Motorcycles come in a variety of designs and are made for various uses. To get a new motorbike, you must first choose the best model.
The most common and extensively used motorcycles are cruisers. They are designed for comfort while cruising on highways or open roads for extended distances. They have a hefty, cozy, aesthetically pleasing, and functional design. Cruisers do, however, have some drawbacks in addition to their advantages.
On the other hand, the delights of motorcycling can be experienced in a very special and fun way on bobber motorcycles. Bobbers, with their simplified, minimalistic form, have grown to be a popular choice among riders who like their vintage appearance. Due to the low seat height, which enables the rider to firmly plant both feet on the ground when at a standstill, bobbers also make suitable starter bikes.
Therefore, it is crucial to assess the benefits and drawbacks of a Bobber motorbike before making a decision, regardless of whether you’re thinking about purchasing an Indian Scout Bobber, Honda Rebel 500, Harley Street Bob, or any of the other models that are now being produced.
What Do Bobber Motorcycles Do?
Around the period of World War II, the first Bobbers were born. The owners of the large, heavy Harley-Davidson and Indian motorcycles had done everything in their power to lighten them up. Remove whatever you can to lighten the load and boost performance, including the passenger seat and the fenders.
The greatest Bobber motorcycles of today are all about minimalism and style; they are designed to be cool-looking, maneuverable, and, ideally, have enough low-end torque to enable a rapid getaway when the lights turn green.
These bikes have a few negatives; although they may appear great, many provide an exhilarating riding experience.
Pros Of Bobber Motorcycles
- Accessibility
Accessibility is one of the main benefits of owning a factory Bobber. Riders can easily climb, disembark, and maneuver in confined areas because of the bike’s low seat height and center of gravity.
This is why Bobber motorcycles are so well-liked by new riders who adore the low seat’s ability to inspire confidence and seasoned riders like myself who still want to ride but need something that doesn’t come with the aches and pains of other sorts of bikes. Additionally, the rider can comfortably access all controls because of the basic design.
- Versatility
Another benefit of having a factory bobber is versatility. It’s a great bike for quick city commutes and a Sunday afternoon ride out of town and through the twisties.
- Customization
Another feature distinguishing factory bobbers from other motorcycles is their potential to be customized. Riders can customize their bikes by adding or removing components to fit their preferences or needs.
Nearly all the Bobber motorcycles on the market have many custom parts available, allowing you to customize your bike in any way you choose.
Many seasoned riders purchase the stock motorcycle and customize it in their garage with aftermarket components, changing the handlebars, turn signals, back and front fenders, etc. To make it into the motorcycle they want a Bobber to be.
- Bobber Style
This was unquestionably the most important one for me. I’ve always admired how the vintage original Bobber style looked.
CONS OF BOBBER MOTORCYCLE
- Cost
One of the most important disadvantages of having a factory bobber motorbike is its price. Compared to standard motorcycles, factory-built bobbers are more expensive. Their price tag may be much greater than other bikes in the same category due to their distinctive features and customized designs.
- Max Speed
The speed restriction of a manufactured bobber motorcycle is another drawback. Bobbers are made more for appearance than for utility. Since you’re seated upright with your feet slightly forward, most Bobbers on the market today, even with powerful engines, will cap their highest speeds at about 110 mph.
- Vast Distances
Long rides are designed for something other than Bobbers. They often have a small gasoline tank, necessitating frequent stops to replenish. Additionally, since Bobber seats are designed for one person (or should be), there is nowhere to secure your tent and other camping necessities.
- Bad Vision
Due to its low profile, low visibility while riding around town poses another concern, increasing the possibility of being ignored by other cars.
What Exactly Is A Cruiser Motorcycle?
American motorcycle companies like Harley Davidson, Excelsior, Indian, and Henderson originally offered cruisers in the 1930s. A comfortable cruiser has ergonomics that promote a pleasant riding position, including forward-mounted foot controls, mid-mounted swept-back handlebars, and a low seat height.
Pros Of Cruiser Motorcycle
- Style
With their chrome accents and vintage-inspired looks, cruisers are considered by the majority of motorcyclists to be the most fashionable motorcycles. Individual riders may favor cruisers with retro, contemporary, or futuristic styling.
As a result of their grounded design and long wheelbase, cruisers have a low center of gravity and little ground clearance. Unlike naked or street bikes, they have heavier components, such as their traditional round headlamps contained in nacelles, chopped/long skirt fenders, and beefier front forks.
- Comfort
Cruisers provide lots of comfort for lengthy journeys and highway cruising. They offer relaxed ergonomics, with foot controls set forward for enough legroom and handlebars mounted in the middle and pulled back to create a cozy rider triangle. Cruisers have low seat height to maintain optimum balance and handling and a low center of gravity.
The placement of the handlebars and the low seat height bike provide straight backs and a relaxed riding position. Most cruisers also have stock floorboards installed for riders, allowing them to rest their feet while cruising.
Old and more experienced riders like cruiser bikes. Younger riders are more drawn to motorbikes that are quick to accelerate, have lots of horsepower, and have an aggressive riding style. Due to this, modern cruisers are made to be lightweight, with semi-sweptback handlebars and mid-mounted foot controls for a slightly sportier stance.
- Customization
Cruisers may be customized because of their straightforward design and readily removable components. The most common method chosen by custom builders is the cruiser. Most motorcycle manufacturers create aftermarket components and add-ons that let riders change their looks and ergonomics. A rider can readily alter a cruiser to suit their preferences and level of comfort. On a cruiser, tall riders can swap out the mid-positioned foot controls for ones mounted further forward. You have many options if you want to switch out your unpleasant factory seat for a plush aftermarket seat.
- Torquey Engines
Most cruisers are powered by large displacement V-Twin engines, which can deliver low- and high-end torque for a comfortable ride in any gear. Due to their torquey engines, they are perfect for long-distance two-up riding on even inclinations and sloping highways. While riding a cruiser, you might not enjoy a quick throttle response, but as soon as it shifts into high gear, it accelerates well.
- Fit For Carrying Loads
Cruisers can easily transport big loads, such as a passenger, saddlebags, aftermarket items, and various types of luggage because they are designed with torquey engines. Most cruiser bikes have comfy seats that can accommodate two riders. Backrests can be added to cruisers to comfort drivers and passengers during lengthy trips.
- Suitable For Newcomers
Most cruisers need more power and are built with speed and agility in mind. While some cruisers are slower than sports and naked bikes, others have strong throttle responses. If they have a foundational understanding of motorcycle operation, beginners should choose a cruiser with an engine size between 250 and 900 cc.
- A Flawless Fusion Of Traditional Style And Contemporary Technology
Most contemporary cruisers have a retro or classic appearance and come equipped with contemporary amenities like ABS, traction control, cruise control, riding modes, assist and slipper clutch, heated grips, and a TFT display. Modern features enhance rider safety while simultaneously enhancing performance.
The Harley Heritage Classic, Harley Davidson Fat Boy, and Harley Forty-Eight are excellent examples of contemporary Harley Davidson cruisers that perfectly combine an antique aesthetic with cutting-edge technology. They have several modern elements to offer a pleasant and safe riding experience, including plenty of chrome parts, a vintage paint job, huge fenders, round headlamps, and leather seats.
Cons Of Cruiser Motorcycle
- Slower Acceleration
Due to their huge engines and thick parts, cruisers are heavy vehicles that enhance their traditional appearance and carrying capability. Most cruisers are made with an eye towards aesthetics and added rider comfort. They are not designed for biking through traffic or at fast speeds. To offer more comfort even when transporting a passenger and luggage, cruiser engines are designed to deliver higher torque. Sports bikes and naked bikes are faster and more maneuverable than cruisers. They lack aerodynamic designs or aggressive riding methods. There are, however, a few contemporary cruisers with lightweight bike frames and components and strong engines that enable them to go as quickly as sports bikes.
- Difficult To Manoeuvre And Handle
Cruisers are more difficult to ride and maneuver in traffic, making U-turns, turning into tight corners, and navigating twists and turns because they are bigger and heavier. They also have lower ground clearance than sports or street bikes, making it harder to lean while turning bends reliably. If you try to make a tight bend or lean the motorcycle too far, the footrests and engine bottom will scrape. However, cruisers excel in highways, open roads, and straight roads.
- Heavyweight
Due to their heavyweight construction and use of large parts and sturdy frames, most cruisers are large vehicles. Because of this, cruisers are more challenging to control and maneuver, especially for new riders.
- Less Fuel Mileage
Due to the huge engines, aggressive tires, and heavy wheels that cruisers are equipped with, they use a lot of petrol. Compared to a street or naked bike, a heavy motorbike built for carrying additional weights like a passenger and luggage exerts more strain on the engine and uses more fuel.
- Engine Vibrations Are Too Strong
The cruisers’ most annoying drawback is the two-cylinder engines’ excessive vibration production. Rubber-mounted machines, counterbalancers, and altered engine designs are just a few of the characteristics used to lessen engine vibration. However, counterbalancers do not eliminate engine vibration.
- Ground Clearance Is Low
Cruisers have a planted design and a low seat height and are lower than the ground for improved performance, handling, and stability. Cruisers need more ground clearance since they are lower than the ground, making them unsuitable for driving on uneven, rocky roads. A barrier or a bad road could harm the engine.
- Expensive
Due to their luxury and opulence, cruiser motorcycles are the priciest models. The huge displacement engines, metal parts, accessories, and contemporary features are primarily to blame for the high prices. The most expensive cruisers are made by the two most well-known American motorcycle manufacturers, Harley Davidson and Indian Motorcycles. Even now, cruisers made by Japanese motorcycle manufacturers like Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha, and Suzuki are still reasonably priced.
