I think I might be in the market, someday soon, for a 400cc cruiser. Thing is, I know absolutely nothing about them, having been a sports bike enthusiast - small classic sports bikes especially - for the past 40 biking years.
I've had a quick look on various websites and there seem to be 6 models that crop-up pretty frequently; Honda 400 Steed & Shadow, Yam 400 Dragstar & Virago, Suzi 400 Intruder and Kawasaki 400 Vulcan.
Can anyone offer any advice that might help in making a choice? I live in rural Khon Kaen and decent mechanics are not too easy to find here, although that's not a big problem since I do my own maintenance.
I'm well aware of the limitations of these things re. performance & handling so am not particularly interested in that sort of information. More the practicalities of living with the bikes - reliability, durability of finish, comfort, fuel economy, etc. Shaft drive or chain? Official imports and therefore having a green book or grey import without? Is there a good selection of after-market stuff? Hope you get the idea. All the models I mention seem to be priced very similarly. I've seen the occasional 600 version of some of these for sale and might also consider one of those but really I'm leaning towards the 400s.
I'm a short, lightweight bloke - average Thai size, I suppose - and would use the bike for days out locally - 400-500 km round trips - with my wife on the back; she's small too. She hates speed which is why speed isn't a consideration.
Anything relevant gratefully received. Thanks.
Martin.
I've had a quick look on various websites and there seem to be 6 models that crop-up pretty frequently; Honda 400 Steed & Shadow, Yam 400 Dragstar & Virago, Suzi 400 Intruder and Kawasaki 400 Vulcan.
Can anyone offer any advice that might help in making a choice? I live in rural Khon Kaen and decent mechanics are not too easy to find here, although that's not a big problem since I do my own maintenance.
I'm well aware of the limitations of these things re. performance & handling so am not particularly interested in that sort of information. More the practicalities of living with the bikes - reliability, durability of finish, comfort, fuel economy, etc. Shaft drive or chain? Official imports and therefore having a green book or grey import without? Is there a good selection of after-market stuff? Hope you get the idea. All the models I mention seem to be priced very similarly. I've seen the occasional 600 version of some of these for sale and might also consider one of those but really I'm leaning towards the 400s.
I'm a short, lightweight bloke - average Thai size, I suppose - and would use the bike for days out locally - 400-500 km round trips - with my wife on the back; she's small too. She hates speed which is why speed isn't a consideration.
Anything relevant gratefully received. Thanks.
Martin.