BMW K1200R, 2004 VMAX, Yamaha FZ1, Bandit, or Z1000?

Those are the bikes I have narrowed my choices down to. Definitely going to be buying a new bike and hoping to get one with a little of this years riding season left.
If I go for the FZ1 I can go pick a really clean 2003 up with only 7000 miles... only 1 owner and he is in his late 40s.
The BMW would have to wait til next year and that would be a matter of my patience holding out.
The Kawasaki Z1000 would also have to wait but I'd be able to buy one brand new. Kawasaki, from what I have read, makes pretty reliable bikes. Have seen 100k+ mile kawasakis.
The VMAX is just... well, its a VMAX. Even Harley guys can't balk at a vmax.
And its the only real cruiser I can think of that can give even the Hayabusa guys a tad tinge of intimidation. But what about handling and reliability?
And the Bandit is a cool looking bike but I don't know much about it.
The Honda Magna is out. It was what I had my eye on for my next cruiser, if I got another cruiser, but no.
Any advice?

 

FZ1 as my vote. Abuddy of mine as one and its a great bike he can put saddles and all . I think its a all around good bike and you ride 2 up often so it would be good too.

 

Hey Chucks on a second note why dont you get a FLH lolol

 

What's an FLH? Hmmm...
About the FZ1... I know it's fast and has like one of the best rated handling for naked sport touring bikes. But engine life and trouble free miles? I have drooled over the FZ1 for a long time now.

 

He put about 40000 kms on it and not a single problem just lube chain and regular oil changes. Flh as in a Harley was just pulling your chain

 

the VMAX is class.

I would love to have one....

 

I dig the looks of the Z1000 but my choice would be either the FZ1 or the BMW. I would stay away from the HD because of the high price for ANYTHING HD related.

 

+1

 

this bike isnt the biggest speed demon, but i really like the looks

 

fz1 my vote ive had a v max nice bike but hot when the fan comes on to hot i would still have it if yamaha would of redirected the air off you when the fan comes on. after i sold it bought zrx 1100 was a really good dependable bike just a bit tall for me but was very nice. all the bikes are nice its really up to you go try them all see wich one you like best . that way after you buy it you wont have the thought in the back of your mind i should of bought the other one and not listened to what everyone else wants

 

I just picked up a Bandit at auction. The FZ1 has the motor on it, but the oil cooled engine is a stump-puller, and as reliable a design as there ever was.




Gratuitous GS shot for good measure....

 

By all accounts, the first generation FZ1 had the best seat and the big Bandit always gets raves for trouble-free, low running cost riding. Both have decent fairings and huge aftermarket support. The V-Max needs frame braces or you will flex all over the highway

 

FZ1 All The WAY!!!!!!

 

The early FZ1s were more comfortable than the current ones. Of course, they are carbureated instead of FI. I would love to have one of the 03s in black and yellow. My son has one and I drool all over it everytime I see it.