Motorcycles are divided into classes, everyone is free to choose the most convenient option for themselves. In the city, cruisers have many adherents, since off-roading is not for them, but comfortable travel, driving for pleasure through the asphalt wilds - yes.
These motorcycles are distinguished by a low, imposing stance, forward-moving footpegs, large dimensions with a brutal design and an often loud, rumbling exhaust.
Let's see what interesting things can be found from manufacturers of 2021 models - big, “evil” and, as usual, expensive.
Benda BD700
Chinese motorcycles are breathing down the necks of all major manufacturers, because they occupy a niche in the budget and sometimes not so budget segments. Cheap replicas come to the aid of beginners as a first motorcycle in many Russian cities whose economy does not allow people to have large salaries.
The buzz was caused by the upcoming Benda BD700 cruiser with a four-cylinder in-line engine. The public finds it visually similar to the Ducati Diavel.
The production will be carried out by Zhejiang Changling Benjiang Motorcycle Company. It is known that the world will see it by the end of 2021, but it will obviously not reach Russia right away.
The project is called "LF-01" and will produce 97 hp. Manufacturers took the Honda CBR650 engine as a basis, increased the piston stroke, and also cleverly worked on the shape of the crankcase and cylinder block. To the original solutions we will add the replacement of the throttle valves with one, as was used in the development of the legendary Honda Gold Wing model. They predict a maximum speed of up to 180 km/h.
The wide rear wheel 310/35R-18 catches your eye. Experts, looking at him, assume that the monster will turn out to be clumsy. Dry weight is promised to be about 215 kilograms.
In general, they combined Japanese intelligence and pragmatism into one bike, combined it with Italian style and audacity, and put it on a more budget-friendly Chinese production. As a result, everyone who knows about it is wondering about the success or failure of the execution.
Let's wait to see what happens in the end. According to rough estimates in China, its cost in rubles reaches about 450 thousand, but the amount is clearly not finite.
About the technical and visual characteristics of cruiser motorcycles
The appearance of such a bike is difficult to confuse with other classes. A low, comfortable seat, an upright position, a fairly dimensional design, the rear wheel is slightly wider than the front, large protruding mirrors, and a short fork are mandatory attributes. On many models, the footrests are placed forward. The passenger seat is in most cases equipped with a backrest. But despite all the signs of comfort, the cruiser looks quite brutal - due to large wings and an abundance of chrome elements.
The exterior of such bikes is impressive, but the technical characteristics do not leave anyone indifferent:
- Engine volume from 750 to 2000 cm3. with a power of up to 160 horsepower, it confidently gains dynamics and moves an impressive mass of iron, which can reach 500 kg. Without using extra effort, the biker confidently and easily manages to outpace the flow of vehicles on the highway. The engine is designed to produce maximum torque even with low power.
- Most often, the design involves a liquid-cooled V-engine. However, there are Japanese models equipped with one-, two- and three-cylinder engines.
- The fuel tank capacity of 15-18 liters is enough to forget about refueling between settlements.
- The reinforced braking system is designed to safely stop heavy weights.
- The maximum speed can reach 190 km/h.
During their evolution, cruiser motorcycles have acquired such a direction as “power cruiser” - a bike created for those who want more speed and power.
Ducati XDiavel
But the original Italians XDiavel Dark and XDiavel Black Star have already arrived. However, there is a possibility that the new product will not appear on domestic roads in a hurry. In any case, the official website currently offers us two options.
220 kilograms of charisma, at the heart of which is the innovative Ducati Testastertta DVT 1262 engine.
The XDiavel version is promised at a price starting from 1,895,000 rubles. For this money, users will receive the Bosch Cornering ABS anti-lock braking system and DTC traction control, a set of riding modes and the Ducati Safety Pack security system, Hands-Free keyless entry and the Ducati quick start system.
XDiavel S is sold at a price of 2,288,000 rubles. For this money, you need to add special design solutions to the above bonuses, including injection-molded side mirror housings, a seat made of two types of materials, an anodized and polished rear swingarm and a Bluetooth module for the infotainment system.
Which motorcycle to choose for a beginner Basic recommendations
Every future motorcyclist secretly paints a picture of his “triumphant ride into the world.” But don’t get excited: too powerful (and therefore expensive) transport may be beyond the capabilities of a beginner, becoming an unjustified investment. There are several criteria that the first motorcycle should ideally meet:
- "Modest" power. As mentioned above, it is very difficult for a beginner to cope with a sharp, powerful model. By pressing the gas pedal in a car, you can get away with “kissing” the bumper of the car driving in front, whereas in the case of a motorcycle, a similar situation will cause you to end up in the emergency room. Therefore, if your driving experience is limited to a driving school, then it is better to give up your ambitions of owning a powerful bike for a while.
- Light weight. Falls are inevitable while riding, especially in the first stages of getting used to a motorcycle. And it is much preferable to be crushed by a lighter “carcass”, and it is easier to lift it.
- Suitable "height". It is much more comfortable for beginners to ride low motorcycles that allow their feet to touch the floor: the user will feel confident and make fewer mistakes. Girls should especially take a closer look at low models.
- Slow reaction. A good first bike behaves a little "restrained", not reacting to touch with lightning speed, but giving the rider time to think and change his mind.
- Flashy colors. A person riding a bright motorcycle has a better chance of getting to his destination without incident. If only because other road users will notice in time the “colored spot” rushing at high speed, and, if necessary, give way to it.
- Affordable price. Beginners are advised to choose an inexpensive model (you can even take a closer look at a used one), since the first bike is needed for exactly one season: to “get acquainted” with this type of transport, understand your weaknesses and strengths, realize what a particular motorcycle lacks and what is essential should be in the following. In addition, the learning process will invariably be accompanied by falls and damage to the bike.
- Reliability and durability. Ideally, the first motorcycle, after it is mastered, should be sold. To get a good price, and simply not to be an unscrupulous seller, you need to keep the bike in good shape.
Experienced motorcyclists, trying to warn beginners against unnecessary risks, are advised to moderate their ambitions and choose a bike specifically designed for beginners. You can always switch to a more advanced model, but to do this you need to survive the learning process.
Harley-Davidson
Harley-Davidson always has a lot to choose from when you want a long "tram" with an exhaust that will shake the neighbors' windows.
Breakout
The 1868cc Milwaukee-Eight™ 114 engine with Electronic Sequential Fuel Injection (ESPFI) will produce 93 hp. and consume 5.5 liters per 100 km.
Exhaust system 2 in 2. Muffler with catalyst. ABS and anti-theft systems are standard, including a basic navigation suite.
Dry weight 294 kilograms.
The cost of a motorcycle starts from 2,098,000 rubles.
Fat bob
The option is more affordable, the cost starts from 1,692,000 rubles. Engine characteristics are the same as the previous copy. Dry weight 296 kilograms, gas tank volume 13.6 liters.
Among the 2021 cruiser models available for purchase, the most budget-friendly one at the moment is the Softail standard, the price of which starts at 1,273,000 rubles.
Kawasaki Versys 650
What wheel radius is better to take for winter 13 or 14
“What a freak!”
- exclaimed the editorial staff (who, as you already know, have a sense of beauty) as I rode the Versys into the publishing house parking lot. You can try to correct the “face” of this motorcycle, which is really an amateur, by removing the stumpy windshield, but external absurdity does not prevent this motorcycle from delighting its owner in motion, even if he is just mastering the controls.
The Versys's fairly playful 650cc engine, which allows for efficient acceleration on the highway, is nonetheless quite comfortable for leisurely maneuvering both in traffic jams and on the training ground.
The suspension of this bike deserves special praise, as it carried me with equal comfort both through the city streets and along the rough country road that I took during the test drive: the shock absorbers absorb more bumps, which makes the Versys a virtually universal motorcycle.
Indian Vintage Dark Horse
Indian is fueling interest in itself every year. Prices, however, are almost the same as Grandfather Harley’s, or even higher. The original Indian Vintage Dark Horse model starts at 2,699,000 rubles.
The motorcycle is powered by a Thunderstroke 116 V-twin engine with a capacity of 1890 cc. cm produces 92 hp. One filly less than Harley-Davidson.
For an amount of more than two and a half million rubles, users receive a basic package with Touring suspension with rear shock absorbers, an anti-lock braking system, cruise control, contactless ignition, and also saddlebags made of genuine leather with fringe.
And why, exactly...
Why cruisers? You can just drive and that’s it, no matter what. But maybe because I want something completely different, something different from everything that came before, but at the same time “for the soul.” So that the eye is pleased and you don’t want to stop and take a break from the intense driving, but just go and move. And this is exactly what, in my understanding, cruisers personify, with their classic, even “monumental” design, often (but fortunately not always) an abundance of chrome, relaxed landing and measuredly rattling V-twin.
Honda CMX1100 REBEL
Who would have thought that the cruiser would be the brother of the Africa Twin, but the in-line eight-valve “two” Rebel CMX1100 makes these two models related to each other. The engine capacity of 1084 cm3 releases 87 horsepower.
The most interesting thing about this motorcycle is the semi-automatic gearbox, which works thanks to the DCT (Honda Dual Clutch Transmission) installation option. Moreover, if you don’t like DCT, then you can stick with a regular 6-speed manual.
The driver will have access to 4 engine operating modes, a set of electronic assistants, LED technology, a digital instrument panel, a glove compartment and a USB connector.
The question of the price in Russia remains open, but according to first estimates, the price tag tends to a million rubles.
Features of cruiser motorcycles: what you need to know before buying?
They are not designed for maneuverable driving around the city, high-speed travel on the highway or conquering off-road terrain. But they are the ones who attract the most attention from the public and remain the very symbol of freedom and the biker lifestyle. We are talking about cruiser motorcycles. They feel confident, covering thousands of kilometers, while providing maximum comfort to the driver. This type of bike combines a brutal appearance and a fairly sedate ride, compared to its sports and off-road counterparts.
Moto Guzzi
The 1921 Moto Guzzi V7 in a cool carbon version, in black with red local accents, will be offered to buyers in Europe. With the start of sales of a special model, the Italians want to remind everyone of the year the company was founded (marked in the name of the motorcycle version).
Three versions of motorcycles: Carbon, Milano and Rough - differ in attachments, and in particular tires. “Rougher” tires are for roads of not the best quality, road tires are for normal conditions, the carbon version of the motorcycle is made for fashionistas.
Creating a motorcycle anew, around a new engine, is a task that not all motorcycle manufacturers undertake. At least, you don’t see this often these days. The Italians took a chance and made an updated version of the off-road model.
Engineers from the Apennines built a motorcycle around their 850 cc 80 hp engine, reminiscent of the rally bikes of the 80s. The V85 model, according to the developers, should fit perfectly between the V7 and V9 versions.
Suzuki Bandit 650 SA
Despite the provocative name, driving the “bandit” is not at all difficult: the motorcycle is quite friendly and predictable, but it will not tolerate familiarity like the Yamaha YBR 125. There's no point in fiddling with the throttle - if you unscrew it a little more than necessary, the 650 cc bike, of course, won't rear up, but it will take off more than convincingly. Shooting dashingly from traffic lights is a skill that comes with experience.
The peppy and dynamic engine is sufficient for moving around in a metropolis, the gearbox shifts gears in a sporty manner, the brakes are perfectly balanced and will not throw you over the steering wheel if you accidentally hit the front brake lever. All this, as well as the modest dimensions of the motorcycle, make the Bandit the best spin in city traffic jams for a beginner.
Separately, I would like to note the magnificent sound of the muffler - at low speeds it produces a booming, rumbling bass, gradually turning into a primitive roar: if you actively unscrew the throttle, other road users will definitely hear you, and for your safety this is only a plus. It will also benefit from the presence of ABS already in the basic configuration, which will reduce your chances of falling - during the experiment, I managed to get the wheel to lock only during sharp braking on dry asphalt. And the large mirror flaps provide excellent visibility.
“Bandit” has some minor, but still shortcomings. It is heavy - with a full tank the weight of the motorcycle reaches 250 kg. I had to feel this fully when I forgot to put the bike on the stand in the parking lot. Caught him, almost tearing his back off. Another minus is the lack of a gear engaged indicator. On a motorcycle worth 400 thousand rubles, Suzuki engineers could have provided such convenient little things.
Choose...
When choosing your first motorcycle in the showroom, be guided by four criteria.
1. Height.
Sit on a motorcycle and see if it's too big for you: the height of your first bike should allow you to stand firmly on the ground with both feet. If you can only touch the ground with your toes, it’s better to choose something lower, even if you really like this device.
2. Weight.
While sitting on the motorcycle, take it off the stand and try to ride it forward and backward a few meters, and then get off it and do the same while standing on the side. If rolling is very difficult, it means the bike is too heavy for you.
3. Landing.
Sit on the motorcycle, standing on the steps, and take a working position: feet on the steps, hands on the handlebars. Sit like this for a few minutes and you can even fart with your tongue, imitating the roar of a motor. If you are simply uncomfortable - your arms are tense, your back is too bent and stiff, the gearshift foot is located too close to the footrest and clings to your boot - consider another option.
4. Cubic capacity.
Regardless of what class of motorcycles you like, at first you should never chase a large engine capacity and horsepower, so as not to doom your relatives to crazy expenses for your funeral or, which is much more expensive and more painful, treatment. In the case of classics, a volume of 650 cm3 is your ceiling.
... AND DEFEND YOURSELF!
The motorcycle itself is not a cheap pleasure. And if you have the required amount to purchase it, congratulations and we hasten to surprise you - add about 50 thousand rubles to it for protective equipment, without which you cannot drive! A helmet, motorcycle boots, a jacket with protective inserts, motorcycle pants and gloves - all this must be on you when leaving the garage. And if you think it’s too hot outside to ride in full protective gear, then it’s simply too hot to ride a motorcycle today.
KTM
KTM sees the new 790 Duke as an uncompromising ground weapon for victory. The pendulum and rear part of the frame are made of light alloy; launch control will allow you to take off smoother and safer. The compact LC8c engine delivers 105 horsepower at 9,000 rpm. The naked model weighs only 169 kilograms. Cool!
Essentially the same model, only for off-road use, the KTM 790 Adventure. Is enduro popular again? KTM wants to believe it!
KTM motocross motorcycles should get fuel injection starting in 2021. The technology will be used in the 250 EXC TPI and 300 EXC TPI models. The carburetor is becoming a thing of the past with off-road and sport models.
