Honda VTX1800C and Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Classic

Heavy Metal

Cruisers are getting bigger, longer, lower and heavier. A distinctly American style of riding, cruising is the manifestation of a major market both here and abroad. And two Japanese companies seem to have learned their lessons very well with the VTX1800 and Vulcan 1600 Classic proving they can convey and deliver that feeling of freedom and relaxed riding.

Concept & Transformation
The feeling imparted on any bike is very important but even more so on cruisers and choppers. The shake and the deep rumble of a V-twin are entertaining on otherwise boring rides over long stretched highways, and mesh well with the relaxed riding position. No doubt about it, the V2 is the engine you have to choose for these type of bikes nowadays.

Even while pulling into the busy traffic of L.A., I get caught up in the feeling. You sit low, the motor pulls strongly, and everything is fine. While the VTX is definitely on the heavy side when trying to maneuver in a tight parking lot, the bike feels easy to manage when it's back on the road, again.

Its competitor, the new Kawasaki Vulcan 1600, heads in the same direction. Lots of weight that's only a little bit of bother when pushing it forward and backward to get off the parking spot. But after that it handles easily and responds to the throttle without any hesitation. Big twins are great....

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