Should You Modify Your Cruiser? When?! | HSLS S5E8

[@RevZilla]

Find everything you need to get going from Motul here! rvz.la/3v3bdWd Want more moto content? Check out Common Tread! rvz.la/3K8Ucye

[@hulkhatepunybanner]

*Are you guys using Wi-Fi for this video chat? If so, have you tried running a wire from your computers to your router? The YT settings says 720p but y'all look so VHS.* :)

[@thomasbarnardjr9657]

Ergonomics is the most important place to begin in modification of any motorcycle. Bars, seats, and controls are the best places to begin. I can ride a rigid frame motorcycle properly fit for me longer than I can ride a bike with the best suspension that doesn't fit me well. Fitment needs to be taken into account when buying any type of motorcycle. Get something that fits you at least somewhat to start with. Then you can modify it to fit your size, and preferred riding style. My 03 Sportster has custom bars, custom exhaust, and custom shocks. The bars are the best and most needed modification I did. And a better seat is the next upgrade. Get the bike comfortable, and then do your alternative mods.

[@seniorrider9337]

Thomas Barnard Jr.: Spot on man. Get the controls to fit you and then think about what other mods you want. It is so important that the controls work for you and your size.

[@juliancrooks3031]

You have to customize your bike you have to make it uniquely yours modified to where the ergonomics are perfect the ride is comfortable the sound is right and that way also you'll know which bike is yours when you come out of the bar at 2:00 a.m. cuz they won't all look alike

[@hokogan]

Case in point about controls: the XR1200. The engine was so incredibly wide between the pegs that it was super awkward to ride.

[@runrun8239]

Great, great discussions on tubed tire motorcycles. Modifying spoke rims to tubeless by sealing all spoke nuts is very practical.

[@paulfernandes613]

It's called Dax in Europe because in the UK they'd call a Dachshund a Dax for short and that's why they've got the dog in all the advert material.

[@chrism5705]

If you asked me last week, I would have never considered listening to a show about cruisers. But I did, and it was entertaining! Everyone I know will be getting KTM underwear for Christmas 😂 As far as when to modify a bike, I wait 1 year. Allows me to experience four seasons on that bike and decide what needs to be upgraded.

[@usmcvet0313]

My first mod was making a DIY external crankcase breather, so I wasn't sending that crap back through my engine. Mine already came with a back rest and slip ons from the first owner, otherwise I would have done those as well.

[@wockodiddlo]

Big-bore battle toad! yes! Revzilla, make it happen!!

[@RaijinTheThunder]

Imagine Yamaha actually doing something with that V4, besides the V Max. Be great to see it in a sport tourer

[@Nine_883]

You can’t go wrong with 14-16inch apes. It’s the best thing I ever put on my old Road Star. Don’t go crazy 22” but everything seems better and more comfortable with taller handlebars. No stress on your wrists or shoulders. Hippie cruise control. In the slow ride you have much better steering with taller handlebars and you cruisers guys are always going slow in the parking lots of the bars and bike festivals. I swear to god. A true cruiser is much better cruising with taller handle bars. Do it!

[@ravenovatechnologies6554]

Seriously? I've always looked at them and thought "why the hell would anyone do that to a perfectly good bike, it seems so uncomfortable! " and to be fair, I think they look awful, but bike looks are extremely subjective. Thank you for the insight!

[@Nine_883]

@@ravenovatechnologies6554 Dude.....You seem like the type that judges the people you see with ape hangers and those people are generally the type of people that live on their motorcycles. Old dirty biker types. Don't judge. Those people forgot more about motorcycles than you will ever know. And there is a huge difference between 14 or 16 apes and 25 inch apes or taller. Some guys get into the ridiculous zone trying to get attention. Just about shoulder height is ideal. Best handlebars ever. I too once thought they looked uncomfortable or hard to ride, but I never had the opinion of, "why the hell would anyone do that to a perfectly good bike" so instead of looking like a douche and judging I started asking guys why they had theirs and why was it always the guys with apes that would win the slow ride competition at the rallies? Then one day a dude gave me his key and said take it for a ride. Within an hour I had ordered the same bars. There is definitely a good reason you see lot of Harleys with Ape Hangers. It has a ton to do with comfort. Long rides, fatigue, wrist, shoulder, and hand pain.

[@DailyDrivenBikes_1]

I use protectall on nearly everything. To me cruisers are usually Harleys big cubic inches that are loud that make not that much horsepower.

[@usmcvet0313]

But loads of usable torque 🤙🏼

[@richardscott982]

Ready to Race...lmfao!!!

[@jianli7643]

QJ moto

[@thatguy8005]

China Harley… YIKES

[@B0_171_Leadvillle]

No mention of the Rebel 1100 and its in the thumbnail. But great episode. I don't know what it is but when you onw a bike that's all you want to hear people talk about. And i already own it. Should not even matter at that point. I guess you just want other people to like it as much as you do. 🤔

[@FrankOsman]

I’m surprised that my Vulcan S was mentioned and the rebels weren’t. Happy about it, but surprised.

[@shadowrider7072]

about highway pegs from the perspective of a short person: As a short person, they do almost nothing for me. I much much MUCH prefer mid mounted foot pegs/floorboards that I can occasionally stand up on while riding down the road. Bonus: if you bike doesn't have cruise control, buy an aftermarket throttle lock to help with long highway slogs and/or carpel tunnel! Bonus Bonus: BRING WATER!!!!!!!

[@Nine_883]

And every Harley guy in America is going insult anyone on a Chinese Harley Davidson. You would get more respect on a Yamaha or a Honda all day.

[@bbevis2357]

KTM stickers add 10hp. KTM underwear adds 1/2"

[@yuriteixeira5816]

Can I double up on the underwear?

[@Brgnalf81]

Do what you want. You paid for it, it's yours.

[@Hutchie2112]

20 minutes in and laughing my head off at the Scram 411 commentary. I've got a himalayan and they are mules, basic , slow and heavy, but will plod along anywhere. The scram is just less of the same :) I also have a T7 , so I am not totally sad ;) ;) ;)

[@Damiv]

Zach is right. Every bike needs heated grips. Unless you never actually ride your bike.

[@Ner0sys7]

I've owned somewhere near 20 bikes (17? lost count) literally none of them have had heated grips. Is it really that big of a deal? Even riding in the winter at like 19 degrees wasn't that big of a deal with some leather gloves. Maybe if I experience it I'll change my mind.

[@Damiv]

@@Ner0sys7 I consider it life changing. Even if you don't need it for the cold itself, I turn mine on during long trips for a few minutes at a time because the heat helps ease hand cramping and tingling. It also matters how far you ride at a time. If you mostly do sub-one hour trips than they aren't really ever going to matter. If you regularly do several hours at a time, they are so damn nice. Maybe I'm just old. :p

[@Ner0sys7]

@@Damiv No you're probably correct, I've never experienced it so I don't have a valid counter-argument. Maybe one day I'll buy a bike that isn't old and clapped out or I'll just buy a kit and I'll find out. Lol

[@Damiv]

@@Ner0sys7 Lol. Oxford heated grip kits for most bikes are around $100, and work pretty darn well. I had a set on my GS500F and used them all winter long. Might be worth an experiment next winter.

[@ravenovatechnologies6554]

I've never experienced them on a bike, but a snowblower. And yes it was life changing. I used a snow blower with bare hands and it was so comfortable I didn't know what to do with myself.

[@JuiceBoxScott]

My magnetic tank bag scratched my HD tank from one careless removal where I didn't lift it off properly. I still love my bag, but they are dangerous.

[@greatbigeye2506]

I’m 2 years late here. Got a Rebel 1100 DCT this year. Great bike but horrible ergonomics for me- Far reach to the bars, way too much hip bend, too much knee bend. Installed- Rox 4” bar risers, T-Rex foot peg extenders, and a Corbin seat that I modded to sit an inch higher. The forward lean to the bars is almost completely gone and the uncomfortable hip bend is gone. Fairly easy mods I did myself. Also got a Madstad windshield that is height and tilt adjustable. Now it’s a fast AND comfortable cruiser.

[@RideAMAP]

I know you posted this a while back but I just listened to the podcast this week. Question? can I raise the rear suspension on the V-Star to get more clearance from scrapping floorboards in the corners, without messing up the handling? Long story short. I have done suspension mods on my gs550 and raising my rear to make a scrambler played with the rack and handling. I want to avoid that with my dad's V-Star. He doesn't ride any longer and his V-Star is great for my commute and it's nice not putting the miles on my V-Strom's 50/50/tires.

[@jeremythomas7278]

I think another important thing to consider from a cost perspective is to buy a used bike with the modifications you would put on it. Most of the time you don't end up paying for the mods the previous owner put on the bike. You can save thousands that way.

[@pajarito726]

35min to get to the topic of the video's name. Like the info, I think harley has to make a smaller cc product and marketing to reel in new gen consumers. Maybe motovlog/gopro crowd. I don't think style is the problem. We're living in hard times. No one new is going to be thinking expensive harley.

[@serenitygiver4694]

Hey guys, love the show. I think your missing the point of the small CC Harley's!! They are not made for the American market! They are made for the Asian market (and other poorer counties), where everyone loves Harley's, but can not afford them. These are the people they are making these bikes for.

[@kevinfox500]

Johnny boughr the wrong bike. Spot on Spurge. Much better class optiins out there, and that same 3 grand wouod pick up an 1100 and a 750, in fair shape, around here. With plenty left over for mods and gear,

[@sonofnone116]

Learned to ride at the harley dealer on the detuned academy-specific Street 500. It was...meh. So i vacillated between an MT-07 and an Iron 883 for awhile...and bought an '02 Shadow 750. Love it, but should've bought the Svartpilen 401 or MT-07

[@PepperGeorge]

Ducati desert x is ugly and difficult to maintain, for everything you need to do to your bike their manual says: take it to your local dealer; motorcycles is something you can work on. BMW manual explains how to take wheel axels off, change battery, spark plugs, etc, these guys are detached from reality of motorcycling world.

[@REDCLAYHOMESTEAD]

Ive bee working my way through some of the older podcast. Im really goad the video editor started adding pictures of the models mentioned.

[@ralphvalkenhoff2887]

I want to take my best 4 legged buddy along for the ride. Any suggestions, tips, recommendations, what to do, what not to do? Thanks guys.

[@jr.6199]

Its telling of HDs value that customers immediately need changes to the engine like increased bore and cams to get good performance.

[@Delta5.3]

This is my kinda topic and just in time for me to listen while working

[@yohaan9]

Gonna be helpful with sharing with the cruiser boys

[@richardscott982]

Sarah needs a phone holder and/or navigation guys! Jeez... 😆

[@tomryner5830]

Eh… don’t get it. In my Shoei GT Air 2 helmet it clearly says not to remover the liner other than in a crash. So is it different between manufacturers or could I remove the liner and gently clean it? It would be awesome and my fellow human beings (and my hair) would thank me.

[@tomryner5830]

Never mind. Shoei has a tutorial… Just new to this.

[@rickliebold9063]

First time disagreeing with Mr. Courts. The magnetic tank bags tend to scratch, not only to me but other friends who've used them. Gas cap mounted tank bags much better

[@thomasgaliana6288]

This episode has been very informative for me. Keep them coming. Two thumbs up!

[@scottstewart5784]

I'm tall. so I add risers and a taller aftermarket windscreen.

[@tomryner5830]

The name for a wiener dog in German is…?

[@residentgood8605]

I'm (42, M) 6'3" tall and weigh 430 pounds. I have started doing research on cruisers under $10,000 with a longer wheelbase, so I can stretch out my legs more. My first bike was a 2016 Honda Shadow Phantom. I loved it, except on longer rides, my legs would cramp up to where I couldn't ride anymore until I walked around and stretched for about 15-20 minutes. I didn't even think about whether or not I could have moved the pegs forward or gotten some highway pegs, whether I could have adjusted the handle bar, or gotten a different seat where I could sit farther back and/or higher up. Now, I'm about a hundred and fifty pounds heavier. Are there any suspension upgrades available that can support a 430 pound person? I am looking at the Honda Fury because of the long wheelbase, but should I even consider that bike because of my weight? I don't like Harleys. Honda is my preferred brand, but I do like the Suzuki M50 or M90. I know fat people can and do ride motorcycles. I've tried searching KZbin for videos suggesting bikes that support overweight people, but haven't had much luck. Any information you can give me is appreciated! Thank you!

[@stubbingtonmarigold3032]

I really want these guys to go get a cfmoto 700cl-x sport, I sat on one and was really surprised... very spec sheet heavy ( only missing a quick shifter) at 7k , the switches looked like they had been out in the sun for 10 years and gotten brittle and chalky - but the rest looked great.... but you can’t register them yet because insurance doesn’t recognize their vin numbers......

[@kenjikenjikenj]

I own a naked bike which features some cruiser parts (Harley live wire). One thing I wish is that cruiser accessories didn't look so "cruiser" with tons of chrome, skulls and flames everywhere. I wish there were more accessories with minimal and subtle styling. Another thing is that I have smaller hands and finding a conversion for 7/8" handlebars, and adjustable levers is pretty difficult with throttle by wire

[@TMTVTX1800]

Patrick. Proud owner of a VTX 1800F here. Any recommendations for seat, saddlebags, windshield? Looking to make a more comfortable ride for extended day/weekend trips. Thanks!

[@magellanicspaceclouds]

Zack, you burst out laughing at Spurg bringing up the name Firestorm, but there was actually a Honda VTR1000 Firestorm. Seems like America was the only country to call it Superhawk.

[@SoDakTwisties]

I live on the east side of SD, and usually get out and ride the Black Hills a couple of times per year. I am not sure I can swing GetOn ADV Fest this year, but you're right about the roads out there. One of my favorite places to ride, hands down! I'd love to ride with anyone on the RevZilla crew in the Hills sometime! There are some quite good technical roads for the area of the country it's in.

[@kenteagle2918]

The Honda Shadow 750 ACE was a bullet proof little cruiser. Just needed a new seat and bar end weights. Jets, air cleaner, smallet rear sprocket, Barnet clutch spri GPS, and airbox mod made it a bit more suitable for interstate riding. Add a Memphis shades police style or batwing fairing.They also made an 1100 version with windshield and hard bags.

[@79sketches]

Finally a Cruisers episode!

[@DefZen343]

Royal Enfield is working on a new 650cc Cruiser, i bet that would make a wonderful Beginner bike and one to keep for a long time ☺️ I dont like tubed tires 👀 i still dont understand why road bikes still have them, offroad bikes maybe but its just a disadvantage or liability on a road bike to me 👀

[@craigbannister7826]

The street 500)750 are good bikes. U dislike them bc they don't sound like Harley and they use new technology.

[@martinowings3597]

We had a Kawasaki EL-250 Eliminator for a while. I bet that bike is more fun to ride than most cruisers😀 Assuming you aren’t too huge! We need a 400 Eliminator please Kawasaki.

[@codyboop4617]

I so appreciate everything you all are covering in the motorcycle world and beyond, I can't express my gratitude enough. I was hoping you could give me some advice, I have an 84 Honda Magna 700cc. 🤘🙃 I've ridden it quite a lot, and when I rode it to my dad after buying it when I was 21, he was excited and told me he had one himself -i wasn't aware of that. When he took it for a ride he laughed and mentioned it seemed not to matter how much time had passed, once you know how to ride it just comes back to ya. Where the term just like riding a bike hit hard for him. 😅 He passed not long after that, and I let it sit in the shed for damn near a decade now.. I recently started getting itchy boots, and wanted to ride again, but now I have quite the undertaking to bring it back to life. After hunting down an official shop manual on eBay, I'm now feeling ready to tackle it on. My question is, I noticed these kind of cruisers don't seem to be shown much for maintenance series or content, I wasn't sure if it means it's going to be more challenging or maybe parts won't be as aquire-able? Maybe my question isn't valid, but I just wanted a lil bit of advice as is this something I should feel comfortable tackling? I think I know what I need to do, fluids, brakes, wheels, clutch and whatever is found along the way. I miss riding, that Honda has been so much fun and a blast to ride. What do you guys think of older cruisers?

[@thinkdunson]

the desert X is pretty ugly, but in a way that i kind of like how ugly it is. i'm not sure how to explain it because i don't understand it myself. i don't really like it... but i also kind of like that about it.

[@stanton20002]

I bought a used fat bob. I had lot of ideas for changes. I took it to my mechanic and he recommended instead of getting rid of the ape hangers, quieter exhaust and switching to mids, he suggested that I had bought the wrong bike and wouldn’t be able to resell well.

[@dln.sweeney]

Shop Manual episode on hot rodding Battletoad please, ideally in tandem with an ill-advised modified bike comparison.

[@Wolvespbc]

1:53:36 Tubliss system

[@seth_iwant_toride]

Big bore battle toad!!!

[@FCT8306onTwoWheels]

one thing i wish i could do on my Yamaha Stryker is mid controls. It has a stretched out look and feel about it, my feet are definitely ahead of my knees when im mounted on the motorcycle but ive figured out that i can rest my left heel on the kickstand pivot and toes on the peg, and then my right foot toes on the foot brake guard so i can bring my feet back about 6 inches allowing me to feel a bit more stable for the longer rides but im getting used to doing it almost always once i get going

[@k.r80]

Number one thing a person can modify on your motorcycle. You the rider. Take a class, sign up for continued education. Understanding your ability on the motorcycle will allow you to adjust and modify your ride with purpose. Oh and get a highside / lowside shirt and you will be set! Rubber side down folks!

[@MARKINAU8]

I think this is a topic like "Is your mum female?" Of course you gotta mod especially the pipe

[@LuLu-kd8fd]

If I dont like how my ride looks, I ain't riding it. Its that simple.

[@robertadams4415]

I just installed tec bike lowering shocks on my interceptor and it definitely feels better

[@thiennguyendo]

So anyone got a link to these Vulcan big bore kits? :D

[@sargemarine5450]

Reversion not back pressure but same idea/reason.

[@theprodigalstranger5259]

I was under the impression that Spurge was in Philly, which last I checked wasn't near an ocean. What does the helmet cleaner smell like? I used to work in printing and one of the cleaners I used said on the back of the bottle "Delightfully Scented." Happy 30th Spurge! Guys the "wiener dog" is actually called a Dachshund. So, Dax would be a shortened version of that, akin to calling a guy named Albert Al. Just like with the Dirt Glide HD is once again very late to an over crowded party. That being said if this sport naked from China is as good or better than the competition, as seems to be the case with the PanAm, it may stand a chance at selling in the States. Looks like HD is finally coming to the realization that their "Core buyers" are aging out of motorsports and they need to attract more and more youthful buyers if they want to keep the lights on. A bone stock 883, Johnny just bought the rarest bike on the face of the Earth! Pro-tip from Spurge there, don't drink and wrench! My heated grips are awesome! As long as the engine is running doesn't every bike have a heated seat? lol. Anyone else think Patrick looks like Will Sasso? Demo days are great and there is also Ridershare and twisted road for local rentals. Get out there and ride! Great episode! Its time for another visit from Lance.

[@thinkdunson]

i find it very unlikely that the new HD beginner bike is going to be any good. as zack said, there are no examples of bikes from china that can compete with other bikes. people are going to get this bike because HD is a well known name, and they're not going to like it. so they'll assume this is representative of all bikes and sell it and never buy another bike.

[@usmcvet0313]

I'll be surprised if it comes to the US. It's being designed for the Asian market, hence it being made in Asia. Few people in the US would be interested in a Chinese made HD.

[@pinkiozou]

You guys help me get out of my head. Love you keep it up.

[@comfortablyunknown700]

First mod, do not buy one. Second mod if first mod does not work, sell it.

[@tjnett5536]

I’d like a tea shirt please!!!!!

[@sintaribat9350]

Lol short answer probably

[@Xenovita88]

Cruiser the best riding position

[@vidster7]

Sounds like you havent try other kinds of bikes out there

[@Moonlight-hq3gi]

❤️

[@Tuner0186]

Love the podcast. More Zack, less Spurge.

[@stiggles98]

Zack is a late addition, Spurgeon has been a host since the 1st episode, it's largely his production from the looks of things. 😂

[@vidster7]

I prefer Zeeto and Ari than Spurge

[@dredeth]

why exclude anyone....?

[@usmcvet0313]

I miss Lemmy 😔

[@stiggles98]

@@usmcvet0313 Me too, he seems like an awesome guy to hang out with. 👌

[@1MrBryn]

The best way to modify a cruiser is to ride it straight to he dealer and trade it in for a bike that goes around corners and doesn't hate your back.

[@Blauwekaaskush]

Hahah I can confirm

[@fred_e]

I like extending the mudguard so the tires aren't flinging any rocks into the bodywork or engine.

[@kawabungah20]

Also, an extended mudguard knocks down any nails that the front tire kicks up, thereby reducing the possibility of rear tire flats. The theory is that, as the front tire rolls over a flat-laying nail, it often causes the nail to fly backward, kicking it into the track of the rear tire. If the nail lands even slightly ascue, it then penetrates the rear tire as the rear tire rolls over the nail. The mudguard effectively reduces fender clearance to the ground, say 2 to 3 inches off the pavement, the mudguard interrupts the nail trajectory enough to reduce probability of a rear tire puncture. This is best on street bikes since off-road bikes need more clearance to deflect road debree. If I'm going off-road, I remove my rigid front mud flap.

[@fred_e]

@@kawabungah20 yup, can say from experience that mud buildup will cause your tire to eat the rubber flap, too