Cruiser V-twins in Sporty Chassis

Over the years a division has occurred in the motorcycle market, especially in the US. Motorcyclist are often lumped into two categories, sportsbikes and cruisers. Sure there's lots of other categories, such as touring or off road, but when it comes to sales in the US these two are kings. Over the years a strange sub category has emerged between these two. It doesn't really have a name because it is so rare and elusive. This category combines the big torquey V-twin from a cruiser and the upright high performance frame of a standard or sportbike. The result is an unusual mix of looks and performance. These creatures have never really sold well, which would explain their rarity. But they have created a strong following of riders who are as strange as they are.

You could argue Harley's Sportster is a "standard" type bike rather than an entry level cruiser. But if ever there was a sporty standard from Harley it'd be the XLCR (of which I just mentioned in Harley Sport Specials). This bike is what i consider to be the first crusier twin sport.

Harley-Davidson XLCR1000 77-78

When Yamaha first got into V twins (more or less Harley knock-offs) they tried something different. Yes there was teh 920 Virago you tipical Japanese cruiser, but then there was the 920R, an intirely different animal. The 920R never caught on in the US and got a little more attention in Europe.

Yamaha VX920R 81-86 (81-82)

The Honda Ascot (NT500) and Yamaha Vision (XZ550) are two examples of Japanese companies tring something new. Neither of the these bikes did well in the US, and both faired a bit better over seas (a recurring theme). Honda would continue with V twins with the Hawk GT, Yamaha tried again with the TDM based TRX. Finaly Suzuki came to market a little later with the VX800, again a nice bike that didn't fit into mainstream categories.

Honda NT500 82-84
Yamaha XZ550 82-83
Suzuki VX800 90-97 (90-93)

Most Buells could be considered for this category. The XB12S is perhaps the best example though.

Any Buell 89-

Yamaha brought this segment back to life around 2005 with the MT-01. Based on a wild concpept bike with a 1700cc Road Star engine (complete with air cooling and pushrods!) the MT was an excersize in style and tourque. It's not available in the US, probably because original bikes don't sell well here.

Yamaha MT-01 05-

Like the MT-01 the Harley XR1200 isn't for sale in the US of A. It's a pitty too because it's (in my eyes) the best looking production Harley to date. This bike brings the segment full circle back to Harley.

Harley XR1200 08-