Sporty Cruisers...noob question?

[GSVR]

'Muscle bikes'.

GSX1400, CB1300, ZRX1200R.

The SV's a sportbike, though. Without a fairing, it's a 'naked', like the Z1000 or the Hornet.

I do so love classifying things.

I'd classify you as a Rocket III running on 2 (nothing personal just thought it sounded funny)

[limbimtimwim]

But it has evaporated from the catalogue, so I guess I was the only person who thought it was good.

[Jiminy]

Here are a few 'meaty' 'cruisers' that you might want to consider:

Honda Magna V4
Kawasaki Eliminator 900/1000cc
Honda X4 (or is it a cruiser?)

The Yamaha VMax (which doesn't look like a cruiser me think, and apparently doesn't like corners) and the Victory Hammer S (which I have never seen other than on pictures and is probably not available in NZ) might also fit the bill. Well, they'll sure fit a large bill

Of all of those, I have only tested the Eliminator. With its in-line engine and its peculiar look, it doesn't feel like a true cruiser, and I found its handling very heavy, but damn I liked that bike. I just wasn't ready for it yet.

Hope it helps. Good luck in your search.

[Ixion]

I suspect the definition isn't really a physical thing. it's how the riders, in general, look upon them. Sprotsbikes, the question is "how fast does it go". Crusiers, "What's it look like". Tourers , "How far can you go in a day".

But, they all overlap, and morph into one another.

It's not like a straight line continuum , either. More like a pyramid , with the extreme examples at each corner : sprots bikes; tourers; crusiers; and dirtbikes. And within the three dimensional space of the pyramid, every bike (except scooters) fits Every bike has some characteristics of the "pure" types, some are more "mixed" or "general purpose" than others.

(We really need to include scooters, but that brings us into four dimensional space, and my quantum-fu is weak)

[Big Dave]

But it has evaporated from the catalogue, so I guess I was the only person who thought it was good.

Cool pic - Can I spot a location or what.

[Waylander]

That's a tourer, by definition. One of the defining characteristics of a crusier is a very small fuel tank, which rules them out for long A to B.

I reckon bikes like the GSX1400 , CB1300 , SV1000 should be deemed sports crusiers. And the Harley Sportsters and similar.

Crusisers is , IMHO, a bike designed for shortish trips, in a mode where speed per se , especially through corners, is not a major consideration. Characterised by small fuel range (cos they're designed for short trips), lowish ground clearance (cos cornerering isn't a major must have, and low weight makes for easy riding), comfortable seats, and some luggage capacity, though not as much as a tourer. Engines that don't produce large power , but are easy to ride (eg twist twist and go in top gear, don't have to gear change all the time )

Have you even ridden a cruiser in the last ten years?

Muscle cruisers, how hard can it be.a cruiser that hoons stops and corners.

my mother could design one.

Stop selling us short Hdyamukiondasaki

Se the quote below.

Here are a few 'meaty' 'cruisers' that you might want to consider:

Honda Magna V4
Kawasaki Eliminator 900/1000cc
Honda X4 (or is it a cruiser?)

The Yamaha VMax (which doesn't look like a cruiser me think, and apparently doesn't like corners) and the Victory Hammer S (which I have never seen other than on pictures and is probably not available in NZ) might also fit the bill. Well, they'll sure fit a large bill

Of all of those, I have only tested the Eliminator. With its in-line engine and its peculiar look, it doesn't feel like a true cruiser, and I found its handling very heavy, but damn I liked that bike. I just wasn't ready for it yet.

Hope it helps. Good luck in your search.

The Vmax corners better than just about all cruisers mate. It's handling only sucks when you compare it to a sportbike or tourer.

[limbimtimwim]

I suspect the definition isn't really a physical thing. it's how the riders, in general, look upon them. Sprotsbikes, the question is "how fast does it go".

Around corners.

That's important.

[Hitcher]

(We really need to include scooters, but that brings us into four dimensional space, and my quantum-fu is weak)

I spotted your new ride the other day. Interesting...

[Jiminy]

The Vmax corners better than just about all cruisers mate. It's handling only sucks when you compare it to a sportbike or tourer.

Thanks, Waylander, I'll trust you as I haven't tried Mr Max myself. There's a new version around the corner, isn't it?

I might add the Hyosung GV 650 to the list, it's apparently fairly 'sporty' for a cruiser. Has anyone tried it? There's a modified version called 'Trend Killer' that looks kinda cool. Is there a 1000cc version due soon?

[The Lone Rider]

Thanks, Waylander, I'll trust you as I haven't tried Mr Max myself. There's a new version around the corner, isn't it?

I might add the Hyosung GV 650 to the list, it's apparently fairly 'sporty' for a cruiser. Has anyone tried it? There's a modified version called 'Trend Killer' that looks kinda cool. Is there a 1000cc version due soon?

Theres something about those GV650 that just don't look right to me. I think it has something to do with the way the rear wheel sits in the fender. Something doesnt look right to me though

Horray to you for mentioning the mighty v4 magna

[ukusa]

I reckon bikes like the GSX1400 , CB1300 , SV1000 should be deemed sports crusiers. And the Harley Sportsters and similar.

The above bikes don't cut the mustard as cruisers, I've had a quick scan through the posts, and no-one has mentioned forward mounted foot controls, surely a prerequisite of all cruisers. A so called "sporty" cruiser can only really be a personal judgement of how an individual thinks a cruiser handles for them.
Check out the wikipedia page on Cruisers (Motorcycles) which states " The riding position on a cruiser places the feet forward and the hands up, with the spine erect or leaning back slightly, which many find to be more comfortable for long-distance riding".

[johnnyflash]

The above bikes don't cut the mustard as cruisers, I've had a quick scan through the posts, and no-one has mentioned forward mounted foot controls, surely a prerequisite of all cruisers. A so called "sporty" cruiser can only really be a personal judgement of how an individual thinks a cruiser handles for them.
Check out the wikipedia page on Cruisers (Motorcycles) which states " The riding position on a cruiser places the feet forward and the hands up, with the spine erect or leaning back slightly, which many find to be more comfortable for long-distance riding".

true, anything with foot behind knee is not a 'cruiser' style in my book either :-)

[Ixion]

That is interesting. I have raised that point before, (it being the thing I find most disconcerting about crusiers); and been told that not all crusiers have a foot-forward configuration.

So, for instance, the Virago 750 ? Which does not have forward controls (well, the one I am familiar with does not). Is that then not a crusier?

[ital916]

The harley davidson night rod come with centre-controls. Which i reckon is awesome, i think it also has forward ones too?? The night rod special ranks in my top three of most gorgeous and badass motorcycles ever...mmm yummy

[The Lone Rider]

That is interesting. I have raised that point before, (it being the thing I find most disconcerting about crusiers); and been told that not all crusiers have a foot-forward configuration.

So, for instance, the Virago 750 ? Which does not have forward controls (well, the one I am familiar with does not). Is that then not a crusier?

You are right.

If all cruisers came with forward controls you'd only have very tall people on them

And forward controls wouldn't be a common aftermarket part bought for the bikes.

I for one have owned three cruisers, all with mid controls. But on my mighty v4, I shall be getting forward controls as soon as the bank account permits!