Propaganda video; they never fell. Japanese cruisers forever!

@seanys

3 ай бұрын

A little later today I’m going for a ride on my Yamaha V-Star 1300. Solidarity, brother!

@ToyotaGuy1971

3 ай бұрын

@@seanys 😎🤙

@michaelb.42112

3 ай бұрын

THANK YOU. Hence no sub'd from me.

@bigtime474

3 ай бұрын

After being wiped out on a beautiful Dyna I bought a foosball table and a (once off crutches a 2000 Shadow. 3 valves per cilinder v twin. Like it a lot

@bruceyung70

2 ай бұрын

@@michaelb.42112unsub myself. Clickbait titles are childish. Bye to this idiot.

I have owned my 2003 Yamaha V Star Classic 1100 since 2004. After 50,000 trouble free miles, I still love the look, feel, and sound. It's a great cruiser.

@RGBeeve

11 ай бұрын

Just picked up a 2005 V Star 1100 of my own and I am loving every mile!

@allannirvana

7 ай бұрын

Except having to remove the exhaust pipes to change the oil filter. That was a stupid design, no two way about it

@retro440

6 ай бұрын

@@allannirvana Can't disagree there!

@jesset6443

6 ай бұрын

I just got a 2007 model recently, 16k miles. I love it.

@chev39rsh

3 ай бұрын

I have two bikes, a Classic Triumph Bonny and a Yamaha 1100. I have ridden many , from Suzuki 750, Honda and gold-wings and never was mesmerized by Japanese bikes. The Yamaha 1100 is for touring the Triumph for love and fun.. The Yamaha is heavy and lazy definitely no super bike. As we watch the death of the Japanese "cruiser" we are just watching the changing attitudes and taste in bikes. No technical problem just a change in taste exactly what happened to other bike companies when the alleged "super bikes " arrived.

My first bike was an Intruder 700 and I ride a 1400 now. I love the look of them and don't think any company has done it better.

@anthonytaylor3008

5 ай бұрын

I had a 97 1400. I put midrise mini apes on it, much better than the stock long horn bars…was a fun super touqey bike. Always thought it was funny when I’d do hole shots the rear end would lift up because of the shaft drive. Absolutely hated the 100 miles and pray for a gas station range of the gas tank…traded it for a 2005 Yamaha 1700 Roadstar.

@RacingRoman44

3 ай бұрын

Yamaha XVS1300??

I will always love Japanese cruisers. They're the bikes my family rode while I was growing up and after the passing of my grandad, I ended up getting his Vulcan 900. I absolutely love the bike and the that style of Bike.

I loved my Suzuki boulevard! The M50 was such a solid machine. I went to Harley first but everything felt old and cheap, the Suzuki felt modern nimble and actually comfortable. It helped a lot that it was half the price too

@fidelcatsro6948

Жыл бұрын

it was also faster🐱👍🏿

@druegeme

Жыл бұрын

I had an M50 too for 2 years it was a fun little bike! I still dont understand why they put the shaft drive in there but it sure works great. Needed more cc's and got a yamaha road star 1700 and yeah thats good!

@heyitswesty

Жыл бұрын

@@druegeme yeah I have the c90 so the power loss from the shaft isn't as big of a deal as with the 50s. Also shafts are rock solid.

@SteffiReitsch

Жыл бұрын

The Harley felt cheap to a Suzuki? AAAHAHAHAHAHA What were you smoking, kid?

@Shrek2boogaloo

Жыл бұрын

Agreed, all my friends have harleys but they all feel cheapo and leak mf oil and need working on constantly. I have a boulivard and it is half the price and feel equal if not better quality

I've owned several Japanese cruisers and my current bike is also one. I've had a Kawasaki Eliminator 250, Honda Shadow 500, Kawasaki EN 500, Honda Shadow 750 and Suzuki Marauder 800. What I like about Japanese cruisers is classic Harley looks, with Japanese reliability and pricing. Especially the pricing aspect.

@carmenandthedevil2804

Жыл бұрын

In other words, they're cheap.

@mandark357

Жыл бұрын

@@carmenandthedevil2804 There's cheap and there's inexpensive. I've had my Honda Shadow 750 for over 12 years and over 110k miles. I bought it used for $3500. A cheap bike would have broken down by now but this bike just keeps on eating the miles and all I have to do is perform regular maintenance on it.

@daithimcbuan5235

Жыл бұрын

@@carmenandthedevil2804 Yes they are, and yet they still have better build quality than Harleys.

@salvadordollyparton666

Жыл бұрын

i grew up on harleys, and making fun of all the clones... but then i actually grew up... i've always had hondas, dirtbikes and fourwheelers, raced kawasaki zx11 powered dwarf cars. and loved them, but as for cruisers, it was just harley cause they were cool. now, why would i want to HAVE to have like 1400+ cc's, to do what a japanese bike could do with less than 1,000? actually, probably less than that. pretty much ANY liter bike will run off and leave ANY harley, and often be more comfortable. and even when they were "good" they weren't great, they're hot, not anywhere near as reliable. now i want a cb1000, kinda sporty, but not a crotch rocket. i'd still love to have an rc51, 1100 blackbird, h2, always have and always will cause they're just badass. but i want something i can be comfortable on and ride every day, but still have some fun. i used to go down to the honda dealer and drool over rc51's and blackbirds when they came out. but harleys, i just really don't care about anymore. they're old, inefficient, and not even really good at that. like gm sticking with the stupid ohv decades after it should've been relegated to lawnmowers... hell, there have been overhead CAM lawnmowers for years now. also, only still arpound because HUGE help from the government... they both should've been allowed to kill themselves off. and again, that's as a harley fan. but i was a fan when the only person worried about global warming was another guy from tennessee, kinda surprisingly, gas was cheap, and disposable income. not to mention, they're just really douchey now... south park was right.

@jradish

Жыл бұрын

i love my kawasaki Vulcan 500 fantastic little machine

I find it odd that you neglected to mention the Honda VTX 1300s and 1800s. At the time, the 1800 was the largest V-twin that you could buy, and it pushed Harley to play catch up and helped pave the way to their larger engines that they have out now. I have a VTX 1300C, and I love the thing, and its reliability is very hard to beat. I don't think I'll ever get rid of it, but I may add to it in the future.

@karencarroll2571

Жыл бұрын

I'll amen that, brother! Me too

@gregwhittington6277

Жыл бұрын

2004 Honda 1800c and never been beaten by a Harley in speed or reliability!

@jamesbarber8521

Жыл бұрын

I still have a 2007 VTX1800R1, still runs like new.

@himonwillard5088

Жыл бұрын

I have a 2003 Honda vtx1800c with Vance and Hines exhaust and Cobra commander ignition and she will run, I'll never get rid of this bike.

@BangChief_AllIsOne

Жыл бұрын

Currently an 03 Mean Streak 1500 but, chompin at the bit to get a VTX1800. Salute

I own an 06, Yamaha Stratoliner and love it. It's an extremely good machine, that like the others, never really caught on. One thing about the Liners is that their quality, fit and finish, are second to none. Incredible workmanship. I also own two Harleys. Both out of production bikes, like the Liner is. I love the old school look and ride. Nice video, thx. Oh, and I also owned two Yamaha 650 Specials. Loved them too.

I've owned a XS650 Special, a XV500 Virago, and currently ride an 82 XV750. Love the looks of these Japanese cruisers.

@analyticalhabitrails9857

Жыл бұрын

I dare say, Japanese motorcycle look more American than harley. Harley ought to be ashame of themselves to call themselves an "american" company. Poor, poor quality to say the least!

@grabbag6314

Жыл бұрын

I bought a 650 special in 1981 loved that bike . Currently ride a 2011 Suzuki c50T which isn’t too bad for an old guy but it doesn’t have the same feel as that ole yammy

@xnihilo1044

Жыл бұрын

Wish I could find an XS650. Fantastic bike! The Virago was a great bike, too. To me I didn't think it was trying to be a Harley competitor; it stood alone. Only reason I didn't buy one is that it was small for my 6'1" frame. Even the big 920 felt cramped.

@ibnewton8951

Жыл бұрын

@@xnihilo1044 Agreed. Thirty years ago I had a sweet little 535cc Yamaha Virago. Damn it was a nice little bike.

@jk-tn8ry

Жыл бұрын

Loved my 535

I learned on an 82 (or 81, not 100%) Yamaha 650 XS. My dad showed me the controls and made sure I could release the clutch and then told me not to leave the neighborhood. I spent three hours riding around the neighborhood and making sure all my friends saw me on it. I was 16. Then, once they saw I could ride it they gave me my mom's 400 XS. That became my daily driver. I was in high school. It was 1987.

I bought a 1999 Shadow Ace 750 brand new (couldn't afford a Harley) 24 years and 76,000 miles later and I'm still riding this bike! We've been through so much together, tons of great memories-only broke down twice in all these years. I'm obsessed with motorcycles. I can hold my own when discussing all the different brands, models, etc. I also do most of the wrenching on my Shadow which also deepens the bond I have with this machine. Its never been garaged, only covered overnight - I ride year round and I live in Massachusetts and there isn't any rust on this machine - theres a little bit of pitting on the left side chrome cover (stator) I really don't have any plans to replace my bike. Now, with all that being said : If I do have to replace my beloved motorbike - I'll most likely buy a mid to late 90's Softail Heritage or Deluxe - or possibly a Fatboy same era. Based on information I've picked up over the years, and also due to certain friends I ride with, Ive been completely sold on a late model Evolution powered Harley. I'm as biased as a person can be when it comes to Japanese cruisers - most of my tools are Japan made. In my opinion the word Japanese is synonymous with quality. I still want the damn Harley tho

@bigbean78

11 ай бұрын

You will not regret that decision. I bought a 1998 Dyna Wide Glide a few years ago, a bike I have loved the style of since the 90’s. The carbureted Evo is by far the most soulful motorcycle engine I’ve ever experienced. I can’t help but smile every time I get on it. BTW I bought an ACE 750 new in 2002 I believe, and it was a great bike.

@Embargoman

9 ай бұрын

The day that Harley-Davidson makes all their cruisers in China is the day that HD will have the same equal quality to a Japanese cruiser.

@ItsMotoMatt

9 ай бұрын

I have a 2006 Shadow Spirit and I know EXACTLY what you mean! Been riding it 5 years and I will never, ever get rid of it.

My 2002 Kawasaki vulcan drifter 1500cc rules the road! Over 400,000 miles, 3rd engine and going strong! Great retro Indian Chief, custom painted, Samson warlord streetsweeper pipes; endless compliments, pictures and offers.

I had a Honda V65 Magna 1100 until about 15 years ago and loved it with zero problems the whole time I owned it. I would love to have it back.

@jackandblaze5956

Жыл бұрын

The V65 was a sweet bike. It's the one that got me hooked on bikes again when I "had to" pilot one home after it's owner got thrown in jail.

@maxxbenzz7842

Жыл бұрын

I had the v45 in like 85 I believe. That was the shit back then compared to anything else on the road

@jackandblaze5956

Жыл бұрын

@@maxxbenzz7842 I know. I can't stand what's happened to motorcycle culture since then. Maybe it's because I'm stuck in Texas, but if you're not a fat tatted badass with all the "bad biker" wardrobe riding a $50,000+ Harley with gutted Vance and Hines and a snarl on your face - then you're nothing. Riding any Japanese bike now, even a vintage one, is looked down upon by anyone over the age of 25. I guess riding a motorcycle isn't about the ride anymore, it has become a status symbol. A sign of prosperity embraced by insecure posers.

@maxxbenzz7842

Жыл бұрын

@@jackandblaze5956 lol. Yeah I hear you. I actually have a Road Glide. It's a great hwy bike. Goes through the wind like butter. I dont have obnoxious exhaust. That actually pisses me off. To me its disrespectful to people around you. I've had a BMW R1200gs, Triumph Tiger, Springer etc... I just like to ride. Doesn't matter the make or model. This is what it's all about. Bikes are bikes! Ride on!

I had a 2000 Intruder 1400. It was crazy small, just not a lot of bulk to it whatsoever. I'm not very tall, and I have short legs, and the seating position was a bit snug for even me. But it checked all the boxes: v-twin, air cooled, nice rake, very low seat, basic controls and gauges. Suzuki did that one pretty well.

@markiskool

Жыл бұрын

The Intruder is the one bike I really, really wanted but never bought.

@EnhancedNightmare

11 ай бұрын

Great bike, 1400 was too heavy for me and went for 600. Looks great and has enough power for me. I love how the engine transforms at higher revs from cruiser into a japanese screamer.

I owned a Honda CB900 Custom (CB 900 C in some markets) which was basically a cross between the CB900F (engine) and the Goldwing. The air suspension was wonderful and it also a high\low ratio gear lever. I absolutely loved this bike!

@robcampbell3235

11 ай бұрын

Tenspeed ftw!

Currently ride a 2008 Suzuki C90. It looks great, rides great, requires minimal maintenance and I always get compliments on it. It was also a whole lot cheaper than a comparable Harley. It was a good choice for a first bike.

@LarryWhite-kw5mj

Жыл бұрын

I got a 2007 c90t,best mc i ever owned,better than most.

Honda Fury owner here. What made me buy one was the simple clean lines and lean thin profile. We can still split lanes here in California and normally a bike with a 1300cc engine would be to wide to squeeze between cars. As was the BMW motorcycle that I owned before this one. But your right, you don't see many of them. Although people sure do like to look at them and are usually surprised when I tell them it's a stock Honda.

@jeffsoutherland4855

10 ай бұрын

They also handle better than they look .

@mikefawkes5195

8 ай бұрын

ridden for years never had a fury but sure like the look

Bought a Yamaha Raider back in 08’. It was a bit late to the show for the chopper craze, but I think it looks amazing. Plus, back then 113 cubic inch air cooled vtwin was a monster.

@OGAUGERxR

Жыл бұрын

I bought one also. It’s a Very Reliable and powerful bike compared to my Harley’s. I love’em all but really enjoy the looks of a Raider. In my opinion, it’s one of the best looking cruiser bikes ever made and They just don’t break.

My first and current bike is a Yamaha Virago 535 and I love it! I got it simply because it's cheap and reliable and low, so I think it's a great beginner bike! Would recommend it for sure!

I've recently picked up a Suzuki 1400 intruder. although it doesn't have the same sound as a Harley, I do enjoy it. Edited to also mention the price made it a lot more attractive too.

You didn't mention the Suzuki LS650 Savage. Single upright cylinder, high bars, really badass

@Demonbfg

Жыл бұрын

I had a 87 LS650 Savage with the low bars, great bike. Rode it to Bike Week in Daytona one year (about 150 miles).

@bigtreecombatacademy2927

Жыл бұрын

Own one at the moment Love riding this old school beast

@kenwittlief255

Жыл бұрын

I think its the only BIG thumper left on the market, except the Yamaha SR400

@jimmynester1216

Жыл бұрын

I am usually a Harley fan but I like the looks of the Savage one lunger especially when they’re priced very reasonably!

@kee7678

Жыл бұрын

I have one now. Really fun.

Completely missed the precursor to the Honda Fury... the VTX!! Great looks, handling and reliability. I have owned 15 metric motorcycles (incl. 2 Yamaha 650s and 2 VTX 1300c) and still own the VTX. Easy to work on, similar CV carb as older Harley. Would buy another VTX in a heartbeat.

@vtxfan

Жыл бұрын

Amen brother 🤙

@pauldowding8185

Жыл бұрын

I love my 1300S too.

@tomflowers6681

Жыл бұрын

Still ride my '06 VTX1300 (modified as a stretched bagger). Must mention the awesome power of the VTX1800. Made in Maryville, Oh. Shutdown production when Goldwing production was moved back to Japan. Honda made sure all displaced workers were offered a new job in Honda car production.

@diegoestrada7798

Жыл бұрын

I have vtx1300 and I put in a velocity stack and pulled that air box. Wow the power. It scared me!

@Dumbeddownbymedia

Жыл бұрын

1300c for me! Takes me anywhere I want to go. Easy to work on and customize

I got a Yamaha V Star 650 as my first bike and promptly put 70,000 miles on it before i traded up to BMW. I love the air cooled Star line, they are great.

I started my moto journey with a rough 1980 CB650. Quickly traded up to a 99 750 Shadow ACE and loved it! Put about 20k miles on it in 5 years before shifting away from bikes for a while. Just got back into it by rebuilding a 98 Shadow 1100 ACE Tourer and my passion for riding has been reignited. These jap cruisers may be "out of style" for some, but they still get my blood pumping like an rock song that never gets old. The joy of riding what is now a classic in its own right is a gift I hope to never take for granted.

@Thedavidsavage

Жыл бұрын

I have a 1980 cb750 for sale

@CamtasticRide

Жыл бұрын

@@Thedavidsavage just picked up a 1973 CB350 with a 1958 Jawa Velorex 560 sidecar. Should be a great resto project!

@bernardkinsky1637

11 ай бұрын

Look at jap cars they out last anything same for their motorcycles.

I own and ride a Suzuki Intruder vs800 and like it a lot. It's light, nimble and looks pretty good.

@christianhardwick6530

Жыл бұрын

But it’s a Haponés pos

I had a 2006 Yamaha Road Star and honestly that was a fantastic cruiser. My only “but” was that the factory hard panniers were built to a low quality, there was plastic used in places that should have been metal, and some of the bolts were not stainless so they rusted. Such a joy to ride though. And I rode the hell out of it.

@fragtastic4

Жыл бұрын

My V-Star had plastic rocker box covers....

@tallywacker7391

Жыл бұрын

@@fragtastic4 yes I have a 02 v star and it has plastic rocker box covers also. They look cromb but they plastic

@kevinevans2587

Жыл бұрын

Currently riding my beat old 02 roadstar midnight star 1600. I trust it more than any Harley I’ve had and I swear it’s just so much more comfortable than any other bike aside from my 98 electraglide… that was a sofa with wheels attached 😅

@jasonv1144

Жыл бұрын

Ill keep riding my plastic chrome road star. So much money saved vs a harley

@tallywacker7391

Жыл бұрын

@@jasonv1144 yep I'll be riding my v star 1100 until i physically can't anymore. I love mo 02 v star 11 it never let me down

1100cc Honda Shadow Sabre was my first cruser. Loved the bike reliable as can be. Easy to drive and power when you turned the throttle on the highway.

My first motorcycle was a Shadow 750 ACE from 1998. Now I have more four motorcycles including a MotoGuzzi California 1100cc from 1997. The Shadow is still my favourite.

As a proud XVS owner I’d love to see more on the Japanese cruisers

I've owned a handful of Japanese cruisers, but the 2 that stand out are my 86 magna 700, and my 97 valkyrie 1500. Both bikes I feel have personality that the other bikes done. I guess mainly with sound the magna was quiet, but what was cool is that there was a ton of intake noise which I think sounded badass. Then my valkyrie straight piped with a 6 into 6 Exhaust is hands down the best sounding bike I've ever owned

I've got a 1987 suzuki vs750 intruder, bought it 19 years ago. Was taken off the road due to radiator damage, ended up having quite a few bikes since but my chopper always sat in the back ground. Now I'm almost finished doing a full restoration on it and am excited to get it back out again

I liked my Honda Shadow 750. The shaft drive was so smooth.

Back in the mid 80's I had a Honda Shadow 700 and loved that bike. But after a few years I wanted something more powerful so I traded in the Shadow and bought a Kawa Concours. I wish I had held on to that Shadow.

Love my 03 Yamaha v-star 1100. An all around great cruiser with longevity, comfort and good mileage. For me being 67 it’s a great mid weight easy to handle motorcycle. My main ride.

@raycecil4643

Жыл бұрын

I usually don't keep a bike more than 1 season. Im keeping the 04 1100 Vstar I picked up last year. Might even start a collection with it. I really like how it rides and fits me. Im 6'-4". 37 years old.

@TualCor

Жыл бұрын

Got the same bike, although it's called Dragstar 1100 over here in Europe. Great value for money.

My first "big" bike was an 85 Eliminator 900. My best friend at the time rode a 92 Vmax so we put on a lot of miles in 80-100 mile intervals due to pipes and jet kits combined with 3.5 gallon tanks.

I had a Honda VTX1800. Great bike. If they began making them again, I'd get one without a second thought

@2ndborn186

Жыл бұрын

Why not get a used one?

@Gibsonfan1989

Жыл бұрын

@@2ndborn186 I could. I had one before. But it'd be nice to have a brand new one with updated technology and stuff like that

My first bike was a Vulcan 750. Shaft driven, quick for a cruiser and underated power specs made it a stellar machine. The only downfall that I got tired of were the carb and parasitic power drain on the battery that I'd fix and fix and fix.... After 11 years and 37k miles I finally sold her to someone with more patience. I bought a Honda Fury which is basically a bigger version of what I used to have but without that darn carb. It's pretty old-school and simple compared to what else is out there but so am I.

@jamessandman3708

10 ай бұрын

Damn! I bought my first 750 Vulcan new in 1986 and rode it everywhere. I finally figured out the reason it was blowing fuses when I was in the backwoods of Stuart VA about 15 miles down an old logging road. When you locked the handlebars it shorted out the horn wire and blew the fuse. I now have my second 750 vulcan and have had it for years but it never occurred to me that the one year life of batteries was the bike and not the batteries. I kept complaining about the quality of batteries going down hill. Ugh! My carbs are clogged with ethanol now. Grrr.....

@MichaelRCarlson

10 ай бұрын

Yep my first bike was an early 90s Vulcan 750. Maybe still one of my favorites ever. I never had the battery issue or carb problems. In fact that bike I rarely did anything to. She just worked any time I wanted to ride.

My 96 Honda Magna 750 is by far my favorite bike I’ve ever ridden. The 3rd gen magna is a pinnacle of engineering. It’s fast when you want it, it’s comfortable, the transmission is great and it’s a Honda. You can swap so many parts from the vfr or other bikes. Only thing I don’t like is the rear drum brake but you can still drag it if you want, and you can swap it with cbr parts if you’d still rather have disc

In 1971 I bought a new Harley, it was the "Supper Glide" I paid $2,374.75 for that motorcycle, I was 20 years old. That was probably the best motorcycle I have ever owned. I put over 60,000 miles on it in six years. One morning I got up and it was gone. I never saw it again, I cried for years. I have had several motorcycles since then, the one I have now I bought new in 2021. It is a Harley 74 cubic inch Sportster, it cost $10,000, I have over 90,000 miles on it and the case has never been cracked. What can I say I am a Harley guy and will always be one. Love you channel.

Excellent presentation, spot-on. I've owned a lot of the bikes you've mentioned, two KZ1000 LTDs, Yamaha XS400 special, 650 special, 750 special, and I've ridden most of the others, 750 Magna, 1100 Shadow, Valkyrie, Vulcans, etc. I can't imagine trying to explain to an 80s Japanese marketing exective why the loud, shaky, leaky clunkiness of an AMF-era sportster is the bike's main appeal.

I really loved the power cruisers of the 80’s. I had a Suzuki gs1100L, a Yamaha Xs1100 special, aKawasaki Ltd 1100 and a Honda V65 Magna. The look, speed and sound of those bikes were awesome. The in-line fours with Kerker four into one exhausts sounded amazing. Theses bikes were very dependable. Then the Japanese V-twin bikes became popular like the Shadows, Vulcans and the Star bikes from Yamaha. I really miss those old bikes.

@motoxer5272

Жыл бұрын

I currently own and daily an 83 KZ1100LTD. Great bike, lots of power, and easy to flick around!

My first bike was a 2000 Kawa VN800 Classic. Great bike! Still have it. But also an Indian Springfield and a H-D Sportster 883 Iron.

Recently bought a ‘98 Yamaha Royal Star (one of which I bought new in ‘97) A real classic Jap Cruiser and different to all others being a V4 - so has its own distinct sound…..liking it! 😎👍

I had and Loved my ‘79 Honda CX500 Custom. I wish I still had it. V Twin Motor and Haft Drive!

@wallacegrommet9343

Жыл бұрын

Did Honda make a later version of that bike named the Silver Wing?

@rickhill6277

Жыл бұрын

@@wallacegrommet9343 yes, in the ‘80s they made a Deluxe and a Silver Wing which the later looked and was equipped just like the Gold Wing tour model.

@paulwilliams2080

11 ай бұрын

Loved mine too. It was a comfortable ride. And that engine was wonderfully relaxed. It always felt like an old friend. I miss it. I might yet buy another. Trouble is the trend for people hacking them into cafe racers. Destroying classic gems.

A couple years ago a friend let me ride his Vmax and I knew I had to have one. It was unlike anything I'd ever ridden. Quick enough to be fun and very raw feeling. Picked one up a year ago and it's been a blast. Shame there's nothing like it really anymore.

@filippocorti6760

Жыл бұрын

Bought the newer version Vmax?

@redeyedfreaks

Жыл бұрын

@@filippocorti6760 Nah I got the 1200. Got a decent deal on a 2002 vmax that had the factory passenger backrest and the center stand already installed.

@filippocorti6760

Жыл бұрын

@@redeyedfreaks I think they should have kept and updated the 1200 rather than go to that 1700cc behemoth. The 1700 is too big and heavy, IMO. An updated 1200 probably would have sold better...Is the longevity of the old 1200 good?

@esv5182

Жыл бұрын

​@@filippocorti6760 Depends on how well you maintain it. Some have made it well over 100k miles before they needed rebuilding. I have a 2006 with 30k miles. I don't ride it often but when I do, it turns heads.

@filippocorti6760

Жыл бұрын

@@esv5182 Ride safe.

I´m still riding a 1990ies 250ccm Yamaha Virago. Footpegs forward, a flatbar and I´m riding it every day. Very reliable. I love it.

Thank you for this review of the great history of Japanese cruisers. Suzuki Intruder was my first motorcycle and it is still in my heart ❤ And Viragos are so amazing, with their "frames"

How the hell do you make a 15 min. video without mentioning the Yamaha Road Star built from 1999 to 2014 in the STAR lineup.

@kenwittlief255

Жыл бұрын

couldnt find any public domain stock video for the Vstar bikes..... BTW ditto the Royal Star / Venture V4s - Yamaha's cruiser version of the Goldwing

Own a 22 Bolt. Love it. The aftermarket options are pretty good as well. Look completely changed from stock with just a fairing, bars, seat, and exhaust.

I owned an '82 KZ650 CSR, which I referred to as my "4 cylinder Sportster". It was an air cooled, chain drive bike with an upright seating position, pullback bars, and a stepped seat. It was my daily, working 2 jobs, for 2 1/2 years, rain or shine! God I miss that bike!

The Honda VTX1800. Great bike. At the time, 2002, it was the biggest V-Twin Cruiser and had the performance to back it up. Made Harley and all the other manufactures play catch up. They lasted too. 100k miles on many I see in the forum.

@xzsdfvdfbv

Жыл бұрын

a friend of mine had one. It had exactly zero appeal to me. To each his own.

@Giitzerland

9 ай бұрын

The VTX1800 is an amazing bike. One of the most reliable, powerful machines out there, and fast like nothing else. And you're right about the mileage, Honda built these bikes to last! I have a 2003 VTX1800R, and don't think I'll ever part with it. Honda claims 106HP/122ft-lb torque, you feel it.

A 1984 Yamaha xv700 Virago was my first road going motorcycle and probably the first true Harley clone from the Big Four... at least in the looks dept. Wire spoked wheels, shaft drive, pleasant exhaust low note, beautiful. I really enjoyed that bike.

Great overview Bart. I'm retired and have owned many Japanese and Harley motorcycles during my riding career. I bought my first Japanese cruiser last year, a 2022 Suzuki M109R which I love. I had wanted to buy a new Road King but with all the upcharges and surcharges from HD I decided to spend half the money. I have since purchased a couple of older Harleys on the used market. I think the M109R is a great bike and while it doesn't have the ''character'' of the Harley's it still puts a smile on my face everytime I ride. It's a lot faster out of the box for one thing and it has plenty of low end torque (just like a Harley). Apart from the Fury it really is the last of the big bore Japanese cruisers I think. Thanks

@robertalexander2506

Жыл бұрын

I haven't had the time to ride as much in the last couple of years & have thought about selling my 2008 M 109R, but when I do it makes me smile, so I just hang on to it. It's so smooth and comfy I just love it!

@baymoto553

Жыл бұрын

@@robertalexander2506 I agree. It's a lot of fun so you will probably regret it if you sell. Enjoy

@bringbacknames

Жыл бұрын

I LOVE my M109R. The styling is weird, but I got over that pretty quickly after riding it.

@Paul-cc5rp

Жыл бұрын

Just sold my 08 in 2022 and still regret it. Everyone confused it with a Harley, not a single Harley was able to beat me on a 1/4 mile, including any Vrod. And I'm speaking out of the box. There is SO MUCH torque on that back end. I've yet to test ride any Harley with that same punch. I sold it for half what I paid for it with 80,000 km's on the dial and she was still going strong. Next season there will be a 2024 Red M109R in my garage. Harley have done a few things right. Marketing marketing marketing and FINALLY having liquid cooled.

@bringbacknames

Жыл бұрын

@@Paul-cc5rp I like the new water-cooled bikes, but I still don't like the price tag, lol.

Rocking a 2013 VStar 650 Custom and a big 2015 VStar Raider 113. Love them both. Reliable, solid, beautiful, blacked-out bikes that always turn heads. No muss, no fuss. Inexpensive and cool AF. Everything a Harley oughta be at half the price.

I have a 98 magna and Im 22. I absolutely love this classic cruiser and love the retro feel I get on it

Yamaha's Star motorcycles where a sincere attempt at taking on HD in the factory/custom parts area. The selection was really great. Too bad the heavy crusers where overdone by the time they came to market. Yamaha roadstars rule.

@rsrobboman

Жыл бұрын

I have an 2001 XV1600 wildstar and i love it, will never sell it, and my Harley owning friends like it too..

@bryanbenefiel3612

11 ай бұрын

I have an 08 Roadstar 1700. Absolutely love it!

@bonnevillebagger9147

11 ай бұрын

While less “Harley” the royal stars are better bikes.

Being an "older" rider, I bought a new Yamaha 750 "Special" in 1978. The best looking cruizer at the time but too small for me. Then in 1980 switched to Harley (Shovelhead) FXWG Wise Glide, a true factory custom. Beautiful bike but plagued with AMF construction issues. 10 years ago I bought a used Yamaha Roadstar and it has turned out to be the best of them all. Looks and sounds like a Harley but actually larger and fits me better (I'm 6'4"). Reliable and beautiful. I still have the old Harley but the Yamaha is my daily driver. S~

This guy nailed it. I love my virago and I loved my boulevard but neither compare the same way to my sportster. It isnt fast, it leaks oil and vibrates bolts loose but I never get tired of it and nothing else is quite as satisfying for that classic cruiser feeling.

My wife rides a Yamaha VStar Classic 650 , its a good looking bike that's super comfortable to ride , it goes quite well for a heavy bike , sits on 70mph all day long in comfort .

I owned an Intruder 800. Easy handling easy to maintain, great ride. I also owned an 1100 shadow. Really comfortable, smooth ride, a little low on torque but loved it. Road my friends virago many times and always thought it was a great ride. From a Honda super 50, a CL 175, a 305 Yamaha, a Honda 450 to a Triumph 650 Tiger, I loved them all. The most fun was the Triumph but the best ride was the Honda Shadow. Jeez, wish I had some of the money back but the memories were worth every penny.

I always liked my ZL600 was light nippy and carried my wife and I up to 130mph no probs and economical too. I became too wobbly very sad to sell it, I am 83 now.

I’ve owned three Yamaha cruisers with the last being a 2006 Yamaha Stratoliner Midnight, what an awesomely fun and powerful bike that was…with a Barons, big air kit, Vance and Hines pipes and a power commander, the torque on the bike was insane…126 Ft/lbs on the Dyno, and the suspension was awesome, my wife loved it…seriously considering buying a used one to add it again to the stable…the 2014s in red with blacked out engine are a looker.

Sold the harley and bought a vtx1800 Honda. Nice cruiser. Love my Honda. Starts every time.

2006 Suzuki Boulevard C90 found in a shed next to 2 60s VW Bugs. 2K cash I got it off my buddy. Has the GMan fuel processor and Cobra Dragsters for pipes, and PAR Delete. Lesst then 13,000 miles when I got it last year. I LOVE IT!!!

For Japanese cruisers, my first that I still own is my 2007 Shadow 1100 Spirit. That bike I've owned for ~17k miles (bought at 10.5k so now at 27k on the odometer) and has been the most reliable bike I've ridden yet, though having only owned six motorcycles so far, there's still plenty of flavors I have yet to try. The shaft drive makes drivetrain maintenance easy as can be, the engine is overhead cam with hydraulic lifters so no need for periodic valve adjustments and the offset crankpins help smooth out the vibrations of the 45 degree V. Despite all this praise for my Shadow, it still doesn't give me that feeling that my previous two Sportsters did. Like you said, the feeling of riding a Harley is really hard for other companies to replicate. I also owned a VTX 1300 and that was closer to getting that feeling, at least from my personal riding experiences. The single crankpin 52 degree V was able to give the rumble and slight idle lope that a Harley would have while running smoother. That endeavor was cut short when someone turned into me and totaled the VTX. I don't know how long I'll keep my Shadow or what I may replace it with but I've always been glad to have it in my shed and be ready for just about anything.

Totally glossed over the 1996-2003 Honda Valkyrie. I've owned a 1999 Valkyrie Interstate since new and now have 140K+ miles on it. Have yet to find anything I would consider a suitable replacement made by any mfg. Making bikes now has become more about meeting Euro5 requirements than anything else. Add a fickle and fractured buying public and it seems amazing that any motorcycle company is able to be successful these days.

@kenwittlief255

Жыл бұрын

Yamaha Royal Star (V4 1300) is the base model of the Vstar Venture touring bikes. It has a better reliability rating than any Goldwing (4 or 6 cylinder).

@michaelvachon1334

Жыл бұрын

@@kenwittlief255 - tried the Yamaha. Not to my liking...

@kenwittlief255

Жыл бұрын

@@michaelvachon1334 It is different, it is a cruiser I took an '84 naked GW for a ride, always wanted one. I kept putting my feet on the cylinder heads (where the running boards are suppose to be :) and had to keep looking down to see where the foot pegs were. Its a smooth engine, hard to beat a Boxer for balance. Didnt buy it. Ended up with the Royal Star a few months later.

Currently riding a 2005 Suzuki Boulevard C50T. Love the looks as well as the way it rides. A previous owner had removed the baffles from the exhaust giving a really throaty sound. At a fraction of the price of a Harley, this is a perfect choice for a retired guy on a fixed income.

my intruder 1400 re-ignited my love for motorcycles. Riding has become a big part of my life ever since.......Thanks Suzuki!

Funny though Royal Enfield has been around from 1901 2 years earlier than Harleys. But the bikes they make are still old school in tech , just enough to satisfy the nostalgia. That's why they are doing good in India as well.

I did have a 82 Honda Magana 750. What a great bike. Better than any Harley I had or rode. I fixed it up and sold it then got the next project bike. The Goldwing GL1000 was also a great jap cruiser. I miss those bikes.

I get so hype everytime I hear that mysterious 80’s music during the v65 magna commercials

1986 Super magna owner here! Love it to this day, nothing really beats the V4to4 🏍️

I have a 94 Yamaha Virago 1100, not the best looking bike imo, but cheap, and so comfy when riding with a pillion. Also super easy to maintain do to the shaft drive!😍👍

@soldat2501

Жыл бұрын

I am older now and can respect the Virago but back then, in the day, the Virago was not cool. Not cool at all, lol. It was fuh-uh-ugly.

@n.mcneil4066

Жыл бұрын

I worked on a Virago 750 some years ago. I considered it a very well built bike & it looked like a Sportster with its staggered shorty mufflers. I think Virago's biggest problem was with their starter drive.

@RVRCloset

Жыл бұрын

@@soldat2501 I must say the look have grown on me, at least in some angles.😁 But the tall front end with that angled tank looks a bit off, and also not a fan off the air filter covers.

@RVRCloset

Жыл бұрын

@@n.mcneil4066 So far I haven't had any big problems with it. A leaking fork seal, and a grabby front brake, but that can happen with any bike.

@kenwittlief255

Жыл бұрын

Virago and the Honda version (magna?) both look like a HD ran into a brick wall and bent the frame into a pretzel, and someone did their best to straighten it out... But the thing is, when you are riding all you can see is the headlight bucket and the mirrors, so what do you care what it looks like? You cant see it.

I've owned and worked on a lot of the bikes you featured, and enjoyed them all. I'm kind of surprised you didn't talk about Yamaha's V-star series bikes. They were one of the better selling Harley-wannabes in my area. I still see a lot of them on the road, pretty reliable machines.

@metalforever12085

Жыл бұрын

I love my Vstar 1100. Incredible bike. Reliable and good-looking to boot. I see them all around here as well. I recently upgraded to a Roadliner but I will never sell my 1100!

@tallywacker7391

Жыл бұрын

Me too I have a 02 v star 1100 and I think it's a great cruzer

@jlrutube1312

Жыл бұрын

I had a v star 650. Good bike but slow. Traded for Vulcan classic 1500. Traded for a Honda VTX 1300. Best bike I ever had. Put 100,000 miles on it.

@jean-claudemoledo1488

Жыл бұрын

Agreed, would not change my V star 1100 for a HD , particularly recent HD. I can' t deny that I love the "old" harley look

@jackandblaze5956

Жыл бұрын

I'm sure that not mentioning the V-star is just an oversight because most old-timers see the V-star as an updated Virago. The V-star V-twin engines are direct descendants of the Virago engines, but the V-star frames were heavier, more "classic" looking than the slightly odd looking Viragos, which made their performance a bit more subdued. My favorite Virago was the 920 monoshock version, (1983) with the analog gauges, but I did get to borrow a South American market chain drive 920 one day and that was a ripper. It would pull the front wheel up with ease in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gear. It was strange to be on such a beast. It showed what that engine could do when not subdued by the ubiquitous Yamaha 80's era shaft drive.

Who remembers the Kawasaki 650 CSR? I bought one new in 1982. Exellent motorcycle and the fastest in the class. I've never seen another one... I miss the thing. Thanks for sharing.

My first bike was a Honda Rebel 125. loved it.

One thing I think you missed in the video for why Harley’s have such a following for cruisers is the *massive* aftermarket of parts to allow you to customize them. You can truly make a motorcycle that’s completely unique in a way you just can’t with any other. There is also a huge independent service industry for Harley - which I think you touched on (might have been someone else’s channel though - sorry if I’m wrong) when talking about owning a true classic British bike - if you’ve got an old HD, you can easily find someone that will service it.

@eamonneamonn

Жыл бұрын

Totally agree. That's a huuuuuge appeal of Harley

@ChuckPackwood

Жыл бұрын

Plus anywhere in America you will be within 100 miles of a HD Dealership if you need parts

@sd31263

Жыл бұрын

@@ChuckPackwood Yep. Lots of Japanese-made parts are available at HD dealerships.

@ChuckPackwood

Жыл бұрын

@@sd31263 K.. As Long as I can get parts. Your the only one bothered by it..

@Ishbikes

Жыл бұрын

@@sd31263 SO WHAT? BLAME YOUR PRECIOUS HARELY PPL! American made my ass

1974 CB350G, 1978 CB 750 K, 1985 Honda VT 500 Custom, 1987 Honda VT 750 Custom, 1988 Honda VT800, 2000 Honda 1100 Super Sabre and now a 2000 Kawasaki 1500 Vulcan fi. All fantastically reliable but the 1978 CB 750 will always be my favorite.

Had a 535 virago from 1995 and it was such a beautiful and comfortable bike. Sadly it was stolen and now I have a RE classic 500 lol

Great video. I really love all the Japanese cruisers whether they’re “Harley gone wrong” or “Harley clone”.. it’s a shame that market is getting smaller but we’ll have them around for a while! I had a Vulcan 800 classic and an old 88 shadow 1100 .. ride a ninja at the moment but Japanese v twin cruisers are my heart ❤️

Own a '97 Virago 250 and its been something that I still can't let go off...

My 08' C90t gets a lot of looks. It's a very beautiful machine. Aside from basic maintenance and some love all's I do is ride it and enjoy. Thank you Susuki.....

I love riding the Japanese cruisers I had but honestly… when it comes rebuild time I love my Harleys just my own experience. I don’t know of another company with a large parts following and simple reliable pushrod design 😁

I had a 1994 Intruder 1400 that looked a lot like the one you show at 8:48. It was basically given to me in boxes around 2014, and I managed to put it all together and get it running in a weekend. It had a down draft carburetor under the gas tank, and a side draft carb under the seat. The battery was in a box mounted in front of the back tire, and while it always ran it was always a bit cantankerous when it was cold - trying to get the two different carbs to play nice together was a challenge, it was almost like running two engines on a common crankshaft. There weren't any mufflers included in the pile of parts, but a couple of those fat exhaust tips that people put on F150's and Silverados where there, so I put them on. I did some jetting to get it to run right, and swapped in some stronger clutch springs. Reliability issues aside, it was a very entertaining and obnoxious bike to ride. It didn't feel like it accelerated, it just felt like you were being thrown at the scenery. It would completely destroy a 1200 Sportster in a straight line. It sounded like a washing machine tumbling down a flight of stairs when it idled, and at full throttle it sounded like distilled hatred was being forced out of the exhaust. It would corner fairly well, although you really had to watch the throttle as it would easily break the tire loose with no warning. It was comfortable on the highway and nimble in town, sadly mine met it's end late one night on the way to work, where it caught on fire. It didn't harm the bike much, and I was able to fix everything except for the CDI box, which was actually bolted to the bottom of the seat.

I have a 96 Virago 1100 and I love it. It's funny though - this video speaks of Japanese bikes having faded out, in part, because of people wanting a "sense of nostalgia... and that can't be manufactured" and a "longing for the motorcycles of old" - with which I agree. But almost all of the videos about the Virago here on KZread, have comments like "I used to have a Virago and I wish I still had it". I don't think they will ever attain H.D. status but maybe these Japanese cruisers from the 80s and 90s have now reached the age where they too instill a sense of nostalgia, and are among those that can be seen as one of those motorcycles of old.

I drove a v30 magna in high school back in 1985. I loved the smoothness of the v4 engine.

The 1979 CX500C or 1985 Intruder 700/750 were pretty important steps for Japan. Also, and the Shadows never had balancers, they had offset crank pins for perfect primary balance (like a 90-degree twin). The ACE was built with a shared crank pin for more vibrations and less performance.

Currently building my fourth bobber out of a Japanese bikes. This time around it's going to be the 2001 Xvs 1100. Talking complete engine tear down and frame powder coating. And possibly a front end from a Harley with a new wheel. I love doing these. It's a big challenge trying to find parts for these older bikes that are not American Harley that are everywhere and so easy to find parts for now

@robertarata8684

3 ай бұрын

I had a shadow 600 and a 96 ace. I enjoyed both, I wanted the sound and the feel of a Harley. The Honda dependability was great, but I always felt that something was missing. I now ride a xl1200c that I have mildly customized. Love it!

@theaidenman

3 ай бұрын

@@robertarata8684 I had a '90s 1200 and I did the s&s 1250 on it and some cam work and other odds and ends and I had 102 horses on my 1250.

I love my '00 Honda Shadow 750. Great first bike, hope it's not going to become boring soon.

I own a 2004 Honda VTX 1300C. It's my first and only bike. I got it for the japanese reliability and cost. Only $3000 and it has given me 3 years of riding enjoyment with many more to come.

The Suzuki Intruder was water cooled from day 1. You said it was air cooled. Also no mention of Yamaha's Star line of air cooled V-twins ? They were more Harley-like than any of the Japanese V-twins that you mentioned. Honda's Shadow ACE (American Classic Edition) deserves a mention separate from the other Shadow models because the engine was different from all the other Shadow models, with a single pin crankshaft design that imitated the classic "potato-potato" Harley sound. So much so that Harley sued Honda over it ! The Japanese imitators always had better performance and better value than Harley. And for some riders that was important (it was to me after a decade owning an Electro Glide). But some people just didn't care. Nothing but a Harley would do.

@GIGABACHI

Жыл бұрын

The 800 was fully water cooled, the 1400 model was air AND oil cooled. Rear cylinder got most of the oil cooling (it sure needed it).

First bike was a 1980 KZ440 ltd. I built it up during pandemic since it was not working and I got it for $500. I don’t miss that one lmao but it looked pretty cool and felt like I was riding actual old school

I have 2019 Kawasaki W800 Street and I love it. It has soul and style!

The Yamaha Virago was released in 1981, but the Honda CX500C (custom) with a transverse V-Twin Engine was released in 1979 with a dedicated "custom" frame, which although only 500cc, was a confortable long distance cruiser at 75mph with a top speed of just over 100 mph , and when modded with K&Ns and rejetted Carbs, had an acceleration to match Sports Bikes of its time. Its standard sister road models the CX500, and the later Honda Silver Wing built around-the CX500 model platform, became popular with backyard custom builders in the UK in the 80/90's, who chopped them to make reliable V-Twin Cruisers Over the years the bikes ive owned include a CX500 Custom,, A Yamaha XS1100 , a Honda Shadow ACE , and a Harley 1100 Sportster

Whilst visiting home my friend lent me his Kawasaki Spectre to cruise around England on. I‘ve never been a cruiser fan but I really enjoyed just taking it easy and admiring my surroundings. There still seems to be a market for them here in Germany with the Scandenavians having bought quite a few. I noticed back in the 90‘s that the Dutch bikers used the big 1100 Viragos as serious touring bikes. Thanks for a very interesting and enjoyable review 😉

@tjugofyra24

Жыл бұрын

Haha, yeah I think the Japanese cruisers really hit it big here in Scandinavia. People are basically giving 535 Viragos away now! I bought a ‘95 VF750C Magna for ~2000€ two years ago. Great fun, but 88hp and a rear drum brake? I often found myself riding it too hard because the handling was surprisingly good and the engine was begging for it, but the brakes were seriously bad. The 1100 Virago had at least dual discs up front…

Been riding for 46 years and the only cruiser I've ever owned is the Shadow VLX600 I got to teach the kids in my life how to ride. Thing is, I've put more miles on it then any of them. Maybe that VTX1800 I passed up in the early 2000's is worth another look...

@vtxfan

Жыл бұрын

I love the sound of the VLX600. Same single pin crankshaft design that’s in my VTX1300… I just need to put on some pipes so I can hear it better 🤙

Had an '85 Yamaha Virago. It was an experience. I can't imagine I'll ever have something like that again.

Thanks - really enjoyed this vid. Which is the bike pictured in the thumb? Virago?

For me it all started back in the 1990's when I first walked in an Yamaha dealership in Brazil. The Virago were in the showroom, that's when I became obsessed over riding a cruiser. My first cruiser was a 1995 Suzuki intruder 800. Of couse in my mind I was not feeling like a real biker, so, four years later I sold it and bought a Harley Davidson Sportster 883. From then on I owned six different Harleys , spent a real fortune, and now that I'm sixty years old and have mature a little I ride a HONDA NC 750 .

@tallywacker7391

Жыл бұрын

I'll bet that 800 intruder was a lot faster than that 883 Harley

@raulcarmello1163

Жыл бұрын

@@tallywacker7391 heeellll yeah, faster, more reliable, cheaper to maintain, and the list goes on.....

@tallywacker7391

Жыл бұрын

@@raulcarmello1163 I know that's right. I had an 81yamaha xs 850 triple and there wasn't a Harley Davidson around I couldn't beat.

@johnnymoore7480

Жыл бұрын

I made the hole loop too, spent a lot of money. Now I’m 65 and wish I had my old Honda nighthawk 700 back! Funny how we men act…

@tallywacker7391

Жыл бұрын

@@johnnymoore7480 you are right about that. When I was younger I wanted the biggest baddest fastest bike. Now that I'm older I want something smaller and good on gas. When I was 17 I had a Honda CL 360 twin and I wish I still had it,it was plenty of bike it would do over 100mph and great on gas. I would like to find one for sale. I have a 2002 Yamaha v star 1100 that I ride. It's a good bike never really had problems with it. It has served me well. Just want something smaller to add to my collection.

I tried learning on a magna v30, also rode a shadow for a minute or two, but sport bikes won my heart with performance. If you can’t see past performance then cruisers will never appeal to you, but you should be able to step outside yourself and see why they appeal to others.

@pbofan

Жыл бұрын

Well said. My first bikes were a Virago and Magna V30, then, later, a Vulcan…but then I went to nakeds and sportbikes and have no interest in ever going back. But I still understand and appreciate the appeal of the cruiser platform, even if it’s no longer for me.

@kenwittlief255

Жыл бұрын

Yamaha Royal Star (V4 1300) top speed is 135mph it hits 60mph in 2nd gear, and you still have 3 left how fast do you need to go?