What are good and cheap cruiser bikes? Under 4-5k?

I'm looking for something similar to the honda rebel.

I need it to hit 55- 60 miles per hours since the roads are spaced out where i'm from.

And if i buy used should I trust a used motorcycle what should I look for?

Detailed answers are much appreciated!

I bought a 1985 Honda Magna vf700c with 16k miles on it for $1,300 two years ago. I have only put in about $100 into it so far, but it has required some wrenching and figuring stuff out, mostly carburetor stuff. The thing to remember is that if you buy a used bike, you ARE going to become a motorcycle mechanic. And that's a good thing. Everybody who rides should know how to work on their own bike. You won't have a mechanic with you on the open road.

I have maybe $750.00 in old CM400 Honda used for a trainer now. It will do 100mph, has been ridden by a 5'3" 123 pound female rider that learned to pick it up after letting it fall at stop sign. It has duct tape and patch plates on fairing, tail trunk, beer can and hose clamp on muffler, some scrapes-- but new tires in past couple years and gets regular oil changes. I've ridden it on 300 mile trips and didn't cramp up. Was a sort of salvage yard referral. R50/2 many years back was $189.00 and some change- came from Chicago police impound after little crash. Goldwing was a $1000.00 purchase from a divorce lawyer trying to get his fees- initial asking cost was about $1800.00 with sign scratched out to $1500.00, then $1350.00. I left a offer of $1.00 a cc and week later was accepted. Suzi 550 went for $350.00 last fall at auction- was started and ridden to auction wagon and had last years plates on it- estate sale. One of the Harleys went for $3250.00 and the other went for $3750.00- both older dressers. 5 to 10 year old cycle in decent shape are available on craigslist and some dealers used bike sections. The 'Rat bikes are out there cheaper but you need to know how to wrench a bit.

Honda Rebel 250 Top Speed: 65-70MPH
Honda Shadow 750 Top Speed: Around 90-100MPH but you shouldn't push it that far
Honda Magna 750 Top Speed: 135MPH
Honda V45 Sabre Top Speed: 120MPH
Honda V65 Sabre Top Speed: 130MPH

Dimo is right (as usual) but if it was me, with that budget, I'd look a little bigger. Maybe a Honda Shadow 750, Kawasaki Vulcan 750 or 900, Suzuki Boulevard C50, something like that. A little more weight means more stability/stamina/smoothness. The Rebel 250 is not really a cruiser, it's 'cruiser styled'. Cruisers are not 'hot' bikes, they are bigger for more stability in the wind and on the highway.

Google 'metric cruiser comparison' or 'cruiser shootout' (and search YouTube also). You'll see articles and videos comparing 'medium sized' Japanese cruisers like the ones I listed. These are not too big to start on (cruisers have a very low center of gravity so they feel a lot lighter than they are). The Honda Shadow 750 is the most popular (in fact probably one of the most popular motorcycle models ever made!), but most reviewers like the Kawi 900 more.

Used. Texas is a big place, check your local Craig's List.

You can look for a Honda Rebel 250, a Suzuki GZ250, a Yamaha V-Star 250 -- all about 330 pounds of weight, all top 75 mph, cruise easy doing 65. "A 250 can do it. A 650 makes if fun." A Suzuki Savage LS650 S40 (different names, same bike) -- just 50 pounds heavier, easily does 85 mph and cruises at a comfortable 75 mph. Very easy bike to work on.

A brand new Honda CB300F is $3,999, will do 90 mph, and comes with a warranty. But you prefer to do your own compression test, check the brakes for wear, look at tracking, check out the tire manufacturing dates, check for cable play, look for leaks, check the transmission, sprockets, and chain for wear yourself. Good for you! Have you thunk to get a book on Motorcycle Maintenance and Repair? Gotcha a compression tester?

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