ride quality... Is the meanie the right bike for me?

1291 Views 8 Replies 5 Participants Last post by ipscshooter, Oct 6, 2004

ithinktherefore

Discussion Starter · Oct 6, 2004

Having spent any real time only on a Vulcan 500 before, I don't really know what to compare it to. I've got a few months to figure out what bike I want, and the Meanstreak/Marauder seems the likely choice, but I was wondering from those of you that have ridden a lot of the different cruisers out there what's the smoothest ride?

I'm not that obnoxious neighbor that's gonna wake you up with his pipes. I'll probably never get the bike over 85mph, etc. I'm looking more for a form of meditation: just me and the open road or the backroads without all the traffic... one with the wind, that kind of thing. I don't know much about the different drive mechanisms, but should I maybe be looking instead at a belt drive, etc?

I'm not trying to have the coolest bike. I'm not trying to pick-up chicks. I won't be bragging about my top speed. I just love riding. I like the rumble of a good v-twin, but I prefer a smooth relaxing ride. Maybe there's a smoother drive out there that I should be looking into. Of course, part of the whole vibe you get comes from the aesthetic and the ergonomics of the bike. The meanie's a beaut. I can't see myself going too retro, and I definitely don't want a crotch-rocket. Any thoughts? Maybe something smaller?

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ipscshooter

· #7 · Oct 6, 2004

ithinktherefore said:
The only other issue I haven't mentioned that I don't like about the meanie is the extra guages. I prefer a very clean and simple tank-top setup.

Anyway, I was thinking that you might want the tach at first so you can get familiar with the bike, and communicate your thoughts with other riders as you get the bike figured out.

That being said, is it possible to remove the extra guages on the meanie and/or replace some of their vital info with a tank-top system?

I had an 800A with no tach. I like the tach on the 1600 Marauder/Meanie for it's obvious purpose plus it's easier to know if I am in 5th gear or not at 50 mph or so. I REALLY don't understand what a tach has to do with communicating thoughts with other riders. You will have help me out on that one.

I am confused on your position on guages. You like a clean tank and then talk about putting gauges on the CLEAN tank of the Meanie. My 800 had tank top guages and for me it is easier to glance at the guages out where they are on the Meanie than to look down at my tank top. Just my opinion.

As to the drive train and ride. The ride quality is improved with a new seat. Some put on expensive after market shocks. I find it very comfortable with just a Mustang seat.

Shaft drive is smooth and no chain to oil.

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ipscshooter

· #9 · Oct 6, 2004

ithinktherefore said:
As far as communicating with other riders, I just mean that as I get used to the bike, tach readings could be useful if I'm trying to figure out any issues, I could post here, for instance, that I get a vibration at around 4k, etc. .....

I've studied years of kung fu. I like the clean simplicity of Japanese tatami-style interiors. These things are all studies in simplicity. Less is more. This idea resonates with me personally.

I love, for instance, the strip of LED turnsignals (I forget the company) that some of the meanie owners have used along the rim of their rear bumper.

Thanks, now I understand the communication statement.

I have some of the same thoughts as you do regarding simplicity and my taste doesn't run to full fenders either. Hence, the 800A and the 1600 Marauder. I will however sometimes cede to practicality. The Marauder has the decals gone, but I have added a Highway bar (no pegs). Single Mustang seat w/ fender bib, have the pillon in reserve. Don't plan to add much else except pull the bars back a bit and some cool Aeromach mirrors. Perhaps some cleaner turn signals. That's about it. Just me and the wind. 8)

I did see somewhere a flyscreen type deal for the Meanie that kinda covers the guages from the side and front streamlining the look a bit. I didn't care for it for me, but you might consider it.

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