BMW makes the only touring bike I will ride and it's OK to have a wimpshield in this instance. It's not really me scene though.

5.) For the bike pictured above, think I may rather ride in a convertible.

In category #3 Harley has the world market, even in Japan they outsell everyting bigger than 600cc. The V-Rod is the best performer (Look at numbers) in this category, yet it is Harley's worst seller.

In short, you will never see me on an American sports bike and similar, you will never see me on a Japanese cruiser.

I really didn't expect this logic from you. Sounds like a Poser talking. Didn't peg you for one.
I'm a Harley basher at heart but would never not buy one based on the fact that it is a Harley. I ride with Harleys I've ridden Harleys. The Japanese have a future in Metric Cruisers. I wonder how many VTXs are on the roads right now? More than you think I bet. The V-Rod is Harley's worst seller because of people like you that think its not a Harley, its a Porsche. Harley can't win. The people that don't like Harleys won't buy them because they feel they use dinosaur technology, but then they try to make a new bike with some advances (a LOT of them) and people won't buy it because "its not a Harley".. I guess they'll just settle for selling the SAME EXACT 5 models they've made since 1930.. And still sell all of them.. You are missing out by not giving the Metric cruisers a chance. The 109 is a brilliant bike with gobs of torque, smooth ride, and amazing looks. (Mine grew a crowd at the 105th Harley anniversary party, and everyone asked about it when I visited the Harley Museum. You can't live in Milwaukee and not know about Harleys. Either you know someone who owns one, or they used to own one. That's about it. The only Harleys I'd own (strictly based on opinion, not brand or location of origin) would be the Ultra Classic, and the V-rod. Both purpose built, and do their purposes well..

Sorry for the novel here, I just couldn't let that one slide.

To the O.P. you can't go wrong with any of the bikes you're narrowed down to. Yes there is a "difference" in back pain between a cruiser and a sportbike. I don't have any "lower" back problems, only upper back / shoulder blade pain. The 'Busa is a little worse for my back than the 109 was, but both are doable for me.

Not only did I have a Metric cruiser Jellyrug, I had a purple one!

 

[GsxrBots]

And here is is with a wimpshield and bags, etc..

 

[jellyrug]

I really didn't expect this logic from you. Sounds like a Poser talking. Didn't peg you for one.
I'm a Harley basher at heart but would never not buy one based on the fact that it is a Harley. I ride with Harleys I've ridden Harleys. The Japanese have a future in Metric Cruisers. I wonder how many VTXs are on the roads right now? More than you think I bet. The V-Rod is Harley's worst seller because of people like you that think its not a Harley, its a Porsche. Harley can't win. The people that don't like Harleys won't buy them because they feel they use dinosaur technology, but then they try to make a new bike with some advances (a LOT of them) and people won't buy it because "its not a Harley".. I guess they'll just settle for selling the SAME EXACT 5 models they've made since 1930.. And still sell all of them.. You are missing out by not giving the Metric cruisers a chance. The 109 is a brilliant bike with gobs of torque, smooth ride, and amazing looks. (Mine grew a crowd at the 105th Harley anniversary party, and everyone asked about it when I visited the Harley Museum. You can't live in Milwaukee and not know about Harleys. Either you know someone who owns one, or they used to own one. That's about it. The only Harleys I'd own (strictly based on opinion, not brand or location of origin) would be the Ultra Classic, and the V-rod. Both purpose built, and do their purposes well..

Sorry for the novel here, I just couldn't let that one slide.

To the O.P. you can't go wrong with any of the bikes you're narrowed down to. Yes there is a "difference" in back pain between a cruiser and a sportbike. I don't have any "lower" back problems, only upper back / shoulder blade pain. The 'Busa is a little worse for my back than the 109 was, but both are doable for me.

Not only did I have a Metric cruiser Jellyrug, I had a purple one!

The 109 is a very nice bike, it sure looks good. What scared me away is researching the M109 forum, there are a lot of riders having problems with 2nd gear, clutch shudder, shaft drive issues and oil spil out of breather. I would say the incidence rate is almost 12%. Go surf and you will see.

The V-Rod performance numbers are better than the 109.

For me it is just a principle issue and that principle simply says that the cruiser origins started in America and the rest copied. I prefer the originals and unless I have a good excuse, I prefer buying American.

 

[GsxrBots]

The 109 is a very nice bike, it sure looks good. What scared me away is researching the M109 forum, there are a lot of riders having problems with 2nd gear, clutch shudder, shaft drive issues and oil spil out of breather. I would say the incidence rate is almost 12%. Go surf and you will see.

The V-Rod performance numbers are better than the 109.

For me it is just a principle issue and that principle simply says that the cruiser origins started in America and the rest copied. I prefer the originals.

The M109 doesn't copy any bike on the market. Period.

I owned that 109. I don't believe everything I read on the net. I didn't break a clutch cable, I didn't have any drive shaft issues, and I DID have oil puke out of my air filter due to the dealership adding too much oil to the bike. Otherwise I had zero problems from the bike.
Busa's are known for second gear problems. I haven't had any of those problems either.
I was a member and still am of M109riders.com and I know of all the problems. Do we have time to talk about HD's problems? Both past and present?
If everyone knew about all the problems with the CanAm Spyders, nobody would buy one of those either, and they are selling.
Everything has problems. Some forums choose to bash their bikes, some forums choose to praise them.
I tend to take the negative comments on bikes with a grain of salt. I mean really if EVERY Harley leaked oil, would they sell any? What about if EVERY Harley had the death wobble?
I'll take a second gear problem over a death wobble anyday!

 

[jellyrug]

The M109 doesn't copy any bike on the market. Period.

I owned that 109. I don't believe everything I read on the net. I didn't break a clutch cable, I didn't have any drive shaft issues, and I DID have oil puke out of my air filter due to the dealership adding too much oil to the bike. Otherwise I had zero problems from the bike.
Busa's are known for second gear problems. I haven't had any of those problems either.
I was a member and still am of M109riders.com and I know of all the problems. Do we have time to talk about HD's problems? Both past and present?
If everyone knew about all the problems with the CanAm Spyders, nobody would buy one of those either, and they are selling.
Everything has problems. Some forums choose to bash their bikes, some forums choose to praise them.
I tend to take the negative comments on bikes with a grain of salt. I mean really if EVERY Harley leaked oil, would they sell any? What about if EVERY Harley had the death wobble?
I'll take a second gear problem over a death wobble anyday!

Love naked bikes, no offence, but that shield really spoiled the look.

Why did you sell it?

I have done some costs analysis and I can honestly say of my 4 bikes, my Harley Dyna is the only one that shows lower running costs per mile, annualized than my cars. Then I bought a Prius, now the Harley ranks second. The new Harleys really do not have issues, mine needs almost no attention.

Short of it all is we are all different, if everyone only liked blondes, imagine all the single brunettes that would be available.

 

[GsxrBots]

Love naked bikes, no offence, but that shield really spoiled the look.

Why did you sell it?

The shield was only used once. For a road trip in the cold. I hated the look as well

I sold it because I missed corners. I hated the feeling of scraping pegs. Made me nervous. I will have another one someday. I really want an orange one.

 

[PaLVBusa]

The 109 is a very nice bike, it sure looks good. What scared me away is researching the M109 forum, there are a lot of riders having problems with 2nd gear, clutch shudder, shaft drive issues and oil spil out of breather. I would say the incidence rate is almost 12%. Go surf and you will see.

Jellyrug,
The purpose of this thread was to hear from ppl like Bots who owned them, loved them, experienced them, and have honest knowledge to give back.

Ive done my research and if you look hard enough most of the major issues were resolved with the 2011 model and several of the other issues were traced back to poor break ins. Some bikes NEED a proper break in and others can survive without it. Does that make it an inadequate bike, I dont think so.

 

[jellyrug]

Jellyrug,
The purpose of this thread was to hear from ppl like Bots who owned them, loved them, experienced them, and have honest knowledge to give back.

Ive done my research and if you look hard enough most of the major issues were resolved with the 2011 model and several of the other issues were traced back to poor break ins. Some bikes NEED a proper break in and others can survive without it. Does that make it an inadequate bike, I dont think so.

Good to hear the 2011 bikes are sorted, I did not know that. Not so sure about the break in.

IMHO those are the best looking cruisers on the market, just not for me.

 

[CWCobra]

Raised handlebars, gelgrips with grip puppies. Im not getting rid of busa. Just thinkin about adding cruiser to stable.

Anymore thoughts on m109 or other similar bikes?

Did all that...then I also bought a Rocket III. Plenty comfy, and more than plenty vrooom! Still love my 'Busa tho'. But the Rocket is soooo nice.
Lucky to have one of each. Add in my KLR dual sport, and I still have spent far less money than for one Ultra/Electra/Street/Road Glide/King. Far less.