Mark Masker
5'5", 167 lbs., 28" inseam
The last time I rode a Bonneville was in 2001 and I wasn't impressed by it at the time. It felt small and underpowered. This bike was a wake-up call straight off the line. It had plenty of get up and go, whether you're leaving a stop sign or out on the highway. The suspension was very smooth throughout and while it is a "tall" bike with plenty of ground clearance, my stubby little legs had no problem with it at a stop. It really was a joy to ride.
I also dug the V-Star 950. It makes good power and while I'm not a fan of floorboards, they felt right for this style of motorcycle. I thought it was going to feel really big but it didn't. The bars were a little wide for lane splitting, but that was my only real complaint about this bike.
The Iron was my first experience with a fuel injected Sporty. Its EFI and light weight gave me a very pleasant surprise when I first twisted the throttle. It fit me pretty well and it was fun to ride - provided the road was smooth and you weren't on a freeway. It wouldn't be my first choice on a cross-country jaunt but I liked riding it around town. Like other 883 XL's, it needs a 1200 kit and a pipe to keep you happy long-term. But that's not really an issue if you plan on trading it in for something bigger down the line.
Then there's the V7. I didn't hate this bike but I couldn't see buying one unless you're a Guzzi fan. It wasn't uncomfortable to me but it wasn't nearly as refined as the Triumph. I just couldn't feel the love on this machine.
Billy Bartels
6', 193 lbs., 33" inseam
The Iron is a sweet little bike, well finished, tight and light. It manages to deliver attitude for an insanely low price. But I'm pretty much over bikes with one inch of rear suspension travel. I'm just getting too old for that. It's also ergonomically cramped for me.
The Guzzi V7 Classic is pretty nice as well, but quirky. The starter sounds like something out of a car, and it does that torque thing when you blip the throttle, and though it has the most complete gauge package, the buttons work like they've been sitting in a parts bin for 15 years. The torquey motor and responsive chassis are nice, but out on the highway it struggles to keep up above 60. I think if it weren't for two things I'd have liked it more: it's pricey for what you get, and the Bonneville showed up.
In layout and intent, the Bonneville is very similar to the Guzzi, but in just about every measurable way it's better. It's got razor-sharp handling, a stronger motor (with a better powerband), better ergonomics, and it's $700 less. Heck of a bike, but if you want the ultimate cruiser experience, this ain't it. The Bonny isn't a race bike, but it isn't laid back and relaxed either.
The V Star 950 simply nails this category. It looks like a full sized cruiser but doesn't feel like one. It gets good mileage, the powerband is super-wide and so are the gear ratios, making either relaxed cruising or highway hauling smooth and fun. It fits small and big riders in perfect comfort, and I'd go so far as to say its one of the finest cruisers built today, in any size or price.