Sportbike riders; what do you want to hear from a cruiser?

[Romans5.8]

Hey all,

So I've been thinking about the vlogging thing. Been trying to plan out my first few 'test the waters' vlogs. Since most of you seem to be in the sportbike scene, what sort of things you would you like to hear from a cruiser / touring cruiser rider?

Currently I'm planning a review of the bike, and a handful of beginner and safety tips. Since it seems a lot of viewers are new or prospective riders.

Other thoughts?

 

[OKMotorsporter47]

Re: Sportbike riders; what do you want to hear from a cruise

Ya know its interesting this is brought up, I've often thought about how there are exponentially more sport oriented vloggers than cruisers. Honestly, I've chalked it up to helmet laws. To do this you need somewhere to mount the cam, helmet, and a place to put the mic, helmet. Most cruiser riders, where there are not helmet laws, don't wear helmets and therefore straight up don't have the ability to vlog. You could talk about that...

 

[Romans5.8]

Re: Sportbike riders; what do you want to hear from a cruise

Ya know its interesting this is brought up, I've often thought about how there are exponentially more sport oriented vloggers than cruisers. Honestly, I've chalked it up to helmet laws. To do this you need somewhere to mount the cam, helmet, and a place to put the mic, helmet. Most cruiser riders, where there are not helmet laws, don't wear helmets and therefore straight up don't have the ability to vlog. You could talk about that...

Could be interesting. I'm a full face helmet gear wearing cruiser rider though, so perhaps I am a little more like a 'sportbiker' in that sense, but your right, safety gear is often less of a priority to cruiser riders (while RIDING safely usually is, wheras for many sportbike riders they'll dress safe but ride like an idiot. I like to think I'm in the middle of the two).

Hmm, might be a good idea for a 'second episode'. The first one is going to be a review of the bike. But a controversial 'cruiser vs sportbike' vlog might get some attention. Though it'll be more of a discussion and less of a rant like most videos with that heading, as I appreciate both! I just have really long legs and don't 'fit' well on a sportbike, and could care less about a lot of speed or tight cornering, I like to just lay back and ride.

 

[Chris033081]

Re: Sportbike riders; what do you want to hear from a cruise

I have witnessed a fair share of biker don'ts. In WA the current law mandates helmets, yet for some dumb reason there is a ballet measure to remove it...whatever.

Helmets are huge safety components. While there are a good amount of sport bike riders who take safety serious and wear full suits with adequate armor, full face helmets, boots, and gloves. While this is great for riding, it is a little less practical once you are off the bike. There are a number of sport bike riders who rock the jeans and t-shirt look with tennis shoes or flip-flops. I have seen cruiser riders do the same thing with vests and skull caps.

Some people take motorcycle safety seriously, others take motorcycling as an image.

As a Harley Sportster rider, I wear a full face helmet, heavy leather jacket (with 3M reflective marking), Slider 4.0 Kevlar jeans, proper gloves, and good leather boots.

 

[Romans5.8]

Re: Sportbike riders; what do you want to hear from a cruise

I have witnessed a fair share of biker don'ts. In WA the current law mandates helmets, yet for some dumb reason there is a ballet measure to remove it...whatever.

Helmets are huge safety components. While there are a good amount of sport bike riders who take safety serious and wear full suits with adequate armor, full face helmets, boots, and gloves. While this is great for riding, it is a little less practical once you are off the bike. There are a number of sport bike riders who rock the jeans and t-shirt look with tennis shoes or flip-flops. I have seen cruiser riders do the same thing with vests and skull caps.

Some people take motorcycle safety seriously, others take motorcycling as an image.

As a Harley Sportster rider, I wear a full face helmet, heavy leather jacket (with 3M reflective marking), Slider 4.0 Kevlar jeans, proper gloves, and good leather boots.

Yup. You got it.

I wear a full face, 1000D textile jacket, overpants, full length armored boots (jacket and pants have armor), and gloves. I have a tour pak and hard saddlebags for storing the gear when I'm off the bike though, sure does help. I guess I look odd on a cruiser like that, but it works for me. That combined with sensible and defensive riding, should allow me to enjoy my hobby for a long long time! I wear full gear up into the triple digits, doesn't bother me.

Although, at the risk of being 'controversial', I'm not really a fan of helmet laws. I guess my issue with them is, we can't let the government dictate our every move and action. If a person wants to be stupid, they can be stupid. Although I don't support their decision not to wear a helmet and sincerely, honestly have NO idea why they won't wear one (even a half shell is better than nothing, and how on EARTH can that be so uncomfortable you just can't wear it?), I still think one of the great things in this country is the freedoms that we have. We don't have to be babysat by our government, we have the right to make our own decisions. I know others will disagree with me on that and that's fine by me, it doesn't bother me. I certainly understand WHY helmet laws exist. But, a part of me can't help but think there's not a lot of justice when a bunch of non-motorcyclists get into a booth to decide how much freedom a motorcyclist can have. I also kind of have the cynical 'give them an inch and they'll take a mile' approach. There have been politicians seeking the complete ban of motorcycles. If we let them require helmets, or even extend beyond that and require gear, then we could escalate to further restrictions on the size and type of bikes, further restrictions on WHAT helmets are acceptable (what if some politician gets a lobbyist from a helmet manufacturer, who doesn't want to pay SNELL to test their helmets, to convince them to pass a measure requiring DOT ONLY and forbidding SNELL helmets? What about folks like me who ride with SNELL approved helmets?), or, even get to the point of passing a law banning motorcycles. After all, a ban on all motorcycles WOULD save lives. But at the cost of freedom?

Anyway, off my soap box. You'll never, EVER catch me on a bike without a helmet. I won't even ride a four-wheeler without a helmet (usually gear too). But, I don't trust our government to be the decider of what's safe and what's not. Laws that require me to carry liability insurance? Sure, because if I don't I put OTHERS at risk, but failing to wear a helmet simply puts YOURSELF at risk, and except for some odd ridiculous scenario, it doesn't put OTHERS at risk. (Most, if not all, states require eye protection, even if they don't require a helmet, since getting struck in the eye with debris can cause you to wreck, potentially injuring other motorists.)

Anyway, that's me!

-John

 

[Nerb]

Re: Sportbike riders; what do you want to hear from a cruise

You could have said all this in a vlog... get out and ride!

 

[Romans5.8]

Re: Sportbike riders; what do you want to hear from a cruise

You could have said all this in a vlog... get out and ride!

Been riding! Camera is still on a big brown UPS truck.

 

[Chris033081]

Re: Sportbike riders; what do you want to hear from a cruise

All in all the helmet law is much like the seat belt law. Insurance companies pay huge bucks to politicians to make laws. I wear my seat belt because I know it helps reduce injury and combined with air bag technology saves lives.

I agree that the government needs to step it back on the personal safety requirements. People become too dependant on these automated safety devices that they forget how to operate safely without them.

Speaking of air bags...any one seen the airbag motorcycle jackets. Those things look pretty awesome for provide off bike protection in case you go flying.

 

[Dr Kongo]

Re: Sportbike riders; what do you want to hear from a cruise

have you had this laid back riding-mentality for all your life?
Because I don't + I get most of the fun out of trying to improve my cornering (obviously it also bugs me the most when I think I totally messed up in this or that corner :roll: )

 

[Romans5.8]

Re: Sportbike riders; what do you want to hear from a cruise

Yep. Always been laid back. Once in a while I like to push the corners but for the most part, I'm just laid back. I like to take in the scenery and ride long distances (hundreds or thousands of miles. Did just shy of 2,000 miles last June with the wife. Not at all unusual for me to ride 200+ miles just in an afternoon with no destination)

Everyone is different but that's me!

On the subject of seat belts- I can actually see a better argument for seat belts than helmets. Studies have shown unbelted drivers have trouble controlling their vehicles in an accident avoidance maneuver (swerving, braking), thus causing accidents. That would fit my criteria for "reasonable harm to another individual" to consider making something a law. A helmet though, or lack thereof, does make a reasonable case for harm to another individual. But, a lack of eye protection (for the same reason) could. So is support laws requiring eye protection, but not helmets. That's my political philosophy anyway. Maybe I'm odd, I dunno. I just think the only purpose of government is to prevent people from hurting one another and provide public and mutually beneficial services. Not tell us how to live, speak, worship, think, or be safe. Hope I'm not being too political or anything, but it's always an interesting discussion when it comes to either banning something or requiring something.

Edit: One thing I like to do, is power OUT of corners. A cruiser with highway pegs and floorboards isn't exactly a cornering machine. But that V-Twin engine does have a LOT of torque, and at low RPM's to boot! So I'll graze around a corner not too agressive, and then go WOT as I get past the apex. Let it roar and rocket out. I kind of always felt that riding a good V-Twin cruiser was like riding a 60's muscle car. You've got all that chrome, it's big and wide, some aspects are a little outdated compared to the 'Japanese import tuners' (Ignore the fact that I ride a Japanese bike! LOL). But it's got GOBS of torque. Doesn't handle in the corners well but it'll throw you back in your seat and make a heck of a lot of noise in a straight stretch or coming out of a corner. To me, that's every bit as fun as taking a corner at high speed.

I have THOUGHT about getting an old Ninja 250 or something just to whip around the corners. But honestly, I just don't get that big of a kick out of cornering. Maybe I'm just an old geezer at heart? (I'm 22, btw). But I much prefer torquey, noisy, and shiny over sleek and fast around the corner!

 

[mrtommygunwhite]

Re: Sportbike riders; what do you want to hear from a cruise

hey as long as you dont have the cruser attitude blanking us if we ever nod at you do what you want if you mix with us and have two wheels and a manual gearbox it doesnt matter what you ride people will like you for you

 

[Romans5.8]

Re: Sportbike riders; what do you want to hear from a cruise

hey as long as you dont have the cruser attitude blanking us if we ever nod at you do what you want if you mix with us and have two wheels and a manual gearbox it doesnt matter what you ride people will like you for you

Almost everyone I ride with rides cruisers. Here's three observations on the 'cruiser attitude'/

1) 99% of it is a HARLEY attitude. SOME (not all) Harley riders won't wave at anything not 'American-Made' (shh, don't tell them their carbs, electronics, speedometer, wiring harnesses, etc. etc. etc. all come from Japan, Thailand, or China). Sometimes it can be hard, at speed, to tell my V-Twin Vulcan is not a Harley. It's darn easy to spot a sportbike though! Plenty of Harley snobs won't wave at me either.

2) They don't know the difference at all. My buddy (who rides a Harley) just got a Kawasaki dual sport bike. Single cylinder, super tall, knobby tires, you know the type. All of his buddies have been saying "Oh now you have one of those rice rockets" and "Don't be doing wheelies down the highway at 150!". Dual sport = sportbike = dirtbike = anything that isn't a V-Twin cruiser in their world. It's all the same.

3) It goes both ways. I waved at a sportbike the other day who proceeded to flip me off and then pop up on one wheel. Who was he trying to impress? Also, we like the twisty roads too, but can't do them quite as fast. Many cruiser riders ride in groups often and can hold their lanes really well and ride in formations really well, we'll let you pass when it's safe. Give us a little flash, move into a staggered formation, and at the next straight stretch we'll move over and let you pass in our lane, we do it all the time. BUT, I've also on more than one occasion been buzzed DANGEROUSLY by sportbikes flying by me around a blind corner, sometimes nearly hitting me, sometimes swinging wide around the corner way into the other lane. In their mind, it seems, if you aren't moving really fast than you don't matter, and far be it for them to wait to pass safely.

Now, me? I'll always wave/nod. If you're on two wheels, I'll wave. Heck, I don't even care if you're on one of those scooters with the automatic transmissions! I don't care if you're wearing full gear like me or no shirt and no helmet. I don't care if you're on a metric cruiser, a sportbike, or a Harley. I think it's silly to decide who is 'worthy' of my precious wave or nod. BUT, just playing the devils advocate and letting you know WHY many cruiser riders sort of get jaded by sportbike riders. Cruiser riders; though they often don't wear a lot of safety gear, are often very concerned about safe riding, and generally don't like ANYONE who rides like an idiot. Naturally, many sportbike riders are plenty sensible, but some are not. Lots of cruiser riders are not a fan of that. And you must admit the slant is in the sportbike court on that one. I'm on some cruiser forums, some sportbike forums, and some mixed forums. The sportbike forums are full of crash stories (thankfully, they wear gear, so rarely injuries). I'm a moderator on VulcanForums.com and our 20,000 members have only reported one wreck in the last two years on the forum.

Not generalizing, but just showing a pattern. In my experience, there are tons of great sportbike riders who are sensible, and reasonable. I ride with sportbikes all the time! I've RIDDEN several sportbikes. BUT, unfortunately for you guys, there is this sect within you (that we on cruisers get to avoid because our bikes aren't appealing to this group), who have very little experience but are trying to be fearless so they will ride WELL beyond their limits, or who will just be severely reckless and inconsiderate towards other motorists and other bikers. Being inconsiderate towards cars makes it more dangerous for ALL of us because then THEY get jaded against motorcycles.

I hate generalizing. That's why I wave at everyone! There are all sorts of cruiser riders who ride insanely obnoxious bikes into the late hours of the night nearly blackout drunk trying to be tough guys. I don't want people to think of me that way, so I won't think of sportbike riders as irresponsible, inconsiderate, or inexperienced. BUT, that is why some other cruiser riders will shun you. One bad apple spoils the bunch.

I'm sure it goes both ways. Plenty of sportbike riders don't wave back at me. I attribute that to having experienced jerks on cruisers, who blocked them and didn't let them pass, or were obnoxious, or just wouldn't wave at them.

Personally, I don't see the difference. Two machines. Different riding styles. Same riders- people who love to ride. Share the love y'all! haha.

 

[MikeJack]

Re: Sportbike riders; what do you want to hear from a cruise

I have witnessed a fair share of biker don'ts. In WA the current law mandates helmets, yet for some dumb reason there is a ballet measure to remove it...whatever.

Helmets are huge safety components. While there are a good amount of sport bike riders who take safety serious and wear full suits with adequate armor, full face helmets, boots, and gloves. While this is great for riding, it is a little less practical once you are off the bike. There are a number of sport bike riders who rock the jeans and t-shirt look with tennis shoes or flip-flops. I have seen cruiser riders do the same thing with vests and skull caps.

Some people take motorcycle safety seriously, others take motorcycling as an image.

As a Harley Sportster rider, I wear a full face helmet, heavy leather jacket (with 3M reflective marking), Slider 4.0 Kevlar jeans, proper gloves, and good leather boots.

I concur it is merely important to wear proper shoes..so that it can gives you prior flexibility and comfort also.

 

[TitoRide]

Re: Sportbike riders; what do you want to hear from a cruise

Hey all,

So I've been thinking about the vlogging thing. Been trying to plan out my first few 'test the waters' vlogs. Since most of you seem to be in the sportbike scene, what sort of things you would you like to hear from a cruiser / touring cruiser rider?

Currently I'm planning a review of the bike, and a handful of beginner and safety tips. Since it seems a lot of viewers are new or prospective riders.

Other thoughts?

Tell us why you went with a cruiser instead of a sport bike (without hating on anyone of course). Safety tips are always great. I'm always looking for good ones.