A line about cruisers

**Big Dave** · 14th January 2008, 14:22

And thanks for the discussion all - my Article on the 2008 Harleys was just dispatched.

I'll post up some pics shortly

MD · 14th January 2008, 15:26

I've just returned from riding Wgtn-Tauranga-Hamtn-Wgtn on the Daytona this week.
Holiday season; heaps of cops, tar melting, holiday traffic, trucks, caravans, boat trailers, more cops and too hot to wear leathers. So I donned jeans both ways and took it easy. Doesn't work so well on a 675 Daytona though.

I took some of the same backroad detours that I did on the same trip in 2004 on my Triumph America (via Kimbolton).
Without a doubt I would have preferred to have been on the America again.
In fact I regularly thought about that enjoyable 'America' trip.
It's laid back manners, no need to rush, no need to show off, and the comfort Yes, I definitely recalled the comfort - my sore butt reminded me often of how soft and plush the seat-suspension was on the America.

Cruisers do make sense and will make even more cents to many when the new anti-speed laws come into effect this year.

**Ixion** · 14th January 2008, 15:29

But you could get the same comfort level on a tourier without the crusier oddities.

Plus stuff like ABS brakes , and some weather portection. And ground clearance, and no vibration.

And a decent tank range.

**Big Dave** · 14th January 2008, 15:47

Originally Posted by Ixion

But you could get the same comfort level on a tourier without the crusier oddities.

Plus stuff like ABS brakes , and some weather portection. And ground clearance, and no vibration.

And a decent tank range.

And on Newmarket overpass today a dressed up tourer would be hell.

I hate windscreens and bodywork - the weather protection is good for 5 minutes and the buffeting and noise are far worse than the 'wind blast'.

All they do is make it more comfortable at 80mph. That works well here hey.

Not to mention the HTFU factor and how nice they look with half an aquarium on the front of a bike.

Harden up and loose the plastic.

Vibration is not an issue. Balanced motors these days.

I personally have no desire for ABS.

Ground clearance is fine to 30kph beyond the limit or advisory signs. That also makes sense.

**Ixion** · 14th January 2008, 16:06

You need an electric screen! Best invention ever.

I can ride von Klunken for an hour and more in all but the most torrential downpour without waterproofs. And in hot weather drop the screen for 'wind in the face'. And if you adjust it midway there is total silence!

For HTFU I ride naked two smokers!

And I like ABS. Don't have a problem if it's not there , but if it is it's one less thing to need sorting.

And I don't need to lean back and spread my legs ! Cos the footpegs are in the proper place.

**James Deuce** · 14th January 2008, 16:54

MT-01. Best cruiser ever. Footpegs are in the right place.

**McJim** · 14th January 2008, 17:36

I have to ride my baby Ducati within it's limits. Does that mean it's a cruiser too?

**James Deuce** · 14th January 2008, 17:38

Yes. It only has a single disc like most cruisers too.

**McJim** · 14th January 2008, 17:45

Originally Posted by Jim2

Yes. It only has a single disc like most cruisers too.

You really don't like my bike do you?

**limbimtimwim** · 14th January 2008, 18:00

Originally Posted by MD

It's laid back manners, no need to rush, no need to show off,

Funnily enough, I rode a proper Harley on Saturday and came to the same conclusion. Every previous bike I have ridden has either been a) boring or b) begging to be thrashed.

The Harley softtail something-or-other almost was neither boring, nor begging to be thrashed.

"Highway pegs" are retarded though. Otherwise, better than I expected.j

**Big Dave** · 14th January 2008, 18:23

Originally Posted by Jim2

MT-01. Best cruiser ever. Footpegs are in the right place.

That's not a cruiser - it's a 'Standard'.

**Big Dave** · 14th January 2008, 18:29

Originally Posted by Ixion

You need an electric screen! Best invention ever.

I can ride von Klunken for an hour and more in all but the most torrential downpour without waterproofs. And in hot weather drop the screen for 'wind in the face'. And if you adjust it midway there is total silence!

For HTFU I ride naked two smokers!

And I like ABS. Don't have a problem if it's not there , but if it is it's one less thing to need sorting.

And I don't need to lean back and spread my legs ! Cos the footpegs are in the proper place.

I agree about the windscreens - made that point on Concors and FJR tests, but I prefer strapping a motor to my butt rather than getting 'in' a vehicle.

'Sure' with the hour riding, or 2 minutes when stopped.

ABS = no

(but might be a good thing on a croozer though)