First big cruiser?

[Monkfish]

Hey KB cruisers,

I was just wondering what some of your first "Big" cruisers were.

For example:
You Harley riders out there, did you go and jump straight onto your softail/dyna or did you do the sporty thing first?
Same for the Boulevards, did ya own a C50 or was it straight to a M109R?
Trumpy, was it an America/Speedmaster or straight to the T-Bird or Rocket.

I guess im already planning my first Big bike for when I graduate to my full licence (or slightly before :devil2:) and want to know if the jump from a lambs cruiser to a 1500+cc cruiser is too big?

From what I have heard, the price is a big reason that people have done the "middleweight" cruiser thing before jumping on a biger bike. As they have much of the same characteristics.

[Wingnut]

Hey KB cruisers,

I was just wondering what some of your first "Big" cruisers were.

For example:
You Harley riders out there, did you go and jump straight onto your softail/dyna or did you do the sporty thing first?
Same for the Boulevards, did ya own a C50 or was it straight to a M109R?
Trumpy, was it an America/Speedmaster or straight to the T-Bird or Rocket.

I guess im already planning my first Big bike for when I graduate to my full licence (or slightly before :devil2:) and want to know if the jump from a lambs cruiser to a 1500+cc cruiser is too big?

From what I have heard, the price is a big reason that people have done the "middleweight" cruiser thing before jumping on a biger bike. As they have much of the same characteristics.

Na go for it. My first real cruiser was the M109. Novelty wore off pretty quickly once cornering came into it. Scraping the shit out of it every corner soon lead to selling that and moving onto a GSXR thou. Besides I figured I am way too young to be riding a cruiser. Funny thing is that now my road stead is a VFR which is a bit of an old mans bike in my opinion.....

[Maha]

First ever cruiser that I have ridden is in my driveway right now, a GZ250 including L plate...:woohoo:
Thank the lord above its a loner. :corn:

[iYRe]

personally.. i wouldnt go from a LAMS bike to a 109.. or any other large bike..

I had a few years off riding and came back on an 800 for a year, then sold it and got the zrx1100...

Yeah.. because I do like corners, and I dont like my feet bouncing off the road every few seconds.. and slowing the cars behind me down..

[Monkfish]

personally.. i wouldnt go from a LAMS bike to a 109.. or any other large bike..

I had a few years off riding and came back on an 800 for a year, then sold it and got the zrx1100...

and slowing the cars behind me down..

The thought of going stairght from a LAMS bike to a ZRX1100 is insane, and I would also go Via a middleweight bike. but my question is for cruisers as they are vastly different.

P.S. (not to sure what cruiser you have been riding, but,) Even on my LAMS bike I dont hold up any cagers.

[iYRe]

m50 (well, the cooler earlier version, Intruder).

They go around corners like a housetruck towing a supertanker.. at least, compared to the zrx.
My local roundabout exit (its a big roundabout) was terrifying on the intruder.. often doing 20-30kmh around it. On the zrx (if there is no one about of course) I can comfortably do 60kmh in the wet..

[cynna]

cruiser wsie i went from a xv400 when i was 15, to a a nv750 then to a 1200 sportser then a softail. mainly due to a lack of money

then got sick of cruisers and went back to trail bikes

recently got a speedmaster because i couldnt afford a rocket

[Monkfish]

recently got a speedmaster because i couldnt afford a rocket

How do you find the speedmaster? compared to the sporty?

That is close to my situation, Im either thinking the speedmaster or a T-Bird storm, but I am worried that the T-Bird might me too big.

[cynna]

How do you find the speedmaster? compared to the sporty?

That is close to my situation, Im either thinking the speedmaster or a T-Bird storm, but I am worried that the T-Bird might me too big.

there was 15 years between the 2. physically the speedmaster is bigger and smoother then the sportser - for me the sportster felt too small. i know the t bird would be heavier then the speedmaster but are they roughly the same dimensions?

[Maha]

From an S40 to a T-Bird Storm is a jump but, the Storm is less than 100hp and low seat height making it manageable...engine torque is the key here, and its what you'll get use to (and come to utilise) very quickly.
At 340kg, its a heavy bike but well weighted I would imagine, being a cruiser.
The 650 single you currently ride is a good starter option for stepping up to a bigger bike like the Storm...no real concern there.
I went from a GN250 to a 100hp Yamaha sports bike.

[Phantom Limb]

I bashed about on a VTR 250 for a couple of years after getting my full ticket. My theory was that when I start riding the little machine with 'all the confidence' and start getting pissed off with it's lack of go, then I'd upgrade. Turns out the little thing was just such a trooper, it took me a LONG time to get sick of it, lovely bike she was :bye:

So then I went for a test ride on the XJR1300, immediately fell in love. :scooter:

I guess wht I'm trying to say is, your confidence level dictates what you will be comfortable on. If you've put significant miles on your LAMS machine and are able to chuck it about like a ragdoll, then I say go ahead, get your leg over something big mean and angry, you'll love it and all will be well.
However if you're second guessing yourself and worried about 'over extending' you ability, best you find a middle weight pussy cat and continue to develop at your own pace. Leave the big bore machine as a long term goal.

[iYRe]

I guess wht I'm trying to say is, your confidence level dictates what you will be comfortable on. If you've put significant miles on your LAMS machine and are able to chuck it about like a ragdoll, then I say go ahead, get your leg over something big mean and angry, you'll love it and all will be well.
However if you're second guessing yourself and worried about 'over extending' you ability, best you find a middle weight pussy cat and continue to develop at your own pace. Leave the big bore machine as a long term goal.

what he said...

and.. make sure its proper confidence, not just bravado.

[Big Dave]

I don't think it makes that much difference with any of them once they are going. Middle or Heavyweight.

It's under 10kph and stationary where 330kgs can be more of a handful for the inexperienced.

[Wingnut]

I don't think it makes that much difference with any of them once they are going. Middle or Heavyweight.

It's under 10kph and stationary where 330kgs can be more of a handful for the inexperienced.

Exactly.....

[shafty]

I reckon Phantom and BD hit the nail on the head, but would add that it's not only experience....

My better .5, GoGal, rode an XV1100 which she loved, but had a hankering for something bigger, fell in love with a stunning metallic orange VN1500 Meanstreak, and traded up.

She rode it well too, but came unstuck when stopping, and slow manoeuvres esp in gravel car parks and stuff, tipping it over simply because of her (lack of) height and strength. Got to the stage where her 'freedom machine' was something She couldn't ride unless I was there to turn it around, get it out of the garage etc

At my encouragement She now pilots a lowered SFV650 (google-image it) which She loves.

After so many cruisers, she just loves the handling and how nimble it is!

Good luck

Shafty

[Zamiam]

First road bike and therefore first cruiser was/is my Dyna. Regardless as to what path you go down if you don't treat it with respect it will bite you.

The number one issue with big cruisers is weight and in particular the impact of this on low speed manoeuvering. After 16000kms I still tread carefully at low speeds.

Pick/do what you are comfortable with

[skinman]

Even a C50 at 270kg ish is no lightweight when turning around & pushing out of parks. Still have to be careful at low speed with over 30,000 ks on it. mind you Im only a lightweight, my handle is more or less accurate.
They do scrape a bit on corners esp 2 up & I have on occasion moved over to let cars past (dont want to scare the pillion).
Am considering changing myself as have had enough of cruisers & going to a tourer, maybe BMW

[Dangsta]

Went from a GV250 to a Shadow 750 to an S83. I guess at 1400cc I'm on a middleweight cruiser now and to be honest there's not much difference really. Nothing special about riding a bigger bike compared to my smaller cc ones. You get used to it in no time. I mean we're talking about cruisers here. Unless you're throwing a leg over a V-Max or something similar, don't sweat it.

[leathel]

I went from an XL125 many many years ago to an XL250 until I got an XR600 that I kept for many years.... then got the VT750 this year.

It is OK and fun and I do peg it occasionally and being the front wheel basically has no chicken strip I can't lean much further anyway, Rear shocks where not to flash so my new progressive went on Yesterday...and what a difference much better on the corners, especially uneven corners. I would like more power at times but realistically don't need it. I still want to get an adventure bike but I think I will keep the cruiser as I am enjoying it, The new shocks have lifted the bike so the next time I peg it better be from low speed....or it may be an interesting time.

I looked at bigger bikes but listening to people with bigger they missed the ability to tuck the smaller bike in to corners where as the bigger pegs out earlier meaning they have to brake to drop speed where they didn't need to before.

The VT750 is still 250KG so not that light...

[AllanB]

The 750 cruisers are pretty gutless - but heavy. it is the weight that you will notice most. The big uns can throw out a fair bit of grunt.

Test ride some, see how your feel.

[leathel]

The 750 cruisers are pretty gutless - but heavy. it is the weight that you will notice most. The big uns can throw out a fair bit of grunt.

Test ride some, see how your feel.


Yup test ride, Seat hight, wheel base and weight are the numbers that matter most, HP is great but it will depend on how you ride to what HP you want.... Torque is more important with a cruiser IMHO.

While the std late VT750 is lacking in HP it can be bumped up to 47hp pretty easily with some cheap mods and even std has more torque than the 860 Speedmaster and quite a bit lower seat and only 8kg heavier (DW on the 750 is 237kg)

VTX1800 is way up there in power compared to it but at 320KG DW its no light weight.... but neither is the T Bird at 367 kg, 1600 rocket is 308KG... and the Tbirds 750mm seat height will be an issue if you have short legs, you may think its sweet as the toes touch but if you stop with the wheels on a high or with pebbles or the tar mac you may find yourself on the ground :facepalm:

So sit on it, find whats comfortable and think of your riding style.... IE If you like to ride full throttle just remember the big HP and torque bikes pick up speed fast..... and are heavier so if you overcook it will be fun getting around the corner, if you just cruise and ease the throttle you will have less issues and its sounds cool to own a 1800+ cruiser :D

[phill-k]

Hey KB cruisers,

I was just wondering what some of your first "Big" cruisers were.



Returning to riding after 20 something yrs did my restricted on Honda 750 shadow (with exemption) as soon as I had my full traded it on a 1600 Nomad, at just under 400kg its heavy not agile but real comfortable to ride I'm not a fast rider but love every now and then doing a road that requires the bike to be thrown around a bit. I don't often scrape the pegs but don't generally hold up traffic either. Low slow handling requires a bit of concentration as if she is going to go over you won't stop her, but with dragging rear brake I don't have to much trouble, I am also wary of gravel because of both the bikes weight and my lack of experience.

[Tigadee]

I had a big cruiser for a short while, a 1987 Honda VT700C Super Magna - restored it and sold it on.

Beautiful-looking bike with V4 engine and chromed angled quad pipes but I was surprised that it was too cramped for me and sitting in it had my knees up higher than my hips. Sadly was not as big/comfortable as I'd thought it looked...

Make sure you sit on those that you're interested in beforehand. :yes:

I went more or less from a 250 (both road and cruiser bike) to a 750 (this Honda and a FZX750 Zeal) and both were a step up but nothing major as long as you're sensible. Certainly more fun! Heh! Heh!

[Monkfish]

I had a big cruiser for a short while, a 1987 Honda VT700C Super Magna - restored it and sold it on.

Beautiful-looking bike with V4 engine and chromed angled quad pipes but I was surprised that it was too cramped for me and sitting in it had my knees up higher than my hips. Sadly was not as big/comfortable as I'd thought it looked...

Make sure you sit on those that you're interested in beforehand. :yes:

I went more or less from a 250 (both road and cruiser bike) to a 750 (this Honda and a FZX750 Zeal) and both were a step up but nothing major as long as you're sensible. Certainly more fun! Heh! Heh!

Why only a short while?

yeah, I will sit and ride them both, I guess only time will tell.

[leathel]

Why only a short while?

yeah, I will sit and ride them both, I guess only time will tell.


I guess the short while was for the cramped position as the pedals on that Magna are quite a way back compared to most.... Forward control kits can ease that on most cruisers....

[Tigadee]

I guess the short while was for the cramped position as the pedals on that Magna are quite a way back compared to most....

Wot he said... :yes: Was very surprised and disappointed how uncomfortable it was (for me), especially since it was a US market bike.

The Venox (Jason's bike) aka 250 Magna OTOH was very comfortable and relaxed.

[bmz2]

Go on get a m109r , mines for sale , going cheap. Need room for my new toy

[Bald Eagle]

Go on get a m109r , mines for sale , going cheap. Need room for my new toy

swap the paint jobs around might improve your chances :facepalm:

[DMNTD]

Yeah.. because I do like corners, and I dont like my feet bouncing off the road every few seconds.. and slowing the cars behind me down..

Ummmm...now would that be thee that was holding my cruiser up in the corners mister? :corn:

Just got first cruiser after coming from a "few" sports and naked bikes, and effin love it.
Choose the right model for your needs and wants...sorted

[wainui]

Started on a 750 intruder loved it low slung quick and agile as fas as cruisers go.Then went to a 1400 intruder big difference not as agile not as quick off the mark but comfy and lot less noisy ,but still retained power that i wanted.
Now ride 1500 vulcan classic totally different bike ride. feel and lot heavier and deftinately not as agile as other two.
Would I change ....no.Lot more comfortable ,more secure in steering (for Me) ,more range and you get used tothe size

Like all things it takes time and patience to get used to your new ride, try all types of cruisers to see the different styles.

[P38]

A mate of mine at High School went from a TY50 to a GSX1100 virtually the day his licence went full.

He died two weeks later on that bike. :no:

Wore a Truck radiator grill head on at about 180kms when he crossed the center line on a slight bend.

The Truck driver recieved serious injuries too.

My advise is to start with a bike that suits your current capabilities and move up once your skills and experience improves.

You'll live longer that way.

Cheers
P38

[GrayWolf]

How do you find the speedmaster? compared to the sporty?

That is close to my situation, Im either thinking the speedmaster or a T-Bird storm, but I am worried that the T-Bird might me too big.

my first 'big' cruiser was in the mid 80's, the venerable Tart's boudoir (Virago 1100),,, after a Kwaka thou, it felt like a friggin moped for the first 2-3 months. Then I settled down into 'cruiser mode' for riding style. I quickly found as Maha has stated 'torque' was the key.
The T-bird storm performs very similar to Mjolnir.... (my MT).. if you can get your feet down easily, the big cruiser will not be overly difficult to manhandle in traffic, parking etc. What you will find is that cornering may need to be revised on big inch cruisers (though the T-bird seems to be quite acceptable for ground clearance), also the length will feel like a truck n trailer at first.
What is likely to take 'adjustment' on a low revving big twin, is the sensation that feeling the 'thump' of the motor, you are not going 'quick' then suddenly you'll hit a bend and realise 'oh shit, I am actually honking along here'. Mjolnir revs @ 2.5k for 110kph, I dont think the T-bird is too much higher.

An America/Speedmaster or 1200 sporty should'nt be difficult as a 'jump' from the S40, a T-bird or 'big inch' motor would just take an adjustment period. As long as weight isnt a factor.