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Cruisers and sport bikes
- Thread starter gwprime
- Start date
homme de fer
Well-known member
Lol, getting back on topic, I ride with anyone that owns a bike regardless of year, make, and model. Our yearly Adirondack ride involves pretty much every manufacturer and displacement; no one really cares since none us are "posers" (defined as someone who owns a bike for image and rarely rides while displaying snobbery against other manufacturers).
Going off topic, the Burgman is an interesting bike and MacDoc certainly seems to like his. It isn't my cup of tea (I'm not a fan of the look and I like getting off-road), however, my Sertao wouldn't be many peoples first choice either.
Going off topic, the Burgman is an interesting bike and MacDoc certainly seems to like his. It isn't my cup of tea (I'm not a fan of the look and I like getting off-road), however, my Sertao wouldn't be many peoples first choice either.
(insert opinion about scooters here)
I don't much care about what people ride, what I care about more is that our riding styles are compatible. I think there is some correlation between the type of bike one rides and the type of rider a person is - sometimes stereotypes exist for a reason - but I love to find out that I'm wrong.
I'm a pretty selfish person when I ride - I make lots of compromises in other areas, so when I get on my bike, I don't really like to make too many compromises there. Some of my best touring has been solo touring, when I can wake up and own every decision I make that day. I want to stop? I stop. I want to see what's over the hill? Over we go. I want to crash the bike over here? Over here it goes.
I ride an adventure bike because at 6'4", that style of bike fits me best. I've ridden (insert opinion about scooter here) sport bikes, standards and cruisers as well, and I get what makes each kind of bike different and interesting.
But I've always said that the best motorcycle in the world, every time, is the one you're riding right now.
I don't much care about what people ride, what I care about more is that our riding styles are compatible. I think there is some correlation between the type of bike one rides and the type of rider a person is - sometimes stereotypes exist for a reason - but I love to find out that I'm wrong.
I'm a pretty selfish person when I ride - I make lots of compromises in other areas, so when I get on my bike, I don't really like to make too many compromises there. Some of my best touring has been solo touring, when I can wake up and own every decision I make that day. I want to stop? I stop. I want to see what's over the hill? Over we go. I want to crash the bike over here? Over here it goes.
I ride an adventure bike because at 6'4", that style of bike fits me best. I've ridden (insert opinion about scooter here) sport bikes, standards and cruisers as well, and I get what makes each kind of bike different and interesting.
But I've always said that the best motorcycle in the world, every time, is the one you're riding right now.
Mighty Mike
Banned
Lol! Scooters and FZ8s for everyone!
HOOLLLAAAA
HOOLLLAAAA
BeastieGirl
Well-known member
Except for the 6'4" (subtract a foot from that) sums up my general thoughts nicely! I don't understand the "hate" for a type or brand of motorcycle that someone else rides. I enjoyed my recent vacation in Arizona on my rented Honda 750 Shadow (my first experience in riding a cruiser). I had no problems whatsoever in the twisties or the hairpins or the switchbacks and in fact, got caught behind a sport bike rider who was obviously terrified and braking constantly to do a 20 mph curve at maybe 10. Not to judge - because it could have been a new rider or someone just not as familiar with mountain riding as I am. But again to stereotype sport bike riders as all "skilled" fearless corners and cruiser riders as pokie-puppies is just a crock. Having said that, I'm not prepared to put the FZ1 out to pasture yet - but I can see the day.
So ride what makes you happy, but learn to be a skilled rider, regardless of your ride. Okay - some are naturals and some of us have to work at it, but there's no excuse for either sport bike, cruiser or scooter (and yes I've ridden a 400 Burgman so I know that as well) - to not learn proper cornering skills. And that's my criteria for riding partners - how you ride, not what you ride. Riders who are consistently wide and can't hold a line are not my riding partners for long. I am definitely not a natural - I took advanced training, did F.A.S.T. and a couple of courses in off-road and practiced holding my line until it became second nature, it just takes commitment and work (and yeah I envy those to whom it is second nature).
P.S. Not to say that a cruiser has the cornering ability of a sportbike given riders of equal skills - in fact my lowered FZ1 doesn't have the cornering ability of a sportbike either -but I admit would get smoked on the track
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I've actually been surprised by a dude on a big *** harley once or twice. Don't get it twisted, they can ride pretty fast if they know how to.Except for the 6'4" (subtract a foot from that) sums up my general thoughts nicely! I don't understand the "hate" for a type or brand of motorcycle that someone else rides. I enjoyed my recent vacation in Arizona on my rented Honda 750 Shadow (my first experience in riding a cruiser). I had no problems whatsoever in the twisties or the hairpins or the switchbacks and in fact, got caught behind a sport bike rider who was obviously terrified and braking constantly to do a 20 mph curve at maybe 10. Not to judge - because it could have been a new rider or someone just not as familiar with mountain riding as I am. But again to stereotype sport bike riders as all "skilled" fearless corners and cruiser riders as pokie-puppies is just a crock. Having said that, I'm not prepared to put the FZ1 out to pasture yet - but I can see the day.
So ride what makes you happy, but learn to be a skilled rider, regardless of your ride. Okay - some are naturals and some of us have to work at it, but there's no excuse for either sport bike, cruiser or scooter (and yes I've ridden a 400 Burgman so I know that as well) - to not learn proper cornering skills. And that's my criteria for riding partners - how you ride, not what you ride. Riders who are consistently wide and can't hold a line are not my riding partners for long. I am definitely not a natural - I took advanced training, did F.A.S.T. and a couple of courses in off-road and practiced holding my line until it became second nature, it just takes commitment and work (and yeah I envy those to whom it is second nature).
P.S. Not to say that a cruiser has the cornering ability of a sportbike given riders of equal skills - in fact my lowered FZ1 doesn't have the cornering ability of a sportbike either -but I admit would get smoked on the track
Sportbikes are always going to be faster than any harley and what not, but its all about moderation. After i'm burnt out and sell my bike, maybe i'll move onto a cruiser and chill. I don't mind riding with them any day actually... some of te guys end up pretty cool. I actually had a dude pull up next to me at a light and change out his gloves from his saddlebag, it was kinda funny... Not all of the cruiser riders are that bad, he looked like your typical badasss w this jacket
| http://www.motorcyclehouse.com/motorcycle-jackets.htm and loud bike but was cool to ride next to. |
YamaMana
Well-known member
Have to add, last summer hit the Allegany forest for a couple days. I on my VFR and a buddy on his harley. We met up with 3 others on similar bikes. By the end of the day we had been called a couple of old ladies (not to our faces) and I was specifically asked why I bothered to have such a capable bike if I wasn't going to "use" it.
Apparently riding at your own pace didn't apply.
We two parted ways with them the following morning.
Apparently riding at your own pace didn't apply.
We two parted ways with them the following morning.
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144 et al has bitten more than one rider not savvy enough to ride their own pace.
Good decision.
A ride is a ride and it's a brave wannabe that will tale Paul on in the twists on his 125.
With achy hands these days and a still sore shoulder that affects my throttle control riding twists hard is rare.
But the flip side of going slower is enjoying the ride and scenery without having to focus as intently and slower speed allows chit chat on the Scala's.
Buddy and I chatted the entire day away catching up on 9 months of being away - made the boring bit disappear and we had an enjoyable if long day on the Tablelands.
I guess my issues with cruisers is the low clearance and lack of storage. I want the option to go shopping, go twisties riding and go across the country on a single ride.
Big tourers including my ST1100 are awkward in the city and bit heavy in the twists. Pure sport bikes no storage and in my view awkward seating for distance ( says he who endured drop bars on a RD400 for a decade)
One reason I like the intermediate machines that will do all things reasonably.
Cruisers seem more of a lifestyle thing.
Back to the OP ....there are choices in between.
Good decision.
A ride is a ride and it's a brave wannabe that will tale Paul on in the twists on his 125.
With achy hands these days and a still sore shoulder that affects my throttle control riding twists hard is rare.
But the flip side of going slower is enjoying the ride and scenery without having to focus as intently and slower speed allows chit chat on the Scala's.
Buddy and I chatted the entire day away catching up on 9 months of being away - made the boring bit disappear and we had an enjoyable if long day on the Tablelands.
I guess my issues with cruisers is the low clearance and lack of storage. I want the option to go shopping, go twisties riding and go across the country on a single ride.
Big tourers including my ST1100 are awkward in the city and bit heavy in the twists. Pure sport bikes no storage and in my view awkward seating for distance ( says he who endured drop bars on a RD400 for a decade
)One reason I like the intermediate machines that will do all things reasonably.
Cruisers seem more of a lifestyle thing.
Back to the OP ....there are choices in between.
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D-bags come in all flavours, and ride all kinds of bikes...
YamaMana
Well-known member
Well just to clarify, definitely not "D-bags". 3 easy to get along with responsible guys, zero tolerance at lunches, no weed. They just liked to ride at speed and couldn't get their head around why anyone would not want to push the limits in a yahoo kind-of-way. Just not my thing.
Love twisties, scenery, cruisers & rockets. Definitely hit a straight-liner every now and then, but on the whole it's a pastime thing that involves looking for possible problems ahead, not trying be the creator of one.
Totally off topic, but OOMIS we have a very similar bike past. My current bike is an 08 VTX1300C. Previous bikes are 84 Virago 500, 86 Shadow 1100, 00 Nomad and 06 Vstrom 650. Very interesting...
Carmen
Well-known member
My original plan was to do my 30 day California ride solo, but I happen to mention it to a retired friend who rides a Gold Wing and he wants to come a long. He is an experienced rider and a very friendly guy, but I still havent' decided if I want company. I find the solo riding experience soul cleansing. I am accountable to no one, ride at my own pace and stop when I feel like it. The only time I miss the social interaction is at dinner time.
Yeah - I'm of two minds on it.
I'm leaning a bit more to the solo side these days but I like chatting on the scala to make the time pass on the dull stretches.
Even the kid who is normally not all that talkative is getting a Sena.
Just being able to turn off and explore or take a nap on my own time is indeed a treat.
Last PA ride - middle of nowhere .....just relaxed.
And then if I need to boogie I'll ride into the night which a lot of riders don't like....
both solo and a buddy have their pros and cons.
Was going to Cooktown with a buddy tomorrow but he cancelled so I'll wander up on my own. Easy 300k on the KLR.
My first overnight here.
I'm leaning a bit more to the solo side these days but I like chatting on the scala to make the time pass on the dull stretches.
Even the kid who is normally not all that talkative is getting a Sena.
Just being able to turn off and explore or take a nap on my own time is indeed a treat.
Last PA ride - middle of nowhere .....just relaxed.
And then if I need to boogie I'll ride into the night which a lot of riders don't like....
both solo and a buddy have their pros and cons.
Was going to Cooktown with a buddy tomorrow but he cancelled so I'll wander up on my own. Easy 300k on the KLR.
My first overnight here.
I like solo rides but 30 days to Cali with company is not a rider for part of the way, it's a roommate.
YamaMana
Well-known member
Accommodation @ 50% off is always a factor. Even if your pace isn't the same, looking at a map in the morning to figure out an approx destination with a 4:00pm appointment with technology for communications (texting or call) is always an option. Even if you "break up" for a couple of days, no biggie.
homme de fer
Well-known member
Most of my travelling is alone and I tend to be more open and friendly/talkative as a result. It's great not worrying about anyone but yourself for a few days/weeks.
That said, when I do travel with others I prepare the compromises ahead of time; the trip and each day gets some kind of framework so everyone knows what they are getting themselves into. Planning is key to group travel. I like it as a change of pace. Now, 30 days of riding with someone? No matter the planning, you know there will be tension at some point in the ride so the question will be can the friendship handle it?
Tripletrouble
Well-known member
It's fast food restaurant talk so it's hard for the general public to understand. Basically you go to the drive through at MacDoc's and order a burgman
Yup, though a lot of people aren't aligned to that thinking. I've met lots of folks who have to stay together all day no matter what or the ride is somehow a failure...
I think tourers fall mostly into two camps, with some overlap. You're either a pack animal or a lone wolf... how's that for a generalization.
Also (insert opinion about scooters here).
I think we should plan a group solo ride. I'm finally seeing some likeminded people here...
Maybe we could meet up for coffee, all go in separate directions for a week and get back together in the same place for breakfast to tell our stories.
Maybe we could meet up for coffee, all go in separate directions for a week and get back together in the same place for breakfast to tell our stories.
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