ECR, 4/24 and 4/25

[Meat of Snail]

I agree that it is good to let the cruisers out on the track, I expect they will not be able to move to a level 2, as typical cruisers are just not capable of the cornering speeds and keeping the pace. Also, I would expect that just the thought of going to L2 would be overwelming for a cruiser. But hey, if they are get the chance to get some track time, more power to them. If I had the chance to do that on a cruiser, I would go for it.

[Blizzard_1708]

BO could ride level 2 on his cruiser, right up until the time he decides to Bail Out!

[sckego]

I remember one day cornerworking at ECR last year, a guy was out there on his Yamaha Royal Star Venture in L1. Not fast, but he was smooth and not being a hazard or impediment to anyone.

[dufremle]

Kegan, you have to be logged in to see those pics.

[sckego]

Fix'd

[dufremle]

Nice. In the second pic he looks like he is about to head off track.

[WillK675]

I'm all for letting the cruisers getting out there. Hell I'd do it on a cruiser, given the opportunity. But yes, I do agree with them staying in lvl 1, as I think it would be too dangerous to have them in lvl 2, due to the speed differences.

[DarcShadow]

It'll be interesting to see how many actually show up. 2 or 3 wouldn't be a problem at all. My first thought when I saw the email though was if there are 15 or 20 out there, that could get kind of hairy and end up not being much fun for any one.

[U-Turn]

Bring your EarPlugs.
And sorb-all for the oil they'll be leaking.

[Blizzard_1708]

well, at least you know how far ahead of the cruiser you just passed, and the sound gets quieter and quieter

[WillK675]

well, at least you know how far ahead of the cruiser you just passed, and the sound gets quieter and quieter

and then louder and louder, as you catch back up to them.

[Grinner]

After meeting one of my sisters friends, I would like to see him get out there. From some of the things we discussed, I think he'd put up a dang good fight for level 2! Who knows, this might be just the thing to turn these guys/gals into real riders! Let em run, and if it works out, more power to em!

[dufremle]

I can't see them doing good in level 2. They might be able to keep up in the straights but as soon as they get to a tight corner they are going to come to a stop. Cruisers just don't have the lean angle to go fast through a corner.

[sckego]

Some of them do, if you hang off far enough. Just not most of them. An XR1200 with a competent rider would do just fine in L2.

[Blizzard_1708]

guess that is kinda like the level 4 for sport bikes. It takes a competent rider, and not something for everyone to try.

[Meat of Snail]

some cruisers can handle a decent lean angle, but even so, most have a soft suspension that is less than desirable to support a high speed turn

[WillK675]

I know one rider that would probably do quite well in level 2... hmmm Where is that video again...


Edit:

Found it.

Link to the post ---> http://www.fwmr.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=3386

Link to the video --> http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=9f1_1248505581

[sckego]

Just some clarification, Goldwing != Cruiser. Goldwings are big, heavy bikes, but they are designed to handle as well as possible for their size and weight (and they do handle amazingly well). Cruisers, on the other hand, are often designed around aesthetic considerations (low seat height, forward controls, long rake) that run counter to the things you'd want in a good-handling motorcycle.

[Dr.PorkChop]

[Blizzard_1708]

sounds to me like you are describing choppers, not cruisers

[Meat of Snail]

Just some clarification, Goldwing != Cruiser. Goldwings are big, heavy bikes, but they are designed to handle as well as possible for their size and weight (and they do handle amazingly well). Cruisers, on the other hand, are often designed around aesthetic considerations (low seat height, forward controls, long rake) that run counter to the things you'd want in a good-handling motorcycle.

agreed, gold wings are "touring bikes" but in the sense of power and handling they are actually much closer to "sport touring" than they are a "cruiser"

[WillK675]

I was just saying that that guy would probably fair pretty well on a cruiser at the track.

[dufremle]

I was referring specifically to the true 'cruisers'. I know there are some cruisers that are closer in design to sport bikes, like the Yamaha VMAX. Those bikes might do OK in level 2.

I would love to see a true chopper on track. That would be hilarious. If I ever get the Fury I might do it.

[Rhino]

Just some clarification, Goldwing != Cruiser. Goldwings are big, heavy bikes, but they are designed to handle as well as possible for their size and weight (and they do handle amazingly well).

Yeah, I think that the project manager for the GL1800 was pulled from one of the sport bike divisions. He intentionally took a decent handling giant touring bike and made it downright sporty. Cruisers on the other hand have their mushy suspensions and very limited lean angle. Combine that with the feet-forward riding position that doesn't let you hang off and you've got a bike that even the best rider can only do so much with.

[Meat of Snail]

I would love to see a true chopper on track. That would be hilarious.

They would be grinding serpentine belts around all the left turns.