[ncBiker]

I read the why 600cc is to much and it was directed to sport bikes. Is 600-650cc to much for a starter cruiser? Whatever the answer what r some good starter cruisers besides the vulcan 500? I really want a v-twin but cant find any newer bikes with v-twins under 600cc. Thanks

[eon]

I’m not an expert on cruisers (or much of anything) but here goes. Sportbikes and cruisers have different engine configurations and characteristics. They aim to deliver power in different ways so that is not too surprising. Even bikes that share the same engine (Ninja 500 and Vulcan 500), the engine has been tweaked to deliver power differently. There is so much more to how an engine behaves than simple cc’s but that is a convenient rough guide. Which is why a 600cc inline 4 is one to avoid but 650cc twins are (just barely) recommended here.

Your problem is most cruiser riders jump straight onto 1000cc or more so you have a very limited choice in this. Even at that engine size I believe the power on a cruiser is manageable but you start running into serious weight issues. Don’t underestimate the number of times as a beginner you will have (or nearly have) a zero mph drop. The weight of the machine beneath you will go a long way to determining if you can hold it upright or not.

I don’t know if the machine you are looking for exists. You might have to give serious consideration to buying something not quite your dream bike so that you have an easier time learning. Ride it for a year then upgrade.

[IBA270]

generally refers specifcally to inline 4 cylinder supersport bikes from Japan, or the 3 cylinder wonder from England. These machines have incredible horsepower delivered at high RPM’s. The also have very powerful brakes designed to haul the bike down from triple digit speeds lap after lap on a race track.

For two valved twins, especially those found on cruisers or standards, 600cc’s are very user friendly and offer 45-60 horsepower delivered at low RPM’s with a smooth power curve. They usually offer lower saddle heights as well. These cruisers are aimed directly at beginning and novice riders where the supersports decidedly are not.

[ncBiker]

Would a shadow 750 be a good beginner cruiser? Thanks

[Munch]

The shadow would be fine. Just make sure to be careful at the onset so you can get used to the weight and low end torque. Other good ones is the Vstar650 , Vulcan 500, and Owlies bike.
Where in NC are you?

[ncBiker]

Winston in the wallburg area. Im a 2 min ride from the davidson county line so i usually just say im in wallburg. The 750 might be out of my price range but ill be looking at 600s. I like the vulcan 500 but i really want a v-twin. Vstars r expensive too. Thanks

[Munch]

What abut the Vtwins have you set. Also don’t forget
to look used if your on a tight budget.

[owlie]

Mine is a Suzuki S40. BTW it is not a V-Twin if you have your heart dead set on one.

[owlie]

+1 on looking used. Also, the V-Star comes in a 250, which might be a little more price friendly. You may even be able to get a good deal on a relatively new/used one for someone who decided that it was “under powered” within a month or so of buying it. (I seriously considered going that route.)

[Author]

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