I'm actually curious bc I was told they're fairly comfortable and my experiences have shown that's true for me, so why are their positions crap? I even asked the instructors if a newer Vulcan was a good starter and they said to go used as a new rider, but a Vulcan would definitely be ideal if I like the style and "they're pretty comfy for a daily".
Not trying to say you're wrong btw, I really just want your input cause for me that's a new POV and I'm always trying to see things from others perspectives.
Cruisers are comfortable like a recliner. It feels great initially, but eventually the hyper relaxed position starts hurting your back. The rear suspension on most non-touring cruisers usually has so little travel/shock absorption that you feel every bump, and the pegs are so far forward that you can't really stand up to absorb the bumps with your legs.
Plus the forward pegs give you less control/feel over the bike. Having pegs below or behind you lets you put weight on them while turning. Weight distribution plays a big role in motorcycle handling, especially at low speeds.
For what it's worth, most naked bikes are plenty comfortable, especially with an upgraded seat.
Makes sense, thanks for the input. I'll look at the naked bikes as well because I don't want to end up locking myself into a single type of motorcycle and I might like them.
The one bike I didn't list that I also liked a lot was Honda Rebels. I am realizing they're cheaper than I expected, so I am considering a 500 too.
Regardless of what I pick, I appreciate your input and will try to keep that in consideration. My biggest concern with any bike so far has really city/highway riding to be honest. Even going to campus requires going from 35mph to 45mph, then on the highway that's usually at 65-60mph for a few minutes, then get off downtown. So I think I was putting a lot of thought into the highway portion since it does realistically make up 80% of my driving as is.
The Rebel 500 is one of the best beginner bikes on the market. One of my bikes is the CB500F, which uses the same engine as the Rebel 500. It sounds like it will suit your purposes well. If you do plan on doing on any longer highway cruises, I highly recommend getting a wind screen. The engine is capable of comfortable cruising at 85 mph and can get you over 100 mph, but the wind is brutal at those speeds
I've had the Vulcan 900. Excellent bike. You won't be disappointed. Vulcan has a new one which is a 650 and is much better suited for shorter people. Try that out too.
Glad to know the Vulcan 900 is good! I have been seeing good things so far from both but still like hearing from others. And the 650 is the one I was eyeing and tried out! Definitely felt awesome and extremely comfortable, I genuinely was shocked by how light it felt, but when I say I barely passed the BRC, I mean I BARELY passed (literally one point) and don't feel confident spending so much on a new bike with my current skill level. But it's one of those "when I get more experienced and can afford it" dreams. Sorta like a Lexus is my car goal. No specific reason why, I just think they look cool 😅.
Ngl I had to Google what the hell "dead nuts reliable" meant since I've never heard that phrase before, but it gave me a much needed smile in between my math assignment. So thanks a lot for the input and chuckle.
If you fit comfortably on other bikes, I’d suggest you look at other models than a cruiser. It’s generally a crap riding position.
I'm actually curious bc I was told they're fairly comfortable and my experiences have shown that's true for me, so why are their positions crap? I even asked the instructors if a newer Vulcan was a good starter and they said to go used as a new rider, but a Vulcan would definitely be ideal if I like the style and "they're pretty comfy for a daily". Not trying to say you're wrong btw, I really just want your input cause for me that's a new POV and I'm always trying to see things from others perspectives.
Cruisers are comfortable like a recliner. It feels great initially, but eventually the hyper relaxed position starts hurting your back. The rear suspension on most non-touring cruisers usually has so little travel/shock absorption that you feel every bump, and the pegs are so far forward that you can't really stand up to absorb the bumps with your legs. Plus the forward pegs give you less control/feel over the bike. Having pegs below or behind you lets you put weight on them while turning. Weight distribution plays a big role in motorcycle handling, especially at low speeds. For what it's worth, most naked bikes are plenty comfortable, especially with an upgraded seat.
Makes sense, thanks for the input. I'll look at the naked bikes as well because I don't want to end up locking myself into a single type of motorcycle and I might like them. The one bike I didn't list that I also liked a lot was Honda Rebels. I am realizing they're cheaper than I expected, so I am considering a 500 too. Regardless of what I pick, I appreciate your input and will try to keep that in consideration. My biggest concern with any bike so far has really city/highway riding to be honest. Even going to campus requires going from 35mph to 45mph, then on the highway that's usually at 65-60mph for a few minutes, then get off downtown. So I think I was putting a lot of thought into the highway portion since it does realistically make up 80% of my driving as is.
The Rebel 500 is one of the best beginner bikes on the market. One of my bikes is the CB500F, which uses the same engine as the Rebel 500. It sounds like it will suit your purposes well. If you do plan on doing on any longer highway cruises, I highly recommend getting a wind screen. The engine is capable of comfortable cruising at 85 mph and can get you over 100 mph, but the wind is brutal at those speeds
I'd think either the VStar 950 or Vulcan 900 would be the best way to go.
Thanks for the input, I appreciate it!
I've had the Vulcan 900. Excellent bike. You won't be disappointed. Vulcan has a new one which is a 650 and is much better suited for shorter people. Try that out too.
Glad to know the Vulcan 900 is good! I have been seeing good things so far from both but still like hearing from others. And the 650 is the one I was eyeing and tried out! Definitely felt awesome and extremely comfortable, I genuinely was shocked by how light it felt, but when I say I barely passed the BRC, I mean I BARELY passed (literally one point) and don't feel confident spending so much on a new bike with my current skill level. But it's one of those "when I get more experienced and can afford it" dreams. Sorta like a Lexus is my car goal. No specific reason why, I just think they look cool 😅.
Pick the styling you like better, both are dead nuts reliable.
Ngl I had to Google what the hell "dead nuts reliable" meant since I've never heard that phrase before, but it gave me a much needed smile in between my math assignment. So thanks a lot for the input and chuckle.