Cruiser vs Sportbike

[Fropa]

A guy who works down the hall from me heard I was going to take the MSF course and decided I would benefit from his advice. I'm 42 years old and have always pictured myself on a cruiser. Riding position looks more comfortable and that's what I grew-up thinking was "cool". He told me I definitely didn't want a cruiser. Sportbikes were the only way to have fun on a bike, flying through the twisties and rocketing down the highway. He said he could never go back to a cruiser, too boring. At my age I'm not sure I want to do 100+ through turns and look like a blur going down the highway. But since I've never ridden, maybe I'm wrong. Looking for opinions from you guys and gals about the different styles of bikes before I buy. How much different is it riding a sportbike than a cruiser? Does everybody that moves from a cruiser to a sportbike feel like they could never go back?

Thanks for the advice.

[Skier]

Riding a bike isn't just for (ab)using the handling and power and your fingertips - it can be a relaxing, soul-moving journey, too. You don't need a sports bike to cruise through a beautiful canyon road or a ride down a coastline. In face, I'd go so far as to say I'd prefer to be on a cruiser than a sportsbike for a laid-back trip. More comfortable and less twitchy, whichs means you'll enjoy the ride even more.

My $5.00 Canandian.

[Scott58]

The cruiser is the more mellow comfortable ride. Although your co-worker is right to a degree about fun (depending on how you define that). A sport bike is a more aggressive ride. The more powerful ones can be almost a job to ride with more attention being paid to immediate rubber to pavement process over the relax and enjoy the scenery feel. The level of performance you want in your motorcycle really depends on how you plan to use it. if you want more relaxed go with the cruiser. If you want tactical, always prepared for pavement assault go sport bike. There are also a few models inbetween. You really have alot of choices out there. It's up to you what you think you'll enjoy most.

[pinger05]

It's great that you want to take the MSF course. When you get there ask your instructor. My instructor told me that due to my height (or lack thereof) I would always be struggling with sport-bikes, and to at least start out with a cruser. Also you will be riding some lower powered crusiers. If you like the forgiving feel of them - go with it.

Personally I like the ability to be upright not leaned over the tank.

My friend who is rides a Honda CB1000 something, wishes he had purchased a cruiser insted.

[BuzZz]

Who's buying this bike? I say the one buying it should get the kind of bike that they want. If you like cruisers, get a cruiser. Your the only one you need to make happy here.

If you wonder if you might not like a sportbike instead, beg/borrow/rent a ride on each kind of bike and buy the one you can't live without.

[TechTMW]

I constantly suggest that beginners purchase an older bike to learn on before going out and spending on the bike of their dreams. In your case this goes double. Older UJM's (Universal Japanese Motorcycles) like my Seca 650, or the Kawasaki KZ's, the Suzuki GS's, and Honda CB's (80's bikes) combine an upright, to slightly leaned forward seating position, with peg placement right in between that of the highly tucked pegs of a supersport and the more forward begs of a cruiser.

If you get a bike like this to practice on for at least a few months, you will have answered your own question as to which style of bike you want. If you find youself wanting to be more laid back, get the cruiser, but if your UJM just isn't sporty enough, go with a sportbike!

[the_first_lonewolf]

I've borrowed a few sport bikes for the occasional ride which was fun, but wouldn't want to rade one all the time. Cruisers are better for all around riding and more practical for long trips. Like the others here that is just my opinion it's going to be your ride so it your choice.

Lonewolf

[vulcanman500]

I say get both!!! the ride on my CBR is much harder than on The Vulcan. Comfort? Speed? FUN......?.........ALL bikes are fun. I'd go with what Buzz said.

[scan]

Forget the cruisers and forget the sportsbikes. You can have the best of both worlds in a standard. Upright riding possition instead of laying back or laying forward. Tour accesories, including wind protection and hard bags can be added to a standard.

My bike, although far from ideal for beginners, is comfortable for long trips and rips through the twisties like a sports bike. There are many old and new standards that meet the needs of a touring rider, handle sporty, and are great for cruising around the neighborhood.

Let's hear from all the standard riders here! Let our collective voices of "the right bike" be heard from the hilltops! Or at least let us know what's worked for you. Like the post from BMWTech above.

[d2mini]

You're co-worker is an idiot. But I'm sure you know that.

Get what YOU want.
Go sit on everything you can and see what feels comfortable.
Also, if this is a first bike (and I'm a newbie myself), don't get a sport bike.

Scanevalexec mentioned a standard, definitely try those. That's what I ended up with.