As a cruiser rider, id like to say I love your videos despite me not really liking sports bikes. I do appreciate sportbikes though and have nothing wrong with others riding them, they are just not for me. I love the looks of big cruisers and as someone who doesnt value a whole lot of speed, its what makes sense to me. You say you dont feel safe in turns but its sheerly because you are not used to it which is 100% fine since its not your thing but I can say that most cruiser riders know how to turn them well enough. Its a lifestyle thing for cruisers, cant really explain it I guess. Have fun on your sportbike, cafe racer, scooter, dual sport, supermoto or cruiser or anything in between because at the end of the day, you are a winner when you ride what you wanna ride.
sapriousrevived I agree, its about what you are use to. ***** I watch your videos and own a Harley Softail Heritage Classic. MY purpose for it is for long distance mountains 2 week rides and anytime i want to ride with my cruiser buddies. Also great for riding with the lady friends. I also bought a 2011 Honda CBR 600RR late last season and use it for my daily riding to work and around town. Still getting use to the CBR. Living in Alberta , our riding seasons are short.
sapriousrevived Agreed bro, I ride a Honda VT600CD, It was a shock to the system after riding something with more of a neutral riding style (like a CB300, HD Street500, HD Sportster with Mid controls) because the pegs are way out front. But once I got used to it, I love making hard corners with it. It's not as fast as what I've ridden before, and It doesn't make a lot of horses (I think it's 36HP IIRC), but It's peppy, insurance is cheap and a great Daily to work every day. I love all kinds of bikes, I got my heart set on getting something a bit peppier like a CB500F or maybe a Harley Street 500.
Do It With Dan i have the 2014 vegas 8ball they steer like a boat but they have that get up and go!! power of 110 lb of ft torque loving my lazy cruisers
Matt Marquez You just reminded me of a random thought, I saw a Boeing ad for a private aircraft that has 2 engines, producing 10k lbs of thrust each. Put that on a bike
it's all about the nice relaxing and don't forget comfortable cruise rather than flying down the road at high speeds love the videos man keep em coming
Victory made some of the best leaning baggers out there. The specifically designed their bikes to increase the lean angle so that you could keep up with your friends in the twistys. Also, step down to the cross country with the smaller front wheel and the steering will feel much lighter. The larger the front wheel the more it makes steering feel heavy and unresponsive.
First off, this bike isn't a cruiser. It's a Bagger. Second, yes, it is nothing like a sport bike, we get it. Its not supposed to be. Third, once you get used to it, you can do things that you never thought you could on it. The bike is designed to chase horizons. Something sport bikes are not designed to do. Try spending a day riding 7 or 800 miles or so atop an R6. Then do the same on one of these. I guarantee you that you would prefer this bike over that bike 9 times out of 10. A 10 minute jaunt through town does not show the strengths of this bike. Any Victory rider or touring rider will tell you that. Not trying to be snarky, just stating the truth. *To answer the question posed by the reviewer: Why people like this style of bike is kind of like why some people want a pickup and others want a Mini Cooper. To each his own. Personal freedom and personal choice. For the type of riding I do, A sport bike wouldn't make sense. But it might for you. There it is. Personal Preference. That is your answer.
you are 100% correct. I own multiple bikes. dirt,sport,and touring. every bike has a job. I absolutely love my victory cross country for many reasons and think they do a fantastic job. I love everything on 2 wheels, old, new, slow or fast. It all puts a smile this face.
+MH5tube those adventure bikes are a waaay different style... I wouldnt park one of those things downtown at the bar and expect people to look at it.... Everywhere i go in my raider i get questions because of it looks
Hey Chase, since you asked, I am 20 and I ride a 2007 Honda Shadow 750 spirit. but for me what draws me to cruisers are many things. I enjoy the deep rumble of a cruiser a lot more than the high pitched sound a sport bike makes. I like the seating position more. I did own a sport bike before and immediately after getting the shadow I noticed I got a lot more respect from cars and pedestrians.Like cars tend to notice me more and not cut me off compared to when I was on the sport bike. Although my cruiser is quite slim, it doesn't have bags or fenders or anything such so I can still lane split with ease on it. Anyway, love your vids, keep it up!
its awesome to see motorcycle riders ride many different types of bikes and not be the jerk saying one style of bike is the best and forget the rest. personally all bikes are good its just what your into and what suits your riding style the best
I'm a cruiser guy, to answer your question, for me I prefer cruisers for 2 reasons. I ride a HD road glide. Reason 1 I like to go on long rides and by long I mean outta state saddle bags packed full spending nights in a motel type long ride. Reason 2 I love the sound of a v twin.
I ride a victory and i love it, the stock bike is very restricted in its stock setup, even the dealer stage 1 kit is restrictive, you can extract a lot more power with a/m pipes, air box and power commander, the motors are so overbuilt they will respond very well to tuning. It will never be a track weapon but you may be surprised just what they can do. Great review and would like to see some more of your reactions to other cruisers out there.
You shouldn't be bias towards sport bikes, different bikes are meant for different riding styles and you should review it on what it is not what it isn't unless it pertains to a bike in the same class
I just started riding a few years ago, I started off with a 2007 Suzuki Boulevard M50 then upgraded to a '13 Victory Vegas 8balll. With me the reason I went cruiser is because I find it more comfortable on longer rides then being hunched over all the time on a sportbike. Plus I'm almost 30 so I'm not trying to go anywhere fast, just take my time and enjoy the scenery
I have a cruiser. I like both though. Cruisers are 100% for me for comfort. Crotch rockets are for when I feel like being an idiot. If I'm taking a girl out on a ride, it's nice to have the cruiser.
there is a few reason i like cruisers. they are more comfortable like you said, its great on long rides. I personally also think they look cooler and sounds better but thats opinion. Once you get used to it you can control it more that you would expect. so to sum it up cruiser guys prefer comfort to speed.
I'm switching to one of these from sport bikes now. I primarily had to switch due to a back injury. Sport bikes just weren't really an option for me now.
Sport bikes are meant for speed and getting to point A to point B quickly, what I love about cruiser is being able to sit back ride slow and enjoy the beautiful scenery, to look around enjoy every little detail that is what draws me to my cruiser.
As a non-sportbike rider, I own a 2013 Harley Sportster '72 edition and my dad owns a 2002 Harley Roadking. I can speak for both of us in saying that comfort level 10/10 for the most part. We've both customized our bikes quite a bit. In that aspect, cruisers tend to be more pronounced and unique when customized. Again this is my opinion, I have respect for all motorcycles and have nothing against sportsbikes and/or the riders.
Hey man I ride everything and some of them being cruisers, my main bike is a cruiser, and the main reason for a cruiser is that there comfy like this bike you can sit on it and run down the highway for 4 or 5 hours before you need to stop for gas or tiredness. The weight really adds to the highway comfort and makes it have a lot less highway wind wobble. Plus it's fun to push a bike to the limit, it's very satisfying to have your pegs scraping around a set of turns.
I'm a Harley guy myself, I love your videos but the reason I like Harley is because I love to cruise it just feels good and love the deeper toned exhaust different folks different strokes
Chase, does Mountain Motorsports only offer test rides on a few select brands? Or Are you able to test ride European bikes like BMW's and Ducati's? And see if you test ride an H2
Over the last 9 years. I have owned scooters, cruisers, sportbikes, & supermotos. Each are all fun as shit for their own purpose. Thanks for ur dedication on ur videos.
OK here's the thing I am a cruiser rider, and I will say that is a crazy bike. In the cruiser world a bike like that would be called a bagger, the foot rest are called floorboards. A lot of people who ride a bike like the magnum ride it purely as a status symbol. The rest of us ride cruisers for comfort and just cruising. Also they are amazing on really long rids. I use to ride sport bikes and I really miss them but I was blown up in Iraq in 2006 and can't ride them anymore, my back and hip just wont let me. So there is that small group of us that ride cruisers because we just can't ride sport bikes, or naked bikes anymore. I do enjoy your videos and look forward to your new ones. You need to go for a ride with a cruiser guy that really knows how to ride his bike, you would loose your shit when he leans it over so far he scrapes the floorboards on the road. Brother keep your wheels on the ground and your face in the wind, and keep doing what you do. Later
My dad is a huge Harley Davidson fan. He has two, a sportster and a road glide with all the bags and fairings. I am with you in the aspect of they are just way to big and clunky. But as I understand it, they are excellent for long cruises because of the comfort, amenities, and storage space. And at speed I guess they handle really well. I can see the comfort level of them being a huge draw, with also the feeling of still being on two wheels.
Chaseontwowheels I think you answered your own question. It's fun to ride a motorcycle period. If you enjoy riding, but also want to be comfortable, and have a radio, but you're not interested in dragging knees and elbows around corners, you get one of these I guess. But I would also take a nice touring bike over a cruiser personally. My personal bike is a Honda Hornet 919. It's kind of the best of everything in my opinion. enough horse power and torque to have fun, a slightly upright position, the super smooth Honda 6 speed gearbox, and with an aftermarket windscreen it's decent on highway rides. they have a used one at Mountain Motorsports in Alpharetta I think. you should go ride it, I'd be shocked if you didn't like it.
Here is my two cents. I have a Victory Vegas 8 Ball that I ride daily. When I got my license just over a couple of years ago I was actually looking at a sport bike but decided on the cruiser style instead. I did it mainly because of the comfort level and I wanted a upright seating position and the relaxed sitting. This is not to mention that you don't need extra luggage bags. It is all about comfort most of the time plus we like to hear the motor. If you right them right you can squeeze out a good 250-300 miles per tank out of it.
I'm a cruiser ride and have been for about 5 years now. My first bike was a 250 ninja. I use to love that bike but my issue is I ride to much highway and longer trip to justify having a sport bike. Every year I ride to sturgis for bike week and its about 3,000 mile ride round trip. There isn't anyway I'm riding a sport bike that long. For me my riding style fits having a cruiser. The biggest thing with it is the size, comfort, and storage. My bike isn't a show bike its a riding bike. Keep up your great work on the videos! I have watched pretty much all of your videos and have been sub for awhile now.
As a sports bike rider, I would like to say that rather than judging and looking for the same experience I know from riding sport machine. I approached cruiser bikes with a complete open mind, and I'm thankful I was able to understand why people love them. I also say it's a lifestyle thing, not just banging through gears.
I'm 60 years old and I feel the same way on a sport bike. I like the comfort and can do looooong distances on my cruiser with no problems. Cruisers do handle well you just need to get used to it. It's a motorcycle, press the bars and go.
As a cruiser rider myself, I prefer them for the comfort and the seating position. I dont really get to canyon carve so I like the bigger bike. Plus it's much more comfortable in traffic. That's more of a touring bike. Cruisers don't have the big front fairing and the huge molded saddle bags.
I like cruisers and sports bikes. But I can't get my old lady to jump on the back of sports bike. Its awesome to see that you are willing to 'First Ride' bikes outside of what you're comfortable with. Always look forward to these first rides!
Cruisers dont have plastic and feel more of quality. My yamaha raider just feels better on the road then my gsxr for long hauls. Roll on throttle is better on a cruiser or any vtwin. Roll on torque is the key here... Then just the comfort is a huge plus.... Turning doesnt bother me or moving it around as it did you. Great vids buddy
Dude get over having tunes, I've got a busa with a sound system on and I LOVE it! It's the funniest thing ever when I pull up at the lights, got my HJC venom on, fat metal screaming out look to my left and the car next to me giving me some disturbed looks haa. But do I give a f***? NAH
I am a subscriber and a Victory XC owner. I LOVE my bike. I couldn't ride a sport bike for too long. Mine just fits me. I do like chrome, even though the trend is having everything blacked out, and that big chuggy powerhouse that I could ride many gas tanks at a time.
Suzuki Intruder rider here(125), i ride crusers and bobbers mainly for comfort, i love all bikes but riding a cruser is just more fun to me(although i would love to own a Ninja), and as for speed I can out do most other 125s and with the roads here in the UK a cruser or adventure bike is is alway best, and best of all is going round bends leaning all the way over and seeing the look on sport bike riders faces as they wonder how the hell i did that without falling off, it makes my day... :)
i lovecruisers/choppers/bobbers and im watching your channel. usually cruisers riders dont vlog lol. comfortable long distance trips relaxed in the wind long engine life and really really durable
The petrol tank opening is off center so that when you have it on the side stand at the petrol station you can get more in the tank. Cruisers are also more composed when two-up. Go 600Km on an R6 two-up or a big cruiser and you will understand.
Nice bike, was hoping both Harley and Victory were going to be at the KickBack custom show last weekend but apparently they are limited to the number of stands they can do a year... not sure, anyway, what you think of the Victory Dark Horse think was released over there Friday last week? Same engine and chassis as the chief but in a matt black finish.. lovely bikes with a price tag to boot.
It is so funny to hear the same I make when trying a sport bike. Some cops here in Texas use the Victory and make a 1.5 lane turn. I love cruisers but hate chrome. I tend to make 500-600 mile trips every weekend, and I don't see myself doing it on a sport bike. Last year I put 30,000 miles in my car and 15,000 on my motorcycle. Sport bike I'm done at 250-300 for a full day. To each his own is the perfect saying. Love your videos even though I am a cruiser guy.
So I am a huge fan of your channel and I have both a 2014 R1 and a 2014 Harley Street Glide Special. So the reason I like the street glide and make it my main bike is that it is the sexiest bike ever!! Add to that the comfort, radio, and the ability to ride 1k in a day without feeling like I have been beat to death. I love my R1 and ride it a lot, but if one had to go it would be the R1.
Cruisers can corner decently, you just have to trust it and know you WILL scrub the floorboards some. I do it all the time on my Vstar 1100. They are definitely different beasts compared to sport bikes, and currently I don't know which I prefer... which is why I have my Vstar cruiser and a FZ6 sport touring bike lol. As for the gas cap being on the right side of the tank, when the bike is on it's kickstand the gas cap is then centered at the top of the tank so you can fill just a bit more fuel in.
'bout time. I've been waiting 3 weeks for this... The floorboards gives you the ability to move your feet around on a long ride or kick your feet out, resting your heels on the front of the floorboards. The transmission Clunk gets a lot softer once its broken in. All large cruisers I've ridden have a clunk. The Clutch & Brake pedals can be adjusted forward & aft one inch. The Vic's have an "all day seat". I like the upright position and I'm going to get a backrest for my 2014 Victory Cross County Tour (Vic XCT). It has a taller windscreen and lowers to block the wind with vents that can open to direct the air flow. It will lean into the curves a lot more with some confidence. The 106ci (1761 cc) engine will go a lot faster, but not as quick as a sport bike. I wish you would have taken it on the highway. You are a lot wider so you need to plan before moving between solid objects like cars. I regret that I can't make the meetup on the 25th.
I like cruisers for a few reasons. 1) I was brought up around choppers and Harley's. I have always like the sound and the look of them. 2) Being 6foot 3inches with back problems sport bikes murder my back. 3) I'm not that into going real fast and taking tight turns at higher speeds. I prefer to just cruise around on the highway or the streets. But you can take it up in the twisties just takes a new learning curve to figure it all out 4) I've ridden both sport bikes and cruisers my first bike was a ZX6R but I ended up going to a harley because I like the laid back riding position. I'm not a fan of flashy chrome I prefer the blacked out look on the cruisers. But yeah those are some reasons why I like cruisers over sportbikes.
Chase i ride a harley soft tail and came from a cbr 600rr sure the rr was fast fun and a head turner but it sucked on long rides and half a day spent on it i was not feeling the ride after i got my harley all day rides much more fun don't get me wrong you still get stiff lol some other things i love about it is that SOUND and style but the harley based community does so much the dealerships are always holding events and charity rides i have yet to see any open house and anniversary type evens out of any other manufacturer dealerships i love all bikes just sharing my opinion why i chose what i chose it seems like harley kind of has its own calture and at least here in pa they are very welcomeing to all
I am a cruiser rider, have been for over 20+ years. They are built for long 8+ hour multi-state rides. You would not believe how many riders I have gone on rides with who end up trading those sport bikes off after one season and getting a heavy or mid size cruiser just because of the long distance rides. As you know, leaning forward for 2 days riding 9 hours each day kills your lower back, arms, and generally beats you to death. I have nothing against sport bikes, you should ride what you enjoy but you have to be practical. If you off road some go multisport, if you like taking corners sharp or jack rabbit starts get a sport bike, if you go long distance get a cruiser. It's that simple. Whatever you do just remember have fun and be safe.
The 3 biggest things for me when I went from the Ninja 300 to the Vulcan 900 Custom were the foot position, no slipper Clutch (Rev matching now required), and no ABS. While I like my Vulcan, my next bike is definitely going to be back in the sport/adventure category. Great thing about the Vulcan is it is only 600 pounds wet and the only thing that really limits agility on the Vulcan is the foot pegs, I scrape the crap out of them in corners
It's funny to hear this, because that was similar to what I felt like the first time I rode a Victory Vegas. Feet out in front felt really weird after spending 2 years on sport bikes. But being 6'5", I sold my 07 CBR600RR and bought an 07 Victory Vegas 8 Ball with 4" forward controls. So I am all stretched out and comfy on now! But now that its been about a year of riding the Vegas, I am very comfortable on it and am fairly agile with it. But the Magnum you rode here isn't as sporty as the Vegas. Test ride a Vegas preferably with aftermarket pipes. But, in all honesty, I do miss the CBR around town. That thing was a blast.
long trips like 600 700 miles they are good i have a 2016 Harley Davidson soft tail heritage classic and i love it but my fist bike was a cruiser and i have had 3 so far. but i haven't had a bike that big
Also doing a Harley V-Rod or Victory High Ball would be awesome but the High Ball you will really have to get used to the bars more than where your feet are. Might want to look at one before you think about a test ride just to be safe
Hahaha. That peg position though. Last summer I went with a friend to pick up a GZ250 he snagged off Craigslist. Having only ridden sport bikes, it was confusing as hell. Like I started keeping one foot on the footrest at stops because I had issues finding the pegs and the little thumper was light enough to easily balance with one foot. Last week a buddy at work let me manhandle his SV1000 for a bit. Needless to say, it's a lot more bike than my FZ-07. I can safely say, however, that the little Suzuki cruiser was a bigger challenge for me! The clearance on cruisers almost feels borderline dangerous when you're used to a bike you can lean over. Especially when it's a light cruiser!
I own a cruiser but enjoy all bikes. Getting older my hips dont work like they used to I have a hard time getting my leg over a sport bike. The riding position is also rough after a while. I like to call them a graduate bike. Done my time ripping around and now its time to slow down but I still want to ride.
I can't speak for bikes quite that big, but my Indian Scout is a bike that I can just chill on, or I can get up and haul ass if I want. That is part of my draw, another is the sound of the exhaust. I tend to like the more aggressive sound of a cruiser than sport bike. The power delivery tends to be different on cruisers as well, the 'kick in the pants' feeling at lower rpm's is fun on the street vs having to wind the engine for days to get it
now you should see if you can get your hands on a harley street glide haha before I bought my R6 I almost bought a street glide and decided that I wanted another sport bike, I have to say one of the best financial decisions as well as decisions in general, looks like a pretty interesting bike.
I like riding my sport touring bike because it is a great ride, as well as comfortable, although I would like to have floorboards on my bike. I have taken it to the Arkansas Dragon, and it preformed well, but not as probably nimble as a supersport bike when going around a 10 mph hairpin turn or going up a tight curvy hill, in my opinion.
Hey Chase. I am a cruiser guy. In fact I have a normal Victory Cross Country. The Magnum you drove you are spot on, it is a show bike. Victory is taking advantage of the current big front wheel bagger fad. It is not an everyday bike like the normal XC. Victory takes advantage of fads.The Jackpot took advantage of the fat rear tire fad of the early 2000s. The gas cap is off center so when the bike is leaning the cap is level while filling it. The reason we like it is because of the sitting position, looks, power, etc... You are not use to it, it's not your style. That's cool. The normal XC is designed for long distance driving. For that it is awesome. The Laz-E Boy sitting position is part of that, super comfortable for long distance. You should see me driving mine. I push it hard in the corners. I am dragging the floorboards. The XC is one of the best handling cruisers out there. I am not sure how the big front wheel would affect that. Also the magnum is lowered an inch so it would have less cornering clearance. Compared to my Yamaha Vstar I feel so much more comfortable int he corners with the XC than the Vstar. I rarely drag the pegs on my Yamaha, but I am constantly dragging the floorboards on the XC. It is also one of the best braking touring bikes. You not feeling like you could brake fast enough is because it is a much heavier bike than sport bike. It’s like comparing the stopping distance of a sports car to a van. The ABS works REALLY well. You also think the bike is two wide for side by, I do it all the time. It isn't just wider than what you are use to. Another reason many people ride cruisers, it fits them. I am a short guy - 5’6". I do not like being on my tippy toes as what happens with most sport and standard bikes. I find that extremely uncomfortable and unsettling. But if someone gives me the keys I will ride anything. It is funny you say you like the “shift thing”. That’s what I don’t like about it. For some reason it has a heavy and clunky clutch. Other Victory bikes don’t, other cruisers don’t. If you want to try a big bike find a Goldwing. Or if you are insane find a Boss Hoss. It will be interesting if you try other cruisers. Victory, compared to other stock cruisers, had more power than most. Triumph and Indian will have more power. Have you ever been a passenger on a bike? I have, it is completely different than being a driver. I am uncomfortable with it. So a cruiser to you is like me being a passenger, it’s not your thing and your comfort zone. It does’t matter what you ride, as long as you ride. Every type of bike is fun in their own way. With Victory watch for a demo truck, you can test drive everything then, not just what is in stock at the dealer. Keep doing what you do and enjoying the different styles of bikes out there.
Baggers are meant for comfort. But once you ride them and get used to them, you can lean them over and take corners or navigate pretty easily at slow sppeds. On the Harley side you have the ElectraGlides that are specifically meant for touring. they have bluetooth, usb, touch screens and all that good shit. They're like sitting on the roof of a cadillac going down the highway. Bumps are just absorbed and they're just straight up comfy. Also though, you have Street glides and Road Glides that are the more performance versions of the full dressers. For me, cruisers aren't about going fast or taking a turn at break-neck speeds. It's about the enjoyment of the ride, and putting your face in the wind. That's just my outlook on it.
Your comments of why you buy one of these after a sport bike... You happen to be riding in my town in the video and been to that dealership hundreds of times.... 9 Sport bikes later I bought a Yamaha Roadstar and threw 18 ape hangers, bags, 21 inch wheel... the whole 9... A buddy of mine when he got off sport bikes stated "Its just as much fun at half the speed"... and its exactly that. Get to enjoy the thrill of riding but I'm not doubling the speed limit. I love having hard bags, I like having a "man-bike" and the community behind it. I've ridden sport bikes all over the South East and further... Take an R1 8 hours away and then take a touring bike 8 hours away... you'll be much happier. 2 wheels is 2 wheels... I enjoy both. I used to drool over a Ducati riding by.. Now I don't even blink... I see a bagged out touring bike and my heart stops. There's also a ton more to do to touring bikes... Sport bikes... You do exhaust.. tires, HIDs, intake, maybe some different tag mount... Its done. The cruisers... the modding doesn't really stop. And stereo... Nothing like rolling up blaring 1500 watts of stereo and be that obnoxious biker... :) Enjoy either way, shiny side up!
i rocked sport bikes supersports etc for years but recently switched over to a cruiser style due to i just prefer the comfort level just cant be matched.
that bike is not really for riding around town but more for the open road. I have some cruisers and they are quick as you need them to be but comfortable enough to just chill. i dont have a bagger but a cruiser and my bike will take any turn i throw at it
Hey! I followed your channel when I lived in MD and moved to Marietta in October - I ride a 2012 Yamaha Stryker - That's the dealership I go to - You do great reviews - keep em coming!
I love my cruiser. I only ride a little cruiser, a Yamaha Vstar 650 custom with Vance & Hines short shots but I think like everything in life, its personal preference. I have always loved cruisers, not this one but cruisers in general. I feel this would be an ideal Bagger motorbike and it looks like it has been designed for that kind of community in mind. Personally i prefer bobbed out cruisers and hope to do it to my V twin one day (when i finish my Architecture degree and have some money =D). I find the vstar is extremely flickable, maybe not to the same degree as a sports but it still sways back and forth really well. It is truly comfortable and i had this in mind when i bought it as i was travelling between 750 - 1000km (465 - 620 mi) a week to get to uni.
Chase on a bagger! it finally happened!!! You got the wrong cruiser though, go with an indian or a harley next time. ;) You were spot on with the 'only take it to bike night' kind of bike with this thing, but the regular old-fart-couch-cushions are a more comfy ride. i ride a smaller cruiser without all that extra shit and it's really fun. it's comfy ride and it gets pretty spirited. It's also easy to work on, cheaper on insurance, and i enjoy the culture behind it more than the sport bike culture. I'm not going to go racing anywhere, so i don't want a race machine. Plus i watched a lot of chopper movies when i was younger. Those things are called floor-boards, btw. This was a pretty fun vlog to watch, thanks for giving in to the dark side!
***** Yea, this video has gone up twice on accident. Had some serious scheduling issues with it. Only you super early guys have seen it though. The vast majority of viewers haven't gotten a chance to check it out yet.
+chaseontwowheels. My take on cruisers.... It does take some getting use to but the relaxed ride is nice. I started riding dirt bikes at the age of 7, my first street bike was a 2001 Suzuki Bandit 600s. That was comfortable but I wanted more power, enter 2002 Yamaha R6, LOVED that bike. I had to take a break fro t riding and ended up coming back on a VTX 1300s, then VTX 1800f, and switched to a Harley street glide. It had a radio and hard bags to take stuff and my wife loved it, BUT...... Handling at speed sucks, can't beat it at slow speed though and acceleration sucked. I now have a Concours 14, room to pack stuff but well, you've ridden one you can figure out why I own one now.
I usually enjoy the first ride series but I don't feel you gave this bike much of a chance. I understand you haven't got much time with each bike and as this is a completely different style it would take some getting used to. Also some highway time on the first ride series would give a better overall feel to each bike. Just a suggestion.
You get used to it, no problem. My old man has had Viragos and now a V-Star while I myself have had a YZF motard-thing, Ninja and now a CBR. Every now and then when we find time for a ride together, we almost always switch it up for more than a few miles. And he, at first, was just as clumsy on the "sportbikes" as I was on his cruisers. But now, after a few years, I look forward to putting some miles on the V-Star and personally, I think it's a bit more manageable at extremely low speeds; probably because of the weight. I definitely see the appeal of muscled cruisers and after my experience, I would totally rock a Mean Streak or something if I found the cash. Not to replace, but to switch out. Like you and Tea. But, as for a bike that massive.. I get ya.. I don't think I could get into it.
95% of my rides are 30+ minutes, comfort is why I don't ride a rocket. Would love the speed of a rocket, but when I just sit on them, my legs cramp up. Great Vid!
Chase, if you want to find out why we dig cruisers please rent one for 2 days and make a long ass trip with it. You will see its comfy relaxed, will steer superb at normal speeds( it will lean further than you think). And a amazing plus is you can haul a ton of shit on it with saddlebags top racks etc.
As a cruiser fan, especially a Victory fan I can understand your reservations. To us, that bike isn't for doing what you're doing. We want to get on the highway and cruise at 75 all day. We want to go places far away. There are other cruisers for city riding. This type of bike is for long highway jaunts. I like the Victory Vegas 8-Ball or the new Gunner for this type of riding. Different bikes for different situations.
as a former vtx1800 rider, tbh man its like owning a muscle car. Some people like having a big, lumbering shouty dragon of a machine to operate. I love cruisers just because on a long ride, they're COMFORTABLE. Yes they're heavy, yes they can't turn for shit, but when you crack on the throttle and you hear the sound of war come out the tailpipes, and you feel like the paw of a grizzly forces you forward, thats why u love cruisers
I prefer cruisers over sports and super sports, but I respect them all, actually I wouldn't mind having an fz 07!! Cruisers are meant to just cruise. They're big and heavy so wind doesn't really effect them at highway speeds. Sport bikes are meant to compete (usually) so you can lean at extreme angles and high speeds. I'm glad to see you hop on one of these and not totally knock them down and give shit about them, they do have their place. It is still a motorcycle and does the same thing holly does, just not as fast. Anyways, good video chase, love these first ride video's!! Especially ones on bikes that you normally wouldn't have!!
Chase I love your vids but I just want people to know I was in the scariest situation of my life today. I wrecked my bike all due to someone coming into my lane toward me. Without my gear, I could have had broken bones, a concussion, internal bleeding, well you get the point. Luckily I was riding responsible today and wearing my helmet, jacket and gloves. I survived a 50 mph wreck with only two scratches and a sore shoulder. Please wear your gear guys.
iv'e owned both cruisers and sportbikes i now own a fireblade but i still love sitting back on a big v-twin it's all about comfort i test rode a victory cross tour at ohio bike week love'd it super soft ride cruise control tunes oh yeah once you get used to the big bikes you'll love'em awsome on the highway and long rides and once again when your used to them hitting twistys is alot of fun but you will ( i do ) scrape the foot pegs so be prepared to by new ones every few years.
I bought A Ness Signature Victory Vegas,I have a 2012 Yamaha R1.I take the girlfriend for rides up to NC and the R1 is my fun bike.For days I kept trying to put my feet straight down because I'm used to the peg position on the R1. What's a really strange feeling is getting off one of the bikes and jumping on the other one.
I think those bikes are good for a real long road trip. Road trips are possible on sport bikes but I assume it would require more stopping because of the limited comfort. Then again I haven't gone on long rides with my ninja yet.
My brother likes cruisers because they pose a challenge, being able to push a cruiser to its max in the corners is definitely a thrill few desire to seek out. He scrapes though.
***** I started riding on a Honda VTX1300 (cruiser), which I'm currently still riding. It's definitely not as big as that Mangum and at first I actually hated it because I like sports bikes more, especially when it comes to the looks of them but after a while the bike grew on me and I learned how to really control it well and appreciate the power it has. I have only been on one other sports bike and aside from the cruiser being my only bike, I do enjoy the fact that it is very smooth (linear power delivery) and a very comfy ride. I've also learned to control it very well and when I did get on a sports bike the second time I felt a lot more comfortable and confident because it is so small and nimble in comparison. I do not recommend going over 80mph because it gets extremely windy but for enjoying longer cruises on a long sunny day I think they're the perfect bike for it. Hope this answers your question as to why cruisers appeal to riders. Have a great day and thanks for all the different reviews, hoping to get myself a sports bike within the next year and I found them very helpful!
Hey bro, I first came across your V-strom 1000 video, because I am in the adventure bike market. I only had my license for 3 1/2 years, started on a 12' VRoD Muscle, then got a Victory VISION ( try one of those bad boys lol) and now getting an adventure bike. Cruisers are awkward going from a sport bike background, but you get used to it, I have kept up with sport bikes, in city, hwy, and back country roads, on my vision, ( Slight aggressive riding, but if they really wanted to take off and go crazy aggressive then obviously I would eventually be unable to keep up) It's all about seat time and comfort. If you rode a cruiser as much as your sport bike, you'd be able to handle it just as well, I scrap my pegs on the vision on every turn if I wanted to. :) It's all about preference. I have ridden sport bikes, don't mind them, but I have a bulldog neck and its the far lean forward with the head tilted up for me is just too uncomfortable, hence the adventure bike. Of course a sport bike will always out handle cruiser but its also rider level, ( seen the Goldwing video on Tail of the Dragon? ) Keep up the great enthusiastic videos, my fave' are the Vstrom and the Valkyrie :) Would like to see you demo a normal cruiser something like a 1300 star, but i really like to see you try a VICTORY HIGHBALL - try the mini apes, and how cool you feel riding them. Awesome videos once again, and keep it up, I am now a subscriber -Dann
To answer your question... it's mostly a comfort thing. I like sport bikes, but they just aren't my thing either. I think that's also because I'm short, and finding a sport bike to fit my short ass is super tough. That being said, I love all the sport bike riders on youtube. I don't think there's any cruiser vloggers.
As a cruiser rider, id like to say I love your videos despite me not really liking sports bikes. I do appreciate sportbikes though and have nothing wrong with others riding them, they are just not for me. I love the looks of big cruisers and as someone who doesnt value a whole lot of speed, its what makes sense to me. You say you dont feel safe in turns but its sheerly because you are not used to it which is 100% fine since its not your thing but I can say that most cruiser riders know how to turn them well enough. Its a lifestyle thing for cruisers, cant really explain it I guess. Have fun on your sportbike, cafe racer, scooter, dual sport, supermoto or cruiser or anything in between because at the end of the day, you are a winner when you ride what you wanna ride.
sapriousrevived I agree, its about what you are use to.
***** I watch your videos and own a Harley Softail Heritage Classic. MY purpose for it is for long distance mountains 2 week rides and anytime i want to ride with my cruiser buddies. Also great for riding with the lady friends. I also bought a 2011 Honda CBR 600RR late last season and use it for my daily riding to work and around town. Still getting use to the CBR. Living in Alberta , our riding seasons are short.
sapriousrevived Agreed bro, I ride a Honda VT600CD, It was a shock to the system after riding something with more of a neutral riding style (like a CB300, HD Street500, HD Sportster with Mid controls) because the pegs are way out front. But once I got used to it, I love making hard corners with it. It's not as fast as what I've ridden before, and It doesn't make a lot of horses (I think it's 36HP IIRC), but It's peppy, insurance is cheap and a great Daily to work every day. I love all kinds of bikes, I got my heart set on getting something a bit peppier like a CB500F or maybe a Harley Street 500.
JESUS CHRIST THATS A BOAT
Do It With Dan *Land yacht
Do It With Dan i have the 2014 vegas 8ball they steer like a boat but they have that get up and go!! power of 110 lb of ft torque loving my lazy cruisers
Matt Marquez You just reminded me of a random thought, I saw a Boeing ad for a private aircraft that has 2 engines, producing 10k lbs of thrust each. Put that on a bike
Slacin' Ace I like it !
Haha
Bahahahahahaha!!! Dude!! What the heck are you doing on that thing?! Come back to the dark side, Nick!! XD
it's all about the nice relaxing and don't forget comfortable cruise rather than flying down the road at high speeds love the videos man keep em coming
Victory made some of the best leaning baggers out there. The specifically designed their bikes to increase the lean angle so that you could keep up with your friends in the twistys. Also, step down to the cross country with the smaller front wheel and the steering will feel much lighter. The larger the front wheel the more it makes steering feel heavy and unresponsive.
First off, this bike isn't a cruiser. It's a Bagger. Second, yes, it is nothing like a sport bike, we get it. Its not supposed to be. Third, once you get used to it, you can do things that you never thought you could on it. The bike is designed to chase horizons. Something sport bikes are not designed to do. Try spending a day riding 7 or 800 miles or so atop an R6. Then do the same on one of these. I guarantee you that you would prefer this bike over that bike 9 times out of 10. A 10 minute jaunt through town does not show the strengths of this bike. Any Victory rider or touring rider will tell you that. Not trying to be snarky, just stating the truth. *To answer the question posed by the reviewer: Why people like this style of bike is kind of like why some people want a pickup and others want a Mini Cooper. To each his own. Personal freedom and personal choice. For the type of riding I do, A sport bike wouldn't make sense. But it might for you. There it is. Personal Preference. That is your answer.
you are 100% correct. I own multiple bikes. dirt,sport,and touring. every bike has a job. I absolutely love my victory cross country for many reasons and think they do a fantastic job. I love everything on 2 wheels, old, new, slow or fast. It all puts a smile this face.
Calm down there Sherlock
But people ride adventure bikes for long distances and those are also very capable?
+MH5tube those adventure bikes are a waaay different style... I wouldnt park one of those things downtown at the bar and expect people to look at it.... Everywhere i go in my raider i get questions because of it looks
Joe D ok so it really is about looks over practicality
You should see if you can get your hands on a Triumph Daytona 675R, It'd be cool to see what you think of it :)
AsianGroceries I really want to man. Just gotta find one.
I bought one recently, Im in love with it. Fantastic bike!
***** or a h2 !!
***** Just a few more weeks. Ill be in the atlanta area for the meet up and for the weekend as well. If you wanna get your hands on it, its all yours.
AsianGroceries I really want one, but cant find one here in Vancouver, dealership told me its all sold out :(
Hey Chase, since you asked, I am 20 and I ride a 2007 Honda Shadow 750 spirit. but for me what draws me to cruisers are many things. I enjoy the deep rumble of a cruiser a lot more than the high pitched sound a sport bike makes. I like the seating position more. I did own a sport bike before and immediately after getting the shadow I noticed I got a lot more respect from cars and pedestrians.Like cars tend to notice me more and not cut me off compared to when I was on the sport bike. Although my cruiser is quite slim, it doesn't have bags or fenders or anything such so I can still lane split with ease on it.
Anyway, love your vids, keep it up!
its awesome to see motorcycle riders ride many different types of bikes and not be the jerk saying one style of bike is the best and forget the rest. personally all bikes are good its just what your into and what suits your riding style the best
I'm a cruiser guy, to answer your question, for me I prefer cruisers for 2 reasons. I ride a HD road glide. Reason 1 I like to go on long rides and by long I mean outta state saddle bags packed full spending nights in a motel type long ride. Reason 2 I love the sound of a v twin.
I ride a victory and i love it, the stock bike is very restricted in its stock setup, even the dealer stage 1 kit is restrictive, you can extract a lot more power with a/m pipes, air box and power commander, the motors are so overbuilt they will respond very well to tuning. It will never be a track weapon but you may be surprised just what they can do. Great review and would like to see some more of your reactions to other cruisers out there.
You shouldn't be bias towards sport bikes, different bikes are meant for different riding styles and you should review it on what it is not what it isn't unless it pertains to a bike in the same class
I just started riding a few years ago, I started off with a 2007 Suzuki Boulevard M50 then upgraded to a '13 Victory Vegas 8balll. With me the reason I went cruiser is because I find it more comfortable on longer rides then being hunched over all the time on a sportbike. Plus I'm almost 30 so I'm not trying to go anywhere fast, just take my time and enjoy the scenery
So we pretty much now can consider Friday's first ride Friday's!
BirdThaWord750 I'd like to keep it that way. As long as MMS can supply me with enough bikes!
That's cool I'll watch!
***** I'm down with a First Ride Friday series. Haha, fun to see you on different bikes each week man
I have a cruiser. I like both though. Cruisers are 100% for me for comfort. Crotch rockets are for when I feel like being an idiot. If I'm taking a girl out on a ride, it's nice to have the cruiser.
Finally, someone who can understand and appreciate both world's. You sir, are a pro.
Haha thanks. They both have their place.
Exactly what I'm saying💯
there is a few reason i like cruisers. they are more comfortable like you said, its great on long rides. I personally also think they look cooler and sounds better but thats opinion. Once you get used to it you can control it more that you would expect. so to sum it up cruiser guys prefer comfort to speed.
I'm switching to one of these from sport bikes now. I primarily had to switch due to a back injury. Sport bikes just weren't really an option for me now.
Jason Jones Sorry to hear that man.
Sport bikes are meant for speed and getting to point A to point B quickly, what I love about cruiser is being able to sit back ride slow and enjoy the beautiful scenery, to look around enjoy every little detail that is what draws me to my cruiser.
As a non-sportbike rider, I own a 2013 Harley Sportster '72 edition and my dad owns a 2002 Harley Roadking. I can speak for both of us in saying that comfort level 10/10 for the most part. We've both customized our bikes quite a bit. In that aspect, cruisers tend to be more pronounced and unique when customized. Again this is my opinion, I have respect for all motorcycles and have nothing against sportsbikes and/or the riders.
Hey man I ride everything and some of them being cruisers, my main bike is a cruiser, and the main reason for a cruiser is that there comfy like this bike you can sit on it and run down the highway for 4 or 5 hours before you need to stop for gas or tiredness. The weight really adds to the highway comfort and makes it have a lot less highway wind wobble. Plus it's fun to push a bike to the limit, it's very satisfying to have your pegs scraping around a set of turns.
I'm a Harley guy myself, I love your videos but the reason I like Harley is because I love to cruise it just feels good and love the deeper toned exhaust different folks different strokes
bike nights only? you're crazy, those Victory cross bikes are made for the freeway like a goldwing
Chase, does Mountain Motorsports only offer test rides on a few select brands? Or Are you able to test ride European bikes like BMW's and Ducati's? And see if you test ride an H2
Over the last 9 years. I have owned scooters, cruisers, sportbikes, & supermotos. Each are all fun as shit for their own purpose. Thanks for ur dedication on ur videos.
your music for the bikes is honestly amazing
OK here's the thing I am a cruiser rider, and I will say that is a crazy bike. In the cruiser world a bike like that would be called a bagger, the foot rest are called floorboards. A lot of people who ride a bike like the magnum ride it purely as a status symbol. The rest of us ride cruisers for comfort and just cruising. Also they are amazing on really long rids. I use to ride sport bikes and I really miss them but I was blown up in Iraq in 2006 and can't ride them anymore, my back and hip just wont let me. So there is that small group of us that ride cruisers because we just can't ride sport bikes, or naked bikes anymore. I do enjoy your videos and look forward to your new ones. You need to go for a ride with a cruiser guy that really knows how to ride his bike, you would loose your shit when he leans it over so far he scrapes the floorboards on the road. Brother keep your wheels on the ground and your face in the wind, and keep doing what you do. Later
My dad is a huge Harley Davidson fan. He has two, a sportster and a road glide with all the bags and fairings. I am with you in the aspect of they are just way to big and clunky. But as I understand it, they are excellent for long cruises because of the comfort, amenities, and storage space. And at speed I guess they handle really well. I can see the comfort level of them being a huge draw, with also the feeling of still being on two wheels.
Chaseontwowheels I think you answered your own question. It's fun to ride a motorcycle period. If you enjoy riding, but also want to be comfortable, and have a radio, but you're not interested in dragging knees and elbows around corners, you get one of these I guess. But I would also take a nice touring bike over a cruiser personally. My personal bike is a Honda Hornet 919. It's kind of the best of everything in my opinion. enough horse power and torque to have fun, a slightly upright position, the super smooth Honda 6 speed gearbox, and with an aftermarket windscreen it's decent on highway rides. they have a used one at Mountain Motorsports in Alpharetta I think. you should go ride it, I'd be shocked if you didn't like it.
Here is my two cents. I have a Victory Vegas 8 Ball that I ride daily. When I got my license just over a couple of years ago I was actually looking at a sport bike but decided on the cruiser style instead. I did it mainly because of the comfort level and I wanted a upright seating position and the relaxed sitting. This is not to mention that you don't need extra luggage bags. It is all about comfort most of the time plus we like to hear the motor. If you right them right you can squeeze out a good 250-300 miles per tank out of it.
I'm a cruiser ride and have been for about 5 years now. My first bike was a 250 ninja. I use to love that bike but my issue is I ride to much highway and longer trip to justify having a sport bike. Every year I ride to sturgis for bike week and its about 3,000 mile ride round trip. There isn't anyway I'm riding a sport bike that long. For me my riding style fits having a cruiser. The biggest thing with it is the size, comfort, and storage. My bike isn't a show bike its a riding bike. Keep up your great work on the videos! I have watched pretty much all of your videos and have been sub for awhile now.
As a sports bike rider, I would like to say that rather than judging and looking for the same experience I know from riding sport machine. I approached cruiser bikes with a complete open mind, and I'm thankful I was able to understand why people love them. I also say it's a lifestyle thing, not just banging through gears.
I'm 60 years old and I feel the same way on a sport bike. I like the comfort and can do looooong distances on my cruiser with no problems. Cruisers do handle well you just need to get used to it. It's a motorcycle, press the bars and go.
As a cruiser rider myself, I prefer them for the comfort and the seating position. I dont really get to canyon carve so I like the bigger bike. Plus it's much more comfortable in traffic. That's more of a touring bike. Cruisers don't have the big front fairing and the huge molded saddle bags.
I like cruisers and sports bikes. But I can't get my old lady to jump on the back of sports bike. Its awesome to see that you are willing to 'First Ride' bikes outside of what you're comfortable with. Always look forward to these first rides!
Cruisers dont have plastic and feel more of quality. My yamaha raider just feels better on the road then my gsxr for long hauls. Roll on throttle is better on a cruiser or any vtwin. Roll on torque is the key here... Then just the comfort is a huge plus.... Turning doesnt bother me or moving it around as it did you. Great vids buddy
I just bought a yamaha v star 1100 and I'm watching your channel and do it with Dan's channel. Odd but I really enjoy watching you guys.
Dude get over having tunes, I've got a busa with a sound system on and I LOVE it! It's the funniest thing ever when I pull up at the lights, got my HJC venom on, fat metal screaming out look to my left and the car next to me giving me some disturbed looks haa. But do I give a f***? NAH
I am a subscriber and a Victory XC owner. I LOVE my bike. I couldn't ride a sport bike for too long. Mine just fits me. I do like chrome, even though the trend is having everything blacked out, and that big chuggy powerhouse that I could ride many gas tanks at a time.
Suzuki Intruder rider here(125), i ride crusers and bobbers mainly for comfort, i love all bikes but riding a cruser is just more fun to me(although i would love to own a Ninja), and as for speed I can out do most other 125s and with the roads here in the UK a cruser or adventure bike is is alway best, and best of all is going round bends leaning all the way over and seeing the look on sport bike riders faces as they wonder how the hell i did that without falling off, it makes my day... :)
i lovecruisers/choppers/bobbers and im watching your channel. usually cruisers riders dont vlog lol. comfortable long distance trips relaxed in the wind long engine life and really really durable
why you don't do this kind of bikes?I mean do harley Davidson like the cvo series or street glide
Today on First Rides, Chase rides a AAAARRRREEEEAAALLLL BAAAAACHHHH
The petrol tank opening is off center so that when you have it on the side stand at the petrol station you can get more in the tank. Cruisers are also more composed when two-up. Go 600Km on an R6 two-up or a big cruiser and you will understand.
Nice bike, was hoping both Harley and Victory were going to be at the KickBack custom show last weekend but apparently they are limited to the number of stands they can do a year... not sure, anyway, what you think of the Victory Dark Horse think was released over there Friday last week? Same engine and chassis as the chief but in a matt black finish.. lovely bikes with a price tag to boot.
It is so funny to hear the same I make when trying a sport bike. Some cops here in Texas use the Victory and make a 1.5 lane turn. I love cruisers but hate chrome. I tend to make 500-600 mile trips every weekend, and I don't see myself doing it on a sport bike. Last year I put 30,000 miles in my car and 15,000 on my motorcycle. Sport bike I'm done at 250-300 for a full day. To each his own is the perfect saying. Love your videos even though I am a cruiser guy.
So I am a huge fan of your channel and I have both a 2014 R1 and a 2014 Harley Street Glide Special. So the reason I like the street glide and make it my main bike is that it is the sexiest bike ever!! Add to that the comfort, radio, and the ability to ride 1k in a day without feeling like I have been beat to death. I love my R1 and ride it a lot, but if one had to go it would be the R1.
Great video! I'm not a cruiser guy either but I can appreciate the idea. Keep'em coming, Sir!
Cruisers can corner decently, you just have to trust it and know you WILL scrub the floorboards some. I do it all the time on my Vstar 1100. They are definitely different beasts compared to sport bikes, and currently I don't know which I prefer... which is why I have my Vstar cruiser and a FZ6 sport touring bike lol.
As for the gas cap being on the right side of the tank, when the bike is on it's kickstand the gas cap is then centered at the top of the tank so you can fill just a bit more fuel in.
'bout time. I've been waiting 3 weeks for this... The floorboards gives you the ability to move your feet around on a long ride or kick your feet out, resting your heels on the front of the floorboards. The transmission Clunk gets a lot softer once its broken in. All large cruisers I've ridden have a clunk. The Clutch & Brake pedals can be adjusted forward & aft one inch. The Vic's have an "all day seat". I like the upright position and I'm going to get a backrest for my 2014 Victory Cross County Tour (Vic XCT). It has a taller windscreen and lowers to block the wind with vents that can open to direct the air flow. It will lean into the curves a lot more with some confidence. The 106ci (1761 cc) engine will go a lot faster, but not as quick as a sport bike. I wish you would have taken it on the highway. You are a lot wider so you need to plan before moving between solid objects like cars. I regret that I can't make the meetup on the 25th.
I like cruisers for a few reasons. 1) I was brought up around choppers and Harley's. I have always like the sound and the look of them. 2) Being 6foot 3inches with back problems sport bikes murder my back. 3) I'm not that into going real fast and taking tight turns at higher speeds. I prefer to just cruise around on the highway or the streets. But you can take it up in the twisties just takes a new learning curve to figure it all out 4) I've ridden both sport bikes and cruisers my first bike was a ZX6R but I ended up going to a harley because I like the laid back riding position. I'm not a fan of flashy chrome I prefer the blacked out look on the cruisers.
But yeah those are some reasons why I like cruisers over sportbikes.
I normally don't like these types of bikes, but this is purty
Chase i ride a harley soft tail and came from a cbr 600rr sure the rr was fast fun and a head turner but it sucked on long rides and half a day spent on it i was not feeling the ride after i got my harley all day rides much more fun don't get me wrong you still get stiff lol some other things i love about it is that SOUND and style but the harley based community does so much the dealerships are always holding events and charity rides i have yet to see any open house and anniversary type evens out of any other manufacturer dealerships i love all bikes just sharing my opinion why i chose what i chose it seems like harley kind of has its own calture and at least here in pa they are very welcomeing to all
I own an 05 R6 and I still love the cruisers. It just has to do with what you like personally.
I am a cruiser rider, have been for over 20+ years. They are built for long 8+ hour multi-state rides. You would not believe how many riders I have gone on rides with who end up trading those sport bikes off after one season and getting a heavy or mid size cruiser just because of the long distance rides. As you know, leaning forward for 2 days riding 9 hours each day kills your lower back, arms, and generally beats you to death. I have nothing against sport bikes, you should ride what you enjoy but you have to be practical. If you off road some go multisport, if you like taking corners sharp or jack rabbit starts get a sport bike, if you go long distance get a cruiser. It's that simple. Whatever you do just remember have fun and be safe.
The 3 biggest things for me when I went from the Ninja 300 to the Vulcan 900 Custom were the foot position, no slipper Clutch (Rev matching now required), and no ABS. While I like my Vulcan, my next bike is definitely going to be back in the sport/adventure category. Great thing about the Vulcan is it is only 600 pounds wet and the only thing that really limits agility on the Vulcan is the foot pegs, I scrape the crap out of them in corners
You should try the Harley Davidson V-Rod Muscle.
LakeBodomsReaper I agree, Harley's Fastest bike.
It's funny to hear this, because that was similar to what I felt like the first time I rode a Victory Vegas. Feet out in front felt really weird after spending 2 years on sport bikes. But being 6'5", I sold my 07 CBR600RR and bought an 07 Victory Vegas 8 Ball with 4" forward controls. So I am all stretched out and comfy on now!
But now that its been about a year of riding the Vegas, I am very comfortable on it and am fairly agile with it.
But the Magnum you rode here isn't as sporty as the Vegas.
Test ride a Vegas preferably with aftermarket pipes.
But, in all honesty, I do miss the CBR around town. That thing was a blast.
long trips like 600 700 miles they are good i have a 2016 Harley Davidson soft tail heritage classic and i love it but my fist bike was a cruiser and i have had 3 so far. but i haven't had a bike that big
Also doing a Harley V-Rod or Victory High Ball would be awesome but the High Ball you will really have to get used to the bars more than where your feet are. Might want to look at one before you think about a test ride just to be safe
Hahaha. That peg position though.
Last summer I went with a friend to pick up a GZ250 he snagged off Craigslist. Having only ridden sport bikes, it was confusing as hell. Like I started keeping one foot on the footrest at stops because I had issues finding the pegs and the little thumper was light enough to easily balance with one foot.
Last week a buddy at work let me manhandle his SV1000 for a bit. Needless to say, it's a lot more bike than my FZ-07.
I can safely say, however, that the little Suzuki cruiser was a bigger challenge for me! The clearance on cruisers almost feels borderline dangerous when you're used to a bike you can lean over. Especially when it's a light cruiser!
I own a cruiser but enjoy all bikes. Getting older my hips dont work like they used to I have a hard time getting my leg over a sport bike. The riding position is also rough after a while. I like to call them a graduate bike. Done my time ripping around and now its time to slow down but I still want to ride.
I can't speak for bikes quite that big, but my Indian Scout is a bike that I can just chill on, or I can get up and haul ass if I want. That is part of my draw, another is the sound of the exhaust. I tend to like the more aggressive sound of a cruiser than sport bike. The power delivery tends to be different on cruisers as well, the 'kick in the pants' feeling at lower rpm's is fun on the street vs having to wind the engine for days to get it
now you should see if you can get your hands on a harley street glide haha before I bought my R6 I almost bought a street glide and decided that I wanted another sport bike, I have to say one of the best financial decisions as well as decisions in general, looks like a pretty interesting bike.
I like riding my sport touring bike because it is a great ride, as well as comfortable, although I would like to have floorboards on my bike. I have taken it to the Arkansas Dragon, and it preformed well, but not as probably nimble as a supersport bike when going around a 10 mph hairpin turn or going up a tight curvy hill, in my opinion.
The "Recliner" position for touring is the Bomb!
Hey Chase. I am a cruiser guy. In fact I have a normal Victory Cross Country. The Magnum you drove you are spot on, it is a show bike. Victory is taking advantage of the current big front wheel bagger fad. It is not an everyday bike like the normal XC. Victory takes advantage of fads.The Jackpot took advantage of the fat rear tire fad of the early 2000s.
The gas cap is off center so when the bike is leaning the cap is level while filling it. The reason we like it is because of the sitting position, looks, power, etc... You are not use to it, it's not your style. That's cool.
The normal XC is designed for long distance driving. For that it is awesome. The Laz-E Boy sitting position is part of that, super comfortable for long distance.
You should see me driving mine. I push it hard in the corners. I am dragging the floorboards. The XC is one of the best handling cruisers out there. I am not sure how the big front wheel would affect that. Also the magnum is lowered an inch so it would have less cornering clearance. Compared to my Yamaha Vstar I feel so much more comfortable int he corners with the XC than the Vstar. I rarely drag the pegs on my Yamaha, but I am constantly dragging the floorboards on the XC.
It is also one of the best braking touring bikes. You not feeling like you could brake fast enough is because it is a much heavier bike than sport bike. It’s like comparing the stopping distance of a sports car to a van. The ABS works REALLY well.
You also think the bike is two wide for side by, I do it all the time. It isn't just wider than what you are use to. Another reason many people ride cruisers, it fits them. I am a short guy - 5’6". I do not like being on my tippy toes as what happens with most sport and standard bikes. I find that extremely uncomfortable and unsettling. But if someone gives me the keys I will ride anything.
It is funny you say you like the “shift thing”. That’s what I don’t like about it. For some reason it has a heavy and clunky clutch. Other Victory bikes don’t, other cruisers don’t.
If you want to try a big bike find a Goldwing. Or if you are insane find a Boss Hoss.
It will be interesting if you try other cruisers. Victory, compared to other stock cruisers, had more power than most. Triumph and Indian will have more power.
Have you ever been a passenger on a bike? I have, it is completely different than being a driver. I am uncomfortable with it. So a cruiser to you is like me being a passenger, it’s not your thing and your comfort zone.
It does’t matter what you ride, as long as you ride. Every type of bike is fun in their own way. With Victory watch for a demo truck, you can test drive everything then, not just what is in stock at the dealer.
Keep doing what you do and enjoying the different styles of bikes out there.
Baggers are meant for comfort. But once you ride them and get used to them, you can lean them over and take corners or navigate pretty easily at slow sppeds. On the Harley side you have the ElectraGlides that are specifically meant for touring. they have bluetooth, usb, touch screens and all that good shit. They're like sitting on the roof of a cadillac going down the highway. Bumps are just absorbed and they're just straight up comfy. Also though, you have Street glides and Road Glides that are the more performance versions of the full dressers. For me, cruisers aren't about going fast or taking a turn at break-neck speeds. It's about the enjoyment of the ride, and putting your face in the wind. That's just my outlook on it.
Yo C2W, believe it or not, they're called "FLOORBOARDS"
Your comments of why you buy one of these after a sport bike... You happen to be riding in my town in the video and been to that dealership hundreds of times.... 9 Sport bikes later I bought a Yamaha Roadstar and threw 18 ape hangers, bags, 21 inch wheel... the whole 9... A buddy of mine when he got off sport bikes stated "Its just as much fun at half the speed"... and its exactly that. Get to enjoy the thrill of riding but I'm not doubling the speed limit. I love having hard bags, I like having a "man-bike" and the community behind it. I've ridden sport bikes all over the South East and further... Take an R1 8 hours away and then take a touring bike 8 hours away... you'll be much happier.
2 wheels is 2 wheels... I enjoy both. I used to drool over a Ducati riding by.. Now I don't even blink... I see a bagged out touring bike and my heart stops. There's also a ton more to do to touring bikes... Sport bikes... You do exhaust.. tires, HIDs, intake, maybe some different tag mount... Its done. The cruisers... the modding doesn't really stop. And stereo... Nothing like rolling up blaring 1500 watts of stereo and be that obnoxious biker... :)
Enjoy either way, shiny side up!
"If this is your thing... I doubt you're watching my channel. " Haha that's awesome. And very accurate
i rocked sport bikes supersports etc for years but recently switched over to a cruiser style due to i just prefer the comfort level just cant be matched.
that bike is not really for riding around town but more for the open road. I have some cruisers and they are quick as you need them to be but comfortable enough to just chill. i dont have a bagger but a cruiser and my bike will take any turn i throw at it
Hey! I followed your channel when I lived in MD and moved to Marietta in October - I ride a 2012 Yamaha Stryker - That's the dealership I go to - You do great reviews - keep em coming!
I love my cruiser. I only ride a little cruiser, a Yamaha Vstar 650 custom with Vance & Hines short shots but I think like everything in life, its personal preference. I have always loved cruisers, not this one but cruisers in general. I feel this would be an ideal Bagger motorbike and it looks like it has been designed for that kind of community in mind.
Personally i prefer bobbed out cruisers and hope to do it to my V twin one day (when i finish my Architecture degree and have some money =D). I find the vstar is extremely flickable, maybe not to the same degree as a sports but it still sways back and forth really well. It is truly comfortable and i had this in mind when i bought it as i was travelling between 750 - 1000km (465 - 620 mi) a week to get to uni.
Chase on a bagger! it finally happened!!! You got the wrong cruiser though, go with an indian or a harley next time. ;) You were spot on with the 'only take it to bike night' kind of bike with this thing, but the regular old-fart-couch-cushions are a more comfy ride. i ride a smaller cruiser without all that extra shit and it's really fun. it's comfy ride and it gets pretty spirited. It's also easy to work on, cheaper on insurance, and i enjoy the culture behind it more than the sport bike culture. I'm not going to go racing anywhere, so i don't want a race machine. Plus i watched a lot of chopper movies when i was younger.
Those things are called floor-boards, btw. This was a pretty fun vlog to watch, thanks for giving in to the dark side!
Wolf's World Victory and Indian are pretty much the same bike. lol
Hasn't this been uploaded lime 3-4 times now?
Yea I swear I just watched this video last week
ive seen it before too
***** Yea, this video has gone up twice on accident. Had some serious scheduling issues with it. Only you super early guys have seen it though. The vast majority of viewers haven't gotten a chance to check it out yet.
Early to rise early to UA-cam
Yeah, I've already watched this video like last week
Sport bikes are for going fast/getting somewhere. Cruisers are for enjoying how you get there on something that looks sweet.
+chaseontwowheels. My take on cruisers.... It does take some getting use to but the relaxed ride is nice. I started riding dirt bikes at the age of 7, my first street bike was a 2001 Suzuki Bandit 600s. That was comfortable but I wanted more power, enter 2002 Yamaha R6, LOVED that bike. I had to take a break fro t riding and ended up coming back on a VTX 1300s, then VTX 1800f, and switched to a Harley street glide. It had a radio and hard bags to take stuff and my wife loved it, BUT...... Handling at speed sucks, can't beat it at slow speed though and acceleration sucked. I now have a Concours 14, room to pack stuff but well, you've ridden one you can figure out why I own one now.
I usually enjoy the first ride series but I don't feel you gave this bike much of a chance. I understand you haven't got much time with each bike and as this is a completely different style it would take some getting used to. Also some highway time on the first ride series would give a better overall feel to each bike. Just a suggestion.
You get used to it, no problem. My old man has had Viragos and now a V-Star while I myself have had a YZF motard-thing, Ninja and now a CBR. Every now and then when we find time for a ride together, we almost always switch it up for more than a few miles. And he, at first, was just as clumsy on the "sportbikes" as I was on his cruisers. But now, after a few years, I look forward to putting some miles on the V-Star and personally, I think it's a bit more manageable at extremely low speeds; probably because of the weight.
I definitely see the appeal of muscled cruisers and after my experience, I would totally rock a Mean Streak or something if I found the cash. Not to replace, but to switch out. Like you and Tea.
But, as for a bike that massive.. I get ya.. I don't think I could get into it.
Chase test drive a victory Hammer and let us know how it is, I am planing to buy one in a few weeks.
95% of my rides are 30+ minutes, comfort is why I don't ride a rocket. Would love the speed of a rocket, but when I just sit on them, my legs cramp up. Great Vid!
Chase, if you want to find out why we dig cruisers please rent one for 2 days and make a long ass trip with it. You will see its comfy relaxed, will steer superb at normal speeds( it will lean further than you think). And a amazing plus is you can haul a ton of shit on it with saddlebags top racks etc.
The nice thing about cruisers is you can take them on really long trips. They're not meant for city riding.
Try getting your hand on a triumph rocket 3 it would be interesting to see you're opinion on it.
As a cruiser fan, especially a Victory fan I can understand your reservations. To us, that bike isn't for doing what you're doing. We want to get on the highway and cruise at 75 all day. We want to go places far away. There are other cruisers for city riding. This type of bike is for long highway jaunts. I like the Victory Vegas 8-Ball or the new Gunner for this type of riding. Different bikes for different situations.
as a former vtx1800 rider, tbh man its like owning a muscle car. Some people like having a big, lumbering shouty dragon of a machine to operate. I love cruisers just because on a long ride, they're COMFORTABLE. Yes they're heavy, yes they can't turn for shit, but when you crack on the throttle and you hear the sound of war come out the tailpipes, and you feel like the paw of a grizzly forces you forward, thats why u love cruisers
I prefer cruisers over sports and super sports, but I respect them all, actually I wouldn't mind having an fz 07!! Cruisers are meant to just cruise. They're big and heavy so wind doesn't really effect them at highway speeds. Sport bikes are meant to compete (usually) so you can lean at extreme angles and high speeds. I'm glad to see you hop on one of these and not totally knock them down and give shit about them, they do have their place. It is still a motorcycle and does the same thing holly does, just not as fast.
Anyways, good video chase, love these first ride video's!! Especially ones on bikes that you normally wouldn't have!!
That's a sick looking bike!
When is the last time you rode your croch rocket 2000 miles on a trip?
Chase I love your vids but I just want people to know I was in the scariest situation of my life today. I wrecked my bike all due to someone coming into my lane toward me. Without my gear, I could have had broken bones, a concussion, internal bleeding, well you get the point. Luckily I was riding responsible today and wearing my helmet, jacket and gloves. I survived a 50 mph wreck with only two scratches and a sore shoulder. Please wear your gear guys.
iv'e owned both cruisers and sportbikes i now own a fireblade but i still love sitting back on a big v-twin it's all about comfort i test rode a victory cross tour at ohio bike week love'd it super soft ride cruise control tunes oh yeah once you get used to the big bikes you'll love'em awsome on the highway and long rides and once again when your used to them hitting twistys is alot of fun but you will ( i do ) scrape the foot pegs so be prepared to by new ones every few years.
I bought A Ness Signature Victory Vegas,I have a 2012 Yamaha R1.I take the girlfriend for rides up to NC and the R1 is my fun bike.For days I kept trying to put my feet straight down because I'm used to the peg position on the R1. What's a really strange feeling is getting off one of the bikes and jumping on the other one.
This was freakin awesome lol.
Ride a Victory Octane next!!
I think those bikes are good for a real long road trip. Road trips are possible on sport bikes but I assume it would require more stopping because of the limited comfort. Then again I haven't gone on long rides with my ninja yet.
We banged out a 700+mile day last year on a Ninja 250, GSXR 600, SV650... it's totally doable, we only stopped for gas and meals.
Oufff! Thats hardcore! Bet you couldn't feel your cheeks for a bit lol
My brother likes cruisers because they pose a challenge, being able to push a cruiser to its max in the corners is definitely a thrill few desire to seek out. He scrapes though.
Hey chase you should review the vrod from harley. It Would be awesome to hear your point of view of the bike.
***** I started riding on a Honda VTX1300 (cruiser), which I'm currently still riding. It's definitely not as big as that Mangum and at first I actually hated it because I like sports bikes more, especially when it comes to the looks of them but after a while the bike grew on me and I learned how to really control it well and appreciate the power it has. I have only been on one other sports bike and aside from the cruiser being my only bike, I do enjoy the fact that it is very smooth (linear power delivery) and a very comfy ride. I've also learned to control it very well and when I did get on a sports bike the second time I felt a lot more comfortable and confident because it is so small and nimble in comparison. I do not recommend going over 80mph because it gets extremely windy but for enjoying longer cruises on a long sunny day I think they're the perfect bike for it. Hope this answers your question as to why cruisers appeal to riders. Have a great day and thanks for all the different reviews, hoping to get myself a sports bike within the next year and I found them very helpful!
Hey bro,
I first came across your V-strom 1000 video, because I am in the adventure bike market. I only had my license for 3 1/2 years, started on a 12' VRoD Muscle, then got a Victory VISION ( try one of those bad boys lol) and now getting an adventure bike.
Cruisers are awkward going from a sport bike background, but you get used to it, I have kept up with sport bikes, in city, hwy, and back country roads, on my vision, ( Slight aggressive riding, but if they really wanted to take off and go crazy aggressive then obviously I would eventually be unable to keep up) It's all about seat time and comfort. If you rode a cruiser as much as your sport bike, you'd be able to handle it just as well, I scrap my pegs on the vision on every turn if I wanted to. :)
It's all about preference. I have ridden sport bikes, don't mind them, but I have a bulldog neck and its the far lean forward with the head tilted up for me is just too uncomfortable, hence the adventure bike. Of course a sport bike will always out handle cruiser but its also rider level, ( seen the Goldwing video on Tail of the Dragon? )
Keep up the great enthusiastic videos, my fave' are the Vstrom and the Valkyrie :)
Would like to see you demo a normal cruiser something like a 1300 star, but i really like to see you try a VICTORY HIGHBALL - try the mini apes, and how cool you feel riding them.
Awesome videos once again, and keep it up, I am now a subscriber
-Dann
To answer your question... it's mostly a comfort thing. I like sport bikes, but they just aren't my thing either. I think that's also because I'm short, and finding a sport bike to fit my short ass is super tough. That being said, I love all the sport bike riders on youtube. I don't think there's any cruiser vloggers.