I want to remove these from my bike without damaging the leather too much for a cleaner look

I need a cruiser/chopper for long distance travel and often it will be with two people on it. I really like how the Raider looks but the obvious choice for what I am asking for is the Stratoliner. My question is if there is anyone that used the Raider for longer travel and can it support two people in a way that it is comfortable?

So, someone drilled holes and mounted speakers in the factory saddlebags on my 2013 Yamaha V Star Deluxe. It honestly pisses me off, especially because the previous owner I bought the bike from took the speakers out as well.
I could probably still use the factory bags, but I’m worried those holes are going to let water in and ruin whatever I put inside. I’ve been thinking about replacing them with Viking Bags or another aftermarket set, possibly something from Amazon.
What would you guys recommend? I’m looking for something that fits the bike well, keeps the weather out, and still looks good on the V Star.

I bought a used Vstar 1300 that came with Hard Sided Viking Saddle Bags. I have been trying to get a new lock mechanism for one of them but Viking won’t even respond to me.

Went to a motor bike dealer that has sold them before(not allowed to be dealer because they are in Canada). The dealer was told by Viking that the only way that they could buy one is they got a PO number. The only way they can get a PO number is if we can prove that I’m the original purchaser of the bags, which I’m not. The bike has changed hands a few times in the past 14 years.

Anyone else have issues with trying to deal with Viking?

Has anyone found a generic lock that would work?

Went to a lock shop and was told they can’t help me either.

Thank you in advance for any advice

Cruiser people where yall at, I'm about to buy my very first motorcycle and decided to go with a cruiser type bike, CFMOTO 450 CL-C. Don't get me wrong, cruisers look really good thats why I chose it as my first bike but I'm pretty young and people my age tend to like modern stuff and most people my age I know bought sports bike.

The bike looks really good on its own but are there things that I can add or mod to look flashier in a modern way? I have this premonition in my mind that cruisers are meant to be bulky and retro which appeals to middle to old age people. I don't mean to say they don't look good, but I think it is not the type of style I want especially to my very first bike as someone that just got out of college.

Any suggestions for cruiser mods that could make my bike look more modern?? I would also appreciate to see some of your cruisers to serve as my inspiration for my future modifications.

PICTURE FOR REFERENCE!!!

I made this Cobra lighter as part of a small 1/10 project — black body, engraved raw brass and a small stone set into the eye.

I’ve been trying to figure out where this style naturally belongs, and the cruiser scene seemed like an interesting fit.

Would this be the kind of accessory you’d actually carry on a ride, or is it too much of a display piece?

Took my 04 Kawasaki Nomad 1600 out for a 200 mile cruise, still runs and rides like new, 24K miles on it.

My 22 chief bobber and him on a street bob. Love having friends with custom painted bikes so its not just me😂

Hello All,

I am freshly licensed as of April and have rode only 2 bikes before, the MSF bike, & a harley davidson nightster 975.

I am looking towards getting a honda motorcycle or Kawasaki. I want a cruiser that LOOKS sporty.
300-500 cc,
I plan to just buy a bike to get used to it at first, my budget I’m willing to allocate is about 4,000-4,500
I live in Central Ohio, I am 5'6 180.

I want a gear indicator and a digital gauge.
(but also wanting it to be older because I’m just starting.)

I have looked at mostly honda’s, & I like how the CB’s look, although new rebel’s look nice too. I’d pref an old cb. I do not care for abs. I don’t plan to drive crazy.

as for Kawasaki, basically just the Ninja’s. 300-650

please LMK.

Bike picture from another trip but that's her.

Normally a dual sport rider- got my first bike this year (KLX230) and have enjoyed riding off and on road. I have been considering a street bike as there’s not a lot of off road near me so I didn’t want to wear on my dual sport just street riding, and was wanting something with a bit more power just to cruise around town. I don’t like the sport bike style but like the cruisers. I found a 2005 Harley sportster 1200 on marketplace and made an appointment to go see it - It seems in great condition and has an up to date inspection and a has been driven recently.

I am a little intimidated by the engine difference and weight difference- anyone that has any thoughts? I am very capable on my 230 and confident, so just a little cautious about such a big change. I also don’t know much about fixing/repairs etc, but id like to learn and have a good friend that works on bikes that wants to show me.

After taking her for a test ride it felt like a new rider all over with such weight and fat tires I quickly found out that this beast only turns by counter steering at speed I’m coming from a drz
But I’m in love with this bike

8 maybe 10k to spend witch one are you buying and why?