What's up with the general population of cruiser riders?

[kiwibryn]

The bike in question was an 1100 early 90's model... and yes, it felt about the same weight as my maggot... easy in, easy out...

[NighthawkNZ:Me]

I lean a bit that way too (especially when drunk)

But the bikes CB and I ride are comfortable cruisers that we can cover a fair distance CRUISING -not racing - and arrive feeling fine and not tied up in a knot or in a lather of sweat.

Often I go quite a distance through windy road without using the brakes, I judge the corner and use the gears and have my speed sorted before I get to the corner.

If ya want a slow, safe and comfortable ride with time to look at the scenery then follow us on a trip......

Tom I have riden many trips with you now and had a few with CB in tow as well, and yes cruisey, we all ride our own ride, and no racing, no pressure, and we just enjoy the ride... I hope we do many more in the future with you and CB

Even though I am on a Sports/Tourer, the way I have it set up its more a tourer and is happy just to cruise along as well... (though I am still looking in to getting that touring seat )

I to rearly brake using brakes (heck still go the orginal pads ) but use the engine braking power of the VTR, I do sometimes flash my brakes lights if I am under engine braking alone to alert the rider or vehicle behind me that I am slowing but not heavy braking...

With going back to orginal title, I have seen all sorts do the fast over take, slam on anchors to get round the corner... when I have already judged the speed for the corner... and its not just cruisers, and not just bikes... Yes I know I could get round alot faster than I do...(and could if I wanted to) but why I am still going to get there a split second behind the idiot that just past me... and nine times out of ten the cruiser (or cage) has slowed me down during the corner... especially after the apex and I am about to put the power back on... I normally have a smooth ride and keep a steady pace (what ever pace I have set) for the corners and straights...

If I am in a group and don't know the road I will happily take up TEC...

A while back I was past by a cage that slammed on anchors to get round the corner... luckily I cottoned on to this and had already reduced my speed even more then needed... but still... heck I witness a camper van tring to overtake a Goldwing going to Kaikoura a couple of years ago... that nearly caused a pile up and th egold wing being pushed off the road... (and He wasn't going that slow either)

And yes many cruiser riders over taking on stupid places, as mentioned... many sports bike riders do as well, and many cage drivers, Whats the rush... you don't really get there much faster over all...

[buellbabe]

Well when I read the post that started this thread off I pretty much had an instant reply...along the lines of "oh boo hoo hooo...stop snivelling and build a bridge".

Buuuut I read thru the whole thread (bummer it turned into a slanging match) and there are alot of relevant points made.
Heres my 2c...Jeez! over the years I have ridden a quite a few different bikes and ridden with a LOT of different bikes and I think its unfair to point the finger at one particular style of bike...cos in my experience the style of riding is actually the issue and it is widespread across the riding community. Yeah I am not a fan of it either but its just part of life !

Often I go quite a distance through windy road without using the brakes, I judge the corner and use the gears and have my speed sorted before I get to the corner.
.

Well said Scummy...I would rather ride at a steadier pace as well ...easier on the body and easier on the bike LOL.

[GrayWolf]

As I See It
We in NZ have the best sport/touring roads in the world without a doubt.
And there in lies the reasoning.
Harleys, and all the big crusers that grace these same roads
were just not designed for them.
What market are the Jap crusers designed and aimed for?
America
400mile long straights!
No they cannot corner as well, and yes the riders do brake hard, turn slow and the fang it along the straight.
But thats what the crusers were designed for.

I'd agree with about 60% of that. I rode various 'Cruisers' from the mid 80's till getting the FJ & XTZ. (That includes a Guzzi California 1100, Does'nt corner?) Mutters about selling said Cali, because 'she' reckoned the suspension was like riding a plank!!!
One thing I have seen is that many still try to ride cruisers like a 'sprotbike'. Designed for heavy braking then 'fang it' down the straight, no my friend, line up, lose speed and smoothly through the corner, then 'rolling' power on the apex in top gear.... Hmmmm now I know why I love the FJ!

[bmz2]

I think the way the cruiser guys ride in a group could be part of the problem. They seem to have protocol for leaving as a group and maybe they have a thing also about arriving en-mass. This could mean that if someone at the front wants to show off and ride hard, maybe some of the guys behind can't keep up.If they are keeping up, they're probably not riding their own ride and are at their limits. Next thing to happen is an accident.

What planet are you from. Because it's not from here

[Toaster]

I ride a cruiser. I like to cruise. It is what I like about my bike. I am in no hurry and I will get there in my own time. It has the grunt to go fast when I want it to. I try to be considerate on the road around other bikers on sport bikes. I know they are a different type of bike and likely to have a rider who rides different to me and thats ok. I will try to be considerate to them whenever I can. I expect the same in return. I think this is fair. We all share the road and have a right to be there.

Well said and ditto.

[xwhatsit]

What I'd like to know, is why the general population of cruiser riders on this forum are so fucking touchy.

[scumdog]

What I'd like to know, is why the general population of cruiser riders on this forum are so fucking touchy.

Buy a cruiser and find out - it's a secret cruiser 'thing'.

[xwhatsit]

Buy a cruiser and find out - it's a secret cruiser 'thing'.

Something to do with the riding position crushing and vibing yer nuts? I thought that was a sprotsbike thing?

Anyway, everybody seems hella defensive. Perhaps it's just because nobody's insulted 250 Hondas in a while that I don't understand why you're all so upset

[Headbanger]

Something to do with the riding position crushing and vibing yer nuts? I thought that was a sprotsbike thing?

Anyway, everybody seems hella defensive. Perhaps it's just because nobody's insulted 250 Hondas in a while that I don't understand why you're all so upset

You would be too if you had spent 35 grand on a penis enhancement and everyone mocked it.

Muhahahahahaha

[oldrider]

I lean a bit that way too (especially when drunk)

But the bikes CB and I ride are comfortable cruisers that we can cover a fair distance CRUISING -not racing - and arrive feeling fine and not tied up in a knot or in a lather of sweat.

Often I go quite a distance through windy road without using the brakes, I judge the corner and use the gears and have my speed sorted before I get to the corner.

If ya want a slow, safe and comfortable ride with time to look at the scenery then follow us on a trip......

I will drink to that!

Following along behind SD and CB (once I caught up to them) from Franz Joseph to Woodstock was very relaxed and enjoyable.

They rode a "smooth and steady" ride and I really enjoyed riding with them, good company at the stops too! Cheers John.

[scumdog]

Something to do with the riding position crushing and vibing yer nuts? I thought that was a sprotsbike thing?

Anyway, everybody seems hella defensive. Perhaps it's just because nobody's insulted 250 Hondas in a while that I don't understand why you're all so upset

Hey!
You own a HONDA!
(People in glass houses and all that)

[NighthawkNZ:Me]

Something to do with the riding position crushing and vibing yer nuts? I thought that was a sprotsbike thing?

Anyway, everybody seems hella defensive. Perhaps it's just because nobody's insulted 250 Hondas in a while that I don't understand why you're all so upset

Well you obviously haven't had a honda for long... just wait the honda jokes will come...