Sold my cruiser last year and now itching for another bike. Just have the C14 for now.
1. Went looking for a Versys 650 lt - none here locally, but looks like will be too tall for me.
2. Test rode a 2014 Ninja 1000 - not sure if it was the demo bike, but it was a vibrating mess.
3. Checked out a 2014 Ducati Multistrada. Are they Italians THAT tall?
After some thoughts, I decided maybe I will just get another cruiser. Was toying the idea of getting a adv. type, but those might be too tall for my taste. Here is what I narrowed down to:
1. Ducati Diavel Strada - crusier-sportsbike mutt? whatever it is, I like it. Looks good to me and quite comfortable sitting. Alas, the dealer won't let me do a demo ride. Lot of people in v-rod forum says not reliable, costly maintenance, valve train weak, etc. etc. Not sure fan boy talk or any substance to it.
2. V-rod: Nice looking, decent power. Clam-shell siting will be a problem (I am told it can be fixed). I prefer the Ducati, only if the reliability and maintenance questions are just fan boy talk.
3. Indian chief: Would be the last choice. Quite the looker - (sarcasm on) might get entry to the 'real biker' world (sarcasm off). I have not seen one in person. Too heavy and too much chrome to polish. But sounds like a good bike to take leisurely short ride.
So give those choices, what you guys think? The most important criteria is that it should be capable of two-up riding. SWMBO is almost always on the back.