Last time we covered some basics of a Good Cruiser like softer suspension, strong and light chassis and specially designed tanks. I also promised a part 2 of the series and here it is so without wasting any time, let’s begin.
1: Steeper Rake
The Rake is the angle of Motorcycle’s steering head from the center of the wheel. The Rake further decides the Trail of the bike, which ultimately concludes its handling. The Trail is defined as the distance between the center most contact patch of the front tyre and an imaginary line which runs through the steering head into the ground. The Trail is measured in millimeters and a good Trail is around 5.1 inches or (12.9 cm). A longer Trail is necessary in case of a Cruiser as too little of it will make the bike unstable.
2: Bigger Rear Disc Brake
Having a longer Trail and soft suspension tend to reduce some feedback from the front tyre. Couple this with the fact that a big chunk of cruiser’s weight is over the rear wheel and you’ll find yourself shopping for a rear disc. Classic examples are Harley Street 750 and Street Rod, both have a just as big if not big enough of a rear disc as they have a front one. Such a disc has many advantages which are not just restricted to cruisers. For example, it can be used to stabilize the bike if pressed before the front brake, in an emergency situation. The combined deceleration force in such a case will be noticeably more than when the front and the rear brakes are used separately.
3: A Big Fuel Tank
There is one thing which you should never worry about while Cruising, the fuel range. A big fuel tank is essential to your peace of mind and ultimately your riding experience. If you have to search for a fuel station after every 300 km then the so-called “Cruiser” you’re riding fails the most basic aspect related to cruising. It is one of the reasons why I absolutely despise several Harley Davidson bikes.
READ ALSO: How Rake/Caster Angle Defines A Motorcycle?
At least a 17-litre fuel tank is an absolute necessity so you can make it to a filling station in a remote corner of the world. The prototype which TVS showcased at this year’s Auto Expo the "Zeppelin", features a 20-litre fuel tank. The current Royal Enfield Thunderbird also features a 20-litre tank, so it’s not that good fuel range is unheard of, it's just not on the Agenda.
READ ALSO: Motorcycle Geometry- Why Do Bikes Handle The Way They Do?
There you have it folks, for a good basic mile munching cruisers, these are the qualities to look out for. It is not extremely important to match these with the bike you want to purchase but it can help you in deciding on the better cruiser. You can also compensate for some of the features with other ones like a good fuel economy can justify a smaller fuel tank and better brakes can make up for an unconventionally long trail.
By: Yetnesh Dubey
1: Steeper Rake
The Rake is the angle of Motorcycle’s steering head from the center of the wheel. The Rake further decides the Trail of the bike, which ultimately concludes its handling. The Trail is defined as the distance between the center most contact patch of the front tyre and an imaginary line which runs through the steering head into the ground. The Trail is measured in millimeters and a good Trail is around 5.1 inches or (12.9 cm). A longer Trail is necessary in case of a Cruiser as too little of it will make the bike unstable.2: Bigger Rear Disc Brake
Having a longer Trail and soft suspension tend to reduce some feedback from the front tyre. Couple this with the fact that a big chunk of cruiser’s weight is over the rear wheel and you’ll find yourself shopping for a rear disc. Classic examples are Harley Street 750 and Street Rod, both have a just as big if not big enough of a rear disc as they have a front one. Such a disc has many advantages which are not just restricted to cruisers. For example, it can be used to stabilize the bike if pressed before the front brake, in an emergency situation. The combined deceleration force in such a case will be noticeably more than when the front and the rear brakes are used separately.3: A Big Fuel Tank
There is one thing which you should never worry about while Cruising, the fuel range. A big fuel tank is essential to your peace of mind and ultimately your riding experience. If you have to search for a fuel station after every 300 km then the so-called “Cruiser” you’re riding fails the most basic aspect related to cruising. It is one of the reasons why I absolutely despise several Harley Davidson bikes. READ ALSO: How Rake/Caster Angle Defines A Motorcycle?
At least a 17-litre fuel tank is an absolute necessity so you can make it to a filling station in a remote corner of the world. The prototype which TVS showcased at this year’s Auto Expo the "Zeppelin", features a 20-litre fuel tank. The current Royal Enfield Thunderbird also features a 20-litre tank, so it’s not that good fuel range is unheard of, it's just not on the Agenda.
READ ALSO: Motorcycle Geometry- Why Do Bikes Handle The Way They Do?
There you have it folks, for a good basic mile munching cruisers, these are the qualities to look out for. It is not extremely important to match these with the bike you want to purchase but it can help you in deciding on the better cruiser. You can also compensate for some of the features with other ones like a good fuel economy can justify a smaller fuel tank and better brakes can make up for an unconventionally long trail.
By: Yetnesh Dubey