Honda Cruisers

... While there is no denying the cruiser heritage of the Harley, the Japanese have done a pretty good job of creating their own cruiser range.

If you're in the market for a cruiser you don't need me to tell you that the cruiser is about kicking back, picking the open road and enjoying the ride. Today there are Cruisers and power cruisers that provide power and torque performance that just a few years ago we could only dream about. Similarly the cruising ethic has seen cruisers gain even more kit, to push them into the touring cruiser category. Then of course we have the extreme cruiser, which takes a classic cruiser into no mans land, with individual customisation and a big wow factor. Within this broad spectrum of cruisers Honda has an enviable range that provides everything from the entry level LAMs approved VT400, the smaller sibling of the bigger VT750 cruiser, through to the exciting DN-01 and the cool VT1300CR.
Let's take a look at what's on offer from Honda.

Honda VT400
This bike offers big bike styling and that timeless cruiser look, but best of all is suitable for all riders, thanks to its Learner Approved Motorcycle (LAMS) status. Built long and low the VT400 cruiser is an uncluttered chrome masterpiece, boasting lean and mean styling, tear drop tank and bullet type headlight casing. Despite its rebel image, Honda's new cruiser offers a compliant ride with precise control and requires little in the way of maintenance.

With one of the lowest seat heights available in a large displacement cruiser, the VT400 is the perfect entry level bike for riders with an eye for classic style and quality. Featuring a liquid-cooled V-twin 398cc engine, the VT400 produces smooth power with rich torque in the low-mid range. The cruiser also provides good fuel economy and lower emissions, using the latest fuel injection technology.

Like all of Honda's cruiser range there is a host of accessories to customise your bike, from chrome backrest and rear carrier, to extra ornaments for the guards, leather saddlebags and windscreen. It is priced from $9,990 +ORCs.
Model range: VT400

Honda VT750
Stepping up to a mid range Cruiser the VT750 is a popular choice, thanks to its custom styling and features like its gunfighter seat and low riders seat. Joining the family in July was the VT750S cruiser. It is an off shoot of the VT750 Shadow, and is equipped with the same six-valve liquid-cooled twin-cylinder engine as the Shadow, whilst offering a more casual yet classic roadster look.

Features include a low 750mm seat coupled with flat handlebars and a slim 10-litre fuel tank, whilst the machine's powerhouse offers smooth, strong bottom-end acceleration. The VT750S has a RRP of $8,990. This Honda cruiser makes an immediate impact with its clean, classic simplicity. The luxurious chrome details, gleaming spoke wheels,imposing twin mufflers and short, neatly chopped tail gives it that irresistible look.
Model range: VT750C, VT750C2, VT750S

Honda VTX1300
The VT1300CR is an attention grabbing cruiser that has a long, low attitude and performance to back it up. The VTX1300CR is a clever example of a marriage of traditional looks with the latest in modern technology.
The deeply valanced fenders arc downward in classic retro style, yet the all-new rolling chassis and overall lines bring a fresh look to the class. From its blacked-out engine and specially designed tank mounted chrome housing to its wide retro-styled pull back handlebar and sleek, one-piece seat, the VT1300CR is classic in design, but thoroughly modern where it counts.

The 1312cc V-twin engine uses Honda's Programmed Fuel Injection for crisp throttle response, and other high-tech features such as three-valve cylinder heads and two spark plugs per cylinder to help produce the wide, strong powerband that makes riding a big cruiser so much fun. For those who appreciate the added peace of mind while riding in less than ideal conditions, the VT1300CR also comes with combined ABS.
Available in black or candy dark red, the VT1300CR has a RRP of $19,900+ORCs.

Also packing radical lines is the 2010 VT1300CX. This model looks and feels like a chopper, with raked out chopper styling, high mount steering head that gives the frame a see through look, slim and long fuel tank, ultra low seat height, large rake and fat 200 series rear tyre paired with a slim 21 inch front wheel and a stretched wheelbase. This bike screams custom cruiser, yet houses a clever single shock rear suspension with an aluminium swingarm, adjustable rebound damping and five position spring preload adjustment. Up front there is a 45mm fork, whilst the distinctive alloy wheels offer a single 336mm diameter front disc brake, complemented by a 296mm rear disc brake. This muscular V twin features Honda's 1312cc liquid cooled 52 V-twin, plus a single pin crankshaft and dual balancers.
Model range: VTX1300S, VTX1300s 2010, VTX1300CR

Honda DN-01
This is an astounding bike, with long and low proportions, high styled 17-inch wheels and powerful V-twin engine. If you want to stand out from the crowd, this may be the bike for you. It not only looks incredible, but also integrates some of the latest technology from Honda. The powerful 680cc V-twin offers one standout feature that sets it apart from most bikes of its size, in that the DN-01 features no clutch. Instead this low cruiser introduces a fully advanced automatic transmission, featuring Drive, Sport and 6-speed Manual modes for wide ranging performance potential. The bikes dynamic front cowl design with dual projector headlights, wide LCD instrument panel, integrated LED tail light assembly and responsive ABS anti-brake system separates the DN-01 from the pack.

Honda VTX1800
The VTX1800 continues Honda's theme of paying homage - some would say imitating - custom choppers. The VTX1800C has a distinctive minimalist style with custom wedge shaped mirrors and bullet style turn indicators featuring chrome visors. A dragster style seat has a low 701mm seat height, and a low 130/70R radial front tyre enhances the feel. Of course the chrome two into one exhaust system produces a deep exhaust note as well as looking good.
Model range: VTX1800C

Source: JUST BIKES, November 2010, Issue #257