Back Seat Rider
Back Seat Rider
The view from behind
LEEANN TWEEDEN
SUPER CRUISER shootout
HELLO ALL YOU CYCLE WORLD READERS! It's good to be back. The last time I was covershot back in September `99, so I was thrilled when I got the phone call and was asked if I’d like to write a guest article. My topic? A report from the passenger scat of four of the latest power-cruisers on the market.
A little background on my credentials for the job. While I prefer riding dirtbikes and dual-sports.
I’ve also logged plenty of backseat time on streetbikes. When I lived in Colorado before moving here to California, I’d ride shotgun almost every weekend, cruisin’ the state on a beautiful Harley Ultra Classic, a custom Low Rider or a decked-out Honda Gold Wing. 1 loved the Wing just for the simple fact that I could fall asleep back there on long trips because I was basically sitting on a fully cushioned easy chair complete with backand armrests.
Of course, touring bikes arc a little different from power-cruisers, as I was about to find out. My guest-test day started early in the morning at the Cycle World offices in Newport Beach, where I met OffRoad Editor Jimmy Lewis, my chauffer for the day. Ride number one was the new Harley-Davidson V-Rod. First, I just want to say that this is one of the best-looking bikes out there! Sleek, different than the norm, and just modern-looking. Then I noticed the passenger “seat.” Granted, at 5-foot-7 I’m not a big girl, but please, I have to have somewhere to put my tush! And not only is the Harley’s passenger perch small, it’s sloped backward! I knew I was in for it before I even got on the bike. As I’d guessed, I had to hold on for dear life as we took off, my ass almost sliding off the seat. I was literally clutching at Jimmy’s jacket. Okay, let’s sec...the seat’s small, it’s angled all wrong and it’s not very soft. Then there’s the V-Rod’s stiff rear suspension, and its passenger footpegs-boltcd to the swingarm-are pretty high. Again, I’m no Amazon, but it was a little too cramped for me. This one’s definitely fashion over function. Harley sells a plumper passenger seat and a backrest. If you value your relationship, get your order in at time of purchase.
Next up was the Honda VTX1800. Can I just say-comfortable! The footpegs arc placed at a nice level, and the scat is big, flat and cushiony, with (take note, Harley) a little forward tilt so you fit nicely against the guy in front of you. This bike is meaty in terms of looks, sound, low-end torque.. .just the whole feel of the bike. I liked it a lot. I’d add the optional backrest for a little more support, but otherwise not much to complain about here.
Then came the Kawasaki Mean Streak. Okay seat, if a little on the small and thin side. The peg placement was all right, but the thing that really bothered me about this bike was the vibration. It tickled my feet and was annoying the whole trip. At least the shakes didn’t make it up to the seat. Overall, though, I don’t see myself erusin’ around on this one too much.
And last we rode the Yamaha Road Star Warrior. From a passenger perspective, I’m sorry, but this one’s a nightmare, the most uncomfortable cruiser I have ever been on! The small scat I could live with, at least for short hops, but the kicker is the footpeg placement-so high that my knees were literally underneath Jimmy’s armpits! I had to fight just to get my arms around him while finding a place for my legs, which were practically against my chest the whole time. I’ve had gynecological exams that were more comfortable! Hey, this is a very cool bike; it looks good and it rides nice, but it was not made with a passenger in mind. 1 couldn’t wait to get off the thing.
So, overall, I choose the Honda for comfort, and the Harley for looks. It was great to be back on a streetbike out in the open air again. There’s nothing like riding a motorcycle, and I just wanna thank the crew at Cycle World for inviting me to participate. Until next time (hint: luxury-tourers, please), keep it on two wheels and God bless America.
ADVANTAGE: HONDA
