Really Big Cruisers

What is the story on the REALLY BIG metric cruisers? I am talking about bikes in the 1600cc+ class, like the Honda VTX1800, the Vulcan 1600/1700/2000, Yamaha Roadstar/Warrior/Roadliner and the Suzuki 109’s.

I have been shopping for a new (used) bike and I have no logical need for or justifiable reason to buy such a big unsporty bike. But I keep seeing them for pretty reasonable prices (high $2k’s-high $4k’s) and, unlike most sportbikes, they all seem to be in really nice shape with low miles. I have even seen bikes with what must have been at least $2k of aftermarket stuff (Corbin rider and pass seats with backrests, color-matched hard bags, windshelds, etc., etc.) with ~10k miles for under $5k asking.

It isn’t one particular bike I’m interested in (although Roadliner Midnight would be top of the list), but more just a general question – what are these things good for? Can they handle two-up touring? Can you commute on a bike that big? What are they like when you are stuck in traffic? I live near a 4000 ft. mountain pass that leads to the sunny side of the state, are these something that would be good for taking through a 2-lane mountain pass?

And just since everyone likes pics (Roadliner Midnight- 1854cc!):

I rode a VTX1800 for a short trip and couldn't believe how big it was. Then I rented a HD Fatboy for a day and as the day went on, the bike got smaller and smaller until the end of the day I didn't even notice the size. I like the roadstar warrior. I used to look at the sea of Harley's at bike night, and evey now and then one would jump out at me as cool looking. Usually turned out to be a yamaha warrior.

I've only got a 1400 or so myself. It thumps along peacefully and gently at 20mph, at 80mph. That makes me happy. It's not a sports bike, doesn't pretend to be one, and I didn't want one anyhow. I don't like a howling engine, and don't find the ergonomics pleasant.

Big cruisers can tour quite well. Pick one that can, if that's what you want. More than enough power, though seating comfort and farkling vary.
As for commuting, sure it can be done. But these things don't pop up over curbs, and you can't snake them through a parking lot like you can a 125cc bike. Make no mistake though, many an adv type bike is far wider, and a lot more top heavy than a big cruiser type is.

If it's not your cup of tea, than don't get one. If it is, it'll be great. Mary one out for a ride if you're curious.

If I had the money and space, I think I might purchase a Triumph Rocket III just for the pure absurdity of it:

2.3 L of "Because We Can" producing 147 ft/lbs. of berkeley You.

It's rather fascinating how they make them: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKEuzxC4eGc

In reply to Beer Baron:

There is one sitting in a driveway three houses down from me right now. Never seen it move from the spot it's sitting in except one day I went by and it was laying over on the hood of a saturn that sits next to it in the driveway. Sad really.

In reply to nicksta43:

That is tragic. I don't understand buying any sort of wonderful machine and then just letting it sit instead of enjoying it. If I don't get out and ride at least every week, I feel like my bike is just languishing unloved. I don't really understand people whose bikes have like... no mileage on them.

Thanks for the feedback guys. I think I will pass on the Rocket III since I have never seen one in my price range.

I missed out on a Stratoliner for $4200 and a Vulcan 1600 for $2800. Luckily this is more of a long-term thing and not something I need right now. I may try waiting until the fall when prices drop.

With regard to trying them out, I owned a Shadow ACE 750 back when I lived in Florida. I found it very relaxed and ideal for the in-town riding I was doing. Back in Florida, I used to do lots of test rides during bike week and biketoberfest, and so I have ridden both a Vulcan 1500 and VTX 1800.

But now that I live in a area with bona fide mountain roads I'm not sure if I still want a cruiser, and in any case I would want one (a lot) more powerful than the ACE. Decisions, decisions...

The big Vulcans are really solid bikes. I only had a few test rides on them while I was working at my old shop, but they ride pretty well. Stop and go traffic would be a bear, but I wouldn't call that terribly enjoyable on anything really. On anything but the very tightest twisty roads it'll be fine, so long as you don't expect to keep up with the sportbikes.

But they're awesome "open road" bikes. I can see pointing one down a state highway and looking for the next few little towns just to see what's there.