01-18-2022, 07:32 AM
Seems to me that the author was pretty clear in differentiating, at least in his close, between a cruiser and a "standard" motorcycle. He references the Bonneville, but could have easily referenced the CB1100. The CB1100 is not a cruiser, despite them being classified as such on Killboy's Tail Of The Dragon photo page.
That said, while the article goes into great, if subjective, detail on what makes a bike more or less comfortable, he concludes by essentially saying "you should ride what you like as long as you're comfortable". Certainly, for someone new to riding 250+ miles per day, they may want to give some thought to taking their Sportster cross-country without doing at least one or two longer rides near home. It all comes down to whether the rider is comfortable. My wife is comfortable for 300 miles on her cruiser. I suppose part of that might be because it's a Triumph Speedmaster and not an Indian or Harley and therefore does not vibrate nearly as much. The author seemed to point to vibrations as well as seating position as major obstacles to riding a cruiser long distances, but my wife's bike fits her (after we added step-back risers to the bar) and is as smooth as nearly any twin ever made. I would say that one would be smart to be more circumspect of using a cruiser for LD riding, but if the bike fits you (physically and psychologically) then ride it till you can't.
I take issue with his fuel mileage comments, but only by a few miles. I have to pee or stretch about every 130 miles. I can push it to 150 0r sometimes 160, but then I have to add fuel anxiety to my bladder and knew pains. So I stop for gas, sometimes pee, stretch, and go. I have not been in an area yet where I couldn't find a gas stop within that range. I almost did someplace in South Dakota or Wyoming (I'd have to get back to my notes), but we found a place with a giant sign that said "GAS", not brand name, and it worked out. I'm not one to "just ride" and I'm envious of those with that carefree gene in them, so I almost always know where the next gas station is or make sure the ride leader knows.
I love the CB1100 for distance riding. I do. I don't have much to compare it to, though. I like that it's light compared to its touring competition. I like that it's stable, that it handles well. I like that the instruments are simple to read and operate and give me most of the information I need at a glance -- that information being my speed and how many miles I've traveled since my last stop. I like that old guys in 70s vintage C-10s ask me "What year is that?" at gas stops. And finally, I love when Goldwing riders ask me about my Iron Butt Association license plate backer, "You did your Saddle Sore 1000 on THAT?"
That said, while the article goes into great, if subjective, detail on what makes a bike more or less comfortable, he concludes by essentially saying "you should ride what you like as long as you're comfortable". Certainly, for someone new to riding 250+ miles per day, they may want to give some thought to taking their Sportster cross-country without doing at least one or two longer rides near home. It all comes down to whether the rider is comfortable. My wife is comfortable for 300 miles on her cruiser. I suppose part of that might be because it's a Triumph Speedmaster and not an Indian or Harley and therefore does not vibrate nearly as much. The author seemed to point to vibrations as well as seating position as major obstacles to riding a cruiser long distances, but my wife's bike fits her (after we added step-back risers to the bar) and is as smooth as nearly any twin ever made. I would say that one would be smart to be more circumspect of using a cruiser for LD riding, but if the bike fits you (physically and psychologically) then ride it till you can't.
I take issue with his fuel mileage comments, but only by a few miles. I have to pee or stretch about every 130 miles. I can push it to 150 0r sometimes 160, but then I have to add fuel anxiety to my bladder and knew pains. So I stop for gas, sometimes pee, stretch, and go. I have not been in an area yet where I couldn't find a gas stop within that range. I almost did someplace in South Dakota or Wyoming (I'd have to get back to my notes), but we found a place with a giant sign that said "GAS", not brand name, and it worked out. I'm not one to "just ride" and I'm envious of those with that carefree gene in them, so I almost always know where the next gas station is or make sure the ride leader knows.
I love the CB1100 for distance riding. I do. I don't have much to compare it to, though. I like that it's light compared to its touring competition. I like that it's stable, that it handles well. I like that the instruments are simple to read and operate and give me most of the information I need at a glance -- that information being my speed and how many miles I've traveled since my last stop. I like that old guys in 70s vintage C-10s ask me "What year is that?" at gas stops. And finally, I love when Goldwing riders ask me about my Iron Butt Association license plate backer, "You did your Saddle Sore 1000 on THAT?"