I got rear-ended on my 03 Interceptor last week, and it got totaled. Bought a Yamaha V-Star Classic with the insurance check. I also bought back my Interceptor to repair over time. I loved my Interceptor. So much fun to ride. Quick, agile, comfortable; the whole nine. The V-Star is way different, but way nice in it's way. Cruiser, rocket, or sport/touring, as long as it's got two wheels and a clutch, I'll wave!
Nice to see a cruiser vlog for a change. I hate to see the 2 groups separated because of this stuff. We're all out there for the exact same reason, the love of the ride. If you're on 2 wheels you have my respect. Just get out there and ride, that's all that matters!
Love your video. In this one, you're riding in rural Missouri. I do the exact same thing -- head out and just see where the bike takes me -- in rural central Kentucky. I also appreciate your attitude about motorcycle riding, greeting other bikers, not caring about whose bike is "better" than whose, etc. Thanks for being a relaxed, reasonable, giving (through these vlogs), friendly person. Our society needs more folks like you!
I own a big bore cruiser (a Kawasaki 1700 Voyager) and I also own a Suzuki Burgman 650 scooter. My view is enjoy whatever you ride because it is the ride not the destination that is important. I have ridden a sports bike a few times. In my view they are not comfortable for a long day on the road. The riding position and ergonomics are not good at least for someone my age, 65. I think each of these types of bikes requires some changes to riding skills. The scooter has a long wheel base, this means it is not as easy to throw around as a sports bike. It is quick off the mark and has good acceleration. It has a CVT transmission that can be operated in manual model a bit like a paddle shift but there is no clutch so there is no engine braking. As you approach the lights you have to manage the throttle so don't end up stopping short of the line or coming to a stop too soon. Both brakes which are ABS and linked are operated by handlebar levers and this take a bit of getting used to since you would expect to be pulling the clutch and looking for a foot brake that isn't there. The scooter is great for lane splitting especially with mirrors that fold in electrically. The cruiser is also a long wheel base vehicle - it doesn't have great acceleration but is has plenty of torque as you would expect from a 1700. It is a heavy bike at nearly 400kgs wet so it is not a bike to toss about in the city. It has ABS and KACT kinked braking system the means using the foot brake activates the right front disc and rear disc while using both the front and rear brake activates all three discs. Cruise control along with the built in radio that also allows for a music player to be plugged in via head phone compatible jack (my 2010 model doesn't have Bluetooth) and a very comfortable seat make it great for a long day on the road. Let's recognise that we all love bikes but there are different types of bikes that everyone can enjoy.
Sure I get it with the lane splitting. There are varying opinions and statistics involved with that. But one way or another, most cruisers are too wide to safely lane split. My point in the video was ultimately to say that it shouldn't matter, that you should ride whatever you prefer to ride. And that there are advantages and disadvantages to both bikes in every category. In the end; ride what you want to ride and enjoy it!
I very much so agree with you. My interpretation of the differences between cruiser bikes and sport/super sport bikes is this: You can't really compare differences in performance to determine the opinion of which is better without first addressing the differences in PURPOSE. Cruisers, from what I know, are motorcycles that are built for these purposes: Riding with comfort, riding for relaxation and serenity, and enjoying the loud roar of your classic Americana machine in the sunshine. Super sport bikes generally are designed with respect to sheer speed performance. Many models are very closely related to race MotoGP bikes of the same manufacturer. They rev in the high RPMs, have short power bands, they have an aggressive stance and concentrate all their technology towards improving their ability to go faster around a track. That's it. They are, of course, road bikes, so they account for cosmetics and riding features as well, but that's not what they are mainly oriented towards. You will see sport bikes that have considerably more horsepower than do cruiser bikes of three times the displacement. You often hear hardcore Harley "bikers" mocking these foreign sport bikes, saying they're not "real bikes", they're "toys", they're cheap, or that they're "rice burners." As I said, these bikes don't have the same purpose, so there is no sense in the animosity. But, if you want to talk about the authenticity of sport bikes, they are designed for actual speed performance, which isn't really something to "dislike," if anything. I compare that to somebody with a hot rod at a car show thinking that actual sports cars are inferior. On the same token, you often hear sport bike riders generalizing cruiser riders as obnoxious, bearded, drunken rednecks whom they can't wait to destroy in a race, when in reality, they may just be somebody who prefers a softer, low-rumbling motorcycle that gives them style on a summer day and isn't necessarily concerned with speed performance. Some people just like the low-riding, loud, Americana style of motorcycles and don't wish to be on a sport bike which, although still compatible with street riding, doesn't ride with the same leisure. Most of the time, it comes down to ego. Many cruiser fans think sport bikes are juvenile and boyish. Many sport bike riders do happen to be young kids whom are attracted to those bikes because they want to satisfy their egos, which I think is the wrong reason to go for a bike. If you want a speed demon sport bike because you find it gratifying to ride a motorcycle that is authentically based on a real racing bike, but don't actually plan on being irresponsible and exploiting its ridiculous capabilities on the road, then that's a good reason to get a sport bike. If you are a teenager who is buying a sport bike because you associate it with being fast but don't know anything about motorcycles besides what your ego and pop-culture tells you, learn first and get into racing. If you don't really see racing capabilities as anything that should apply to you, and you don't happen to prefer the style of a sport bike, get a cruiser bike.
That's all it should be. Many people use pride to compare two types of motorcycles that aren't even intended to compete with one another. I personally prefer sport bikes because I love their styles and appreciate their impressive performance capabilities. I plan on owning one some day, and would look forward to pushing its performance a bit without being wrongful on the road. You can still have fun by accelerating a little harder or leaning into the corners without actually being stupid or breaking the rules.
Finally someone who understands the wave! I ride a sport bike and my uncle rides a chopper! We cruise everywhere and wave at everyone! Ill even do the wave to scooters, trikes, can ams, and anyone who knows how it feels to just ride! It's the biker wave and should be brought back for sure!
Bikes are only as dangerous as the rider is. I ride a sportsbike but I personally don't speed a lot or lane split like most people think I do. I normally just enjoy the ride and know that if I want to race someone I could ( I don't condone it though). Either way be safe out there!
I currently ride a 150 scooter but plan on getting a real motorcycle soon, I am saving up. I like the looks of sportsbikes better but I plan on following the laws, being careful, taking it easy and pretty much cruising with it.
I ride a CBR600RR and I love it. For me Supersports are the best and they are the reason I bought a bike. Having said that I realize this is my opinion and although many share that opinion there are also many that don't. I don't diss any bikes. I say ride what you wanna ride and respect anyone with two wheels and a motor.
You know what, I agree whole heartedly with everything you said. I plan on getting a cruiser, but that doesn't mean I can't be friends with the guys at work who ride sport bikes. Right on man! Enjoyed the video and I subscribed. Keep it coming.
I like your ability to be open to differences. I don't think I heard anything I didn't already think about cruisers, but good to hear it all the same. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Biker Bud Actually I'm beetween bikes right now .Trying to decide what kind.Your thoughts were great, Had most bases covered well. Particularly liked your thoughts on waving .
Had the super fast sports bikes & scared myself too many times! So now I have a VN 900 Classic & I just enjoy the easy ride, the slower ride, & I love the sound of the "V" twin, amazing & also relaxing to ride.
I support you wearing gear. Once I get a bike I will be the same way, full gear and a cruiser. I laugh that people accuse cruisers of not having good gear because I have seen many sportbikes with even less! (Flip flops, shorts, T-shirt, and half helmet) I respect all kinds of bikes, finding myself allured towards cruisers. Great vid helping me see some of the arguments
I'm sure most (if not all) aspects of this topic have been covered, but I really appreciate a cruiser's point of view. I was trying to get a cruiser, but due to circumstances, ended up with a sport. Now I love both equally possess a varied riding style. Love your approach to the road and wish you the best. Be cool, stay safe.
Good vlog mate, valid points. I'm just learning to ride (i'm 19 yo) and i'm 6'4'' so i see where you're comming from with the long legs, i've been learning on a naked/sport bike up until today and road a cruiser. I fell inlove with the feeling i had cruising on the cruiser, its gonna be my choice to ride cruisers!!
I miss my vulcan 500 Its not about sport bikes vs cruisers It's about the people who ride Cruiser riders who won't move over and let a sport bike pass you New riders who think they they have a sport bike and they are the shit and won't let a cruiser pass them Yes sport bikes are faster than a cruiser any day I have a cruiser I'll always wave by anyone who's going faster than I am... doesn't happen much but I did get some shit from a new rider when I accelerated into a corner and came right up his ass We all ride on two wheeles stay safe.
As long as your riding, that's good enough. Don't matter what it is your riding, if its a cruiser, sports bike, or a scooter. As long as you are enjoying yourself that's all that matters. I get alot of flak from my buddies because I ride a Honda Rebel 250. Its perfect for me, yet they ride the big Sports Bikes, and seem to think unless your riding 1000cc or bigger your not really riding. Yet they still invite me to go cruising with them, I cant keep up to save my life, but I am enjoying the ride.
I pretty much share your opinions. I take trips with friends who ride both sport and cruiser bikes. We always have fun together. Yes, my adrenaline buddies will sometimes take off ahead of me, but they aren't being disrespectful.....they're just having fun and I always catch up. We all enjoy bike rallies and admire both cruiser and sport bikes. We have gone to the Dragon a couple of times and even though I enjoy "pegging" the curves, I'm all about the scenery and they're all about the rush of the twisties. They tease me about being "old" and I tease them about being "stupid".,,,,but it's all about being friends and having fun!.
Yep. Nowadays, I mostly ride with other Cruiser riders. Just how it happens. I've got a few buddies who are on sportbikes who ride with me now and then!
The way I see trying to compare sports bikes and cruiser bikes is its like trying to compare a sports car(2 door, thrill car) with a truck. Two totally different classes, one is for a comfortable relaxed drive/ride, the other is for a bit more of an aggressive drive/ride. Of course that doesn't mean that a truck/cruiser can't be fast and aggressive, nor that a sports car can't be relaxed and comfortable. If I chose to I could go and haul in my 5.0L V8, but I drive it relaxed. Same as if someone had for an example an rx-8, they can choose to just cruise and relax. Do they have their limits in such things? Yes they do, but you just can't compare the two, there are only so many similar factors between the two.
it all depends on age and maturity. when young I had yamaha's, ajs, bultaco, huskys, then got out of motorcross. went to the kawasaki triple 500, and did not kill myself. then the 750 gpz, a very fast bike in the day. 400 honda four. then several years later the 03 1200 custom harley, vibration was bad. had to sell it to try and keep trucking business going. them at age or 63, stopped at the harly dealer to browse, found a susuki m50 and fell in love again. took my wife and she saw the 09 vn 900 lt and said it was very nice. my christmas present for 16, 12000 miles for 3000 dollars. researched the former and not the vulcam but after the ones i have knew was a good bike. best bike i have ever had. your videos are very good and informative as you do not disgrace any one just your point of view, very rare today. if you could do some videos on mounting the other things from other makes on your would be helpful. keep up the good work you are doing.
Great comments and opinions all around man. I am new rider and got an 800cc cruiser, and I realized most bikers going by were waving. Immediately accepted into the brotherhood, it's a great feeling. I wave to all bikers, of all types, and that's what it's all about, the love of riding. Not what you ride, or the size of it.
I've rode both and love both, for their own purpose. I own a 1970 Harley Sportster and love it, but if one of my friends offers me to ride their sports bike I damn well am going to hope on that and see how fast she goes. I enjoy cruising just as much as I like going fast, which is why my next bike is going to be a sports bike.
LOVE the Vulcan 900, yes I wave at all. when the sport bikes came out I went to my dealership and he told me not to get on one, 80% are wrecked the visual is so different, lower head staring at the road and not what is going on around you. also the 0 to 80 power is so hard your not in that much control - good video thanks. - bike riders, have fun and respect each other. God bless.
Great video, I'm actually looking for a cruiser now to pick up and was doing some research. Totally agree; especially about the 'biker wave'. And by the way; respect for being the only TH-camr I have seen to reply to most, if not, all comments with as many as you have. Many thanks.
Thanks man! I'm in the process of moving so I've been missing some comments; but I do try to respond to all comments and messages (eventually). You guys are the reason I do it! I love the conversation. (P.S., if you ever have a question in the comments and I miss it, send it as a message). I wish TH-cam allowed responses via smartphone more intuitively.
Great video! At the end of the day it's all about just getting out there and riding, doesn't matter what style or brand you ride. I wish more people understood that.
I agree with everything you said 100%. I ride a Suzuki Boulevard C90T 1500cc year round in Western Washington. With our rain and weather, yes I wear full gear. I wave all all bikers but I have noticed I get more waves back from other cruisers
Thanks for posting this. Very interesting and informative. I have ridden sports tourer motorcycle for many years but I have today ordered my first ever cruiser. It's a suzuki M800 which seems like a nice compromise. It arrives next week and I just can't wait to get out there cruising! We are not so lucky with our weather here in England but when the sun shines it makes things extra special!
Personally, I want both...eventually. I'll probably start with a cruiser, looking at the Iron 883 right now, but I want a sportbike too. As far as I'm concerned, I plan to wave at everyone. It doesn't matter what style your machine is, point is...you're riding and that's cool with me.
Hey I know this is an old video, i'm just going through them all. I watched earlier a video by a guy called Ian T-J about touring and he said something great that i think applies for this video. He said "this is my bike, it makes me smile". That's what i think as well by the way. be it a 50cc moped, mad hatter supermoto, big ol' lumbering Harley or balls to wall sports bike, it's what gives you that big smile when your riding along.
I have a GSXR600 and I love both the cruiser and sportbikes. Many people think sport bikes are for younger people and cruisers are for older people but I am 20 years old and I ride my friends cruiser every now and then because its so relaxed and it feels really nice. I wave ALL the time to another biker no matter what. even trikers lol.
I agree. We all enjoy this. We are all out there for the sme reason: to enjoy the ride. We should all appreciate the fact that we are on motorcycles, not the fact that certain people are on sports bikes/cruisers. Very nice video, thank you.
I know this is an old video but... I can give a reason why I sometimes didn't wave back. It is because I was new to riding. A little occupied with gears, braking or maybe even the car near me. I wasn't intentionally being rude or impolite. I just wasn't prepared to wave back. Safety when learning was my utmost concern at that moment. Being or looking cool was not. Lack of experience? Yes, but the MSF can't teach that. It takes time. Even now that I'm a bit more experienced I still don't wave sometimes as I'm a bit occupied with something. I always keep this in mind when I wave at someone and they don't wave back.
Agree it's all a matter of personal preference. When I was younger it was far more important to me that I be able to go real fast and so a high performance sport bike was preferable. Now that I'm older ( almost 60) it is far more important to cruise in comfort and style for long distances so a nice heavy cruiser is more desirable. I have a vulcan nomad 1600 and can literally ride for 12 hrs at a time and have plenty of room to pack any supplies i might need.
I ride a zx6r, I wear a full suit, arai rxq, boots, gloves, everything. I love my bike, it's not very comfortable but it's not designed for long distance, I usually track it. I ride it purely for performance, now I've ridden a couple of cruisers, it's not for me to be honest but I completely respect it, it's all choice, I can't see a 19year old kid (me) on a road king but neither can I see a 65year old guy beating the shit out of a zx6r, it's all choice, preference, and what you need it for, I don't plan on cruising around the country.
I'm just completing my motorcycle safety training and plan on buying a cruiser. I'm 58yr. and want the experience of open road riding and safety is my first and foremost concern. I have leather armoured jacket but my next decision is helmet. I am not comfortable with full face but like 3/4 with visor.
Aged 50 and in the UK. I've been thinking about learning to ride a motorcycle and I'm looking to pass my Compulsory Bike Test and then go on to the proper bike test. The whole issue of learning to ride a motorcycle scares the hell out of me, but the idea of getting out on the road with a group of mates, but being free of passengers and negotiating traffic easier appeals. I ride a pedal cycle to and from work, so it's just an extension of that, being able to travel further though and a lot less effort! Your video just gave me some great pointers on, if I ever do get a bike, what I need to consider myself, not what others would have me buy or ride. I have to say I like the style of a cruiser and listening to your words the relaxed attitude of getting from A-B and almost touring when going somewhere is what I would want when on a motorcycle. One thing that concerns me is the 'pegs'? When cornering (I have not ridden a motorbike) surely the likelihood of catching the pegs on a cruiser is higher than on a sport type bike? Your views on this would be helpful. Oh, and acknowledging other riders or not? Dude, that goes for cyclists too. I'll happily nod a greeting or wave to another cyclist, but there are some, mainly those in Lycra the same colours as their bike, they just blank you. Shame really. Cheers Al
+Al Wood Hey Al! I'm a cyclist as well. Cruisers don't have as much lean angle as a sportbike, that's true. That only means you need to go slower into corners. Truth be told, even on the winding roads I ride on, I'm able to do the speed limit even around tight corners (most of them) without scraping the floorboards. Cruisers definitely don't perform as well as sportbikes; they don't accelerate as well, and they can't corner as fast. But they have more suspension travel and better compliance (they absorb bumps and rough pavement better), they offer a more relaxed position, they are generally a lot more reliable (larger, slower revving, lower horsepower engines don't get the kind of abuse the smaller, higher revving, higher horsepower sportbike engines do. It's always a trade off. More performance, less reliability. Cruiser engines are built with reliability in mind; generally speaking. Many cruiser riders will ride in a year or two more miles than a typical sportbike rider will ride in a lifetime. I had 50,000 miles on this bike when I traded it on my current bike.) Everyone is different and you'll have to find what works for you; but that's my preference.
I really appreciate that you don't cuss during your motovlogs. It's really hard to find someone who doesn't have a potty mouth as I'm trying to learn about motorcycles. It's really offensive when every word that comes out is a cuss word. Thank you for not having bad language!
Nice video and I agree with many of your thoughts on this. I own a Honda Shadow and it has served me well. I've also driven other cruisers as well as a couple of sports bikes. I find sport bikes to be a lot less comfortable than a cruiser. There's always tension in your arms and shoulders unlike a cruiser. If your thing is pure riding speed and performance then a sports bike may be for you. If you'd prefer a more relaxed ride while at the same time being able to have an exhilarating experience when opened up then go with a cruiser. I also have often done the "wave" to many a fellow rider tho indo find I do it more so to other people on cruisers than sports bikes maybe because I feel more akin. Also I see many a people on sports bikes riding high speed and dangerously wearing just a t-shirt and as you say in your video what ever style of motorcycle you choose to ride doesn't prevent you from wearing appropriate gear. I too have a Garmin Zumo GPS on my bike so I can never loose my way :). Though it's fun sometime just getting yourself lost with the GPS as a backup.
I like both. I don't personally own a bike but I was raised around cruisers. For me, its just a family thing. I am also very long legged and tall so sport bikes aren't too comfortable. I am actually looking to get my first bike really soon but idk what style to get.
Like you said, it is tough to generalize bikes. There are many cruisers that have awesome performance characteristics. So called sport cruisers. My 32 year old sport cruiser has twin, dual piston front disc brakes. Pretty good for the time, but it isn't a sport bike! The seating, bars, pegs, powerband, (chrome) all is cruiser. But I stiffen the suspension a bit, and put on good tires, and handles extremely sporting. Just no going over 45 degree leaning. I put on highway pegs and do some bagger conversion, well not going to be anywhere near the same ride even though it is the same bike. This same principle goes for sport bikes. I can take a Ninja, put on good hard compound tires, some side cases, and nice wide bars, maybe an aftermarket seat, and it is an amazing sport touring bike, but not as good as my nighthawk for comfort. I can also lower it, put on a longer swing arm, narrow clip ons, and now I got a straight line only bike that cannot out turn a goldwing. I have the argument with many people about performance and safety as well. On the street, higher performance being safer is an illusion. First and foremost is simple touchiness of controls. Prior to ABS, it was very easy to overbreak in an emergency situation. TH-cam is full of videos of people who have to hit the brakes then wobble outta control, or slight bit to much power, then slight twist more when it kicks them and bike into the trees. User error, yes, but when fatigue from long rides sets in, it becomes much easier to make a mistake in a performance vehicle. However, there is also something else in regards to sport and safety. Critically missed in almost all comparisons is suspension. This refers to your spring and damper for your sprung weight, and tire for un-sprung weight. Cruisers usually have taller tires and softer suspensions to dampen the bumps. In rough roads, or on lose material, the cruiser can actually have an advantage because the tire and bike isn't skittering over the bumps. Lastly, comfort. I guess it comes down to personal experience. I can ride my upright positions for hours on end without stiff legs or back. Sportbikes, an hour in city and I start stiffening up. Dunno how I would be able to do a long touring ride without becoming extremely saddlesore...
Yeah, I get what you are saying. Some are more comfortable on sport-touring platforms but I'm not one of them. The safety debate is probably one I shouldn't have even brought up. People have very serious opinions about that and won't change. My point wasn't even to say that Cruisers are safer; only that it's a "silly" argument. Motorcycles, ALL motorcycles, are more dangerous than a car. At some point you just have to stop being silly about it and ride what you want to ride. And, there are two sides. (Some) sportbikes have stronger brakes than (Some) cruisers, but their light weight and forward bias means what can happen; and often does (including 2 fatalities on sportbikes in my area this morning), is a loss of control due to over-braking. This is a case where an exceptional rider (which, everyone thinks they are- which is a problem) would be very successful on a sportbike; but an 'average' rider might lose control. On most cruisers, you can pretty well smash the brakes and even lock up the tires and have some level of control due to the overall weight, suspension and stability of those machines. Not to say accidents from overbraking don't happen; they do, alot. As most cruiser riders aren't as concerned with cornering performance, they haven't learned to handle corners properly. It's not uncommon for a cruiser rider to panic in a corner, use the rear brake, and end up with a nasty lowside from it. At the end of the day though; you need to ride what makes you happy! Arguments over which is better or safer, is, frankly, silly. Why do so many motorcyclists wrap up their entire identity on believing that people who ride bikes different than theirs (different style, brand, size, etc.) are inferior?
Romans Five|Eight Heh, sorry for my previous spiel, I guess I was agreeing with you that it is a useless argument. Honda, when they developed their NC bike series summed it up perfectly. The motorcycle developers went too niche with their bike, and they had no more high volume general rider bikes. Everything was becoming so specialized. A sportbike was specific for going fast, and taking knees at a cost. Cruisers were becoming low rpm lumbering heaviweights. I brought up the sport cruiser because those are what I am interested in. From back in the days before bikes were niche. My newest bike is a 1982 Nighthawk 650. It is an inline 4, 5 speed, weighs 500lb with steel frame. New it had 65hp, and a nice torque curve. Bike is extremely nimble, excellent braking, and fast considering it's age. And at that time, it was essentially a sport bike. But it has adjustable handlebars for a comfortable riding position, a high set, but plush and rearward seat, air adjust suspension. Tons of chrome, even accent striping decals are chrome(like). Honda realized they no longer made any utilitarian bike and they all are niche. As result, the NC bikes are kinda like the good ol days. They have a very lightweight and comfortable 700 cruiser, a sport bike variant, and high seat adventurish style bike. All built around the same chassis. This really emphasized the lack of relevance in the which is better. In the end it all is just personal style and riding comfort preference. "Why do so many motorcyclists wrap up their entire identity on believing that people who ride bikes different than theirs" A question I find myself asking all too much. I find my self in the middle sometimes in regards to that debate all too often. I have sportbike friends, and cruising friends. This is by no means taken for an everybody is like this, but I find that more of the sportbike guys are about personal ego with their bike. It isn't just a sportbike is better than cruiser. My experience with sportbikes is people get the Kawi is better than Honda, or making fun of people trying to perform with a 250. It is a status symbol about what bike you have. With the stunting schools, who can do the higher wheelie, etc. About owning the road, not being one with the road. I found the cruiser bike communities to be much more stereotyped falsely. I decided I wanted to take a break and go for a coffee. In my city, there is one that was nearby which all the old grizzly bikers like. It is good coffee there, so I decided to stop with my rather "patina'ed" Nighthawk, previously mentioned. Honestly, I was really surprised. Here is me, a tall and skinny young guy, on a loud Honda 4 banger pulling up near a bunch of grizzled guys with their Harleys. They just love to talk bikes and riding! Came over, asked me about my bike, talked for a while, and in general, good guys. They are all about the rider, and not the bike. Most didn't even mind sport bikes, they judge by the rider.
I've met a lot of great sportbike riders. And some jerks. Same as on cruisers. It's not the bike it's the kind of person. Some people just aren't the warm and welcoming sort of person. I also think riding long distances and riding alot tends to mellow you out. Most of the sportbike guys I've met who were happy to see me, cruiser or otherwise, had a lot of miles on their bike. The guys who are jerks (Cruiser OR Sportbike), generally, are guys who don't ride very much, just tool around on a nice weekend, etc. For them a motorcycle is often just a toy. They don't maintain their bikes, respect their bikes, or have any respect for other motorcyclists. It's just a different way of looking at what a motorcycle is and what it means to be a 'biker'.
Great video - very different road experience than we have in the UK. I have had both cruisers and street/sports bikes and like you, I like both even though the ride experience is very different and they are clearly aimed and different types of riding. A lot of criticisms of cruisers are often from those that either have not ridden them, or have, but want them to handle like a sports bike. With sports bikes, you get the best out of them when riding them quite quick and hard, pushing them at what they do best: making rapid progress and cornering. A cruiser can do those things although not quite as well, not least because of the physical characteristics they have: longer frame and raked out forks, which makes cornering less easy. On the other hand, if your preferred style of riding if more relaxed, less concerned with performance handling, less concerned with corners and more for the experience of the ride itself, going longer distance and in comfort; them a cruiser is ideal. The main thing is, your video inspired me to get out there today!
When had my 750 honda night hawk sport bike riders would wave and the cruiser mainly harley guys would not wave. when i got my old 1100 virago the same sport riders would not wave and the cruisers and some of the harley riders would wave. I wave to everyone. If you are broke down on the rode i will stop even if you are one of the ... that don't wave. I'm here to ride, If you don't like my ride what ever it is hopefully some day you'll grow up and realize it is all the same wind. Great video buy the way.
so i have a sportbike (kawasaki z1000) im ready to upgrade but im caught between worlds... part of me likes the feeling of acceleration and the other side of me wants to go on 6-9 hour rides... so i torn between two bikes... the kawasaki zx 14r and the victory Highball... any thoughts...
What about a Kawasaki Concours? The Victory Highball isn't going to be that much more comfortable. A very basic monoshock suspension, little wind protection, etc. A Kawasaki Concours is a ZX-14 underneath, but it has a more relaxed riding position, a full fairing, saddlebags, etc. Best of both worlds!
Also, You should not be putting pressure on the pegs if you're countersteering correctly, with the exception of when moving your body to improve control in a lean. The bars do the work though, not your body in most turns. When it comes to high performance riding, no question. Higher, more-middle mounted pegs (though some cruisers have that!) improve high speed handling, afford MUCH more lean angle, AND make obstacles easier (easier to stand up). But for lazy 'cruising', forward works fine!
Man. I'm with you on this. I just don't understand why there's a debate at all. I ride motorcycles, I also play guitar. And the cruiser/sport debate is the same as the Gibson/Fender debate. They're both guitars but they're both quite different. But one is not better than the other, they're just different! And you play what you like or what gives you the sound you're looking for. It's the same when it comes to bikes, all that matters is what YOU want. There is no better or worse when it comes to normal daily riders, there is only preference. You can't say my cruiser sucks because it can't take a corner at 60mph while leaning 30 degrees because I never wanted my bike to do that in the first place! Any and all arguments in the cruiser/sport debate are fucking stupid and pointless. I also really hate it when I see videos of sport riders riding a cruiser for the first time and they're all like "OMG THIS IS SO WEIRD WTF HOW TO PEOPLE RIDE THESE THINGS LOL." That just shows your own painful lack of riding skills. I hop between cruisers and sport bikes all the time. Yes they are very different but ITS STILL A FUCKING MOTORCYCLE. You didn't go from 2-wheels to a magic carpet you dick!
My first bike was a sporty bike a buell 500 it was light and easier to zip around on it was a bit high for me .I'm 5'5" . I just recently got myself a cruiser a kawasaki vulcan 500ltd and i love it .The way the bike is grounded it makes me feel more confident as a rider .This is only my second but i feel more secure on one of these things then i did the sporty kind of bike .It's true that it really comes down to preference and what fits you and what your comfortable with .I got a friend who before i decided on the vulcan was trying to get me to buy a sports bike like a cbr 600 or suzuki svs650 .Ultimately im glad i settled on the vulcan to each his/her own of course
I'm a Honda Black bird rider and I think your Vulcan is a really great bike, I would like to try one someday. I'm not sure if the cruiser riding position would work for me with my low back problems, I'll try one out this summer.
Yeah its all about preference for the bike. We all have differences so many different styles and brands are made to help suit those differences. There is no reason to judge someone for what there riding. If the rider is happy with what they are riding that is all that matters.
Nice cruiser Vlog. I'm 44 and looking to get my first bike. I'm a cruiser fan, but I also like the dual sports. Used 250 cruisers seem to be more plentifull in my area (Louisville) than DS bikes.
Nice video, man. I like that you forgot which way you turned on your way back. I've ridden my ninja 500 for over a year now and wave at everyone. I'm into all bikes. I consider getting a cruiser now and then, as I also love to go on long rides. The 500 gets uncomfortable after a while if I'm just cruising. Be safe.
I'm breaking the rules and riding both, it just depends on what mood I'm in and what kind if riding I want/need to do. Suzi intruder and a ZX kawa makes for totally different experiences and both are fun.
I've got two scoots, a 400 and 650, and an NT700 sports tourer in my garage. I'm looking at a Vulcan 900 tomorrow and may have to reconfigure my garage. Each one serves a different perspective of riding.
Awesome Vlog. I agree with you on cruisers and sport bikes. Its not about you should ride a sport bike and not a cruiserl ride whatnyou like and enjoy. We should not be out on our bikes cutting cagers off. Me personally I don't like the lane splitting, one to dangerous and it pisses the cager off. But ti each his own. I know in some cases lane splitting is good and keeps traffic down. I'll end with, live to ride, love the ride, ride safe, wear your helmet, safety gear, but most of all enjoy the ride, watch your 360 for cagers.
I agree with everything you said. I'd love to be able to ride a "cruiser style" bike but an old back injury negates the "feet out, laid back" riding position. So I ride an "adventure style" bike that allows me to be in a more upright seating position with my legs and feet beneath my butt to allow me to "post" when I see bumps and potholes. Hey, if you enjoy riding on two wheels we have something in common and if I see you coming, expect me to give you a wave. By the way, I enjoyed the scenery in your video and like riding in such a way that I can take advantage of seeing it.
My logic on getting my cruiser is actually the price point for what you get. I spent 2 grand on a Honda shadow with 750cc. That's more physical power than most sport bikes. Really only liter bikes have more power. To get close to the power of mine with a 600cc sportbike you are going to be spending at least double or more for a similarly functional running used one. That's what it came down to for me. I needed power for my daily commute and didn't want to spend a lot.
I'm not sure that it's more power than "most sportbikes", the only ones it'll have more power than are parallel twin sub-500cc sportbikes. Sportbike engines generally develop far more horsepower than V-Twins, especially 4 cylinder engines.
I'm looking to get my first bike. I have ridden a few before and I have taken an intro class. I want a bike for the same reason you appear to be enjoying yours in this video. That's is to enjoy the scenery of our great country. Sitting on a sport bike is very uncomfortable for me but I agree there should not be a beef between sport bike riders and cruiser riders. Thanks for the video.
Which side of the debate do you see the Ducati Diavel falling into? It may have the looks and seating position of a cruiser, but it has the performance and hi-tech gear from a sports bike.
I have no issue with either bikes. I personally drive a power cruiser, but I really think some of the sport bikes look fantastic and would love to ride them. At the end of the day it comes down to the attitude of the person on the bike, not the bike itself. I'm all for pushing the edge of riding and getting that rush -- as long as you're not putting others in danger when you do it.
Plus sportbikes have to be rev d up to actually accelerate which will end up in a sportbike lifting the front end lifting up . Crusiers have more available torque in all gears in real world conditions.
Can't sport bikes do similar if not same distance as a cruiser? I started on a cruiser and I went 80+ miles to see my family and it ended up messing up the engine however my Suzuki Gs500f managed it with ease
Yes I agree..I ride because I love motorcycles. It shouldn't really matter if one rides a sports bike or a cruiser. I own 4 types of bikes, a ducati, a bonnie, a Harley cruiser and a lil scooter. I ride for the sheer love of riding, period.
Well the 'Human Parachute' is quickly remedied by a windshield, which is why big windshields are common on touring cruisers. I just got back from a 600 mile ride and don't feel very fatigued. Like I said before, I like both. I've ridden a ZX-14 and it's brother, the Kawasaki Concours. And I've ridden small sportbikes, and cruisers. I wanted to bring up a couple of your points though, if you don't mind (I appreciate the discussion! It's good to have various points of view).
I've rode both. i owned a Yamaha FZR 600 that i really liked. When i was on that bike, i rode fast. That's what it was made for. Now I'm older and ride a Harley Davidson Electra Glide. i ride it more laid back. It's all in what you wanna do. I don't think it matters, if you're on two wheels, life is good.
My bike, for example, uses a ZX6R FRONT brake on the REAR, and ZX10 (or 14, don't recall) brakes on the front. The only difference being solid rotors instead of petal discs, as they need to work when cool, too! Most cruisers have massive disc brakes, and bigger tires; greatly improving their braking performance. They lack the accelerating and handling, but you just can't make the brake argument in 2013.
Absolutely. You'll never get the same handling out of a cruiser. For some of us that doesn't really matter; but for others, it's crucial! Sport tourers are a fantastic alternative, they are more comfortable than flat out sportbikes whilst retaining the performance and handling characteristics of a sportbike! I rode a Kawasaki Concours C10 a few times and it's a blast to ride, and the handling is great. I've also ridden some sportbikes in the 250 and 600cc class. All lots of fun!
Great video I have rode bough and like bough but ended up on a cruiser when I hit my late 60's nice and low to the ground, and for handling staying in the speed limits there is not too many roads a cruiser can't handle with ease. There are some riders out there that can hit gravel on them and do a lot better than most sport bikes on gravel. The only problem I have is scraping my floor boards, dose not seem to do any thing but make noise, as they just tip up and spring right back down. And also it is hard to find sport bikes with drive shafts, I find chains dirty and too much maintenance, and belts brake leaving you in the middle of no where, happened to me and to of my friends it a 2 yr span. I know shafts can bread but I have not had a problem and don't know any one who has.
great video, I am stuck between the two. The only bike I had before was a 06 ninja 250. The original owner had it rejetted. Not really sure what that means but he said it gave it more power. I didn't like that bike as much because it felt too light. A lot of ninja 250 owners complain that it lacked power. From my experience, it had enough power. I didn't like the feeling. Also, I realize that it was a pain in the neck to stick my head up. The pinch on the back of my neck makes me fatigue. I think I am going to try a cruiser to see how it goes.
Great video man I don't see much cruiser videos out there by this gave me a whole different way of looking at things . I myself ride a street glide 2013 and a fat boy
I had a sport bike in my 20's.. I loved that Kaw 500 triple, and I had a ,lot of fun, later, I had a big Yamaha Cruiser. I took my first long road trip, and love it. I have no problem with sport bikes, but I prefer a heavier bike.
It's all about comfort to me. A lot of my buddies ride Suzuki Gsxr 600's. I sat on one for about 5 seconds and said no way man. The leaning forward and looking up is killer on the neck and wrists. I don't need a bike that does 160 mph. I like staying alive. Street bikes are for the kids that like to show off. You don't need to show off a cruiser. It does it on its own. I'm also a taller guy, so being able to lean back and put my feet up is a huge plus. At the end of the day, a bike is a bike.
I have a little honda cb250. Good to learn on. It's not a cruiser, and its not a sportbike. However cruiser riders never waive or nod to me, but sportbike riders do.
I'm entering my third year of riding. I ride a Honda Shadow 750. It's my first bike and it's perfect for my small size and the type of riding I want to do. I believe I'll have this bike for several more years because it's perfect for me. I got lucky in choosing my first bike. I'm going to take it in a 2000 mile road trip this summer. if I see you on the road on two or even three wheels then I know you're out having a good time and I'm happy for you. i'll give a peace sign or wave or even a Leather Tuscadero though slap and point. respect the other vehicles on the road. it's that simple.
When I ride my Harley Street Glide I feel so comfortable and secure. I just love the way it handles in the curves. You need less input because of the weight. That being said when I ride my Triumph Street Triple the performance is great. I do seem to have to put more into it to get to handle the curves because of the light weight. I have to keep reminding myself that I am not a motorbike racer. That bike can be exciting or it can be docile around town. It's up to the rider. My Bonneville is so nice to cruise in the country on and enjoy to scenery.
Yep. Same reason my stepdad rides a sport-tourer. But my legs are numb and cramped after a short while; and you just can't call that comfortable! Not for ME anyway. That's why we're different! I have an aftermarket seat with a backrest that REALLY reduces the fatigue on a long ride. I prefer 500-600 mile days, gives you time to stop and check things out. But last years trip was 3600 miles in a week with my wife.
I think people forget when considering the safety aspect, is the technology is used in relation to application, USD , full floater radial brakes are appropriate for a machine that will accelerate from 0-69 in under 3 seconds. As is a Drum brake on a CG 125 capable of 60 if you have a stiff breeze behind you.
Nice ride in a nice location. At 11.00 in the video the sun reflecting off the chrome instrument bezel on the tank looks harsh, maybe it was just hitting the camera and not your face, but it still begs the question. Is sun glare often an issue from that thing for you?
Not for me. I know some people who say it's a problem though so they paint parts like that black. I wear a full face helmet which blocks a lot of the glare.
I ride a Honda VTX 1300, bought it used, price was right, and at 6' 4", it sort of fits. I'd love to add to my collection the Suzuki V-Strom 1000, and, perhaps the re-introduced Honda Interceptor, which I had the pleasure of riding way back when. Probably the only bike I will not own is any one cylinder. Ride on y'all, we have only one life to live, so live it well.
I'm 6'3" and about 270 lbs. So I'm a big guy! Sport-touring bikes are okay but flat out sportbikes are a no-go for me. I just don't fit. Even the sport-toruing bikes I've ridden like the Concours are pretty cramped for me. Even a Goldwing is cramped! I have really long legs, and those legs need to be out for me to be comfortable!
I personally think both are great! I currently ride a Suzuki dual sport, but I think my next upgrade will be a cbr650f which is a sport touring. That being said Iv looked at countless cruisers and sport bikes to get to that decision. One thing that upsets me as well is the wave. No one waves to a dual sport rider haha. I'm in some weird middle ground. But at least they will wave when I wave at them first.
I do what you do, take roads never traveled and try and get lost. Of course there is no chance of that happening since I know what is all around me no matter how far I always end up on a major highway or river. At 58 I went the cruiser route since like you I find more comfortable. You rarely see an older gentleman on a speed bike
Forgot to mention that last year, I came around a bend at 60 mph and found a mountain goat on the road. I had to hit the brakes hard, and experienced the same wobble you did. I just can't figure out why.
Very well spoken and thought out, great video. I just want to add that I agree completely with the biker wave. I always considered it a "hey, we're looking out for each other 'cause we're both on a bike" regardless of type or style. It really annoys me when I get snubbed by HD riders when I'm cruising by on my Honda Shadow, although I haven't gotten snubbed from many sportbike riders in my experience.
Enjoy the videos and the audio, would like to see one with your cruiser where you are taking sharper corners. I used to ride a ZX6R 20 years ago and never really thought about the corners that much it just seemed natural. Recently purchased a 2009 V Star, completed the MSF class and received my MC Endorsement. Funny thing is in the class they were having us ride 250 sports bike and again the corners seemed natural. Riding the cruiser I seem to fight the corners and feel unsafe, so obviously I slowed down paying attention to the posted signs but the corners still seem odd at anything above 30mph. When turning from a stop it seems to work the same but when you add the speed it just doesn't feel right. What am I doing wrong? Keep the videos coming and drive safe.
I'm really not much of a corner-carving type of person. And when I am on curvier roads, I tend not to be shooting a vlog. Make sure you're familiar with counter-steering!
I had both cruisers and sportbikes. I like a heavier bike because to me they do stop faster. A lot of sportbike riders that never ridden a heavy bike they think that you won't be able to control the bike with more weight. To me, once you get used to the bike you can ride it like the lighter bikes.
The weight is a big advantage. It slows the bike down; for sure. But they usually have bigger brakes as well; and they are more stable. You can slam on the brakes on a cruiser without losing control. A very skilled rider can do the same on a sportbike; but the learning curve is more steep and in an emergency; often times, folks don't brake as well as they could. There are advantages and disadvantages to both in accident avoidance. The other advantage to weight though is stability at cruising speeds. Going down the highway with crosswinds and wakes from trucks; the weight of a cruiser sure is nice!
thanks for the video, it's great vlog I am about to get motorcycle license and buy my first bike I was considering few bikes such as ninja 250 or 300, rebel 250 but most people say that I will out grow it fast so I am thinking now of honda shadow spirit or phantom which is 750 and i have to say that i really like cruisers although in the future when i will get more experience i would like to ride naked bike such as triumph street or speed triple or ducati monster now as I said before i would like to start with cruiser and the reason for that is that i want to enjoy the ride i also want use my motorcycle as commuter and I am concern about the braking type for the cruisers. as little as i know sport bike can break rapidly quick vs cruisers are sort of slowing you down is that true? will cruiser be a right bike for me for the purpose of commuting ?
Have you tried an "Adventure" bike? My father in law actually think's my Tiger 1050 is more comfortable than his Electra Glide (but he's totally HD loyal so would never switch). They also have excellent brakes, handling and really good fuel range.
I rode sports bikes for years until I got old and moved to a cruiser for a short time and now a FJR. The cruisers I owned were walling pigs in a tight turn and that was a problem for me. Sports bikes handle so much better than most cruisers. I like cruisers, I think they sound good but once you become accustom to the handling of a sports type bike it's hard to except something that does not respond to that riding style. I don't ride fast but I do like lean angles a cruiser is not suited for.
Great video. I too ride a cruiser type of motorcycle and wear full protective gear. I enjoy riding it. But, I also enjoy riding the sportbike type. Like you said, it all depends on what your objective in riding is. I used to live around the Willard, Springfield area. Is that anywhere near you? Have a good ride man.
I got rear-ended on my 03 Interceptor last week, and it got totaled. Bought a Yamaha V-Star Classic with the insurance check. I also bought back my Interceptor to repair over time. I loved my Interceptor. So much fun to ride. Quick, agile, comfortable; the whole nine. The V-Star is way different, but way nice in it's way. Cruiser, rocket, or sport/touring, as long as it's got two wheels and a clutch, I'll wave!
Nice to see a cruiser vlog for a change. I hate to see the 2 groups separated because of this stuff. We're all out there for the exact same reason, the love of the ride. If you're on 2 wheels you have my respect. Just get out there and ride, that's all that matters!
First bike was GSX-R 750, now I ride a VTX 1300 cruiser. It all depends on your mood. Wouldn't mind having two bikes:)
Love your video. In this one, you're riding in rural Missouri. I do the exact same thing -- head out and just see where the bike takes me -- in rural central Kentucky. I also appreciate your attitude about motorcycle riding, greeting other bikers, not caring about whose bike is "better" than whose, etc. Thanks for being a relaxed, reasonable, giving (through these vlogs), friendly person. Our society needs more folks like you!
I own a big bore cruiser (a Kawasaki 1700 Voyager) and I also own a Suzuki Burgman 650 scooter. My view is enjoy whatever you ride because it is the ride not the destination that is important. I have ridden a sports bike a few times. In my view they are not comfortable for a long day on the road. The riding position and ergonomics are not good at least for someone my age, 65. I think each of these types of bikes requires some changes to riding skills. The scooter has a long wheel base, this means it is not as easy to throw around as a sports bike. It is quick off the mark and has good acceleration. It has a CVT transmission that can be operated in manual model a bit like a paddle shift but there is no clutch so there is no engine braking. As you approach the lights you have to manage the throttle so don't end up stopping short of the line or coming to a stop too soon. Both brakes which are ABS and linked are operated by handlebar levers and this take a bit of getting used to since you would expect to be pulling the clutch and looking for a foot brake that isn't there. The scooter is great for lane splitting especially with mirrors that fold in electrically. The cruiser is also a long wheel base vehicle - it doesn't have great acceleration but is has plenty of torque as you would expect from a 1700. It is a heavy bike at nearly 400kgs wet so it is not a bike to toss about in the city. It has ABS and KACT kinked braking system the means using the foot brake activates the right front disc and rear disc while using both the front and rear brake activates all three discs. Cruise control along with the built in radio that also allows for a music player to be plugged in via head phone compatible jack (my 2010 model doesn't have Bluetooth) and a very comfortable seat make it great for a long day on the road. Let's recognise that we all love bikes but there are different types of bikes that everyone can enjoy.
Sure I get it with the lane splitting. There are varying opinions and statistics involved with that. But one way or another, most cruisers are too wide to safely lane split.
My point in the video was ultimately to say that it shouldn't matter, that you should ride whatever you prefer to ride. And that there are advantages and disadvantages to both bikes in every category.
In the end; ride what you want to ride and enjoy it!
Too bad lane splitting isn't illegal yet...
A Chicken Wing you mean legal?
No, I mean illegal, because in Australia it is legal.
I very much so agree with you.
My interpretation of the differences between cruiser bikes and sport/super sport bikes is this:
You can't really compare differences in performance to determine the opinion of which is better without first addressing the differences in PURPOSE.
Cruisers, from what I know, are motorcycles that are built for these purposes: Riding with comfort, riding for relaxation and serenity, and enjoying the loud roar of your classic Americana machine in the sunshine.
Super sport bikes generally are designed with respect to sheer speed performance. Many models are very closely related to race MotoGP bikes of the same manufacturer. They rev in the high RPMs, have short power bands, they have an aggressive stance and concentrate all their technology towards improving their ability to go faster around a track. That's it. They are, of course, road bikes, so they account for cosmetics and riding features as well, but that's not what they are mainly oriented towards. You will see sport bikes that have considerably more horsepower than do cruiser bikes of three times the displacement.
You often hear hardcore Harley "bikers" mocking these foreign sport bikes, saying they're not "real bikes", they're "toys", they're cheap, or that they're "rice burners." As I said, these bikes don't have the same purpose, so there is no sense in the animosity. But, if you want to talk about the authenticity of sport bikes, they are designed for actual speed performance, which isn't really something to "dislike," if anything. I compare that to somebody with a hot rod at a car show thinking that actual sports cars are inferior.
On the same token, you often hear sport bike riders generalizing cruiser riders as obnoxious, bearded, drunken rednecks whom they can't wait to destroy in a race, when in reality, they may just be somebody who prefers a softer, low-rumbling motorcycle that gives them style on a summer day and isn't necessarily concerned with speed performance. Some people just like the low-riding, loud, Americana style of motorcycles and don't wish to be on a sport bike which, although still compatible with street riding, doesn't ride with the same leisure.
Most of the time, it comes down to ego. Many cruiser fans think sport bikes are juvenile and boyish. Many sport bike riders do happen to be young kids whom are attracted to those bikes because they want to satisfy their egos, which I think is the wrong reason to go for a bike. If you want a speed demon sport bike because you find it gratifying to ride a motorcycle that is authentically based on a real racing bike, but don't actually plan on being irresponsible and exploiting its ridiculous capabilities on the road, then that's a good reason to get a sport bike. If you are a teenager who is buying a sport bike because you associate it with being fast but don't know anything about motorcycles besides what your ego and pop-culture tells you, learn first and get into racing. If you don't really see racing capabilities as anything that should apply to you, and you don't happen to prefer the style of a sport bike, get a cruiser bike.
That's all it should be. Many people use pride to compare two types of motorcycles that aren't even intended to compete with one another. I personally prefer sport bikes because I love their styles and appreciate their impressive performance capabilities. I plan on owning one some day, and would look forward to pushing its performance a bit without being wrongful on the road. You can still have fun by accelerating a little harder or leaning into the corners without actually being stupid or breaking the rules.
Finally someone who understands the wave! I ride a sport bike and my uncle rides a chopper! We cruise everywhere and wave at everyone! Ill even do the wave to scooters, trikes, can ams, and anyone who knows how it feels to just ride! It's the biker wave and should be brought back for sure!
Bikes are only as dangerous as the rider is. I ride a sportsbike but I personally don't speed a lot or lane split like most people think I do. I normally just enjoy the ride and know that if I want to race someone I could ( I don't condone it though). Either way be safe out there!
In most cases it's not the rider it's the other idiots who don't pay attention to the road.
I currently ride a 150 scooter but plan on getting a real motorcycle soon, I am saving up. I like the looks of sportsbikes better but I plan on following the laws, being careful, taking it easy and pretty much cruising with it.
visionsofpromise cruisers are almost as good as enduro.
I ride a CBR600RR and I love it. For me Supersports are the best and they are the reason I bought a bike. Having said that I realize this is my opinion and although many share that opinion there are also many that don't. I don't diss any bikes. I say ride what you wanna ride and respect anyone with two wheels and a motor.
You know what, I agree whole heartedly with everything you said. I plan on getting a cruiser, but that doesn't mean I can't be friends with the guys at work who ride sport bikes. Right on man! Enjoyed the video and I subscribed. Keep it coming.
In regards to the safety gear argument, I've seen plenty of sport bike riders with t-shirt/shorts and no helmet.
I like your ability to be open to differences. I don't think I heard anything I didn't already think about cruisers, but good to hear it all the same. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Biker Bud
Actually I'm beetween bikes right now .Trying to decide what kind.Your thoughts were great, Had most bases covered well.
Particularly liked your thoughts on waving .
Thanks!
Had the super fast sports bikes & scared myself too many times! So now I have a VN 900 Classic & I just enjoy the easy ride, the slower ride, & I love the sound of the "V" twin, amazing & also relaxing to ride.
I support you wearing gear. Once I get a bike I will be the same way, full gear and a cruiser. I laugh that people accuse cruisers of not having good gear because I have seen many sportbikes with even less! (Flip flops, shorts, T-shirt, and half helmet) I respect all kinds of bikes, finding myself allured towards cruisers. Great vid helping me see some of the arguments
I'm sure most (if not all) aspects of this topic have been covered, but I really appreciate a cruiser's point of view. I was trying to get a cruiser, but due to circumstances, ended up with a sport. Now I love both equally possess a varied riding style. Love your approach to the road and wish you the best. Be cool, stay safe.
Good vlog mate, valid points. I'm just learning to ride (i'm 19 yo) and i'm 6'4'' so i see where you're comming from with the long legs, i've been learning on a naked/sport bike up until today and road a cruiser. I fell inlove with the feeling i had cruising on the cruiser, its gonna be my choice to ride cruisers!!
I miss my vulcan 500
Its not about sport bikes vs cruisers
It's about the people who ride
Cruiser riders who won't move over and let a sport bike pass you
New riders who think they they have a sport bike and they are the shit and won't let a cruiser pass them
Yes sport bikes are faster than a cruiser any day
I have a cruiser I'll always wave by anyone who's going faster than I am... doesn't happen much but I did get some shit from a new rider when I accelerated into a corner and came right up his ass
We all ride on two wheeles stay safe.
As long as your riding, that's good enough. Don't matter what it is your riding, if its a cruiser, sports bike, or a scooter. As long as you are enjoying yourself that's all that matters. I get alot of flak from my buddies because I ride a Honda Rebel 250. Its perfect for me, yet they ride the big Sports Bikes, and seem to think unless your riding 1000cc or bigger your not really riding.
Yet they still invite me to go cruising with them, I cant keep up to save my life, but I am enjoying the ride.
I pretty much share your opinions. I take trips with friends who ride both sport and cruiser bikes. We always have fun together. Yes, my adrenaline buddies will sometimes take off ahead of me, but they aren't being disrespectful.....they're just having fun and I always catch up. We all enjoy bike rallies and admire both cruiser and sport bikes. We have gone to the Dragon a couple of times and even though I enjoy "pegging" the curves, I'm all about the scenery and they're all about the rush of the twisties. They tease me about being "old" and I tease them about being "stupid".,,,,but it's all about being friends and having fun!.
Yep. Nowadays, I mostly ride with other Cruiser riders. Just how it happens. I've got a few buddies who are on sportbikes who ride with me now and then!
The way I see trying to compare sports bikes and cruiser bikes is its like trying to compare a sports car(2 door, thrill car) with a truck. Two totally different classes, one is for a comfortable relaxed drive/ride, the other is for a bit more of an aggressive drive/ride. Of course that doesn't mean that a truck/cruiser can't be fast and aggressive, nor that a sports car can't be relaxed and comfortable. If I chose to I could go and haul in my 5.0L V8, but I drive it relaxed. Same as if someone had for an example an rx-8, they can choose to just cruise and relax. Do they have their limits in such things? Yes they do, but you just can't compare the two, there are only so many similar factors between the two.
it all depends on age and maturity. when young I had yamaha's, ajs, bultaco, huskys, then got out of motorcross. went to the kawasaki triple 500, and did not kill myself. then the 750 gpz, a very fast bike in the day. 400 honda four. then several years later the 03 1200 custom harley, vibration was bad. had to sell it to try and keep trucking business going. them at age or 63, stopped at the harly dealer to browse, found a susuki m50 and fell in love again. took my wife and she saw the 09 vn 900 lt and said it was very nice. my christmas present for 16, 12000 miles for 3000 dollars. researched the former and not the vulcam but after the ones i have knew was a good bike. best bike i have ever had. your videos are very good and informative as you do not disgrace any one just your point of view, very rare today. if you could do some videos on mounting the other things from other makes on your would be helpful. keep up the good work you are doing.
Great comments and opinions all around man. I am new rider and got an 800cc cruiser, and I realized most bikers going by were waving. Immediately accepted into the brotherhood, it's a great feeling. I wave to all bikers, of all types, and that's what it's all about, the love of riding. Not what you ride, or the size of it.
I've rode both and love both, for their own purpose. I own a 1970 Harley Sportster and love it, but if one of my friends offers me to ride their sports bike I damn well am going to hope on that and see how fast she goes. I enjoy cruising just as much as I like going fast, which is why my next bike is going to be a sports bike.
LOVE the Vulcan 900, yes I wave at all. when the sport bikes came out I went to my dealership and he told me not to get on one, 80% are wrecked the visual is so different, lower head staring at the road and not what is going on around you. also the 0 to 80 power is so hard your not in that much control - good video thanks. - bike riders, have fun and respect each other. God bless.
Great video, I'm actually looking for a cruiser now to pick up and was doing some research. Totally agree; especially about the 'biker wave'. And by the way; respect for being the only TH-camr I have seen to reply to most, if not, all comments with as many as you have. Many thanks.
Thanks man! I'm in the process of moving so I've been missing some comments; but I do try to respond to all comments and messages (eventually). You guys are the reason I do it! I love the conversation. (P.S., if you ever have a question in the comments and I miss it, send it as a message). I wish TH-cam allowed responses via smartphone more intuitively.
Great video! At the end of the day it's all about just getting out there and riding, doesn't matter what style or brand you ride. I wish more people understood that.
I agree with everything you said 100%. I ride a Suzuki Boulevard C90T 1500cc year round in Western Washington. With our rain and weather, yes I wear full gear. I wave all all bikers but I have noticed I get more waves back from other cruisers
Thanks for posting this. Very interesting and informative. I have ridden sports tourer motorcycle for many years but I have today ordered my first ever cruiser. It's a suzuki M800 which seems like a nice compromise. It arrives next week and I just can't wait to get out there cruising! We are not so lucky with our weather here in England but when the sun shines it makes things extra special!
Personally, I want both...eventually. I'll probably start with a cruiser, looking at the Iron 883 right now, but I want a sportbike too. As far as I'm concerned, I plan to wave at everyone. It doesn't matter what style your machine is, point is...you're riding and that's cool with me.
Hey I know this is an old video, i'm just going through them all. I watched earlier a video by a guy called Ian T-J about touring and he said something great that i think applies for this video. He said "this is my bike, it makes me smile". That's what i think as well by the way. be it a 50cc moped, mad hatter supermoto, big ol' lumbering Harley or balls to wall sports bike, it's what gives you that big smile when your riding along.
+Lord Janner You bet!!
Andy Smith 3 years later, still a great comment.
I have a GSXR600 and I love both the cruiser and sportbikes. Many people think sport bikes are for younger people and cruisers are for older people but I am 20 years old and I ride my friends cruiser every now and then because its so relaxed and it feels really nice. I wave ALL the time to another biker no matter what. even trikers lol.
Sweet man! Enjoy the ride and keep the shiny side up!
USGC Asher most trike guys used to ride normal bikes but they get old
I agree. We all enjoy this. We are all out there for the sme reason: to enjoy the ride. We should all appreciate the fact that we are on motorcycles, not the fact that certain people are on sports bikes/cruisers. Very nice video, thank you.
I know this is an old video but...
I can give a reason why I sometimes didn't wave back. It is because I was new to riding. A little occupied with gears, braking or maybe even the car near me.
I wasn't intentionally being rude or impolite. I just wasn't prepared to wave back. Safety when learning was my utmost concern at that moment. Being or looking cool was not. Lack of experience? Yes, but the MSF can't teach that. It takes time. Even now that I'm a bit more experienced I still don't wave sometimes as I'm a bit occupied with something.
I always keep this in mind when I wave at someone and they don't wave back.
Agree it's all a matter of personal preference. When I was younger it was far more important to me that I be able to go real fast and so a high performance sport bike was preferable. Now that I'm older ( almost 60) it is far more important to cruise in comfort and style for long distances so a nice heavy cruiser is more desirable. I have a vulcan nomad 1600 and can literally ride for 12 hrs at a time and have plenty of room to pack any supplies i might need.
Great video, loved hearing your opinion and thoughts on riding.
I ride a zx6r, I wear a full suit, arai rxq, boots, gloves, everything. I love my bike, it's not very comfortable but it's not designed for long distance, I usually track it. I ride it purely for performance, now I've ridden a couple of cruisers, it's not for me to be honest but I completely respect it, it's all choice, I can't see a 19year old kid (me) on a road king but neither can I see a 65year old guy beating the shit out of a zx6r, it's all choice, preference, and what you need it for, I don't plan on cruising around the country.
That's just it! Gotta get the right kind of bike for the job.
I'm just completing my motorcycle safety training and plan on buying a cruiser. I'm 58yr. and want the experience of open road riding and safety is my first and foremost concern. I have leather armoured jacket but my next decision is helmet. I am not comfortable with full face but like 3/4 with visor.
Aged 50 and in the UK. I've been thinking about learning to ride a motorcycle and I'm looking to pass my Compulsory Bike Test and then go on to the proper bike test.
The whole issue of learning to ride a motorcycle scares the hell out of me, but the idea of getting out on the road with a group of mates, but being free of passengers and negotiating traffic easier appeals. I ride a pedal cycle to and from work, so it's just an extension of that, being able to travel further though and a lot less effort!
Your video just gave me some great pointers on, if I ever do get a bike, what I need to consider myself, not what others would have me buy or ride. I have to say I like the style of a cruiser and listening to your words the relaxed attitude of getting from A-B and almost touring when going somewhere is what I would want when on a motorcycle.
One thing that concerns me is the 'pegs'? When cornering (I have not ridden a motorbike) surely the likelihood of catching the pegs on a cruiser is higher than on a sport type bike? Your views on this would be helpful.
Oh, and acknowledging other riders or not? Dude, that goes for cyclists too. I'll happily nod a greeting or wave to another cyclist, but there are some, mainly those in Lycra the same colours as their bike, they just blank you. Shame really.
Cheers
Al
+Al Wood Hey Al! I'm a cyclist as well.
Cruisers don't have as much lean angle as a sportbike, that's true. That only means you need to go slower into corners. Truth be told, even on the winding roads I ride on, I'm able to do the speed limit even around tight corners (most of them) without scraping the floorboards. Cruisers definitely don't perform as well as sportbikes; they don't accelerate as well, and they can't corner as fast. But they have more suspension travel and better compliance (they absorb bumps and rough pavement better), they offer a more relaxed position, they are generally a lot more reliable (larger, slower revving, lower horsepower engines don't get the kind of abuse the smaller, higher revving, higher horsepower sportbike engines do. It's always a trade off. More performance, less reliability. Cruiser engines are built with reliability in mind; generally speaking. Many cruiser riders will ride in a year or two more miles than a typical sportbike rider will ride in a lifetime. I had 50,000 miles on this bike when I traded it on my current bike.)
Everyone is different and you'll have to find what works for you; but that's my preference.
I really appreciate that you don't cuss during your motovlogs. It's really hard to find someone who doesn't have a potty mouth as I'm trying to learn about motorcycles. It's really offensive when every word that comes out is a cuss word. Thank you for not having bad language!
Nice video and I agree with many of your thoughts on this. I own a Honda Shadow and it has served me well. I've also driven other cruisers as well as a couple of sports bikes.
I find sport bikes to be a lot less comfortable than a cruiser. There's always tension in your arms and shoulders unlike a cruiser. If your thing is pure riding speed and performance then a sports bike may be for you. If you'd prefer a more relaxed ride while at the same time being able to have an exhilarating experience when opened up then go with a cruiser.
I also have often done the "wave" to many a fellow rider tho indo find I do it more so to other people on cruisers than sports bikes maybe because I feel more akin.
Also I see many a people on sports bikes riding high speed and dangerously wearing just a t-shirt and as you say in your video what ever style of motorcycle you choose to ride doesn't prevent you from wearing appropriate gear.
I too have a Garmin Zumo GPS on my bike so I can never loose my way :). Though it's fun sometime just getting yourself lost with the GPS as a backup.
I like both. I don't personally own a bike but I was raised around cruisers. For me, its just a family thing. I am also very long legged and tall so sport bikes aren't too comfortable. I am actually looking to get my first bike really soon but idk what style to get.
Like you said, it is tough to generalize bikes. There are many cruisers that have awesome performance characteristics. So called sport cruisers. My 32 year old sport cruiser has twin, dual piston front disc brakes. Pretty good for the time, but it isn't a sport bike! The seating, bars, pegs, powerband, (chrome) all is cruiser. But I stiffen the suspension a bit, and put on good tires, and handles extremely sporting. Just no going over 45 degree leaning. I put on highway pegs and do some bagger conversion, well not going to be anywhere near the same ride even though it is the same bike.
This same principle goes for sport bikes. I can take a Ninja, put on good hard compound tires, some side cases, and nice wide bars, maybe an aftermarket seat, and it is an amazing sport touring bike, but not as good as my nighthawk for comfort. I can also lower it, put on a longer swing arm, narrow clip ons, and now I got a straight line only bike that cannot out turn a goldwing.
I have the argument with many people about performance and safety as well. On the street, higher performance being safer is an illusion. First and foremost is simple touchiness of controls. Prior to ABS, it was very easy to overbreak in an emergency situation. TH-cam is full of videos of people who have to hit the brakes then wobble outta control, or slight bit to much power, then slight twist more when it kicks them and bike into the trees. User error, yes, but when fatigue from long rides sets in, it becomes much easier to make a mistake in a performance vehicle.
However, there is also something else in regards to sport and safety. Critically missed in almost all comparisons is suspension. This refers to your spring and damper for your sprung weight, and tire for un-sprung weight. Cruisers usually have taller tires and softer suspensions to dampen the bumps. In rough roads, or on lose material, the cruiser can actually have an advantage because the tire and bike isn't skittering over the bumps.
Lastly, comfort. I guess it comes down to personal experience. I can ride my upright positions for hours on end without stiff legs or back. Sportbikes, an hour in city and I start stiffening up. Dunno how I would be able to do a long touring ride without becoming extremely saddlesore...
Yeah, I get what you are saying. Some are more comfortable on sport-touring platforms but I'm not one of them. The safety debate is probably one I shouldn't have even brought up. People have very serious opinions about that and won't change. My point wasn't even to say that Cruisers are safer; only that it's a "silly" argument. Motorcycles, ALL motorcycles, are more dangerous than a car. At some point you just have to stop being silly about it and ride what you want to ride.
And, there are two sides. (Some) sportbikes have stronger brakes than (Some) cruisers, but their light weight and forward bias means what can happen; and often does (including 2 fatalities on sportbikes in my area this morning), is a loss of control due to over-braking. This is a case where an exceptional rider (which, everyone thinks they are- which is a problem) would be very successful on a sportbike; but an 'average' rider might lose control. On most cruisers, you can pretty well smash the brakes and even lock up the tires and have some level of control due to the overall weight, suspension and stability of those machines. Not to say accidents from overbraking don't happen; they do, alot. As most cruiser riders aren't as concerned with cornering performance, they haven't learned to handle corners properly. It's not uncommon for a cruiser rider to panic in a corner, use the rear brake, and end up with a nasty lowside from it.
At the end of the day though; you need to ride what makes you happy! Arguments over which is better or safer, is, frankly, silly. Why do so many motorcyclists wrap up their entire identity on believing that people who ride bikes different than theirs (different style, brand, size, etc.) are inferior?
Romans Five|Eight Heh, sorry for my previous spiel, I guess I was agreeing with you that it is a useless argument. Honda, when they developed their NC bike series summed it up perfectly. The motorcycle developers went too niche with their bike, and they had no more high volume general rider bikes. Everything was becoming so specialized.
A sportbike was specific for going fast, and taking knees at a cost. Cruisers were becoming low rpm lumbering heaviweights. I brought up the sport cruiser because those are what I am interested in. From back in the days before bikes were niche.
My newest bike is a 1982 Nighthawk 650. It is an inline 4, 5 speed, weighs 500lb with steel frame. New it had 65hp, and a nice torque curve. Bike is extremely nimble, excellent braking, and fast considering it's age. And at that time, it was essentially a sport bike. But it has adjustable handlebars for a comfortable riding position, a high set, but plush and rearward seat, air adjust suspension. Tons of chrome, even accent striping decals are chrome(like).
Honda realized they no longer made any utilitarian bike and they all are niche. As result, the NC bikes are kinda like the good ol days. They have a very lightweight and comfortable 700 cruiser, a sport bike variant, and high seat adventurish style bike. All built around the same chassis. This really emphasized the lack of relevance in the which is better. In the end it all is just personal style and riding comfort preference.
"Why do so many motorcyclists wrap up their entire identity on believing that people who ride bikes different than theirs"
A question I find myself asking all too much. I find my self in the middle sometimes in regards to that debate all too often. I have sportbike friends, and cruising friends. This is by no means taken for an everybody is like this, but I find that more of the sportbike guys are about personal ego with their bike. It isn't just a sportbike is better than cruiser.
My experience with sportbikes is people get the Kawi is better than Honda, or making fun of people trying to perform with a 250. It is a status symbol about what bike you have. With the stunting schools, who can do the higher wheelie, etc. About owning the road, not being one with the road.
I found the cruiser bike communities to be much more stereotyped falsely. I decided I wanted to take a break and go for a coffee. In my city, there is one that was nearby which all the old grizzly bikers like. It is good coffee there, so I decided to stop with my rather "patina'ed" Nighthawk, previously mentioned.
Honestly, I was really surprised. Here is me, a tall and skinny young guy, on a loud Honda 4 banger pulling up near a bunch of grizzled guys with their Harleys. They just love to talk bikes and riding! Came over, asked me about my bike, talked for a while, and in general, good guys. They are all about the rider, and not the bike. Most didn't even mind sport bikes, they judge by the rider.
I've met a lot of great sportbike riders. And some jerks. Same as on cruisers. It's not the bike it's the kind of person. Some people just aren't the warm and welcoming sort of person. I also think riding long distances and riding alot tends to mellow you out. Most of the sportbike guys I've met who were happy to see me, cruiser or otherwise, had a lot of miles on their bike. The guys who are jerks (Cruiser OR Sportbike), generally, are guys who don't ride very much, just tool around on a nice weekend, etc. For them a motorcycle is often just a toy. They don't maintain their bikes, respect their bikes, or have any respect for other motorcyclists. It's just a different way of looking at what a motorcycle is and what it means to be a 'biker'.
Same thing, the smaller the group or an individual rider, I find the nicer they seem to be. Like all things, a mob mentality can form...
Great video - very different road experience than we have in the UK. I have had both cruisers and street/sports bikes and like you, I like both even though the ride experience is very different and they are clearly aimed and different types of riding. A lot of criticisms of cruisers are often from those that either have not ridden them, or have, but want them to handle like a sports bike. With sports bikes, you get the best out of them when riding them quite quick and hard, pushing them at what they do best: making rapid progress and cornering. A cruiser can do those things although not quite as well, not least because of the physical characteristics they have: longer frame and raked out forks, which makes cornering less easy. On the other hand, if your preferred style of riding if more relaxed, less concerned with performance handling, less concerned with corners and more for the experience of the ride itself, going longer distance and in comfort; them a cruiser is ideal. The main thing is, your video inspired me to get out there today!
Yeah; in these rural areas there's little population density so plenty of space on the roads! It's really great riding.
When had my 750 honda night hawk sport bike riders would wave and the cruiser mainly harley guys would not wave. when i got my old 1100 virago the same sport riders would not wave and the cruisers and some of the harley riders would wave. I wave to everyone. If you are broke down on the rode i will stop even if you are one of the ... that don't wave. I'm here to ride, If you don't like my ride what ever it is hopefully some day you'll grow up and realize it is all the same wind. Great video buy the way.
so i have a sportbike (kawasaki z1000) im ready to upgrade but im caught between worlds... part of me likes the feeling of acceleration and the other side of me wants to go on 6-9 hour rides... so i torn between two bikes... the kawasaki zx 14r and the victory Highball... any thoughts...
What about a Kawasaki Concours? The Victory Highball isn't going to be that much more comfortable. A very basic monoshock suspension, little wind protection, etc. A Kawasaki Concours is a ZX-14 underneath, but it has a more relaxed riding position, a full fairing, saddlebags, etc. Best of both worlds!
Also, You should not be putting pressure on the pegs if you're countersteering correctly, with the exception of when moving your body to improve control in a lean. The bars do the work though, not your body in most turns.
When it comes to high performance riding, no question. Higher, more-middle mounted pegs (though some cruisers have that!) improve high speed handling, afford MUCH more lean angle, AND make obstacles easier (easier to stand up). But for lazy 'cruising', forward works fine!
Man. I'm with you on this. I just don't understand why there's a debate at all. I ride motorcycles, I also play guitar. And the cruiser/sport debate is the same as the Gibson/Fender debate. They're both guitars but they're both quite different. But one is not better than the other, they're just different! And you play what you like or what gives you the sound you're looking for. It's the same when it comes to bikes, all that matters is what YOU want. There is no better or worse when it comes to normal daily riders, there is only preference. You can't say my cruiser sucks because it can't take a corner at 60mph while leaning 30 degrees because I never wanted my bike to do that in the first place! Any and all arguments in the cruiser/sport debate are fucking stupid and pointless. I also really hate it when I see videos of sport riders riding a cruiser for the first time and they're all like "OMG THIS IS SO WEIRD WTF HOW TO PEOPLE RIDE THESE THINGS LOL." That just shows your own painful lack of riding skills. I hop between cruisers and sport bikes all the time. Yes they are very different but ITS STILL A FUCKING MOTORCYCLE. You didn't go from 2-wheels to a magic carpet you dick!
My first bike was a sporty bike a buell 500 it was light and easier to zip around on it was a bit high for me .I'm 5'5" . I just recently got myself a cruiser a kawasaki vulcan 500ltd and i love it .The way the bike is grounded it makes me feel more confident as a rider .This is only my second but i feel more secure on one of these things then i did the sporty kind of bike .It's true that it really comes down to preference and what fits you and what your comfortable with .I got a friend who before i decided on the vulcan was trying to get me to buy a sports bike like a cbr 600 or suzuki svs650 .Ultimately im glad i settled on the vulcan to each his/her own of course
I'm a Honda Black bird rider and I think your Vulcan is a really great bike, I would like to try one someday. I'm not sure if the cruiser riding position would work for me with my low back problems, I'll try one out this summer.
Yeah its all about preference for the bike. We all have differences so many different styles and brands are made to help suit those differences. There is no reason to judge someone for what there riding. If the rider is happy with what they are riding that is all that matters.
Nice cruiser Vlog. I'm 44 and looking to get my first bike. I'm a cruiser fan, but I also like the dual sports. Used 250 cruisers seem to be more plentifull in my area (Louisville) than DS bikes.
Nice video, man. I like that you forgot which way you turned on your way back. I've ridden my ninja 500 for over a year now and wave at everyone. I'm into all bikes. I consider getting a cruiser now and then, as I also love to go on long rides. The 500 gets uncomfortable after a while if I'm just cruising. Be safe.
I'm breaking the rules and riding both, it just depends on what mood I'm in and what kind if riding I want/need to do. Suzi intruder and a ZX kawa makes for totally different experiences and both are fun.
That's awesome!
What general area in Missouri?
I live in Mo too
I've got two scoots, a 400 and 650, and an NT700 sports tourer in my garage. I'm looking at a Vulcan 900 tomorrow and may have to reconfigure my garage. Each one serves a different perspective of riding.
Awesome Vlog. I agree with you on cruisers and sport bikes. Its not about you should ride a sport bike and not a cruiserl ride whatnyou like and enjoy. We should not be out on our bikes cutting cagers off. Me personally I don't like the lane splitting, one to dangerous and it pisses the cager off. But ti each his own. I know in some cases lane splitting is good and keeps traffic down. I'll end with, live to ride, love the ride, ride safe, wear your helmet, safety gear, but most of all enjoy the ride, watch your 360 for cagers.
I agree with everything you said. I'd love to be able to ride a "cruiser style" bike but an old back injury negates the "feet out, laid back" riding position. So I ride an "adventure style" bike that allows me to be in a more upright seating position with my legs and feet beneath my butt to allow me to "post" when I see bumps and potholes. Hey, if you enjoy riding on two wheels we have something in common and if I see you coming, expect me to give you a wave. By the way, I enjoyed the scenery in your video and like riding in such a way that I can take advantage of seeing it.
Great video and great talk. I'm saving up to get a Honda Shadow Phantom. I can't wait to cruise around just like this! (with full gear)
My logic on getting my cruiser is actually the price point for what you get. I spent 2 grand on a Honda shadow with 750cc. That's more physical power than most sport bikes. Really only liter bikes have more power. To get close to the power of mine with a 600cc sportbike you are going to be spending at least double or more for a similarly functional running used one. That's what it came down to for me. I needed power for my daily commute and didn't want to spend a lot.
I'm not sure that it's more power than "most sportbikes", the only ones it'll have more power than are parallel twin sub-500cc sportbikes. Sportbike engines generally develop far more horsepower than V-Twins, especially 4 cylinder engines.
I'm looking to get my first bike. I have ridden a few before and I have taken an intro class. I want a bike for the same reason you appear to be enjoying yours in this video. That's is to enjoy the scenery of our great country. Sitting on a sport bike is very uncomfortable for me but I agree there should not be a beef between sport bike riders and cruiser riders. Thanks for the video.
Which side of the debate do you see the Ducati Diavel falling into?
It may have the looks and seating position of a cruiser, but it has the performance and hi-tech gear from a sports bike.
I have no issue with either bikes. I personally drive a power cruiser, but I really think some of the sport bikes look fantastic and would love to ride them. At the end of the day it comes down to the attitude of the person on the bike, not the bike itself. I'm all for pushing the edge of riding and getting that rush -- as long as you're not putting others in danger when you do it.
great video, glad to see a cruiser vlogger!! I just bought a 07 Suzuki Boulevard C50 couple weeks ago!!
Awesome! Enjoy it!
ty
Plus sportbikes have to be rev d up to actually accelerate which will end up in a sportbike lifting the front end lifting up . Crusiers have more available torque in all gears in real world conditions.
Can't sport bikes do similar if not same distance as a cruiser? I started on a cruiser and I went 80+ miles to see my family and it ended up messing up the engine however my Suzuki Gs500f managed it with ease
Yes I agree..I ride because I love motorcycles. It shouldn't really matter if one rides a sports bike or a cruiser. I own 4 types of bikes, a ducati, a bonnie, a Harley cruiser and a lil scooter. I ride for the sheer love of riding, period.
Awesome!
Well the 'Human Parachute' is quickly remedied by a windshield, which is why big windshields are common on touring cruisers. I just got back from a 600 mile ride and don't feel very fatigued.
Like I said before, I like both. I've ridden a ZX-14 and it's brother, the Kawasaki Concours. And I've ridden small sportbikes, and cruisers. I wanted to bring up a couple of your points though, if you don't mind (I appreciate the discussion! It's good to have various points of view).
I've rode both. i owned a Yamaha FZR 600 that i really liked. When i was on that bike, i rode fast. That's what it was made for. Now I'm older and ride a Harley Davidson Electra Glide. i ride it more laid back. It's all in what you wanna do. I don't think it matters, if you're on two wheels, life is good.
Good points made there, trying to make a decision on my first bike.
Cool! Good luck!
Amen brother! I currently ride a sportbike, but will be going to a cruiser soon.
I ride a scooter--PCX150--because I like to sit up straight. I don't like to have to lie flat on the gas tank to get to the handlebars.
My bike, for example, uses a ZX6R FRONT brake on the REAR, and ZX10 (or 14, don't recall) brakes on the front. The only difference being solid rotors instead of petal discs, as they need to work when cool, too! Most cruisers have massive disc brakes, and bigger tires; greatly improving their braking performance. They lack the accelerating and handling, but you just can't make the brake argument in 2013.
Absolutely. You'll never get the same handling out of a cruiser. For some of us that doesn't really matter; but for others, it's crucial! Sport tourers are a fantastic alternative, they are more comfortable than flat out sportbikes whilst retaining the performance and handling characteristics of a sportbike!
I rode a Kawasaki Concours C10 a few times and it's a blast to ride, and the handling is great. I've also ridden some sportbikes in the 250 and 600cc class. All lots of fun!
Great video I have rode bough and like bough but ended up on a cruiser when I hit my late 60's nice and low to the ground, and for handling staying in the speed limits there is not too many roads a cruiser can't handle with ease. There are some riders out there that can hit gravel on them and do a lot better than most sport bikes on gravel. The only problem I have is scraping my floor boards, dose not seem to do any thing but make noise, as they just tip up and spring right back down. And also it is hard to find sport bikes with drive shafts, I find chains dirty and too much maintenance, and belts brake leaving you in the middle of no where, happened to me and to of my friends it a 2 yr span. I know shafts can bread but I have not had a problem and don't know any one who has.
great video, I am stuck between the two. The only bike I had before was a 06 ninja 250. The original owner had it rejetted. Not really sure what that means but he said it gave it more power. I didn't like that bike as much because it felt too light. A lot of ninja 250 owners complain that it lacked power. From my experience, it had enough power. I didn't like the feeling. Also, I realize that it was a pain in the neck to stick my head up. The pinch on the back of my neck makes me fatigue. I think I am going to try a cruiser to see how it goes.
Great video man I don't see much cruiser videos out there by this gave me a whole different way of looking at things . I myself ride a street glide 2013 and a fat boy
I had a sport bike in my 20's.. I loved that Kaw 500 triple, and I had a ,lot of fun, later, I had a big Yamaha Cruiser. I took my first long road trip, and love it. I have no problem with sport bikes, but I prefer a heavier bike.
How long did you have this bike before you felt like you needed a bigger bike? Love the color of that bike man.
It's all about comfort to me.
A lot of my buddies ride Suzuki Gsxr 600's. I sat on one for about 5 seconds and said no way man. The leaning forward and looking up is killer on the neck and wrists. I don't need a bike that does 160 mph. I like staying alive. Street bikes are for the kids that like to show off.
You don't need to show off a cruiser. It does it on its own. I'm also a taller guy, so being able to lean back and put my feet up is a huge plus.
At the end of the day, a bike is a bike.
I have a little honda cb250. Good to learn on. It's not a cruiser, and its not a sportbike. However cruiser riders never waive or nod to me, but sportbike riders do.
I'm entering my third year of riding. I ride a Honda Shadow 750. It's my first bike and it's perfect for my small size and the type of riding I want to do. I believe I'll have this bike for several more years because it's perfect for me. I got lucky in choosing my first bike. I'm going to take it in a 2000 mile road trip this summer. if I see you on the road on two or even three wheels then I know you're out having a good time and I'm happy for you. i'll give a peace sign or wave or even a Leather Tuscadero though slap and point. respect the other vehicles on the road. it's that simple.
When I ride my Harley Street Glide I feel so comfortable and secure. I just love the way it handles in the curves. You need less input because of the weight. That being said when I ride my Triumph Street Triple the performance is great. I do seem to have to put more into it to get to handle the curves because of the light weight. I have to keep reminding myself that I am not a motorbike racer. That bike can be exciting or it can be docile around town. It's up to the rider. My Bonneville is so nice to cruise in the country on and enjoy to scenery.
You bet! Wish I had a 'fleet' of bikes; I'd like several of each style!
Yep. Same reason my stepdad rides a sport-tourer. But my legs are numb and cramped after a short while; and you just can't call that comfortable! Not for ME anyway. That's why we're different!
I have an aftermarket seat with a backrest that REALLY reduces the fatigue on a long ride. I prefer 500-600 mile days, gives you time to stop and check things out. But last years trip was 3600 miles in a week with my wife.
I think people forget when considering the safety aspect, is the technology is used in relation to application, USD , full floater radial brakes are appropriate for a machine that will accelerate from 0-69 in under 3 seconds. As is a Drum brake on a CG 125 capable of 60 if you have a stiff breeze behind you.
Nice ride in a nice location. At 11.00 in the video the sun reflecting off the chrome instrument bezel on the tank looks harsh, maybe it was just hitting the camera and not your face, but it still begs the question. Is sun glare often an issue from that thing for you?
Not for me. I know some people who say it's a problem though so they paint parts like that black. I wear a full face helmet which blocks a lot of the glare.
I ride a Honda VTX 1300, bought it used, price was right, and at 6' 4", it sort of fits. I'd love to add to my collection the Suzuki V-Strom 1000, and, perhaps the re-introduced Honda Interceptor, which I had the pleasure of riding way back when. Probably the only bike I will not own is any one cylinder. Ride on y'all, we have only one life to live, so live it well.
I'm 6'3" and about 270 lbs. So I'm a big guy! Sport-touring bikes are okay but flat out sportbikes are a no-go for me. I just don't fit. Even the sport-toruing bikes I've ridden like the Concours are pretty cramped for me. Even a Goldwing is cramped! I have really long legs, and those legs need to be out for me to be comfortable!
I personally think both are great! I currently ride a Suzuki dual sport, but I think my next upgrade will be a cbr650f which is a sport touring. That being said Iv looked at countless cruisers and sport bikes to get to that decision. One thing that upsets me as well is the wave. No one waves to a dual sport rider haha. I'm in some weird middle ground. But at least they will wave when I wave at them first.
+Walker Prather They may just not know what you are!
I do what you do, take roads never traveled and try and get lost. Of course there is no chance of that happening since I know what is all around me no matter how far I always end up on a major highway or river. At 58 I went the cruiser route since like you I find more comfortable. You rarely see an older gentleman on a speed bike
Forgot to mention that last year, I came around a bend at 60 mph and found a mountain goat on the road. I had to hit the brakes hard, and experienced the same wobble you did. I just can't figure out why.
Very well spoken and thought out, great video. I just want to add that I agree completely with the biker wave. I always considered it a "hey, we're looking out for each other 'cause we're both on a bike" regardless of type or style. It really annoys me when I get snubbed by HD riders when I'm cruising by on my Honda Shadow, although I haven't gotten snubbed from many sportbike riders in my experience.
Enjoy the videos and the audio, would like to see one with your cruiser where you are taking sharper corners. I used to ride a ZX6R 20 years ago and never really thought about the corners that much it just seemed natural. Recently purchased a 2009 V Star, completed the MSF class and received my MC Endorsement. Funny thing is in the class they were having us ride 250 sports bike and again the corners seemed natural. Riding the cruiser I seem to fight the corners and feel unsafe, so obviously I slowed down paying attention to the posted signs but the corners still seem odd at anything above 30mph. When turning from a stop it seems to work the same but when you add the speed it just doesn't feel right. What am I doing wrong? Keep the videos coming and drive safe.
I'm really not much of a corner-carving type of person. And when I am on curvier roads, I tend not to be shooting a vlog. Make sure you're familiar with counter-steering!
I had both cruisers and sportbikes. I like a heavier bike because to me they do stop faster. A lot of sportbike riders that never ridden a heavy bike they think that you won't be able to control the bike with more weight. To me, once you get used to the bike you can ride it like the lighter bikes.
The weight is a big advantage. It slows the bike down; for sure. But they usually have bigger brakes as well; and they are more stable. You can slam on the brakes on a cruiser without losing control. A very skilled rider can do the same on a sportbike; but the learning curve is more steep and in an emergency; often times, folks don't brake as well as they could.
There are advantages and disadvantages to both in accident avoidance.
The other advantage to weight though is stability at cruising speeds. Going down the highway with crosswinds and wakes from trucks; the weight of a cruiser sure is nice!
thanks for the video, it's great vlog I am about to get motorcycle license and buy my first bike I was considering few bikes such as ninja 250 or 300, rebel 250 but most people say that I will out grow it fast so I am thinking now of honda shadow spirit or phantom which is 750 and i have to say that i really like cruisers although in the future when i will get more experience i would like to ride naked bike such as triumph street or speed triple or ducati monster
now as I said before i would like to start with cruiser and the reason for that is that i want to enjoy the ride i also want use my motorcycle as commuter and I am concern about the braking type for the cruisers. as little as i know sport bike can break rapidly quick vs cruisers are sort of slowing you down is that true? will cruiser be a right bike for me for the purpose of commuting ?
Have you tried an "Adventure" bike? My father in law actually think's my Tiger 1050 is more comfortable than his Electra Glide (but he's totally HD loyal so would never switch). They also have excellent brakes, handling and really good fuel range.
I rode sports bikes for years until I got old and moved to a cruiser for a short time and now a FJR. The cruisers I owned were walling pigs in a tight turn and that was a problem for me. Sports bikes handle so much better than most cruisers. I like cruisers, I think they sound good but once you become accustom to the handling of a sports type bike it's hard to except something that does not respond to that riding style.
I don't ride fast but I do like lean angles a cruiser is not suited for.
I like a cruiser for the stability on long rides. When I ride a sport bike, it seems like the slightest cross-wind is going to blow me off the road.
Great video. I too ride a cruiser type of motorcycle and wear full protective gear. I enjoy riding it. But, I also enjoy riding the sportbike type. Like you said, it all depends on what your objective in riding is.
I used to live around the Willard, Springfield area. Is that anywhere near you?
Have a good ride man.
I wave to anyone on two wheels.
I even wave to 50CC scooters.
I prefer Sports bikes.
I ride a cruiser.
I don't understand the hate..
I even wave to bicyclists on my cruiser
+TheDirtbikerider14 As a bicyclist, I'm glad!
Romans Five|Eight I like to mess with bicyclist and scooter riders, in a nice way of course.