The Rise and Fall of Japanese Cruisers 

Propaganda video; they never fell. Japanese cruisers forever!

I have owned my 2003 Yamaha V Star Classic 1100 since 2004. After 50,000 trouble free miles, I still love the look, feel, and sound. It's a great cruiser.

I will always love Japanese cruisers. They're the bikes my family rode while I was growing up and after the passing of my grandad, I ended up getting his Vulcan 900. I absolutely love the bike and the that style of Bike.

My first bike was an Intruder 700 and I ride a 1400 now. I love the look of them and don't think any company has done it better.

I loved my Suzuki boulevard! The M50 was such a solid machine. I went to Harley first but everything felt old and cheap, the Suzuki felt modern nimble and actually comfortable. It helped a lot that it was half the price too

I've owned a XS650 Special, a XV500 Virago, and currently ride an 82 XV750. Love the looks of these Japanese cruisers.

I find it odd that you neglected to mention the Honda VTX 1300s and 1800s. At the time, the 1800 was the largest V-twin that you could buy, and it pushed Harley to play catch up and helped pave the way to their larger engines that they have out now. I have a VTX 1300C, and I love the thing, and its reliability is very hard to beat. I don't think I'll ever get rid of it, but I may add to it in the future.

I bought a 1999 Shadow Ace 750 brand new (couldn't afford a Harley) 24 years and 76,000 miles later and I'm still riding this bike! We've been through so much together, tons of great memories-only broke down twice in all these years. I'm obsessed with motorcycles. I can hold my own when discussing all the different brands, models, etc. I also do most of the wrenching on my Shadow which also deepens the bond I have with this machine. Its never been garaged, only covered overnight - I ride year round and I live in Massachusetts and there isn't any rust on this machine - theres a little bit of pitting on the left side chrome cover (stator) I really don't have any plans to replace my bike. Now, with all that being said : If I do have to replace my beloved motorbike - I'll most likely buy a mid to late 90's Softail Heritage or Deluxe - or possibly a Fatboy same era. Based on information I've picked up over the years, and also due to certain friends I ride with, Ive been completely sold on a late model Evolution powered Harley. I'm as biased as a person can be when it comes to Japanese cruisers - most of my tools are Japan made. In my opinion the word Japanese is synonymous with quality. I still want the damn Harley tho

I've owned several Japanese cruisers and my current bike is also one. I've had a Kawasaki Eliminator 250, Honda Shadow 500, Kawasaki EN 500, Honda Shadow 750 and Suzuki Marauder 800. What I like about Japanese cruisers is classic Harley looks, with Japanese reliability and pricing. Especially the pricing aspect.

I learned on an 82 (or 81, not 100%) Yamaha 650 XS. My dad showed me the controls and made sure I could release the clutch and then told me not to leave the neighborhood. I spent three hours riding around the neighborhood and making sure all my friends saw me on it. I was 16. Then, once they saw I could ride it they gave me my mom's 400 XS. That became my daily driver. I was in high school. It was 1987.

I own an 06, Yamaha Stratoliner and love it. It's an extremely good machine, that like the others, never really caught on. One thing about the Liners is that their quality, fit and finish, are second to none. Incredible workmanship. I also own two Harleys. Both out of production bikes, like the Liner is. I love the old school look and ride. Nice video, thx. Oh, and I also owned two Yamaha 650 Specials. Loved them too.

Currently ride a 2008 Suzuki C90. It looks great, rides great, requires minimal maintenance and I always get compliments on it. It was also a whole lot cheaper than a comparable Harley. It was a good choice for a first bike.

I had a Honda V65 Magna 1100 until about 15 years ago and loved it with zero problems the whole time I owned it. I would love to have it back.

I had a 2000 Intruder 1400. It was crazy small, just not a lot of bulk to it whatsoever. I'm not very tall, and I have short legs, and the seating position was a bit snug for even me. But it checked all the boxes: v-twin, air cooled, nice rake, very low seat, basic controls and gauges. Suzuki did that one pretty well.

My 2002 Kawasaki vulcan drifter 1500cc rules the road! Over 400,000 miles, 3rd engine and going strong! Great retro Indian Chief, custom painted, Samson warlord streetsweeper pipes; endless compliments, pictures and offers.

I owned a Honda CB900 Custom (CB 900 C in some markets) which was basically a cross between the CB900F (engine) and the Goldwing. The air suspension was wonderful and it also a high\low ratio gear lever. I absolutely loved this bike!

Honda Fury owner here. What made me buy one was the simple clean lines and lean thin profile. We can still split lanes here in California and normally a bike with a 1300cc engine would be to wide to squeeze between cars. As was the BMW motorcycle that I owned before this one. But your right, you don't see many of them. Although people sure do like to look at them and are usually surprised when I tell them it's a stock Honda.

Bought a Yamaha Raider back in 08’. It was a bit late to the show for the chopper craze, but I think it looks amazing. Plus, back then 113 cubic inch air cooled vtwin was a monster.

I started my moto journey with a rough 1980 CB650. Quickly traded up to a 99 750 Shadow ACE and loved it! Put about 20k miles on it in 5 years before shifting away from bikes for a while. Just got back into it by rebuilding a 98 Shadow 1100 ACE Tourer and my passion for riding has been reignited. These jap cruisers may be "out of style" for some, but they still get my blood pumping like an rock song that never gets old. The joy of riding what is now a classic in its own right is a gift I hope to never take for granted.

My first and current bike is a Yamaha Virago 535 and I love it! I got it simply because it's cheap and reliable and low, so I think it's a great beginner bike! Would recommend it for sure!

I had a 2006 Yamaha Road Star and honestly that was a fantastic cruiser. My only “but” was that the factory hard panniers were built to a low quality, there was plastic used in places that should have been metal, and some of the bolts were not stainless so they rusted. Such a joy to ride though. And I rode the hell out of it.

Completely missed the precursor to the Honda Fury... the VTX!! Great looks, handling and reliability. I have owned 15 metric motorcycles (incl. 2 Yamaha 650s and 2 VTX 1300c) and still own the VTX. Easy to work on, similar CV carb as older Harley. Would buy another VTX in a heartbeat.

Love my 03 Yamaha v-star 1100. An all around great cruiser with longevity, comfort and good mileage. For me being 67 it’s a great mid weight easy to handle motorcycle. My main ride.

I've recently picked up a Suzuki 1400 intruder. although it doesn't have the same sound as a Harley, I do enjoy it. Edited to also mention the price made it a lot more attractive too.

My first motorcycle was a Shadow 750 ACE from 1998. Now I have more four motorcycles including a MotoGuzzi California 1100cc from 1997. The Shadow is still my favourite.

I own and ride a Suzuki Intruder vs800 and like it a lot. It's light, nimble and looks pretty good.

I got a Yamaha V Star 650 as my first bike and promptly put 70,000 miles on it before i traded up to BMW. I love the air cooled Star line, they are great.

My first bike was a Vulcan 750. Shaft driven, quick for a cruiser and underated power specs made it a stellar machine. The only downfall that I got tired of were the carb and parasitic power drain on the battery that I'd fix and fix and fix.... After 11 years and 37k miles I finally sold her to someone with more patience. I bought a Honda Fury which is basically a bigger version of what I used to have but without that darn carb. It's pretty old-school and simple compared to what else is out there but so am I.

You didn't mention the Suzuki LS650 Savage. Single upright cylinder, high bars, really badass

I've owned a handful of Japanese cruisers, but the 2 that stand out are my 86 magna 700, and my 97 valkyrie 1500. Both bikes I feel have personality that the other bikes done. I guess mainly with sound the magna was quiet, but what was cool is that there was a ton of intake noise which I think sounded badass. Then my valkyrie straight piped with a 6 into 6 Exhaust is hands down the best sounding bike I've ever owned

The Honda VTX1800. Great bike. At the time, 2002, it was the biggest V-Twin Cruiser and had the performance to back it up. Made Harley and all the other manufactures play catch up. They lasted too. 100k miles on many I see in the forum.

As a proud XVS owner I’d love to see more on the Japanese cruisers

I really loved the power cruisers of the 80’s. I had a Suzuki gs1100L, a Yamaha Xs1100 special, aKawasaki Ltd 1100 and a Honda V65 Magna. The look, speed and sound of those bikes were awesome. The in-line fours with Kerker four into one exhausts sounded amazing. Theses bikes were very dependable. Then the Japanese V-twin bikes became popular like the Shadows, Vulcans and the Star bikes from Yamaha. I really miss those old bikes.

Being an "older" rider, I bought a new Yamaha 750 "Special" in 1978. The best looking cruizer at the time but too small for me. Then in 1980 switched to Harley (Shovelhead) FXWG Wise Glide, a true factory custom. Beautiful bike but plagued with AMF construction issues. 10 years ago I bought a used Yamaha Roadstar and it has turned out to be the best of them all. Looks and sounds like a Harley but actually larger and fits me better (I'm 6'4"). Reliable and beautiful. I still have the old Harley but the Yamaha is my daily driver. S~

I've got a 1987 suzuki vs750 intruder, bought it 19 years ago. Was taken off the road due to radiator damage, ended up having quite a few bikes since but my chopper always sat in the back ground. Now I'm almost finished doing a full restoration on it and am excited to get it back out again

Back in the mid 80's I had a Honda Shadow 700 and loved that bike. But after a few years I wanted something more powerful so I traded in the Shadow and bought a Kawa Concours. I wish I had held on to that Shadow.

1100cc Honda Shadow Sabre was my first cruser. Loved the bike reliable as can be. Easy to drive and power when you turned the throttle on the highway.

My first "big" bike was an 85 Eliminator 900. My best friend at the time rode a 92 Vmax so we put on a lot of miles in 80-100 mile intervals due to pipes and jet kits combined with 3.5 gallon tanks.

Thank you for this review of the great history of Japanese cruisers. Suzuki Intruder was my first motorcycle and it is still in my heart ❤ And Viragos are so amazing, with their "frames"

Yamaha's Star motorcycles where a sincere attempt at taking on HD in the factory/custom parts area. The selection was really great. Too bad the heavy crusers where overdone by the time they came to market. Yamaha roadstars rule.

A couple years ago a friend let me ride his Vmax and I knew I had to have one. It was unlike anything I'd ever ridden. Quick enough to be fun and very raw feeling. Picked one up a year ago and it's been a blast. Shame there's nothing like it really anymore.

Recently bought a ‘98 Yamaha Royal Star (one of which I bought new in ‘97) A real classic Jap Cruiser and different to all others being a V4 - so has its own distinct sound…..liking it! 😎👍

Rocking a 2013 VStar 650 Custom and a big 2015 VStar Raider 113. Love them both. Reliable, solid, beautiful, blacked-out bikes that always turn heads. No muss, no fuss. Inexpensive and cool AF. Everything a Harley oughta be at half the price.

Excellent presentation, spot-on. I've owned a lot of the bikes you've mentioned, two KZ1000 LTDs, Yamaha XS400 special, 650 special, 750 special, and I've ridden most of the others, 750 Magna, 1100 Shadow, Valkyrie, Vulcans, etc. I can't imagine trying to explain to an 80s Japanese marketing exective why the loud, shaky, leaky clunkiness of an AMF-era sportster is the bike's main appeal.

I had a Honda VTX1800. Great bike. If they began making them again, I'd get one without a second thought

I owned an Intruder 800. Easy handling easy to maintain, great ride. I also owned an 1100 shadow. Really comfortable, smooth ride, a little low on torque but loved it. Road my friends virago many times and always thought it was a great ride. From a Honda super 50, a CL 175, a 305 Yamaha, a Honda 450 to a Triumph 650 Tiger, I loved them all. The most fun was the Triumph but the best ride was the Honda Shadow. Jeez, wish I had some of the money back but the memories were worth every penny.

I’ve owned three Yamaha cruisers with the last being a 2006 Yamaha Stratoliner Midnight, what an awesomely fun and powerful bike that was…with a Barons, big air kit, Vance and Hines pipes and a power commander, the torque on the bike was insane…126 Ft/lbs on the Dyno, and the suspension was awesome, my wife loved it…seriously considering buying a used one to add it again to the stable…the 2014s in red with blacked out engine are a looker.

Totally glossed over the 1996-2003 Honda Valkyrie. I've owned a 1999 Valkyrie Interstate since new and now have 140K+ miles on it. Have yet to find anything I would consider a suitable replacement made by any mfg. Making bikes now has become more about meeting Euro5 requirements than anything else. Add a fickle and fractured buying public and it seems amazing that any motorcycle company is able to be successful these days.

A 1984 Yamaha xv700 Virago was my first road going motorcycle and probably the first true Harley clone from the Big Four... at least in the looks dept. Wire spoked wheels, shaft drive, pleasant exhaust low note, beautiful. I really enjoyed that bike.

Sold the harley and bought a vtx1800 Honda. Nice cruiser. Love my Honda. Starts every time.

I did have a 82 Honda Magana 750. What a great bike. Better than any Harley I had or rode. I fixed it up and sold it then got the next project bike. The Goldwing GL1000 was also a great jap cruiser. I miss those bikes.

Great overview Bart. I'm retired and have owned many Japanese and Harley motorcycles during my riding career. I bought my first Japanese cruiser last year, a 2022 Suzuki M109R which I love. I had wanted to buy a new Road King but with all the upcharges and surcharges from HD I decided to spend half the money. I have since purchased a couple of older Harleys on the used market. I think the M109R is a great bike and while it doesn't have the ''character'' of the Harley's it still puts a smile on my face everytime I ride. It's a lot faster out of the box for one thing and it has plenty of low end torque (just like a Harley). Apart from the Fury it really is the last of the big bore Japanese cruisers I think. Thanks

I have a 94 Yamaha Virago 1100, not the best looking bike imo, but cheap, and so comfy when riding with a pillion. Also super easy to maintain do to the shaft drive!😍👍

I´m still riding a 1990ies 250ccm Yamaha Virago. Footpegs forward, a flatbar and I´m riding it every day. Very reliable. I love it.

Funny though Royal Enfield has been around from 1901 2 years earlier than Harleys. But the bikes they make are still old school in tech , just enough to satisfy the nostalgia. That's why they are doing good in India as well.

My wife rides a Yamaha VStar Classic 650 , its a good looking bike that's super comfortable to ride , it goes quite well for a heavy bike , sits on 70mph all day long in comfort .

For Japanese cruisers, my first that I still own is my 2007 Shadow 1100 Spirit. That bike I've owned for ~17k miles (bought at 10.5k so now at 27k on the odometer) and has been the most reliable bike I've ridden yet, though having only owned six motorcycles so far, there's still plenty of flavors I have yet to try. The shaft drive makes drivetrain maintenance easy as can be, the engine is overhead cam with hydraulic lifters so no need for periodic valve adjustments and the offset crankpins help smooth out the vibrations of the 45 degree V. Despite all this praise for my Shadow, it still doesn't give me that feeling that my previous two Sportsters did. Like you said, the feeling of riding a Harley is really hard for other companies to replicate. I also owned a VTX 1300 and that was closer to getting that feeling, at least from my personal riding experiences. The single crankpin 52 degree V was able to give the rumble and slight idle lope that a Harley would have while running smoother. That endeavor was cut short when someone turned into me and totaled the VTX. I don't know how long I'll keep my Shadow or what I may replace it with but I've always been glad to have it in my shed and be ready for just about anything.

I liked my Honda Shadow 750. The shaft drive was so smooth.

1974 CB350G, 1978 CB 750 K, 1985 Honda VT 500 Custom, 1987 Honda VT 750 Custom, 1988 Honda VT800, 2000 Honda 1100 Super Sabre and now a 2000 Kawasaki 1500 Vulcan fi. All fantastically reliable but the 1978 CB 750 will always be my favorite.

I have a 96 Virago 1100 and I love it. It's funny though - this video speaks of Japanese bikes having faded out, in part, because of people wanting a "sense of nostalgia... and that can't be manufactured" and a "longing for the motorcycles of old" - with which I agree. But almost all of the videos about the Virago here on RU-vid, have comments like "I used to have a Virago and I wish I still had it". I don't think they will ever attain H.D. status but maybe these Japanese cruisers from the 80s and 90s have now reached the age where they too instill a sense of nostalgia, and are among those that can be seen as one of those motorcycles of old.

Own a 22 Bolt. Love it. The aftermarket options are pretty good as well. Look completely changed from stock with just a fairing, bars, seat, and exhaust.

I've owned and worked on a lot of the bikes you featured, and enjoyed them all. I'm kind of surprised you didn't talk about Yamaha's V-star series bikes. They were one of the better selling Harley-wannabes in my area. I still see a lot of them on the road, pretty reliable machines.

I own a 2004 Honda VTX 1300C. It's my first and only bike. I got it for the japanese reliability and cost. Only $3000 and it has given me 3 years of riding enjoyment with many more to come.

One thing I think you missed in the video for why Harley’s have such a following for cruisers is the *massive* aftermarket of parts to allow you to customize them. You can truly make a motorcycle that’s completely unique in a way you just can’t with any other. There is also a huge independent service industry for Harley - which I think you touched on (might have been someone else’s channel though - sorry if I’m wrong) when talking about owning a true classic British bike - if you’ve got an old HD, you can easily find someone that will service it.

my intruder 1400 re-ignited my love for motorcycles. Riding has become a big part of my life ever since.......Thanks Suzuki!

I always liked my ZL600 was light nippy and carried my wife and I up to 130mph no probs and economical too. I became too wobbly very sad to sell it, I am 83 now.

My first bike was a 2000 Kawa VN800 Classic. Great bike! Still have it. But also an Indian Springfield and a H-D Sportster 883 Iron.

Currently riding a 2005 Suzuki Boulevard C50T. Love the looks as well as the way it rides. A previous owner had removed the baffles from the exhaust giving a really throaty sound. At a fraction of the price of a Harley, this is a perfect choice for a retired guy on a fixed income.

For me it all started back in the 1990's when I first walked in an Yamaha dealership in Brazil. The Virago were in the showroom, that's when I became obsessed over riding a cruiser. My first cruiser was a 1995 Suzuki intruder 800. Of couse in my mind I was not feeling like a real biker, so, four years later I sold it and bought a Harley Davidson Sportster 883. From then on I owned six different Harleys , spent a real fortune, and now that I'm sixty years old and have mature a little I ride a HONDA NC 750 .

Great video. I really love all the Japanese cruisers whether they’re “Harley gone wrong” or “Harley clone”.. it’s a shame that market is getting smaller but we’ll have them around for a while! I had a Vulcan 800 classic and an old 88 shadow 1100 .. ride a ninja at the moment but Japanese v twin cruisers are my heart ❤️

My 96 Honda Magna 750 is by far my favorite bike I’ve ever ridden. The 3rd gen magna is a pinnacle of engineering. It’s fast when you want it, it’s comfortable, the transmission is great and it’s a Honda. You can swap so many parts from the vfr or other bikes. Only thing I don’t like is the rear drum brake but you can still drag it if you want, and you can swap it with cbr parts if you’d still rather have disc

Currently building my fourth bobber out of a Japanese bikes. This time around it's going to be the 2001 Xvs 1100. Talking complete engine tear down and frame powder coating. And possibly a front end from a Harley with a new wheel. I love doing these. It's a big challenge trying to find parts for these older bikes that are not American Harley that are everywhere and so easy to find parts for now

I had and Loved my ‘79 Honda CX500 Custom. I wish I still had it. V Twin Motor and Haft Drive!

Been riding for 46 years and the only cruiser I've ever owned is the Shadow VLX600 I got to teach the kids in my life how to ride. Thing is, I've put more miles on it then any of them. Maybe that VTX1800 I passed up in the early 2000's is worth another look...

Rode a 78 Yamaha XS650 for 9years. It went from a standard to raked to a hardtail Chopper. Also had a 97 Suzuki 800 Marauder for 11 years. I'm now riding my 2nd Sportster (1200) since 2008. My 1st Sportster was a 1981 XLCH bought new and ridden for 3 years. Nothing beats the sound and "feel" of a Harley.

I love riding the Japanese cruisers I had but honestly… when it comes rebuild time I love my Harleys just my own experience. I don’t know of another company with a large parts following and simple reliable pushrod design 😁

How the hell do you make a 15 min. video without mentioning the Yamaha Road Star built from 1999 to 2014 in the STAR lineup.

The 1979 CX500C or 1985 Intruder 700/750 were pretty important steps for Japan. Also, and the Shadows never had balancers, they had offset crank pins for perfect primary balance (like a 90-degree twin). The ACE was built with a shared crank pin for more vibrations and less performance.

I had a 1994 Intruder 1400 that looked a lot like the one you show at 8:48. It was basically given to me in boxes around 2014, and I managed to put it all together and get it running in a weekend. It had a down draft carburetor under the gas tank, and a side draft carb under the seat. The battery was in a box mounted in front of the back tire, and while it always ran it was always a bit cantankerous when it was cold - trying to get the two different carbs to play nice together was a challenge, it was almost like running two engines on a common crankshaft. There weren't any mufflers included in the pile of parts, but a couple of those fat exhaust tips that people put on F150's and Silverados where there, so I put them on. I did some jetting to get it to run right, and swapped in some stronger clutch springs. Reliability issues aside, it was a very entertaining and obnoxious bike to ride. It didn't feel like it accelerated, it just felt like you were being thrown at the scenery. It would completely destroy a 1200 Sportster in a straight line. It sounded like a washing machine tumbling down a flight of stairs when it idled, and at full throttle it sounded like distilled hatred was being forced out of the exhaust. It would corner fairly well, although you really had to watch the throttle as it would easily break the tire loose with no warning. It was comfortable on the highway and nimble in town, sadly mine met it's end late one night on the way to work, where it caught on fire. It didn't harm the bike much, and I was able to fix everything except for the CDI box, which was actually bolted to the bottom of the seat.

In 1971 I bought a new Harley, it was the "Supper Glide" I paid $2,374.75 for that motorcycle, I was 20 years old. That was probably the best motorcycle I have ever owned. I put over 60,000 miles on it in six years. One morning I got up and it was gone. I never saw it again, I cried for years. I have had several motorcycles since then, the one I have now I bought new in 2021. It is a Harley 74 cubic inch Sportster, it cost $10,000, I have over 90,000 miles on it and the case has never been cracked. What can I say I am a Harley guy and will always be one. Love you channel.

This guy nailed it. I love my virago and I loved my boulevard but neither compare the same way to my sportster. It isnt fast, it leaks oil and vibrates bolts loose but I never get tired of it and nothing else is quite as satisfying for that classic cruiser feeling.

2006 Suzuki Boulevard C90 found in a shed next to 2 60s VW Bugs. 2K cash I got it off my buddy. Has the GMan fuel processor and Cobra Dragsters for pipes, and PAR Delete. Lesst then 13,000 miles when I got it last year. I LOVE IT!!!

I tried learning on a magna v30, also rode a shadow for a minute or two, but sport bikes won my heart with performance. If you can’t see past performance then cruisers will never appeal to you, but you should be able to step outside yourself and see why they appeal to others.

Had a 535 virago from 1995 and it was such a beautiful and comfortable bike. Sadly it was stolen and now I have a RE classic 500 lol

The Yamaha Virago was released in 1981, but the Honda CX500C (custom) with a transverse V-Twin Engine was released in 1979 with a dedicated "custom" frame, which although only 500cc, was a confortable long distance cruiser at 75mph with a top speed of just over 100 mph , and when modded with K&Ns and rejetted Carbs, had an acceleration to match Sports Bikes of its time. Its standard sister road models the CX500, and the later Honda Silver Wing built around-the CX500 model platform, became popular with backyard custom builders in the UK in the 80/90's, who chopped them to make reliable V-Twin Cruisers Over the years the bikes ive owned include a CX500 Custom,, A Yamaha XS1100 , a Honda Shadow ACE , and a Harley 1100 Sportster

Current owner of a 1986 Honda Shadow VT700c with 24k miles on it and counting, love the damn thing it gets compliments and looks all over the place, definitely makes me stand out of the crowd because you just don’t see them anymore on the road. Super reliable and comfortable for a 38 year old bike 👌🏾

I’ve had a couple Suzuki intruders in the past. Both were 800cc variant. Loved those bikes, if my 96’ wasn’t destroyed in a accident I’d still be rippin it. Might get another one down the road.

First bike was a 1980 KZ440 ltd. I built it up during pandemic since it was not working and I got it for $500. I don’t miss that one lmao but it looked pretty cool and felt like I was riding actual old school

I owned an '82 KZ650 CSR, which I referred to as my "4 cylinder Sportster". It was an air cooled, chain drive bike with an upright seating position, pullback bars, and a stepped seat. It was my daily, working 2 jobs, for 2 1/2 years, rain or shine! God I miss that bike!

I’ve had a Vulcan 800, and a Suzuki boulevard. Currently I’ve got a sportster. It’s an old beat up 97’ that I upgraded to a 1200. It’s my favourite bike. It’s really imperfect in so many ways. Vibrates like crazy, brakes are pretty trash, seat sucks, shifting is a workout. It’s all these things that make me love it.

Whilst visiting home my friend lent me his Kawasaki Spectre to cruise around England on. I‘ve never been a cruiser fan but I really enjoyed just taking it easy and admiring my surroundings. There still seems to be a market for them here in Germany with the Scandenavians having bought quite a few. I noticed back in the 90‘s that the Dutch bikers used the big 1100 Viragos as serious touring bikes. Thanks for a very interesting and enjoyable review 😉

The Suzuki Intruder was water cooled from day 1. You said it was air cooled. Also no mention of Yamaha's Star line of air cooled V-twins ? They were more Harley-like than any of the Japanese V-twins that you mentioned. Honda's Shadow ACE (American Classic Edition) deserves a mention separate from the other Shadow models because the engine was different from all the other Shadow models, with a single pin crankshaft design that imitated the classic "potato-potato" Harley sound. So much so that Harley sued Honda over it ! The Japanese imitators always had better performance and better value than Harley. And for some riders that was important (it was to me after a decade owning an Electro Glide). But some people just didn't care. Nothing but a Harley would do.

I'm eagerly awaiting a dedicated video to the iconic Yamaha Virago. I baught my XV1100 brand new in 92 and I still ride it today. Now to be fair I didn't necessarily want a cruiser. I bought it because it was the most suitable bike that fit me at the time and it got the best performance reviews when compared to the other Japanese cruisers. 30 years later, she's still runs like a charm and out manovers almost every other "cruiser" we run into. 😉

My 08' C90t gets a lot of looks. It's a very beautiful machine. Aside from basic maintenance and some love all's I do is ride it and enjoy. Thank you Susuki.....

Good video. As for me I'm 71 years old and just sold probably the last bike I'll ever own (an '88 Suzuki Katana 1100 with 115,000 km on it) about this time last year. I've always liked how Harley's looked and sounded although I've always preferred 4 cylinders. The one cruiser I really like and would try some day though if I ever had the chance is the Suzuki M109R.

I could have known the stuff you said about most Japanese cruisers ,with you being an American and we all know you Guys love your Harley"s and are very good at buying your own home made products ,more than us in the U.K. I used to ride the usual Triumphs ,B.S.A.s etc ,and usually in sport bike trim . But injuries some time ago forced me onto lowslung custom cruisers ,I started ,through various L.T.D.s ,an Eliminator 1000 which was super fast & unbreakable ,but I struggled to get parts & it didn"t go around corners .A Kawasaki 700 V twin , a Honda V twin and various Yamaha Virago"s ,one fitted with a sidecar for the Bulldog and the Grandkids . I found the custom Suzuki"s suffered pretty badly in our weather and most were rusty after a couple of years . My wife had a Hyosung V twin 650 from South Korea ,it looked great for the price was ultra reliable ,but under powered . Over the years I had most big customs ,but only had a couple any length of time - a Kawasaki Drifter & a old Indian Chief ,the best bike I ever owned . Gone full circle buying a Ironhead Sportster new in the early 70s and now ride my late wife"s 1200 sportster as my everyday ride ,cos it"s easy to move around as I am now in my mid 70s . BUT still have my big bikes in the garage ,in the hope I will eventually go to the Gym and then be able to use a kickstart & put them on a center stand ! . Happy Riding ...

I love your vids. You do a great job researching and producing them.

I love my '00 Honda Shadow 750. Great first bike, hope it's not going to become boring soon.

Another banger, little brother. My current main squeeze(s) is (are) a 73 CB350 and a 80 CB650 custom. I didn't like the 650 with its cruiserish tank and stance but it is growing on me. I think Royal Enfield has nailed the retro thing because they never really developed in the first place. I love their bikes and appreciate the reliability that comes with simplicity.

My first bike was a Honda Rebel 125. loved it.