4cyl/sportbike motor cruiser ideas??

[norcalkid]

Hey all, was talking with a buddy looking for a new bike and I don't really have any good suggestions for his new bike. He rode a Magna for 20+ years and would like a more modern replacement. I don't think he ever would of replaced it had he not retired abroad, it was basically the love of his life. Anyway, now I'm getting msgs daily of bikes he's test riding and not liking.

Is there a modern equivalent of the Honda Magna? Do you guys have any suggestions of a modern sportier cruiser?

Thanks

 

[ScottRNelson]

Does it have to be Japanese?

Both Harley-Davidson and Indian have a few sportier models.

From Europe there are good cruisers from Triumph (Thunderbird) and Moto Guzzi. And there is always the Ducati Diavel.

 

[norcalkid]

Does it have to be Japanese?

Both Harley-Davidson and Indian have a few sportier models.

From Europe there are good cruisers from Triumph (Thunderbird) and Moto Guzzi. And there is always the Ducati Diavel.

Doesn't have to be Japanese but can't be Harley. HUGE import taxes(on most models). I believe Triumph is an option. Moto Guzzi not available. I don't know about Ducati's tax status but they are available.



EDIT, just looked at Triumph, expensive in Thailand.

I think all the non Japanese bikes are guna be outa his price range. Bike pricing in general is higher in Thailand and financing isn't available to a foreigner without a work permit. And foreign manufactured bikes are taxed at 100+%. A lot of the Japanese bikes are manufactured there for this reason.

 

[Karbon]

A kawi ZL1000 might be in his wheelhouse if he's ok with buying an older used bike.

 

[ST Guy]

See if he can find a standard comfortable. Much better than a cruiser and many more options.

What has he tried and not liked?

 

[tuxumino]

harleys and ducatis might be on the menu shortly

https://asia.nikkei.com/Editor-s-Pi...ati-lead-shift-to-big-motorbikes-in-Thailand2

 

[berth]

Closest thing that came to mind to me was the Honda Honda CTX-1300

but, that's an older bike. They also have a 700, but it's not a 4 cyl.

Dunno if either is/was available in Thailand.

 

[Maddevill]

V- Max

 

[R3DS!X]

DO they have the new rebel over there? does he want mo powa?

 

[norcalkid]

See if he can find a standard comfortable. Much better than a cruiser and many more options.

What has he tried and not liked?

Versys 650, CTX, Vulcan 650. Hes going to ride a CB650F this week. There just aren't as many bikes available over there, new, used, or not crazy inport taxed.




Rode out to Elk Creek/Stonyford today. Saw 96 degrees on the dash.

Tatanka, Tatanka!!
IMG20190423122219 by Norcalkid, on Flickr

 

[norcalkid]

harleys and ducatis might be on the menu shortly

https://asia.nikkei.com/Editor-s-Pi...ati-lead-shift-to-big-motorbikes-in-Thailand2

Ya, Thailand taxes our stuff but Thai made bikes can be imported freely to the US. Guess Thailand is small enough they aren't on Trumps radar?


It's kinda funny with the Harleys, some models are now assembled in Thailand. Meaning less taxes. It's not uncommon to see bikes on the used market with asking prices higher than the same bike can now be bought for new.

Here are 2 Thai list prices I could find before and after the Thai factory was built. Just using internet listed prices I could find.
2018 Harley 48 list price 909k baht/$28,400 usd
2019 Harley 48 list price 689k baht/$21,500 usd
US list price 11k, maybe 13-14k OTD
The Thai prices are generally all inclusive. But still, way more.

Africa Twin was about 17k usd OTD there.


But worst of all, VSTROMs are imported so fall into the crazy tax bracket. I have been looking for a CB500X, they are made in Thailand.

 

[SVsick50]

The CB650 is a beautiful bike, but more standard than cruiser. Kawi made the ZL600 Eliminator, which I thought was so cool - an inline motor in a traditional cruiser frame.

 

[/dev/null]

Honda NM4 or Shadow. Neither is a V4.

 

[norcalkid]

The CB650 is a beautiful bike, but more standard than cruiser. Kawi made the ZL600 Eliminator, which I thought was so cool - an inline motor in a traditional cruiser frame.

Ya, CB not a cruiser but he's guna try it.

 

[davidji]

Vulcan 650.

So much for the bike I was thinking of.

Hes going to ride a CB650F this week.

That seems like a good idea. Would he consider a GSX-S750?

What didn't he like about the Versys 650? Was it something the Versys 1k would solve?

 

[tuxumino]

if I was in Thailand I'd need three of these.


youtu.be/E9K93-dHX6o

 

[norcalkid]

if I was in Thailand I'd need three of these.


youtu.be/E9K93-dHX6o

Already got the scooters covered.

My Click
IMG20180810150511 by Norcalkid, on Flickr

 

[norcalkid]

So much for the bike I was thinking of.




That seems like a good idea. Would he consider a GSX-S750?

What didn't he like about the Versys 650? Was it something the Versys 1k would solve?

He is trying to find a Versys 1k to try. Said the 650 felt rattly and didn't have any power (or instant power).