Best cruiser for newbie

[jack172]

Hi all!

Looking for a bit of advice here-
I'm new to biking and I'm about to get my CBT out of the way and then go straight into my A2.
I'm going to be after a cruiser and I'm not sure what would be best for me to consider (I'm only a short arse at 5'8")
As I'm planning on sticking to that style I'm thinking of getting an Intruder 125 whilst I'm on L plates and then upgrading to a Sportster 883 once I pass my A2.
Anyone got any other ideas for me to consider? Must be a cruiser though!
Thanks!

Jack

(Complete newbie)

[Clanger]

Absolutely no idea.

Sorry to say, but there is no 'best' anything...its all down to personal choice.

I personally do not like cruiser style motorbikes, so have absolutely no idea what to recommend. Your best bet is do a google image search. See what you fancy, write out a list...then do another search for what's available in your area...and go and have a look, sit on them, chat to the people who work in the shop.

Or, find specific cruiser forums, where people love those types of bikes.
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Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter won't mind - Dr. Seuss

[Rogerborg]

If you're going straight on to A2 then there's no need to waste your time and money on a 125.

And most particularly on a 125 cruiser that will provide only the worst that they have to offer - expense, weight, poor handling, bad ground clearance - and none of the benefits like low down torque and... hang on... wait... I'll get back to you on that.

You'll typically be doing your A2 training and tests on a 500+ commuter bike so even if you really want to get a 125 I'd suggest getting a YBR or equivalent so that it doesn't ride radically differently. A YBR custom at most, or even a Lexmoto Vixen. Something that might look vaguely cruiserish but is really a standard upright commuter.

Once you're licensed up you can think about whether you still really want to get a cruiser. If it's just because you don't want a tall bike, or a leany-forwards one, there are many other options.

If it absolutely must be a Harley, well, then it must be. Sometimes only potato will do.
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Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[jack172]

Thanks all! Main reason I'm after a cruiser is because I like the style, just need one that is comfortable for hobbits like myself.
As for the 125 thought- that is mainly because I know I will need to practice on my own before going into the tests. I just don't really like the lean forward styles. It was a few years back now but when I last tried seating positions, I was most comfortable in cruiser positions (although maybe I need a look around again!)

Thanks for the replies!

[Val]

I wonder fashion aside have you actually ridden one?

There is a reason why cruisers are widely considered rather pathetic way of motorcycling

They turn like 18 wheeler and are the worst handling bikes ever.

I know plenty of guys that has said to me: "I will get definitely a cruiser", than after actually riding one turn up with Street Triple



For the test riding your 125 cruiser is completely useless experience, just go get your A2 license on a proper bike and safe your money.

Than I strongly suggest you try few bikes first before you buy.

There are plenty of decent real bikes with relaxed 0% forward lean, like BMW F700, Moto Guzzi V7 Classic, Triumph Tiger and say Boneville etc.

You can see ergonomics here:

https://cycle-ergo.com/
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Adrian Monk: Unless I'm wrong, which, you know, I'm not...
Yamaha Fazer FZS 600, MT09, XSR 900

[Wednesday Biker]

Hee hee I was definitely getting a cruiser but not had anything anywhere near one.
I'd have one if they were a bit cheaper.I like the 883 iron but no way could I part with the money they cost when I could get something so much more fun like a street triple.
If I was loaded and could afford two bikes then yeah I'd have one.
I think you'll be ok with any of them.They aren't going to run away with you and most are fairly low.

[Rogerborg]

[jack172]

Thanks Roger!

Unfortunately definitely a cruiser, Bike type is flexible! I have looked at the Virago and that is certainly on my list!

I'll have to have a look anyway! Bike shop trip on Sunday I think!

Thanks for all the help!

[WD Forte]

Yep
Viagra 535 deffo a fav of the vertically challenged
They made a lot so they can be bought SH without flogging a kidney.
The folk I know with them love them.
I found the feet forward thing odd but soon got used to it
when I had go on one and it felt so light.

Could have picked up a '94 model cheap a liitle while back but daren't start collecting bikes again and dont have my tasseled jacket and assless chaps anymore anyway
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bikers smell of wee

[stevo as b4]

A curve ball here, but what about something like a Honda VX400?

Or a something like a simple stylish naked streetbike like a Motoguzzi V7 etc?

I can't recommend a big Guzzi like a long low grunty 1200cc Griso, but these kind of bikes are really not anything like a cruiser by my definition anyway.

For a modernish sensible and solid machine with excellent built quality and decent performance and handling for it's class I would say the Honda VT750 would take some beating. It's got far more spec, speed and class than the Hog 883 and would be much more painless to own and maintain IMO too.

If you don't want a V-twin engine, then another Honda I would consider is the VF750 Magna, again a late 90's example in nice condition would be a safe bet for your money in re-sale terms and I quite like the 80bhp 11000rpm thrashable motor that is at odds with the laid back cruiser style. A good clean ZL600 eliminator would also be a sound bet for a similar experience.

TBH I think you will find that plenty of people would prefer a bike like a Ducati Monster 620 or even the classic looking street scrambler to a Harley 883, as they don't offer much of a spec or great value or the best riding experience. The only big point is that it's an HD (Just!) and that's enough for some people.

[thx1138]

get a hack SR125, pick them up very cheap, and they are a bit cruiser in style?

https://www.motorcyclenews.com/bike-reviews/yamaha/sr125/1982/

[Northern Monkey]

If you want a harley, get a harley.

All cruisers are teh ghey, but if you're going to be a cruiserfag, you might as well do it properly on a proper harley, instead of a pretend plastic harley
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Fisty: after polishing the tank with the glistenng beads of sweat from my full hot scrotum, I filled the headrace bearings with 10cc of my manmilk

[Northern Monkey]

[stevo as b4]

[quote="Northern Monkey"]If you want a harley, get a harley.

All cruisers are teh ghey, but if you're going to be a cruiserfag, you might as well do it properly on a proper harley, instead of a pretend plastic harley[/quote

what about your thoughts on stripped down light bobbers and hard tail choppers though?

And what about the ones with over 100,120 even 150bhp?+

[talkToTheHat]

Vmax, grid, rocket, diavel etc are not particularly noob friendly. I'd probably find one much fun on a few rideouts, but likely frustrating round corners.


If real grunt is the name of the game then big nakeds are easier bikes to live with. I'm looking covetously at bandit 12s and XJR1300s. A middleweight naked is a more sensible and useful prospect.

The virago is a laugh to chuck about but quickly runs out of ground clearance and is not so assertive with overtakes. It does at least attempt to live up to its name and encourage a good thrashing. Shaft drive is a bonus until you try to lift the back end. The drag bar version has a reasonably sensible riding position but I'm finding mine a little cramped. Great as an urban runabout.

There is a certain charm to retro cruisers, but for me the usefulness of a bike outweighs the style. I doubt I'll have another cruiser. They are not comfortable long distance.

125 cruisers are an oxymoron and you have to thrash fuck out of them to get them moving just like any 125. I had fun on my two GZs but they taught me anything resembling ape hangers are torture after a handful of miles.

Ride some other kinds of bike before you buy. At least in doing a2 you will have experienced a tied bandit/fazer/whatever your training school uses.
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Bandit. does. everything.

[alexknight200...]

How about a Kawasaki Vulcan S. Kawasaki are doing deals such as 0% finance etc?

Or a Honda Super Magna, rareish but fairly quick and better cornering?


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Current stable: Yamaha XVS 650 1996 - Honda Super Magna VF750 1988.

[stevo as b4]

[Wednesday Biker]

[Rogerborg]

[talkToTheHat]

Vmax and the like often get called power cruisers or muscle bikes.

Vulcan S is nice. If I had the budget and I knew I could get givi luggage on the back. Iff I had the budget.
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Bandit. does. everything.

[Northern Monkey]

Non Harley cruisers have crippleing depreciation when new, but Harleys, for some unknown reason, hold their value very well.

This means that the per month cost of ownership of a Harley on a PCP deal is significantly lower than the pretend harleys.

Accountants understand this, as to mid life crisis bearded blokes. They can use all the money saved from low depreciation to invest in leather waist coats and chrome polish
____________________
Fisty: after polishing the tank with the glistenng beads of sweat from my full hot scrotum, I filled the headrace bearings with 10cc of my manmilk

[Northern Monkey]

Its something they have in common with BMW 1200GSs, again, all owned by 45 - 50 year old management consultants, embarking in an Ewan-esq midlife crisis. It's part of the reason that it is possible to walk from one side of the lake district to the other while standing only on huge aluminium clad panniers attached to lines of parked up BMWs, all having done less than 5000 miles from new, and certainly never having seen any mud
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Fisty: after polishing the tank with the glistenng beads of sweat from my full hot scrotum, I filled the headrace bearings with 10cc of my manmilk