outlaw329
Champion Author
Austin
Posts:7,637
Points:1,378,255
Joined:Aug 2008
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Message Posted: Jan 3, 2009 1:23:39 AM
I have a 98 Suzuki Intruder 1400 and a 05 Harley softtail and love them both. Both mine are loud as the saying goes loud pipes save lives. I used to work for Yamaha and rode a 03 Road Star 1600, a very good bike and belt driven. The bike you choose must suit you and your style of riding. Most all bikes now days are dependable and easy to work on, so the choice is entirely yours. To let you know, I have ridden my Suzuki to Seattle twice with no problems. I have ridden over 40 years and many bikes later, I have the two that fit me.
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crgator
Champion Author
Florida
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Joined:Sep 2005
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Message Posted: Dec 6, 2008 7:32:33 AM
intrvvder, for what it's worth, a Harley with stock exhaust is really not loud at all. In fact, Japanese cruisers with aftermarket exhaust aren't quiet, if you put the right (wrong) ones one. It's the aftermarket exhaust that adds the volume.
Also, not all J cruisers use the drive shaft, many are belt driven. In fact, unless there's been a change recently, the Yamaha V-Stars in in 650 and 1100 used the shaft, the 1600 used the belt.
As far as the long trip, head gasket issue, well, he may have had a lemon. I don't know anyone who's had to have head gaskets replaced after any long trip, including mine, which has made several.
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intrvvder
Champion Author
Vancouver
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Message Posted: Dec 3, 2008 12:40:54 AM
I prefer Japanese cruisers because of the low maintenance shaft drive systems and less noisy. Harley's are nice but too loud for me. I used to live in a condo complex and I did not want to wake my neighbours coming home 3:00 am. Also, one guy once told me, every time he got back from a long trip on a Harley, the head gasket(s) on his Harley needed to be replaced.
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crgator
Champion Author
Florida
Posts:8,626
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Joined:Sep 2005
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Message Posted: Dec 2, 2008 6:17:42 PM
My brother-in-law had a Yamaha Vstar. I thought it was pretty nice bike, and almost bought one myself.
But, bought a Harley, so I can't really answer the question. A friend swears by his Kawasaki, though.
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