Cruisers for Dummies

[justsomeguy]

Hey Guys,

I'm a sprotbiker at heart, but that's only cos I'm too poor to buy a cruiser as a second bike and have the best of both worlds.

Can someone please educate me on life in the cruiser world? Are Harley's still at the top what about the Jap Four?

In the sprotbike world a 1000cc bike is the ultimate fastest/quickest handling bike overall - What is it in the cruiser world?

When choosing sprot bikes one "just wants to go fast" generally. What are the fundamental emotional principles of choosing a cruiser?

Everyone here has heard of the super popular Gixxer Thou, R1, ZX 10R........ What are the evergreen cruiser models? Any pics would be great.

What are your cruiser jokes? Honda's gay? Suzuki sheep?.....??

Being a dummy please use lots of pictures and small words so I can understand what you say.

For me a cruiser has to be black - fully black no chrome and have some amount of decent handling - and the ability to sit at 200kmph all day everyday and I don't like the very long bodied extreme Ape hanger variety or the shorter more compact traditional British shape, something in the middle will do.

This pic of a bike posted by Slashwylde looks perfecto - http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=48692&d=1166422143

Although in the real world this seems beautiful: http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=12875&d=1121686486
Slash I think told me it's a Dragstar??

Could you ladies and other people please keep this thread educational. Ta.

[SlashWylde]

Hey dude,

I seem to recall the Yamaha in that pic is a customized Roadstar 1600. It's a real gem. Looks sleek and fast with those tyres and rims but comfortable also.

I have to agree, cruisers dressed all in black with a minimum of chrome have a unique appeal. That bike from the HD mag article is a brutal looking black beast.

Off the top of my head, there are a couple of production bikes that come close to these aesthetics. Those being the Kawasaki Meanstreak 1600 custom edition, and the 2008 HD XL1200N Nightster, see pics.

I don't know that there is an 'ultimate cruiser' as such simply because different folks want different things from their bike whilst still staying within the realm of cruisers.

For example some may like a big fully dressed cruiser with heaps of storage space, wind-screens, floor boards, heated grips etc as a big comfortable ride for a husband & wife to tour the country on. Others may like a VN1600 or a HD Sportster with a single saddle to go hard and fast on weekend runs through the twisties.

For me, the thing about choosing a cruiser is that it's more of an undefinable emotional connection with the bike, rather than focusing on speed torque and HP specs like in the sports bike world.

A large part of it is deciding what you want the bike to look and feel like, what features you may or may not want (floorboards vs pegs for example), what size and engine displacement suits you, whether you're a big guy like Dave or a smaller fellow like you or I.

I think with HDs you are buying into a lifestyle and enjoying a certain motoring heritage. They are unique in their sound, feel and design, and by owning one you set yourself apart from the rest.

My advice is to look at the top four Japanese manufacturers, look at what they have on offer in your size and price range, pick one from each manufacturer that appeals to you most and go try em all out.

Yamaha's (like HDs) seem to be pricier than the other manufacturers. Having said that, the last time I checked, pricing on HD Sportsters was dammed competitive with the Jappas. You could pick up a new 883 for around $14k, and a 1200 custom for around $19k. Worth checking out.

[The Lone Rider]

For me a cruiser has to be black - fully black no chrome and have some amount of decent handling - and the ability to sit at 200kmph all day everyday and I don't like the very long bodied extreme Ape hanger variety or the shorter more compact traditional British shape, something in the middle will do.

.

IMO, if you think a cruiser is for 200kmph, let alone doing that everyday (cruiser on the track everyday I hope), with good handling then you really don't know cruisers.

Cruiser - it really is what it sounds like.

I think the most important thing is a comfortable bike that you can control. Geek can't ride the cruiser I have now, but the Virago she could ride. Both we very comfortable. I could ride both but Virago seemed to small to proportion of my size, and also being a Harley fan I wanted something more Harley-esq

Harley is not the beginning or the end nor the ideal. In saying that I mean, a Harley isn't what you should strive for unless it is a Harley you want. We can all agree that Harley by name is known for its absolute style and pop motorcycle culture in USA. Everywhere I went in the states the highways had Harleys going back and forth.

In the end.. my best advice, and this is probably the easiest and most common thing said on here to people asking about bikes, is that fuck everyones opinion on what has style and is good for that or this. Go try them yourself. I know not everywhere lets you test ride. But climbing on and sitting on it is the first step.

[Virago]

Hey Guys,

I'm a sprotbiker at heart, but that's only cos I'm too poor to buy a cruiser as a second bike and have the best of both worlds.

Can someone please educate me on life in the cruiser world? Are Harley's still at the top what about the Jap Four?...

...What are your cruiser jokes? Honda's gay? Suzuki sheep?.....??

Being a dummy please use lots of pictures and small words so I can understand what you say.

For me a cruiser has to be black - fully black no chrome and have some amount of decent handling - and the ability to sit at 200kmph all day...

...Could you ladies and other people please keep this thread educational. Ta.

That's got to be the best troll I've seen on this site for ages. Good stuff.

[bmz2]

suzuki sheep, this beast will blow your mind 250km+, and you need balls to ride it, my beast has a 280 wide rear and 1800 cc , and been dynoed at 127 hp at the rear ,slammed 3" at the rear, and its black, one bad ass 9

[jafar]

suzuki sheep, this beast will blow your mind 250km+, and you need balls to ride it, my beast has a 280 wide rear and 1800 cc , and been dynoed at 127 hp at the rear ,slammed 3" at the rear, and its black, one bad ass 9

Nice pic of you on your 109 there bmz :laugh::shutup:

Cruisers are the way to go, top speed :whocares:
Torque to pass & a decent ride are the points I look for, bling is secondary.
Others will have a different view & thats all good too .
Who needs a bike that can pull 300k & has 200 hp @ the rear wheel ? I can't use it on the road & seriously doubt anyone can, legally or otherwise.

[McJim]

suzuki sheep, this beast will blow your mind 250km+, and you need balls to ride it, my beast has a 280 wide rear and 1800 cc , and been dynoed at 127 hp at the rear ,slammed 3" at the rear, and its black, one bad ass 9

Mate that bike is sooo bad it makes you look like a little girl sitting on it. Nice one.

:rofl:

[RDJ]

This is my preferred cruiser :devil2:

Miss B has a fair amount of torque on tap :mellow:

to the point where I have not yet hit the NOS :eek:

cruises the highway at 80mph in 1st (only 2 gears <_< )

for a couple of hours (until the tank runs dry :yes:)

[johnnyflash]

Nice pic of you on your 109 there bmz :laugh::shutup:

Cruisers are the way to go, top speed :whocares:
Torque to pass & a decent ride are the points I look for, bling is secondary.
Others will have a different view & thats all good too .
Who needs a bike that can pull 300k & has 200 hp @ the rear wheel ? I can't use it on the road & seriously doubt anyone can, legally or otherwise.

So true Jafar, having ridden all types of bikes over the years, the modern Cruiser is by far the best in all round performance, comfort and pure exhilaration powering such a beast through the corners...

[Winger]

Nice pic of you on your 109 there bmz :laugh::shutup:

Cruisers are the way to go, top speed :whocares:
Torque to pass & a decent ride are the points I look for, bling is secondary.
Others will have a different view & thats all good too .
Who needs a bike that can pull 300k & has 200 hp @ the rear wheel ? I can't use it on the road & seriously doubt anyone can, legally or otherwise.

right on if you can do what your talken about 200K your good man you gota think about it dude on cruisers where cruisen if we wanted to go faster we would have keep our 750 bonnies and dukes when we were mad like you but now were cruisen man take in the sites chill with the babe on the back instead of her ripping your balls off while your tryen to make us cruisers look slow.

[RDJ]

Who needs a bike that can pull 300k & has 200 hp @ the rear wheel ?

Ah, but which lady needs Prada bags and Jimmy Choo shoes, which guy needs Sidchrome spanners and 18-year-old single malts... maybe need is not all she wrote :scooter:

[bmz2]

if i hit the full gas on the beast , i will not be able to see the sheep:Oops:cruisers are like a good woman , sexy , style and look good from the rear:rockon:

[justsomeguy]

Hey dude,

That Harley looks beautiful. Exactly what I would like my cruiser to look like. *Put's it on dream list and saves wallpaper*


You really don't know cruisers.

Cruiser - it really is what it sounds like.

I've got no clue, honestly. This thread is helping me learn. Thanks for your comments - green bling sent



That's got to be the best troll I've seen on this site for ages. Good stuff.

Always a critic....I like bikes and cars and if I live long enough would like to have ridden and driven all kinds.


This is my preferred cruiser :devil2:

WOW!!!!:shit:


right on if you can do what your talken about 200K your good man you gota think about it dude on cruisers where cruisen take in the sites chill with the babe on the back instead of her ripping your balls off while your tryen to make us cruisers look slow.

I understand, I've slowed down a lot on the roads, I used to ride pretty hard (not fast compared to most - but at my max).

I once rode a dirt bike with a top speed of 80kmph on the road and ... did you know there were trees and views out there? Who would have known...

[The Lone Rider]

I've got no clue, honestly. This thread is helping me learn. Thanks for your comments - green bling sent

No problem.. cruisers are for cruising. Sit back and enjoy getting from one place to another, or follow the sun until the road ends.

Cruisers also excellent and comfortable for pillions. Nice laid back soft seat.

Bling it if you want, ride it when you can.

And... watch American Chopper or something like that. Come on.. thats kinda cool eh! They argue and fight and yell at each other, but look at all the originality and design going into those dream bikes. Each bike a unique personality. Can't say I'd want a cruiser or chopper with a suicide switch though!

[Edbear]

When I was thinking about a suitable bike to return to biking on, I was about settled on a cruiser style when a mate offered me his GSX-F600 at a price I couldn't refuse. After 3+ years on it I finally got my wife back on pillion after 30 years and after our second ride she said she wanted better pillion accomodations for her old age!

As most of our friends and family rode cruisers and after trying a few out for their pillion seats, we settled on the Boulevard C50T. I didn't think I'd be really happy after the performance and handling of the GSX-F, but cruisers are a completely different animal altogether and we absolutely love it! I could ride it all day and now the Missus is the one who suggests going for a ride!

I have attached a review I wrote after buying the Boulevard, you may enjoy it.

[Virago]

...Always a critic....I like bikes and cars and if I live long enough would like to have ridden and driven all kinds....

If I read it wrong I beg your forgiveness. I figure that anyone who wants to "sit at 200kmph all day everyday" on a cruiser must be taking the wee-wees.:innocent:

Cruiser riding is just that - cruising. If you want to ride incredibly fast for long stretches, you're looking at the wrong type of bike. Most big cruisers will get you to 200kmph, but you would get pretty tired trying to hold it there.

A big V-twin cruiser will put out little horsepower, but lots of fat lumpy torque. It will give you thrills, but in a different way.

Cornering will not be as fast as on a sprotsbike, but it will feel fast.

I've seen many people on this site say they would love to get a cruiser, if they could get one with sprotsbike performance. They don't get it.

A cruiser isn't just another type of bike. It's a state of mind.

[Big Dave]

, and you need balls to ride it,

I would have thought a sense of balance, hand to eye co-ordination, and reasonable eyesight are more important.

[Edbear]

I would have thought a sense of balance, hand to eye co-ordination, and reasonable eyesight are more important.



Mmmmm! I jus' knew I went wrong somewhere..:crybaby:

[limbimtimwim]

suzuki sheep, this beast will blow your mind 250km+, and you need balls to ride it, my beast has a 280 wide rear and 1800 cc , and been dynoed at 127 hp at the rear ,slammed 3" at the rear, and its black, one bad ass 9Balls to ride it?!?!?

The M109 is super easy to ride.

[NighthawkNZ]

I've seen many people on this site say they would love to get a cruiser, if they could get one with sprotsbike performance. They don't get it.

A cruiser isn't just another type of bike. It's a state of mind.

I wish I had enough $$ to own both... a cruiser for those days when im in my cruisy mode (I miss my XJ Special for that... sigh) and the vtr for when Im not

[Virago]

I wish I had enough $$ to own both... a cruiser for those days when im in my cruisy mode (I miss my XJ Special for that... sigh) and the vtr for when Im not

Bugger, eh? If only you knew someone locally with an under-utilised cruiser.



Someone nice, that is...

[jonbuoy]

What about a V-Max? Am I getting older or are Harleys getting better looking?

[NighthawkNZ]

Bugger, eh? If only you knew someone locally with an under-utilised cruiser.



Someone nice, that is...

:D well now that you mention it...

[NighthawkNZ]

What about a V-Max? Am I getting older or are Harleys getting better looking?

Each to there own, my taste in bikes has changed over the years as well.

[bert_is_evil]

you need balls to ride it

Why? can you use them to hold on with? how? :rofl: :killingme:
ahem
as you were

[The Lone Rider]

After 3+ years on it I finally got my wife back on pillion after 30 years and after our second ride she said she wanted better pillion accomodations for her old age!


I assure you that old age has nothing to do with it. Well bodied, nicely formed youthful girls in their 20's appreciate the more comfortable ride of a cruiser as a pillion. :wari:

[07fatboy]

I regularly frequent the 200kph mark on our 15-30k straights here but cant stay there for very long as mentioned by some one above,It gets pretty bloody tiring and contributes to POPEYE ARM SYNDROME...from hanging on for dear life...I think for me its thought of actually getting my big heavy lump of metal around the corner that gives my a thrill.Straight line speed does nothing for me but cornering hard on a cruiser gives me a hard on...yeeeee farkin haaaaa...stay safe..

p.s have 10 years sportbike experience,switched over to criusers due to a failed UNOFFICIAL land speed record attempt,i still ride Ducati,Aprillia and Augusta on weekend rides...So i still get the adrenal running on a regular basis.

[Angusdog]

There also seem to be two species of cruiser: the more touring oriented, big windscreen, saddlebags type, like the C50 / VT750 / big block harley Tour Glides; and then there's the 'muscle cruisers', like the M50 / M109 / Mean Streak and all the other Harleys. As I have an M50, I like the American drag ethos, big pipes and no frilly cowboy bits but, as always, each to their own.

There's also more opportunity to tailor your bike to your own style, with lots and lots of accessories or alternative parts for metric cruisers. I have a Cobra fuel injection system on its way, and an order for some V&H pipes, but you can get seats, screens, all the skull & crossbones bits & bobs. Funnily enough, I've started watching American Chopper again, although it's still pretty slap dash. The bikes seem to be designed on the go, and look less coherent than if they took more time and thought it through more.

[Bren]

There also seem to be two species of cruiser: the more touring oriented, big windscreen, saddlebags type, like the C50 / VT750 / big block harley Tour Glides; and then there's the 'muscle cruisers', like the M50 / M109 / Mean Streak and all the other Harleys.


Of corse ya cant forget the wannabe cruisers...the lil twofiddy ones that wanna be with the big boys....eg the GN/GZ250, SR250, honda rebel, kawasaki eliminator etc...i guess cruiser/commuter would be the term for them...

[terbang]

Of corse ya cant forget the wannabe cruisers...the lil twofiddy ones that wanna be with the big boys....eg the GN/GZ250, SR250, honda rebel, kawasaki eliminator etc...i guess cruiser/commuter would be the term for them...

Bit like the wannabe sport bike riders eh..

[Tank]

Has anyone seen the new HD Nightster as pictured in SlashWylde's post in the metal - it looks drop dead beautiful?

[Bren]

Bit like the wannabe sport bike riders eh..

ya poking at me??????:mad: aint nothin wannabe bout me!!!!

[justsomeguy]

Has anyone seen the new HD Nightster as pictured in SlashWylde's post in the metal - it looks drop dead beautiful?

Yup.


The matt surface on the engine bits make it look like a 30k machine. Just the right size too.

[Patriot]

''For me a cruiser has to be black - fully black no chrome and have some amount of decent handling - and the ability to sit at 200kmph all day everyday "

Hows it going ,,,I am enjoying my cruiser which is a Harley Davidson 1990 Softail.I rode her from Auckland to Nelson ,non stop.Apart from a night stay at my sisters in Wellington.I had never ridden bikes since 1985 when I had owned the old 1980 Honda XR 500 my last 2 wheeler.Anyway I had enough money to buy a bike and yes I wanted a Harley.I got her cheap 13k.That one ride when I brought it off this biker from Dargaville who showed me the brief introduction to this machine which I have never regretted.Sure enough they have their ups and downs when maintaining but compare that to riding them and they become a inspiration.I have had mine since December 2006 and it is almost like a armchair on wheels.I cant get enough of it these days.Unfortunately though she is up on blocks getting new rubber and a makeover.Summer on its way and I intend to ride off into the sunset like all Harley Davidsons do.
"Cruisers the best"

[Angusdog]

Has anyone seen the new HD Nightster as pictured in SlashWylde's post in the metal - it looks drop dead beautiful?

Oooo baby! That's the nicest HD I've seen (in pics only so far). On the website it's listed as the 1200N, I believe. I love the lack of chrome, the drilled chainguard (for weight? Aha ha ha - nice one...) and the fork gaiters. Not sure how the side mounted license plate will work in NZ unless you had a custom one made.

[DaJa47]

I couldn't agree with you more. I have just come back to biking and looked at Harley's, the V-Strom and also the Suzuki C90. There is somehing about riding a good sized Cruiser. It's more about enjoying the ride, the company and the scenery and of course the odd good blast!! Maybe it is an age thing but when I get on that highway it brings a big smile to my dial. I settled on the C90 for the comfort of the ride, the price was good and you can get information from all round the world like on this forum and Suzuki LC1500/C90 members group in the states. Alot of nice people ride cruisers!! At the end of the day, you have to buy the one that rolls your marbles the most! As others have said, the only way to find out is take a few for a test ride. You will soon know which one you like the best. For me, I couldn't be happier with my choice. Me being about 95 Kg and my good lady on the back (Not 95Kg), all the power you need, and the more I get to know the bike the more I like it. I guess that goes for the good lady as well!

[The Lone Rider]

Of corse ya cant forget the wannabe cruisers...the lil twofiddy ones that wanna be with the big boys....eg the GN/GZ250, SR250, honda rebel, kawasaki eliminator etc...i guess cruiser/commuter would be the term for them...

No such thing. A cruiser is a cruiser. They don't have to be huge. Or chromed. Or loud. Or expensive.

[Toaster]

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh Cruisers........... muscle cruisers.............. I need a cold shower.

[07fatboy]

Sat on 1 today, the tank is pretty long and big,blacked out rims,mirrors looked nice.the seat would definitley be the first thing to fling Geezus got a sore arse in the first 2 seconds...nice bike to have parked outside the cafe whilst youre having a cappucino looking at it....stay safe

[justsomeguy]

Sat on 1 today, the tank is pretty long and big,blacked out rims,mirrors looked nice.the seat would definitley be the first thing to fling Geezus got a sore arse in the first 2 seconds...nice bike to have parked outside the cafe whilst youre having a cappucino looking at it....stay safe

Mate - that bike - SH16 - Sunny day in March - It's a death bed memory.

Work hard and one day huh? (For me, not with you all livin the dream and all :clap: :done:).

[P38]

Edbear

I read your report for the C50T and totally agree with your comments.
I bought one of the first C50T's to come on the market in 2005 and still love riding it.
Weve ridden 13,000kms together so far, with the biggest day being a Tad over 800kms
I also was at the Cambridge to Hamilton toy run this year having ridden up from Hastings with a few mates. The C50T is like riding a couch on these longer trips with the ride there and back a dream because of the comfort and easy riding position, guess my bike was one of the ones you counted.

If anyone is considering moving to a Cruiser then you gotta take one of these bikes for a Test. They are certainly nice to ride and they do turn heads everywhere you go.

Mines getting a GPS fitted shortly and some engine guards. Gotta have some more Bling and Techy stuff for future rides.

I'm planning on doing the Rusty Nuts Southern Cross ride in 2009 an feel confident the C50T will take me where I wanna go in Comfort and Style.

Cheers
P38

[lemure]

I'm planning on doing the Rusty Nuts Southern Cross ride in 2009 an feel confident the C50T will take me where I wanna go in Comfort and Style.

Hey man, stay away from that "Southern" Comfort while you're on the bike, or you might need some Medicinal Comfort... :doh: After hearing what Edbear says about his bike I'm sure you're right. He's done a few kays on his and is very happy.