Why did you buy your cruiser?

**vifferman** · 23rd June 2004, 11:29

Originally Posted by jrandom

I find that cruisers give me a very uncomfortable lower back after an hour or so of riding.

That's quite a common complaint, and is entirely to do with the typical cruiser seating position tending to curve your spine the wrong way. That and the fact that if it has a 'feet forward' riding position, any jolts from bumps are going to be transmitted straight up through your tailbone to your (wrongly curved) spine, as you can't use your legs to absorb any of the shock.

**jrandom** · 23rd June 2004, 11:50

Originally Posted by firestormer

That and the fact that if it has a 'feet forward' riding position, any jolts from bumps are going to be transmitted straight up through your tailbone to your (wrongly curved) spine, as you can't use your legs to absorb any of the shock.

Yes, that sounds familiar.

I recall getting quite annoyed when I rode a GZ250 loaner for a few days as attempts to hitch my arse forwards and put some weight on the pegs kept failing. Ended up trying to ride it like a dirtbike with my elbows bent back, half-sitting on the tank. It was either that, or lean far enough back that I could get my spine into a proper shape, which just ended up looking bloody ridiculous.

I don't think I want to commute on a cruiser again.

**scumdog** · 23rd June 2004, 17:07

Originally Posted by MeHigh

I bought ma baby to ride it at 80k/h with a tunder like sound, sitting like I don't care and wrepped in black leather... that's ma hobby

Yeah, sort of my reason too but mainly because I wanted a bike like that - after all why have a bike you didn't want

I grew up when Easy Rider was cool and first appeared on the screen (tickets for the 'flicks cost 15c for the good seats then) but wanted a bike that was more suited to N.Z. roads than a hard-tail with long forks, (still like the look though)

Still reckon a 1200S is the best handling etc of the Harleys (unmodified that is)

**Bob** · 24th June 2004, 00:16

Originally Posted by Hitcher

At 5'2" dripping wet, Mrs H has few options for riding bikes that aren't cruisers. Adventure bikes -- forget it. Sports bikes -- not a chance. Tourers -- Unlikely. Bikes really are quite discriminatory when it comes to the vertically challenged! It's not just seat height or width issues either. Tank shape and bar grip location is also a consideration.

My wife has the same problem. She is even shorter than Mrs H (barely 5 foot in her bare feet), so cruisers made sense.

Her bike is an XV250 Virago. Reason for that particular bike is she passed her test last year - and in England the rules are that you spend 2 years restricted to 33bhp (don't ask for the metric conversion, I cannot get my head around it!). The XV250 is 20bhp - but can still make 75 on a good day with a tailwind!

We bought it before she passed - good incentive! I didn't want her to buy a 125cc bike (max size for a learner over here), so by getting a 250, it really pushed her to get it right and take possession of her bike from me!

Have to say I love riding it when I get the chance - very different experience from my SV, but that is part of the fun for me.

If you want a look at some pix, take a look at this link to a review of it I wrote

**The Preacher** · 6th January 2005, 19:44

Many moons ago when speed meant everything to a young buck the way was Triumph. Now as age has moved sky ward and the mountain now has a downward tilt the cruiser has become the bike to own.

When travelling at 50Kph through town in top gear and to just open the throttle slightly reaching the open road speed limit while still leaving cars in your trail, then who needs a road bike or at that matter gears

**Holy Roller** · 6th January 2005, 21:24

Originally Posted by Motoracer

I thought the 2004 Valkerie with dark blue/purple colour with shit loads of chrome at the Honda stand in Paeroa was very tasty. Wouldn't mind owning one of them beasty things, money permiting.

Personally I think the Rocket has the better looks.
Why has the later models gone so wide, seat tank? The slim version of the XV1100 Virago I think would be more rideable than the beasty XV1100 out now. I guess that is how style goes ay. Next bike may be a Guzzi or a trumpy Bonnie America but in reality may have to settle for a VT750 Honda or a VL 800 but will be a cruiser type. I've not noticed any back pain on my XV and my back isn't what it used to be. Cruisers are bikes that you can see where you are going rather than lifting the head to see, but I guess its what one is used to though

**Hitcher** · 7th January 2005, 08:02

Originally Posted by Holy Roller

That ain't no Valkerie. That be a Rune. I don't know what the designer who came up with that was taking at the time...

**crashe** · 7th January 2005, 09:52

It was the movie "Easy Rider" that did it for me.....

But on a serious note..... I am only 4ft 12 inches tall and there aint a lot of bikes out there that I can reach the ground on... And I like to have my feet touching the ground when just sitting on it.... (at the lights, stop signs and idling) .

I have always loved the cruiser's / low riders.... and the ape hanger look..
Its just something about the style of bike...

Would I ever own a Harley..... most unlikely....cos a) the cost and b) the height of them as they also have a very wide seat on them. So I shall stay with my Virago.....

I did sit on Briano's bike the other day.... and yep I could reach the ground, but I found the bike too heavy for me....

BOB - I just read your link re the XV 250.... its so true... they are so neat to ride.. I love my one.

**James Deuce** · 7th January 2005, 09:58

I have a guilty secret.

I want one of these.

**Hitcher** · 7th January 2005, 10:10

Originally Posted by Jim2

I have a guilty secret.

I want one of these.

While the Yamaha Roadstar Warrior may look the goods, they are ferkin uncomfortable. It's the donk out of these that powers the new Yamaha MT01 (what sort of name is that?). The Kawasaki Meanstreak 1600 is my pick of the "power cruiser" market -- for comfort, style and performance.

**vifferman** · 7th January 2005, 10:18

Originally Posted by Holy Roller

Next bike may be a Guzzi or a trumpy Bonnie America but in reality may have to settle for a VT750 Honda or a VL 800 but will be a cruiser type.

I seriously considered a Guzzi Nevada, and test-rode a VT1100 for a laugh (horrible) and then considered a VT750. Very comfy, nice motor (better'n the VT1100), but the handlebars felt like I was steering a wheelbarrow, and I couldn't get it to change into second without an almighty CLUNK!! so I just started it in second instead.

Your comment about the width of bikes has a lot to do with most of the bigger cruisers being designed either in the USA, or with that market in mind. The buyers therefore expect them to have sort of Harley-esque dimensions and styling.

MD · 7th January 2005, 15:57

Originally Posted by vifferman

I seriously considered a Guzzi Nevada, and test-rode a VT1100 for a laugh (horrible) and then considered a VT750. Very comfy, nice motor (better'n the VT1100), but the handlebars felt like I was steering a wheelbarrow, and I couldn't get it to change into second without an almighty CLUNK!! so I just started it in second instead.

Your comment about the width of bikes has a lot to do with most of the bigger cruisers being designed either in the USA, or with that market in mind. The buyers therefore expect them to have sort of Harley-esque dimensions and styling.

Honda spent a fortune developing that CLUNK. They probably have a patent on the horrible damn noise, especially up to 2nd gear -that's a head turner. How come after all these years they can't sort their gear boxes? They're Ok but obviously no one at the big H has ever ridden a Suzook or Kwaka who have been putting out sweet boxes for years.Which brings me to the Triumph America's gear box. Its fine until you have to stop suddenly in top. Then you can't tap down through the gears. Maybe with a few more miles this will sort itself.
Apart from that I'm impressed with the bike's build quality and rideability. The ride position doesn't give me any sort of sore back like some say about cruisers. And finally a bike totally free of vibs. It's the first bike I've had where your throttle hand doesn't go numb.

**thehollowmen** · 7th January 2005, 20:50

ok.. imagine 6 foot, one inch inch long spikey hair, lots of leather and spikes ...

ok now that's just my wife pillion...

I think to get comfortable it will have to be a jap cruiser... we've looked at sports / tourers and haven't had much luck with comfort... and I can't see myself buying anything other than jap because of the restraints on the $$$

well.. I am having a look at moto-guzzi second hand... *ponders* but I'm sure it will end up as a jap cruiser.

**Biggles2000** · 8th January 2005, 21:07

I'm the same. Tall and long in the limb, cruisers are the bikes I feel most physically comfortable on. If I want to relax I sit in an arm chair and not on a stool. I have just gone back to a cruiser from a sports-touring bike. Every time I went on a ride recently I seemed to get a speeding ticket, for a while I thought I had "pull me over please" painted on my back, for me no licence equals no job. I'm sure that being in the wind keeps my velocity a bit lower.
I know that HD put a lot of effort into getting the feel and sound of the gear change clunk just right and even the horn on a HD sounds sexy. Big controls and a big seat at the moment suits me down to the ground.

Phill

**v.ros`** · 11th January 2005, 13:00

This would sound wierd but one of the reasons i got a cruiser (BTW for those of u who dont know...one bike of mine is a 250cc cruiser and the other a cbr600 sporty) is everytime i go to gym and if i ride my cruiser home or anywhere, its no problem..... but as soon as i sit on my cbr and hold the bars.... my triceps really hurt. they sort of get "pulled", so until i get used to the cbr, i think ill have to keep on riding my cruiser on days when i go to workout...

and my first option was a cruiser.. but now i prefer the sport bikes - MORE SPEEEEEEEED and more THRILL

- my 2 cents