07-06-2014, 06:04 AM
(07-06-2014, 02:35 AM)Capo_imp Wrote: In the 900 cc cruiser class, don't rule out the Triumph America and Speedmaster. Good handling, for what they are, and lots of character. On a side note, isn't it interesting that the Japanese makers have subjugated their main brands for cruiser-only ones. Vulcan, Star, Shadow. In the case of Star, it doesn't even say Yamaha anywhere on the bike, and Vulcan (like Ninja on the sport bikes) is on the damn gas tank, while Kawasaki is buried on the side panel (or fairing). Are American cruiser buyers THAT prejudiced (or foolish) to require a different name on the bike? These bikes are sold worldwide with their proper brand names on the tanks.
+1 on the Triumph cruisers. Decent handling bikes with their own unique character. The America is also 70lbs lighter than the Vulcan. Having ridden both, to me the Triumph is better.
Star, Vulcan, Boulevard, reminds me how Honda re-branded their luxury auto line as Acura and then there is Infiniti and Lexus. All quite silly but effective for marketing I suppose.
