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Cruiser vs. Sport

^^^ Humm, That sounds strange to me...Because of the more competent Sport bike...I am more able to recover...in every situation I've gone past the point.

You might have a valid point though...The first thing I do to my Sport bikes, is toss the clip-on handle bars, and do all the set-up (Tires / suspension /chassis) for where I'm using the bike...so...It's a modified "Sport bike".
 
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I own the more recent version of the virago - v-star 250.
It was my first bike, I don't ride it much any more since I got the dual sport.

The thing about the 250 is that everything is easy (as long as you aren't trying to go over 65).

The bike is small, lightweight (so easy to handle in parking lots), it cornered well enough for me at the time, and I could flat foot it.

It felt safe and comfortable because it was easy to control. The upright riding position worked for me (connie, try Doc Wong and/or an inversion table, both can help a lot with your back).

The 250 had only a few drawbacks for me actually:
1) marginal power, would have been ok with this except for #2:
2) no ABS - I commute to work, ABS has saved me a few times now.
3) I wanted more comfy suspension for commuting.

All that added up to the dual sport with ABS I ride now.
 
I have 3 other bikes with handlebars, so do I still need to swap out the clip-ons on my ZX-10R for a handlebar? :x
 
ScottRNelson said:
starting to feel the limits on a bike with higher limits - when riding somewhere other than a race track - might not leave you enough margin to keep from crashing.

Typically the point where you feel the limits and the point where you're past them is much narrower on a sport bike than on other motorcycles.
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actually yeah, those are both true...since the limit of sportbikes is much higher it's much more risky to "feel it out", more is at stake at those speeds...which goes back to my point that at reasonable speeds, even "fast" on a public road, should be well below the limits of available traction on a sportbike.

also i agree that the limit is much more narrow. On a sportbike the stiff suspension, which gives better feel for traction, makes the "grey area" at the edge of the traction limit much smaller, at least on bumpy public roads. on the race track with nice tires the grey area is very transparent and more predictable, and easier to access successfully at high speeds. but yeah, that means that on public roads, non-sportbikes with more suspension travel are easier and safer to find the limit and the grey area of starting to slide. point conceded!
 
Is this the "post pictures of your cruiser" thread? 'Cuz I'm always ready. :twofinger

DSC_2207.JPG
 
DWC said:
Is this the "post pictures of your cruiser" thread? 'Cuz I'm always ready. :twofinger

DSC_2207.JPG
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Looks very nice; that's how I would want it except maybe a lower bar. Excuse my Harley ignorance but what model/option is that bike?
 
For most of my motorcycle life I bought "standards" because I wanted to do "sport touring" without all the humungous sabblebags, fairing, etc. I'd just strap on whatever to a sissy bar or rack and get going. These bikes were still good enough to get a thrill out of as far as speed, handling etc as my riding skills are not exactly at the top.:rolleyes I've had absolutely no formal training.

Now I'm a cruiser rider due to my son getting a Harley. I told him if he got one I would too, never thinking he would get one because he was a hard-core sport bike rider.

But he did get a Harley! So I bought a Softail, and have been very happy with it although I scraped the floorboards the first turn I took out of the parking lot from the dealer! I had to adjust my ride style.:nchantr

If you're happy with your choice stay with it.

My son really got into the Harley world, and has had three to my one! He would get a bagger if he could afford it!:thumbup

My bike:

motorcyclepic-1.jpg
 
louemc said:
:thumbup :thumbup It just astounds me, why everyone doesn't do these simple things...to make their bike "right"
for their own use.
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This!

I've always modified any bike I owned so it would fit me. Yea, it's more hassle than adjusting the fit in a car where all you have to do is press a few buttons and the seat moves 16 ways and the steering wheel and pedals move around as well. Imagine hopping into your car and not being able to do those things. Adjusting your bike to fit you pays HUGE dividends. Really huge. Yet I see all size and shape and proportion bodies all riding the same bike and it's not changed from the way the factory built it. Nutz.
 
ST Guy said:
This!

I've always modified any bike I owned so it would fit me. Yea, it's more hassle than adjusting the fit in a car where all you have to do is press a few buttons and the seat moves 16 ways and the steering wheel and pedals move around as well. Imagine hopping into your car and not being able to do those things. Adjusting your bike to fit you pays HUGE dividends. Really huge. Yet I see all size and shape and proportion bodies all riding the same bike and it's not changed from the way the factory built it. Nutz.
Click to expand...

I've modified all mine too. Having a decent seat and a good handlebar postion solves most long distance riding problems. Never did any engine mods (until the Harley) because all the standards I had were pretty darn fast! But I hear that now they are out of style.

With Harley it's easier than ever to "make it your own" because Harley has an aftermarket like no other brand in the world. You can get anything, even stuff that you would think no one would want.:cool

The Harley I have has 100+ ft lbs of torque at around 2500 rpm (it sounds like a lot, and it is, but remember this is a 700+ lb bike!) so it can get out of its own way in an emergency. This mod (heads, cams, valves, bored out, clutch, ECU, etc. etc.) did not come cheap. That's the downside of owning a Harley.:thumbdown

Although if I had to do it again, I wouldn't go that far. I'd just get a better air filter and pipes. I think the newer bikes are more powerful with the now standard 103" engine.
 
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If I wasn't in a place where I am responsible for the welfare of others I'd never ride another fucking cruiser again. I'd be on a RSV4 Factory APRC at the track every day there weren't waves. Every. Single. Day.

But I am, so I ride a Harley.... for now.
 
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