Kind of all over the place for my next bike.
Context: I'm 31 and have a son. I mention this because I ideally don't want too much risk associated with my next bike, but I'd like to hear from anyone in similar shoes. Not married so no SO to chime in. I'm 5-10 175 in some of the best shape of my life so that's none issue as well. Bike is used mainly on weekends. I've been riding around in a Vulcan S 650 as my first bike and it's been great to learn on. Still, there's a desire to go faster, especially around highway traffic. That and the Vulcan doesn't really fit in with any of the crowds, which is the least of my worries though. Here's my shortlist and my reasoning.
Indian Scout Bobber. Just screams old school cool and 100+ hp isn't too shabby.
Yamaha XSR. Also very retro but quicker and faster being a naked bike.
Honda CB1000R. Another naked, Less retro but the power is there and should be more than enough.
Honorable mention to the Indian FTR 1200. I'm thinking this one may get me in the most trouble.
I've considered sport bikes since that seems to be the primary bikes around the Houston scene, but I have zero desire to go 180 down 99 at this stage in my life.
Harleys are overpriced around me other than sportsters and the Harley crowd can generally be hit or miss.
Feel free to mention any others I should consider.
Posted Dec 8, 2025, 3:28 AM UTC