My buddy brought over his '96 V45 Magna night before last. He wanted to check out my new to me Honda 900. He hopped on the GS500 in his chaps and leathers and I got on the Magna in my streetbike gear and we went around the town. It was pretty funny.
He hated riding the GS500 and I hated riding the Magna. Maybe it is because he started on a cruiser and I started on a streetbike (gs500)? I dunno, but I can not for the life of me figure out why someone would ride something like that. Do any of you guys dabble in cruisers, or do you see that as kind of like dabbling in incest or barnyard love? My back was killing me after roughly 5 min. Maybe if I was not sliding down the seat due to my slippery HT Air overpants it would have been more comfortable but it seems to me that if friction between your ass and the saddle is that crucial to staying in place on the bike that the bike needs to be designed differently. I really can not find anything nice to say about my cruiser experience. Well, scratch that, it made good power.
Rambling complete.
RC
Didn't you dig that V-4 sound?? I have a couple of Honda Shadows and it is a completely different feel than the GS. But it is also a different feeling if you go from the GS to a crotch rocket where you are leaning forward with your feet behind you. I've been told I'd like the cruiser feel better as I get older but I still prefer the crotch rocket and UJM stance more, easier on my back. The big thing is finding what position works best for you :thumb:
-Jessie
if you thought the magna was bad, hop on a vfr. you'll start knocking over magnas when you see them parked... the vfr is so much more awesome.
That was -sorta- my first bike. Sabre 700 with the v45. That bike was like riding a scooter. Well a big one anyways: easy to maneuver and learn on. But talk about working on carbs and forget it. Nasty.
Never been on a cruiser. My dad has a sportster 883 and he told me I could ride it, but to be honest I've never had the desire. I think there are certain types I'd have an ok time on. Someday if I find a good deal on an old Honda CB I could see myself turning it into something like this.....
(http://www.triumphrat.net/attachments/twins-technical-talk/38482d1309733260-my-first-bobber-project-bobber7ll4.jpg)
It would need some bars that pulled back a little. I think I could do ok with forward controls but I hate when I see guys that have forward controls AND low forward handlebars so their top half is still leaned forward like they're on a sportbike, it looks ridiculous. Not into ape hangers either, just simple bars that let me sit upright and let me reach normal to the grips. Believe it or not there ARE days when I feel ok just putting along nice and slow, without leaning over too far and keeping both wheels on the ground haha.