Switching from sport bike to cruiser...

Droptoplt1ta

Droptoplt1ta

Forum Member
So I am 35 years old and have owned my R1 for 10 years this year.

Since the Victory bikes are being discontinued after this year, I have seen their prices come down and kind of interested.

I am curious what it is like switching from sport bike to cruiser. I am looking at a Vegas 8 ball with the 1634 engine.
 
Why? I didnt see a reasoning so ill ask WHY? Im 35 and ride an FZ1 and a KLR650. I rented a fatboy in las vegas and its only real talent was handling the wind gusts that were blown through the desert that day. It was piped and tuned and that did not help it get out of its own way. Oh and you steer it like a truck...you really dont lean them over. Haha

VIBRATION.......This is a problem that I am not cool with. I also rented a Ducati Multistrata in San Francisco which was not nearly as shakey as a Harley but it was still present. Getting away from a smooth 4 banger sucks even though the Ducati suspension was on point.

Why not a sport touring beast? Connie14 Kawasaki has a big following.

A customer of mine has a brand new Victory that looks amazing but I just dont see myself owning one anytime soon...or a giant goldwing EVER... I dont see the appeal or rolling 1500lbs down the road on 2 wheels. Just get a corvette convertible. ..
 
Droptoplt1ta said:
So I am 35 years old and have owned my R1 for 10 years this year.

Since the Victory bikes are being discontinued after this year, I have seen their prices come down and kind of interested.

I am curious what it is like switching from sport bike to cruiser. I am looking at a Vegas 8 ball with the 1634 engine.
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I always rode Cruisers, but Mostly Honda's. You can get a pretty good price on a used late 90's early 2000 Valkyrie right now. Smooth as silk 1.5 liter flat six cylinder should get you moving just fine. You could always get a V-Rod if you want a Harley. Those suck for road trips though. I agree that the big Harleys are prone to vibration. Never road one other than around the parking lot, though.

-Geoff
 
V Rods run good but the lack of suspension is a problem. Going to a cruiser should mean a better ride usually..the adventure bike market is booming because they have sportbike power and 10" of suspension travel along with an upright riding position.
 
Cruisers are a different kind of fun. It's more about enjoying the ride at legal speeds, the sound, the torque. Having your feet forward will be different for you. People say that is more comfortable but honestly all of your weight is right on you're butt and you can't naturally use your legs. Lots of old people ride them so you should be good. LOL
 
I really like the VROD NightRod, but they are more than I want to $pend.

I haven't had my R1 next to anything like the Victory Vegas in a while.... I am guessing the cruiser will take up more room in the garage.... I am already running out of space...
 
I did this before I got out of riding all together. I really liked the seating position and it was much nicer for longer trips. Straight line full throttle with lots of tq and no wheel coming up was nice too. They are both fun in their own way though.
 
highway pegs are amazing, thats why i put some on my FZ1... along with heated grips, heated seat..

I think making a hyperbike into a comfortable ride is better than trying to make a cruiser bike sporty. Case in point is a members ZX14R. He did bar risers, heated sargent seat, dropped pegs, and full luggage. Very comfortable but still 8 second power to keep you smiling when you see a nice stretch of road.
 
mustangjoe87 said:
I did this before I got out of riding all together. I really liked the seating position and it was much nicer for longer trips. Straight line full throttle with lots of tq and no wheel coming up was nice too. They are both fun in their own way though.
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Your bike was a much better ride than the Superhawk or my R6.

If I ever got another bike (and I highly doubt I will) I'd opt for a cruiser of some sort because of the comfort. As fun as a sport bike is, I will admit that they are not comfortable.
 
Sounds like many have moved away from bikes. Getting older/ growing up or just too unsafe? I don't ride as much as I used to for sure.
 
I've been cranking out the miles on my classic GSXR-750 this year and loving every minute of it. I don't see myself getting away from sportbikes any time soon and I'm 41... actually just bought a track bike this year and prepping it to get back on the track next year!

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too many idiots on Cellphones now... in the past 3 years we have had 13 (out of 300) here at the plant get into MAJOR accidents that required all of their short term disability to get back to normal... the last guy that got messed up was a good buddy Kevin on my last team here at work... he doesn't work here anymore because he has speech/memory problems now... and he was wearing a helmet! Up until 6 months ago our machinist was Wayne Pollack. Wayne used to build/pilot the Ray Price nitro harley (yep he has BIG collection of Wally's) he said "I've been backwards at 200mph and the worst injury I got on a bike was on the road going 35mph."

to make it short. way to many people on the road that are not paying attention to ride anymore.... but, If I lived in the Dakotas, Wyoming or Idaho I'd probably ride.... I DO miss my 4 wheelers and going to silver lake......
 
sardeanie said:
Sounds like many have moved away from bikes. Getting older/ growing up or just too unsafe? I don't ride as much as I used to for sure.
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Like mentioned above it got really old almost being run over more and more frequently. I got heavier into boats and jet skis and it started to sit so I sold it. I don't mind ripping on a dirt bike now and then but the desire to street ride just isn't there anymore.
 
Street riding definitely is a challenge. If had a few close calls but overall it just requires absolute focus. When I'm in a car with my wife, I predict things like "watch this guy, he's about to cut you off" or "this guy's about to miss his exit." It's 25 years of street riding that's kept me sharp and aware on the bike and in the car...


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I pretend that I am a ghost that nobody can see...nobody can see you so you have to expect the worst. EVERYONE will pull out in front of you so expect it... get away from everything especially semi trucks.

Did you choose a cruiser yet? Triumph Rocket III? VMAX? Honda Rebel 250?
 
I really like this 2007 Victory Vegas 8 ball that I have the opportunity of buying. 1634cc (100 ci) and 5 speed trans. 180 rear tire and they can take up to a 200 in the rear. Has easy off saddle bags and sissy seat.

Me selling my mint 2003 R1 to go to this would cost me little, if any. Main problem is the space this Victory would take up in the garage vs my R1

I have only rode my R1 twice this year. Both times were to work and back. I am pretty sure I will be riding it tonight to the final bike night at Gibraltar in Mt Clemens - Anyone else going??
 
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