I've been riding since 1971 or thereabouts......

by Otony, Monday, February 09, 2015, 11:10 (3515 days ago) @ Paul

.........just like firearms, I've owned a LOT of motorpickles, mostly Hondas but a fair share of Harleys, BMWs, Kawasakis, Yamahas, BSA, and some I don't recall.

I'm not the best rider in the world, though I've known a few outstanding riders. Be that as it may, I always have preferred a bike that achieved its goal with torque rather than high revs. For lack of a better description, the ride is calmer to me, less busy, and does what I want in a more forgiving manner.

All that being said, there is a point many fail to consider about motorcycles, one that has a tremendous amount of impact on handling and comfort. That is riding position, extreme in its effect on your ride.

Lets categorize position as one of three. Hunched over, crotch rocket style. Very effective at speed, when the wind on your chest can assist in holding you up, it can become quite tiresome at lower speeds...or with age and "bad backs".

Next would be the neutral stance of traditional British bikes, or UJMs (think Honda CB350 or CB750). A great all around riding position, as the flat saddles allow you to shift your carcass around with relative ease. Additionally, the typical mid-mount foot controls mean that one can stand on the pegs with alacrity, something I've needed to do more than once in my riding career. Even something as simple as standing up to stretch whilst riding is very, very important when cruising more than an hour.

Finally, cruisers, or the sit up and beg position. Comfortable, usually cushy, really great on long runs if you can manage a back rest of sorts. A good trick is to put a loaded duffle bag across the passenger seat. My only real gripe with cruisers is that they often sport forward controls. Try standing on pegs or floorboards that are at the front of the frame! It can be squirrelly or even downright dangerous. If at all possible, see if your cruiser choice has mid controls. You can always mount a highway bar if you feel the need to ventilate your boots.

Whatever you choose, I strongly feel that a torque-y bike is to be preferred. And as Byron pointed out, the trans and final drive are overwhelmingly important in how that torque is delivered.

Otony