If you have a cruiser as an "other" bike...

[El Toro]

Fred, you're still a gajillion posts ahead of me ... and your daily average is rising.

Go out and ride.

JSNS

 

[user 6393]

So, which part of that was the cruiser doing something better?

"For one thing, allow you to have a more upright riding posture and provide more leg room."

Want upright? Get some bar risers.

More leg room? Russell gives you some, or get peg lowering kit, or highway pegs for multiple positions.

I have the latter, but don't need the former.

"For another, allow you to run a Russell seat without looking like the seat is a tumor sitting on top of the bike."

Gee, that's not totally subjective or anything. My Russell seat doesn't look like a tumor any more on my FJR than it would than on some abomination of a cruiser.

"For another, allow you to choose a really tall and wide windscreen, providing even more protection than is available with a touring screen on the FJR."

There are much wider and taller windscreens available for the FJR than I am willing to drag around. If those aren't enough, get a car. Talk about looking like a tumor...

"For another, allow your pillion even greater space and comfort."

Sounds like your pillion would prefer that car, or maybe an Old Wing.

"For another, allow you to sport some chrome shiny bits and leather ... these would just look downright silly on an FJR."

Let me let you in on a little secret: Those chrome shiny bits look silly on those cruisers too. The kool-aide doesn't let any of the cruiser riders lift the kimono.

My point in all of this is, the bike itself doesn't DO anything better. It may be more comfortable for you, but that isn't doing anything. That is just matching up with your unique physiology better (in the stock form) while under-performing in many other ways.

edit - It's always about picking whatever works best for you. I mean... some people don't even like bikes.

yes, we know you are one of "those' kind.....

you give the rest of us a bad name

 

[creg-ny-baa]

Wow, this went a little sideways...

 

[LKLD]

Wow, this went a little sideways...

:rofl:

 

[Fred W]

Two classic ad hominem replies. Thanks so much for your thoughtful discourse.

 

[RaiderBill]

I currently have two cruisers. Sold my 2011 fjr because the wife did not like to ride on it, no room. I think I was best said earlier in that fjr one up and cruiser for two up. I will have another bike or two in my life but probably not for a long time. Right now if I were to get another bike it would be fjr at the top of the list by a wide margin. The fjr does so many things great, except two up, yes its my opinion. If you both weigh 150 that's fine for two up, but I have lifted weights most every day since I was 13 and I weigh 230 and with a wife around 180 that is just too much for the limited space for a long ride. My Yamaha stratoliner with ultimate seats is very comfortable for the wife and I for trips, long bike with plenty of room. Triumph thunderbird storm for my bike (always liked Triumphs). Anyway I hope the fjr line lasts for at least another 5 years, that will give me plenty of bikes to choose from in the future.

 

[GruntUSMC]

I have had many bikes over the years. My first serious street bike was in 1981 and was a 1981 Honda CB750F. After that, I was bit by the bug.

I now enjoy riding my 2014 FJR and I also have a 1998 Honda VFR800. Enjoy them both.

I do enjoy kicking around on my Son's 96 Yamaha Virago 535 when I am just putting around my neighborhood. lol

 

[extrememarine]

I had a Harley Softail Night Train (Link) - 17 year old kid hit me and my '85 Honda Shadow - The Harley was first new bike I ever had even though I'd been riding for quite some time, and I think I went for that model because it just struck a cord with me - very little chrome, chopper-ish look, etc. Rode the crap out of that bike - made the highlights on Killboy.com (picture below)

Deployed and spent 8 months shopping for a second bike. Landed on the FJR. Rode both equally while we lived in SC, but once we moved to Michigan, the Harley sat more and more mostly because of my back after surgery.

There are days now when I wish I still had it - there are days when I'm in the mood to just cruise along the shore or run down the the store and back. There's nothing wrong with having some two wheel variety in the garage IMHO - I spent 6 1/2 hours flogging my DRZ400 up north yesterday!!

Did you have it first, and then the FJR (or whatever other bike(s) you have)?
If not, what made you decide to get one?
When do you choose to ride the cruiser? When do you choose not to?
If you had (or have) only one bike, would it be the cruiser?

 

[marcusorelius]

I have a lot of fun on my 1200 custom around town & some day trips. Fits me just right as I'm 5'8".