jacothedog,
I was like you when I was looking for get a street bike...I looked for over 2 years...And I mean I looked at just about every bike there is, or at least I felt like I did. You named the same bikes that I was researching or looking into getting. I narrowed it down to two bikes, after many long hours of research and doing my homework to see which one was the best for ME.
It's always good to get other people's opinions, but just remember it's just their opinions. The decision is up to you...
Anyway, I'll throw my answers to your questions into the pot, as well. But again remember my answers are just my opinion...
1) Is the Warrior good for slow cruising as well as fast?
Yes! You can cruise slow on the Warrior...Just be prepared to feel the power wanting to be unleashed.[/emoticons/emotion-2.gif] Just kidding![/emoticons/emotion-5.gif] Anyway the Warrior is great for slow cruising! It is a very well balanced bike even at slow speeds.
2) How is the reliability of this bike?
It's probably just as reliable as any other bike out there. I have only had one minor issue with mine. And that was a loose coil wire...There has been a couple of recalls on the Warrior, but nothing I would call major. If you properly maintain your bike, it will last forever...
3) What do custom paint jobs cost?
Custom paint jobs can be expensive depending on what you want...Even if the paint job is simple, depending on the quality of the paint used, it can still be expensive. I recently got a quote for the custom paint job that I wanted. The quote was in-between $1500.00 to $2000.00, depending on the quality of the paint. The paint job I wanted is just a basic black with faded silver racing stripes going from the front fender, onto the lower cowl, across the gas tank and down the rear fender. The paint guy said that depending on the quality of the paint I choose would determine the cost of my paint job, so he threw a rough estimate at me.
I'm sure you can get a cheaper paint job...But if you're going to get a custom paint job done, then why get a cheap one...
4) What should I specifically look for when shopping for a used bike?
If you are shopping for a used bike, then first thing is mileage, then make sure that the bike was properly maintained. You know the oil was changed regularly and stuff like that. Then go over the whole bike and check for any loose, broken or missing parts. That's always a tell-tale sign of neglect...Start the bike up and let it run for awhile...Listen for any kind of strange noise coming from the engine, inspect for oil leaks, see if there is any smoke or strange odor coming from the exhaust. Look for damage to the body work and frame, and don't be afraid to ask the owner, if the bike has ever been laid down. Sit on the bike and work the controls, make sure they feel good and are working properly. Then asks the owner if you can take the bike for a test ride...If they agree...Good! If not, I'll probably walk away...If you do get to test ride the bike...Go easy at first and listen for any noise coming from the transmission and the lower-end. Make sure the suspension is working properly. Check the brakes and make sure they don't feel soft, and that there's no noise coming from them. Make sure the clutch feels good and isn't slipping and that the gears are engaging properly. Once you're sure the bike is good, then hammer on it a few times. Just to be sure everything is O.K.[/emoticons/emotion-2.gif]
Oh...And don't forget to kick the tires![/emoticons/emotion-5.gif]
5) Why should I buy a Warrior and not the other bikes?
That's a question you'll have to answer yourself...Do your homework...Take everything you want in a bike and write it down, then make a list of each bike's pros and cons and see which one gets the most pros. Then that will probably be the bike for you...
I hope I helped...Best of luck!
Mark aka Mad Man
