Upgrading

[Downgrade]

Thinking about upgrading to a 1100cc or 1300cc cruiser, the GZ is my first bike and Ive had it for a few months. It wouldnt be until 6-7 months down the road before I could afford it. Any concerns I should worry about? Other than the sheer weight/power.

[alanmcorcoran]

I went from the GZ to a 1850cc bike. I had a couple of minor whoop-shits with it early on but I got used to the weight relatively fast. Some additional food for thought:

1) Bigger bikes might cost you more to insure.
2) They don't get as good gas mileage - pay attention to the size of the tank - if you like to tour calculate the range.
3) Don't park a heavy bike pointing downhill into a wall, parked car, or other unmovable object. There's a way to back them up, but it ain't easy (unless it's a GoldWing.)
4) For around town, the GZ is the superior bike (I still have mine and use it for all non-freeway riding.)

The Yamaha (Star) cruisers have low centers of gravity and handle similarly to the GZ. For the record, still love my Strat. The GZ is at about 4750 miles - the Strat is at about 15,000. It's awesome on the open road. Wish it had a little bigger gas tank.

[Downgrade]

Thanks for your input. I will still probably keep the gz just because of the mpg, I love paying <$10 a week for gas (just to go to and from work). I thought about trading it in, but I know if I do that I'd probably miss it. The good thing about FL, not too many hills necessarily .