Cruiser riding position - can I get used to it?

[middleaged2wheeler]

As one who has ridden only upright configuration bikes, I would find it hard to go into a bike shop and test ride a cruiser, leaning bac and gears and brake well forward style---does it take long to switch styles without making fool ass of myself.

[MotoKuzzi]

As one who has ridden only upright configuration bikes, I would find it hard to go into a bike shop and test ride a cruiser, leaning bac and gears and brake well forward style---does it take long to switch styles without making fool ass of myself.

I find it difficult changing from my normal ride to any other type unless I've been on it before.

[Rockbuddy]

I own a sporty and a cruiser so im always switching and dont have any problems, i think its like any ride you just have to get used to it, take it easy at first untill you get the feel of it and it becomes almost second nature

[Darth Fader]

I know some people that just could not adapt to the cruiser riding style after changing from a sports bike. I however had no problems...I got used to it after a day or two. I did however have some muscle pains in my groin area for the first week or two due to the open leg sitting style...nothing serious though. Once you're used to it, it's very comfortable...enjoy...

DF

[aahsv]

I found cornering approach, lean angles and body position to be opposites (works for me anyway)

[rainman]

They're not all way forward controls, y'know - seating position on my bike is pretty upright. I always feel like I'm doing push-ups if I ride a sportsbike, at least on the ones I've tried, and I have a gimpy back so get tired of that position pretty quickly.

Riding style and c.o.g. is a bit different though. Just give it a go and don't go crazy at first, you'll be fine.

What are you thinking of test-riding?

[mikey62]

Have just changed from a sporty back to a cruiser and as soon I got on I tried putting my feet back and thought :doh: Everythings different but good.

[scumdog]

Hell, easy-peasy to ride a cruiser, I found the sports-bikes too hard on wrists for riding around town, conversely a cruiser without a screen is hard on your neck and shoulders at anything much above 120kph...:shutup:

[Griffin]

I dont think it would take long to get used to the physical aspects of seating position or location of controls etc... I reckon the major thing that takes people a while to get used to when moving from a sports to a cruiser is their mental attitude toward the ride. Its a totally different style, as aahsv said - the cornering, lean angles etc are different - you cant expect the same response or manouverability from a Cruiser. Once you get your head around that... no prob :)

[Movistar]

I'd had sportsbikes mainly up until April '06 then bought a 109 Suzuki. Had it till September '07 then got a K7 GSXR750.

As much as I enjoyed the torque and look of the 109, being a short ass gave me cramp in the legs on long rides.

If it hadn't of been for that fact I would probably still have it.

[Headbanger]

No, You will never get used to it.

[middleaged2wheeler]

don,t know as yet--the laid bac position seems relaxing on the riders i,ve ever seen.--my bac could stand that and bolt upright -but leaning forward in a semi-racing position for hours stretches my bac and is not pleasure.. need to get onto an old airstrip or something to try one out first. probably a yamie or suzuki.

[AllanB]

Find yourself a good dealer that is happy to let you go for a decent test ride - tell them your concerns - ask if they are OK with a initial test ride followed by another a few days later.
Why?
The first test ride will probably put you off as you will feel out of your comfort zone and expect it to handle like your existing bike. You'll be more relaxed and realistic on the second ride and appreciate the bike more.

A few years back I went for a test ride on a SV1000 - from my upright old 750 Kawa. 20 minutes into the ride I had to rest my wrists (and ears as it had open Yoshis!) frankly I thought it was the most uncomfortable thing I'd ever ridden :shit: The shop told me to come back next weekend and go for good spin - get out on the open road etc. 2nd time around it was sweet.

Anyone else notice that Mr S-dog must have been speeding - 120kms per :Police:

[Headbanger]

My back couldn't handle forward controls, and even before it became painful I didn't find it comfortable or practical, so I binned em and mounted the foot pegs and controls much closer.

Shes all sweet now.

[middleaged2wheeler]

I notice the virago has all the motor size options all the way thru and their veetwin range extends to the srv which is a up right version of a virago more or less. I notice quite a number of viragos on trade me really late model ones and guess people buy them and try the cruiser style then try and flick them off again. -maybe they find it too hard a style. I like the yamaha and the virago.the srv maybe slighty racer position but what a nice bike also. think i,ll stick to virago AND not having a centre stand maybe easier on a cruiser as just flick leg down and side stand it--never the less have to learn cruiser style first. -are side stands easier to work from sitting on cruiser.

[duckonin]

Any one can enjoy a cruiser as long as they leave their egos behind and forget about what they used to ride....Ride a cruiser with an open mind kick back and enjoy the scenery,but to purchase remember they are all different, some have very forward positions some have running boards which allow you to move your boots around a bit, the bars on bikes do not fit all sometimes you need to go into risers or change the bars to suit your arm length ect ect ....:niceone:

[middleaged2wheeler]

sounds like you have to almost custom fit a cruiser to personal specs.

[<G>]

I found riding a cruiser much easier than I anticipated...who would've thought that it would go round corners so easily :msn-wink:, didn't find the forward feet position at all difficult to get used to. Only problem I had was a hillstart -but that will take practice.
I think you will be pleasantly surprised at how well cruisers ride and handle, I know I was! :)

[johnnyflash]

sounds like you have to almost custom fit a cruiser to personal specs.
Exactrly the point, not everyone rides a stock cruiser, each can be adapted to suit the riders size, weight etc etc, a minor change of bar riser height or angle can make postion perfect, there are many things that can be tuned to the rider :-) give it a shot, byt the time you have test ridden 5 cruisers you will know what you want :-)

[bmz2]

Exactrly the point, not everyone rides a stock cruiser, each can be adapted to suit the riders size, weight etc etc, a minor change of bar riser height or angle can make postion perfect, there are many things that can be tuned to the rider :-) give it a shot, byt the time you have test ridden 5 cruisers you will know what you want :-)

correct there JF ,you have to fit the cruiser to the riders needs.

[middleaged2wheeler]

well a cruiser tour of what i did on my XJ550 years ago will be something to aim for--best part of NZ, off the Picton Ferry turn right up the hill towards Havlock, and will indeed be cruisin along the sounds and Charolette to Havelock & all those quaint little places to Nelson. Not so sure about leaving any bike unattended outside back packers these days as i used to> the latest bike stands (centre ones )are lockable and it any sod wants to pinch it has to lift the whole thing up with the steering locked as well. Anyway cruisin the Queen Charolette Sound way on a real cruiser seemes the cats whiskerto me in the summer.

[middleaged2wheeler]

well thanks for all your advice--only two ways to learn things ask ask ask , get the real picture and then do it yourself.

[Irontusk]

are side stands easier to work from sitting on cruiser.

Extremely simple, a hell of alot easier than the only centre stand I've used, what a prick that thing was!!

[AllanB]

I read with interest the comments stating 'you have to adapt a cruiser to the rider' I have always found this applied to any bike - naked (I've changed my Hornets bars) - sports bikes,suspension settings are important here, bubble screens are popular etc.

I subscribe to the notion that the factory has supplied you with a great bike designed to fit a wide range of sizes and weights and with a bit of a tweak here and there it can become a better bike.

Plus I like mods.

Cruisers offer a superb platform for mods and bling.

[Headbanger]

I thought the point was more along the lines that in some cases you can tweak the riding position to suit. Interesting that no one mentioned seats...

Anyway, The first step is to sit on a few to see what feels good anyway, Buy a bike to suit first and foremost.

[Gizzit]

..... SNIP ........
Anyone else notice that Mr S-dog must have been speeding - 120kms per :Police:

I've just been reading through the older posts on cruisers .... I noticed what he "fessed up too" !! :shit: :eek: :jerry:

[piston broke]

I've just been reading through the older posts on cruisers .... I noticed what he "fessed up too" !! :shit: :eek: :jerry:

yep,
old as but bling sent to sd
our plod are humans too.
bring back the m.o.t

[Gizzit]

yep,
old as but bling sent to sd
our plod are humans too.
bring back the m.o.t

Hey ..... don't know about "human" ???? lol. :2thumbsup

[popelli]

sounds like you have to almost custom fit a cruiser to personal specs.


?????????? and where did this come from

I bought a ducati 2 years ago, it needed to have different bars fitted to make it comfortable to ride and it took a lot of readjustment after 20 odd years of riding Harleys

So from my perspective its sports bikes that require adjustments

Looking at the various adjustable bars and adjustment foot rest hangers for sports bikes on the market this would appear to be the case

[JohnnyBoston]

I read with interest the comments stating 'you have to adapt a cruiser to the rider' I have always found this applied to any bike - naked (I've changed my Hornets bars) - sports bikes,suspension settings are important here, bubble screens are popular etc.

I subscribe to the notion that the factory has supplied you with a great bike designed to fit a wide range of sizes and weights and with a bit of a tweak here and there it can become a better bike.

Plus I like mods.

Cruisers offer a superb platform for mods and bling.

Best post in this thread. I totally agree. :2thumbsup

[Jerry74]

Not hard really to adjust.
I ride a ZXR and test rode a Suzuki Intruder 800 was like sitting on a lazyboy compared to sportbike... very nice to ride and I am now converted to a cruiser.