First big cruiser?

[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

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

[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.

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.

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... 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

[DMNTD:Me]

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?

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.