Sportbike or Cruiser?
- Thread starter jin
- Start date
Sportbikes have only one riding position. On a cruiser, you can ride normally, or put your feet on the highway pegs, or put the back of your ankles on the highway pegs, or put your feet on the passenger pegs behind you (as if you were on a sportbike). So, 4 riding positions, which means more comfort and more circulation to your legs on long rides. Plus, insurance will be lower than on a crotch rocket, and in general, you will look more civilized, and enjoy a broader view of the road than if your head were just above the gas tank , like on a sport bike. I vote cruiser.
I own two bikes.. older KZ1000,, my sport cruiser.. and a zx10 ninja...sport bike can be very racey..so that combined with a new rider would increase chances that you will speed more often...when you have a cruiser you will have longer comfort on longer rides.. much better on your wrists and lower back.... you should ask yourself the type of riding you want to do...... out with the boys chilling out...... or taking long rides to travel and explore ... do you want to learn trick riding?.. or just to get you from a to b ..... are you licensed? taking the bike coarse if a good idea if you have never been on a bike...they will take you step by step on what is a bike and how it works and to ride safely with no bad habbits.... it can be good also cause you learn with new people ... .. It is important to be very alert where you are! and what is going around you! Riding can be almost like flying.. the feeling is thrilling... enjoy your time out.. just be around for your next flight...
It's personal preferrence, but if you want to know which bike would be more forgiving and easier to handle, I'd say a cruiser for sure.
They have a lower center of gravity, making them more stable, it's a more comfortable riding position, they tend to have larger, more torquier motors as opposed to sport bikes that have high reving engines. The cruiser will be less dependent on being in the right gear.
They have a lower center of gravity, making them more stable, it's a more comfortable riding position, they tend to have larger, more torquier motors as opposed to sport bikes that have high reving engines. The cruiser will be less dependent on being in the right gear.
Look for that rare beast, the "standard". Defined by an upright seating position, legs more or less under you. That gives more control over the bike than the stretched out cruiser, or the hunched over sportbike. Not too much weight on the tailbone, and not too much on the wrists. Suzuki GS500/Kawasaki 500's (even if the are called Ninjas) are good bets. Suzuki Bandit. Harley Sporster is okay too. Make sure whatever you buy, you are comfortable on it. Sit on it for at least 1/2 hour, in the riding position. If it is not comfortable sitting on it, it will not be comfortable riding it.
1: Whatever you can afford to write off and walk away from. You're very likely to wreck your first bike, or at least drop it enough to cut its value in half.
2: as a new rider: CC's = insurance cost.
Find a cheap 500 or 400, ride it for a year, buy what you figure out that you want in the summer. The trouble with cruiser-style is that they have a lot of displacement for not a lot of power, so you end up paying big insurance dollars and going slower.
Sportbikes are good in urban environments/short distances. Cruisers are good for comfort at higher speeds. There are lots of smaller standards available now: You may be better to start on a cruiser or standard, because they are lower to the ground and less twitchy.
www.kawasaki.ca
powersports.honda.ca
powersports.honda.ca
If you're looking for something cheap, and able to do some maintenance, you won't go wrong with a Honda shadow 750:
en.wikipedia.org
I've had everything, and currently ride naked goldwings. Best bike ever made if you can take it apart yourself every year.
2: as a new rider: CC's = insurance cost.
Find a cheap 500 or 400, ride it for a year, buy what you figure out that you want in the summer. The trouble with cruiser-style is that they have a lot of displacement for not a lot of power, so you end up paying big insurance dollars and going slower.
Sportbikes are good in urban environments/short distances. Cruisers are good for comfort at higher speeds. There are lots of smaller standards available now: You may be better to start on a cruiser or standard, because they are lower to the ground and less twitchy.
Kawasaki Eliminator | Highly Approachable Street Cruiser
Kawasaki’s Eliminator shakes up the status quo with its sleek and low design, low and comfortable seat, and light and easy handling.
2024 Standard On-Road Motorcycles | Honda Powersports Canada
Honda's lineup of Standard motorcycles is revered! Expertly tuned for powerful performance, these standard bikes deliver.
Honda Cruiser On-Road Motorcycles Models | Honda Powersports Canada
Honda Cruiser motorcycles come in an iconic style riders love. View all the Honda cruiser models available today.
If you're looking for something cheap, and able to do some maintenance, you won't go wrong with a Honda shadow 750:
Honda Shadow - Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org
I've had everything, and currently ride naked goldwings. Best bike ever made if you can take it apart yourself every year.
Been riding on/off for about 30 years.
Ninja 650. It's not really a Ninja though
. Not a bad bike, fast (200km/h) enough, good upright seating position. It's a twin so it is a bit of a tractor. It has both ABS & traction control which I use everyday. Good balance for a first bike. I keep thinking of going to the 1000sx (1100 now) but nah, I can kill myself quite easily on the 650.
Change the tires to Michelin 6s, add in any old USB outlet from Amazon (you need to snip & change the connections) to the pre-wired spot, get a helmet camera, BrakeFree for the back of the helmet, an intercom for music, good to go!
Just sayin'....
Ninja 650. It's not really a Ninja though
. Not a bad bike, fast (200km/h) enough, good upright seating position. It's a twin so it is a bit of a tractor. It has both ABS & traction control which I use everyday. Good balance for a first bike. I keep thinking of going to the 1000sx (1100 now) but nah, I can kill myself quite easily on the 650.Change the tires to Michelin 6s, add in any old USB outlet from Amazon (you need to snip & change the connections) to the pre-wired spot, get a helmet camera, BrakeFree for the back of the helmet, an intercom for music, good to go!
Just sayin'....
As a beginner buy used, light, with small displacement. After few years of learning how to ride defensively, and getting to know your ability, decide what kind of bike to upgrade to.
Trust me, I’ve been riding for 35 years. Number of silly mishaps at the beginning 3-5 years, none since.I still ride defensively, know my limits, and am always watching out for idiots on the rode.
Trust me, I’ve been riding for 35 years. Number of silly mishaps at the beginning 3-5 years, none since.I still ride defensively, know my limits, and am always watching out for idiots on the rode.
I like street bikes, I say try sitting on as many as you can, Toronto has motorcycle shows, find one that feels comfortable. Able to touch your feet on the ground, good posture when you grab the handle bar, feel confident when you ride. I sat on a Ducati monster and I knew it was the one.
Been riding for over 30 years, grab a Cruiser mate - been riding my Indian Scout for years - super relaxing and fun. Currently have a 2017 Indian Scout. In my younger years had a 1998 Honda CBR.
PLEASE tell my it was the 900RR Fireblade and you're just being modest? I mean the 600 was a great bike too but...
oh man do I ever wish it was at the time, but in the time in my life - there is only so much funds available.
Yes it's a 400 which I know isn't that quickest bike on the block
But I'd probably be more comfortable on the 400cc compared to something that goes even faster
Plus I'm told the 400s are good starting out bikes
It's an excellent starter bike that will have very little cost of ownership. If you decide to sell down the road, you will get close to what you paid as they are a desirable starter. Very forgiving ride and light weight which will help you get through the learning process.
Please take an MSF course! They are invaluable.
