Cruisers Comparison 650 to 800cc | The New Order

Welcome to the 650cc-800cc world. Seven cruisers that are fun, efficient and affordable. Bikes that aren't little, yet aren't big. We used to call them middleweights, but after the recent paradigm shift induced by the arrival of Honda's 1800cc and 1300cc VTX and confirmed by the introduction of Kawasaki's bar-raising 2000cc Vulcan, "middleweights" are now 900-1400cc, instead of 650-1100cc. Since the newly reshuffled gang of 650-800cc cruisers assembled here is absolutely not limited to entry-level appeal, it seems only right to invent a new description. If we relate it to physical dynamics, we'd call it the "Lightweight Class," positioned snugly between featherweight and welterweight cruisers.

But then again, we could also just refer to this roundup as the "Best-Selling Class in America." Surprised by the lofty classification? Don't be. Cruisers from 650 to 800cc outsell all other sizes, including large-displacement bikes from Harley and all the Japanese marques. We could also refer to this group as the "Value Bikes," since the low prices vs. high efficiency/style/versatility weigh dramatically in the consumer's favor. In fact, these bikes are so many different things to different types of riders, we suppose you could call the class just about anything...except unappealing.

We were especially excited to reassess this group of cruisers in 2004 since Harley introduced a much-improved version of the Sportster 883, which eliminated some of the vibration and drivetrain issues that had kept the previous models from doing well in recent competitions. Honda's new Aero 750, with shaft drive and an updated A.C.E. engine and exhaust, was promising to stir up the mix as well. Kawasaki's Vulcan 800 has been the champ in prior years, outdone only by Suzuki's Volusia in our last comparison (available in the Road Tests section of www.motorcyclecruiser.com). The other Suzuki entry, an 800cc Intruder, which we fondly call Disco Bike, hasn't changed much over the last couple of decades, and while it might not be in step with its bigger, bolder brethren stylistically, it can sometimes surprise us with its sleeper appeal and cultish charm. This year we also added another previously untested and interesting opponent, Triumph's 2004 Speedmaster, the sportier version of the Bonneville America. Finally, we decided to include Yamaha's venerable V-Star 650, which perhaps should have been left in the smaller-capacity, entry-level cruiser category with bikes that more closely match it in displacement. But the thing is, it always, always kicks butt in that arena, outclassing the small bikes by such an extreme margin we thought it ought to have a go against the bigger blokes.

We wanted to do a little bit of everything with these bikes, so we decided to take them on an extreme Sunday ride (in addition to daily testing) that would include ridiculous urban traffic, hundreds of freeway miles, crazy twisties and meandering desert highways. Our destination was wind-torn Borrego Springs, California, where one can find-at the right time of day-a tall drink and palm-thin sliver of shade.

In this test, instead of droning on as we compare the bikes in a long-winded story, we've decided to separate them and talk about them individually, as well as how each compares to the others in the group. So say you are interested in just one or two bikes here; you can just scan right to them instead of dissecting the works.

Smooth Talker Second Runner-Up
Harley-Davidson 883 Sportster Custom
Harley-Davidson's 883 models are legendary, having turned the motorcycling world upside down when they were first introduced in 1957. In those times, the lightweight, aggressively tuned bikes were tough to beat. The latest versions of the 883 Sportster are newly competitive thanks to some much-needed mods, the most significant of which moved the engine to rubber mounts, thus cleaning up most of the Sporty's infamous vibration. Other upgrades include massive engine refinement, better finish, new brakes, a 21-inch front wheel, lowered suspension and reconfigured ergonomics. You can tell the Custom (tested here) from the standard Sporty by its larger fuel tank (4.5 gallons instead of 3.3), more forward footpegs, a skinny front wheel, silver powdercoated engine cases and a slightly higher price tag (about $1000 more than the standard version). The new frame (which has improved chassis rigidity by a claimed 28 percent) and other upgrades added 50-plus pounds to the cruiser's dry weight.

If you are familiar with the previous 883s, you notice a couple of things about the new version right away. First, it's way smoother. A little farther down the road you notice it's also a bit heavier and, at least on the Custom, the rear suspension is not very compliant. The lack of travel is a trade-off for the bike's extremely low seat height of 26.3 inches. The 883 is the largest bike in this comparison, both in weight and displacement, but when it comes to power, it runs about midpack, behind the 800 Kawasaki, Suzuki Intruder and Volusia, and about equal with the Triumph. We did enjoy it on twisty roads, however, when the stout chassis, high clearance and smooth drivetrain really worked in the rider's favor.

Smooth shifting, easier clutch action and solid braking are all subtle yet noticeable and appreciated improvements on the 883. After riding both the Custom and standard models, we'd recommend the latter for its fatter, more stable-feeling front tire, longer suspension travel, greater clearance, sportier riding position and, oh yeah, that lower price. We do like the looks of both 883 Sportsters. As one tester said, "This has always been a handsome, elemental motorcycle, and this new version is remarkably un-screwed-up."

Overall, the Harley Custom is a very much improved 883. Getting rid of that nasty vibration was just the cure, allowing the rider to experience this machine as the prince it is. The last time we did this comparison we had to draw straws to see who would ride the Harley on the long stint home. This year, it was one of the first to be claimed. The Harley took the third slot in our comparison this time, but it is one of the most improved cruisers of 2004.