We welcome your comments and criticisms. Send them to Motorcycle Cruiser, 6420 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048-5515, or cruiser@primedia.com. All materials sent to the editors will become the property of Motorcycle Cruiser magazine and cannot be returned.
I currently own a 2003 Volusia and have thoroughly enjoyed the bike. But recently I was able to ride a Victory. Oh, my God! What a difference. Will all bigger bikes be that much more powerful, or is the Victory an exception? I didn't think I would experience such a vast chasm between the two. Now, I will more than likely never buy the $16,000 Victory, and I don't want to buy a used bike, but I sure do like the Kawasaki 1500. I've never ridden one-will I be disappointed, or will it be in the same league? I'm an average Joe whose dealership doesn't offer test rides. All I know is what you write in your pages. It's often by luck of the draw that I get to see if I made the right choice.
Joey
Via e-mail
Joey, the 1500 probably doesn't have quite the grunt of a current-generation Victory, but it's still got plenty of poop. Meanwhile, see Mr. Vanderpoel's letter below. We'll let you two guys fight it out... -Ed.
I just finished reading your Victory Hammer S test (Aug. 2007). Wow, what a beautiful bike. It certainly has attitude. The part I don't get is...the power. Where is it? This bike sells for almost $20,000 and is advertised to have around 70 horsepower? My Magna comes with that stock. The Victory as you have it weighs in at 697 pounds wet. My Magna's 538 pounds. When it comes to power-to-weight ratio, the Magna has another victim to claim. I'd get embarrassed if I'd bought this new 1600 and was shown up by a "little" 750. I have seen V-Rods going for somewhere in the $14,000 range, but they have about 30 more horses to play with. The folks at Victory should know they have beautiful bikes, but for 20 large, they'll have to make one that performs before they get my money.
Peter Vanderpoel
Via e-mail
Great article on "superjeans" (June 2007). Armored jeans may not provide the protection of leather but are comfortable and look better. I use Hood jeans, which are lined with Aramid, double-stitched and made of 14-ounce denim. They're outstanding and feel great.
Mark Oakes
Surrey, England
I enjoyed your article in the August 2007 issue ("Canyon Carving, Utah-Style") for a number of reasons, not the least of which is that my wife and I are considering a trip to the region, and your description of Route 12 and its surrounding environs is a terrific lure. I suggest you include the best times to make the pilgrimage to Highway 12 and what the weather or hazards are at other times of the year. For example, October/November may be fine for the area in Utah you covered, but you probably wouldn't want to be headed over the Rockies unless you're prepared to deal with wintry conditions. As I plan to drive out of western North Carolina to ride in the beautiful West from time to time, this kind of information would be incredibly beneficial
Sim Savage
Asheville, NC
Excellent suggestion, Sim. We'll be sure to incorporate more user-friendly bits into future touring articles so that readers can recreate the trip without too much left to chance. -Ed.
I'm glad to see one magazine that at least acknowledges the criticism of excess heat with 2007 Harleys. I have read about a dozen articles on those bikes, and yours is the first to say anything about it (First Ride, Aug. 2007). I had been thinking about getting a new Harley until I read the hundreds of blogs complaining about the heat. Now, I'm not accusing cycle magazines of being dishonest-I know the bikes you receive are the best of the best and have been tuned to the teeth. The only way around this is to buy bikes off the lot, but I realize you don't have the resources. Anyway, I think I'll wait until the 2008 Harleys come out, read your tests and then go on the Internet to see if the problem has been resolved
Les Gregory
Rockwall, TX
I love the article on the Cruiserweight Shootout ("Rise of the Middle Class," Aug. 2007). Seeing as I own a V Star 1300 Tourer, it was even sweeter than usual. I absolutely love the bike, and I personally think it's got the best balance of power, comfort and amenities you can get on the market today. Except for the wind... Most people will ask how you can be affected by the wind on a bike with such a tall windshield, but it would seem that one tiny detail slipped past the Star developers, as a major jet of wind comes up from under the windshield and straight up my body. It's so bad that the wind current opens the visor on my full-face helmet!
I've contacted my local dealer, and they're looking for a remedy. I feel worse for shorter riders; I've spoken to another owner who's under 5 feet, and he's been forced to buy prescription riding goggles because he can't keep glasses on his face!
Yes, my Tourer may have a "slight" wind issue, but I really do love my bike.
John G.
Ontario, Canada
John-We didn't hear any complaints about the turbulence from our 6-foot-2-inch test rider when he rode the Tourer, but we'll keep our eyes and ears peeled for potential issues. -Ed.