Top 10 best Japanese cruiser motorcycles

Japanese motorcycle manufacturers have given us so many amazing cruisers that it's almost impossible to choose just a few favorites. Japan is currently one of the largest motorcycle manufacturers in the world, producing an average of more than 600 thousand motorcycles per year. Thanks to the big four, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki and Suzuki, Japanese motorcycles have more or less become the best motorcycles in certain categories. However, this was not always the case; to become the best, you need to learn from the best.

For some time, Japanese motorcycle companies have been studying some of the best American cruisers and trying to replicate their quality. Unsurprisingly, they didn't live up to expectations at first and delivered an incredible amount of terrible bikes. But due to failure and a relentless pursuit of success, Japanese manufacturers produced motorcycles that were ahead of their time. As a result, it has gradually become impossible to ignore some of these crazy Japanese cruisers that are arguably even better than Harley-Davidsons. In this list, we'll highlight some of our favorite Japanese cruisers of all time.

Yamaha Road Star Warrior 1700

The Road Star Warrior is undoubtedly one of the most memorable cruisers Yamaha produced between 2002 and 2007. Although Yamaha was best known for its dominance in Supersports and liter-class machines, their expertise in these aspects was the ideal prerequisite for creating an exceptional cruiser.

The Warrior 1700 featured one of the finest and most sophisticated chassis ever seen, making it one of the most sought after performance cruisers of its time. In addition, the bike offered street aggression, classic design elements, a comfortable riding position, wide handlebars, forward-facing pegs and incredible reliability. And if it wasn't obvious, the "1700" on its badge comes from the powerful 1670cc V-twin engine. cm, capable of developing an impressive 84.3 hp. and 135 Nm of torque.

Special purpose motorcycles

They are:

police officers;
firefighters;
army;
Ambulance.

This type also includes high cross-country vehicles.

Each type has its own characteristics. For example, a Russian electric motorcycle for special services from the Kalashnikov concern is distinguished by its noiselessness and ability to overcome rough terrain. It is used in reconnaissance, raids, and search operations. One charge is enough for 100 kilometers. Speed - no more than 80 km/h. But the heavy concept bike “Izh” has 150 horses and reaches a speed of 240 km/h.

Honda Rebel

Since the first ever Rebel model introduced in 1986, the bike has remained true to its nature. Honda has retained the low seat height, low center of gravity and overall ease of handling that make the Rebel a firm favorite among many. The Rebel 500 is perhaps the most popular model, best known for its signature blacked-out retro styling, city-friendly power, fat tires, and lightweight chassis.

However, Rebel recently broke the segment norms with the launch of the new 1100. The Rebel 1100, by far the largest Rebel ever, is powered by a 1084cc parallel-twin engine. cm with liquid cooling, borrowed from the Honda Africa Twin. The Rebel 1100 also boasts more ground clearance, an optional DCT automatic transmission, standard position running boards, a huge muffler, under-seat storage and a USB port that adds modern functionality.

Advantages and disadvantages of a motorcycle chain

The chain is the most common drive option on motorcycles. It is installed on absolutely all types of bikes – small-bore bikes, cruisers, and “sport” bikes. It all comes down to the abundance of advantages:

The chain is very light and compact, which is important for sportbikes and enduro;
It is as cheap as possible, which makes it indispensable when used on small-capacity aircraft;
There are chains to suit every taste - inexpensive ones without seals (the lifespan of which is several thousand) and more expensive ones with seals (which, with proper care, can last several tens of thousands);
The chains can withstand enormous loads and can work off-road in mud for hours;
You can change the chain in any village “on the knee”, even temporarily install a penny one “from IZh”. Servicing is just as easy.

It would seem like an ideal option? But chains also have their drawbacks:

They require regular and proper care. This is exactly what cardan lovers reproach chain drive lovers with. Every 500 km it needs to be washed and lubricated, and this must also be done after any washing or driving in the rain;
If this is not done, the chain may break, breaking the crankcase, jamming the wheel, or flying directly into the pilot’s head;
It is necessary to change the chain together with a set of sprockets, so in total it is not so cheap;
Sealless chains stretch like plasticine, and therefore require tightening every 100-200 km, which can be very annoying, especially for long-distance riders.

Summing up, we can answer the question - which is better, a cardan or a chain? So - nothing is better. Each option has its place, and in different situations, on different motorcycles, one or the other is preferable.

Enduro, “sports”, small-capacity bikes – definitely a chain for its compactness and light weight.

Heavy tourists, liter cruisers - definitely a cardan for the ability to travel a couple of thousand kilometers a day and not be distracted by maintenance.

Source

Yamaha Bolt R-Spec

The Yamaha Bolt is one of the lucky few models to achieve “cult” status. There are many forums online about the Bolt, and it's easy to see why racers love it so much. The Yamaha Bolt is simplified and designed with fun at its core. As part of Yamaha's sporting heritage, the Bolt R-Spec is unencumbered by modern technology and instead takes a stripped-down, old-fashioned approach.

The R-Spec is a slight upgrade to the base Bolt with higher performance rear shocks and exciting paint schemes. In addition, the bike develops 53 hp. and 80 Nm of torque from the 942 cc air-cooled V-twin. These figures ensure that the bike is an absolute gem for commuting and touring around town and on the motorway. However, the Yamaha Bolt is easily customizable to accommodate quick engine modifications, simple suspension upgrades, and numerous aftermarket body kits.

Structural rigidity

One of the main differences between a driveshaft and other types of power transmission is the rigidity of the structure. The belt and chain are too mobile against the background of the static fixation of the cardan. In addition, you should not be afraid that the cardan, like a chain, will suddenly break and fly out into the pilot driving behind you or get wrapped around the wheel and hit the legs. Due to its stable design, the driveshaft is much more durable and wears out less. In addition, the small number of components does not require as much attention and maintenance as a chain. This gives rise to the next two undoubted advantages.

Honda Valkyrie Rune

This wild Honda cruiser can rock your bank account. Yes, pun intended. To Honda's credit, the Valkyrie Rune is the perfect expression of function and form. Unfortunately, Honda rarely cares about its attractive appearance and focuses entirely on reliability and efficiency. But this time the company has released an amazing car.

Despite having a Valkyrie name badge, the Rune limited edition strayed away from its original purpose and style. The real reason lies in Honda's global collaboration to address concerns from North American employees. In hindsight, the Valkyrie Rune is a masterclass, if not a miracle, of motorcycling.

Advantages and disadvantages of a motorcycle chain

The chain is very light and compact, which is important for sportbikes and enduro;
It is as cheap as possible, which makes it indispensable when used on small-capacity aircraft;
There are chains to suit every taste - inexpensive ones without seals (the lifespan of which is several thousand) and more expensive ones with seals (which, with proper care, can last several tens of thousands);
The chains can withstand enormous loads and can work off-road in mud for hours;
You can change the chain in any village “on the knee”, even temporarily install a penny one “from IZh”. Servicing is just as easy.

It would seem like an ideal option? But chains also have their drawbacks:

They require regular and proper care. This is exactly what cardan lovers reproach chain drive lovers with. Every 500 km it needs to be washed and lubricated, and this must also be done after any washing or driving in the rain;
If this is not done, the chain may break, breaking the crankcase, jamming the wheel, or flying directly into the pilot’s head;
It is necessary to change the chain together with a set of sprockets, so in total it is not so cheap;
Sealless chains stretch like plasticine, and therefore require tightening every 100-200 km, which can be very annoying, especially for long-distance riders.

Yamaha V-Star/Dragstar 1100

The V-Star 1100 was a classic perennial bestseller that has slowly evolved into one of the best cruiser motorcycles around the world. The motorcycle achieved legendary status with an unrivaled reputation thanks to its original 1063 cc V-twin engine. cm air-cooled. Although the V-Star borrows its engine from the older Virago, the bike breathes life into it and gives it a distinct riding experience.

Since 1999, Yamaha has supplied the V-Star 1100 in two different versions; XVS1100 and XVS1100A. The XVS1100 featured classic styling, while its twin, the XVS1100A, became better known for its modern design and lower seat height. The pair also boasted steel fenders, cast aluminum wheels, extensive chrome inserts, a two-into-two exhaust system, a beautifully designed headlight and a roll-away steering wheel.

Let's sum it up

A cyclist must take the choice of vehicle seriously. How many riders, so many opinions.

Maintenance of the cardan drive is rarely performed. Such a system is considered “environmentally friendly”.

The designers have already been able to get rid of many shortcomings, which means that the development of the design has great prospects.

Nowadays, many companies offer professional servicing for bicycles with driveshafts. Specialists will carry out qualified repairs using modern equipment and eliminate existing problems.

Honda Fury

Honda surprised many motorcycle fans when it introduced the Fury in 2009. The Fury was Honda's first chopper, and it's always been great. The distinctive body, frame and components allowed Honda to achieve its goal of transforming the chopper from a niche market into an affordable mass-produced product.

Quite rightly, Honda hit the nail on the head with this bike. The engineers have done a great job with the engine cooling, as the hoses and radiator are invisible and work flawlessly. What some people don't know is that the Honda Fury was the first chopper with anti-lock brakes. The Fury is so impressive that it has managed to remain unchanged since its debut, making it the last 1300cc cruiser to be produced. see in the Honda line.

Pros and cons of a motorcycle chain

Most modern and older motorcycle models use a chain to transmit power. It is suitable for almost all types of bikes - from small capacity to sports. This is due to the following advantages:

Lightweight and compact.
Affordable price.
Wide selection of models. There are cheap chains without oil seals (designed for several thousand mileage) and more expensive options with oil seals (withstand several tens of thousands).
Resistance to increased loads.
Effective for long-term operation in harsh conditions, including mud and water.
Easy to repair and replace even in the field.

But such a drive also has disadvantages:

The need for periodic and proper care. Approximately every 500 km cleaning and lubrication are required. After traveling through mud and rain, maintenance is also required.
Without maintenance the chain may break , which can lead to the crankcase breaking and the wheel jamming. In addition, a broken chain can hit the driver or passenger.
It is advisable to replace the sprockets immediately, which increases the cost of repairs.
Models without oil seals stretch faster; tightening should be done every 100-200 km .

Kawasaki Vulcan S

Kawasaki has used the Vulcan badge since 1984 for cruisers or custom models with V-twin engines. The current Vulcan S has sportbike DNA, starting with the powerful 649cc parallel twin engine produced for the Ninja. Kawasaki also introduced a well-designed Ergo-Fit system that makes the Vulcan S stand out in its class. The system effectively accommodates riders of varying heights, providing relatively easy access to the best in customized comfort adjustments.

At the time of purchase, riders can choose from three seating positions, three footpeg positions and two handlebar options. In addition, the Vulcan S boasts outstanding rigidity and record-breaking load ratings thanks to the integrated line formed by the swingarm, rear suspension and motorcycle frame.

Chain, belt or cardan?

Transmission. Part 3. Main gear

Text: Artem 'S1LvER' Terekhov

In previous articles, we dealt with the structure of the gearbox and clutch. However, there is one more component, without which the operation of the transmission is simply meaningless. In today's article we will talk about the main gear. We will understand the structure of the mechanism itself, and also estimate when it is best to use one or another design option.

The final drive is needed to transfer power from the transmission driven shaft to the rear wheel. This is the last link in the power transmission chain from the engine to the wheel. It is also the last in the chain of speed reduction and torque enhancement. On motorcycles, the final drive is a separate transmission unit, but on scooters there is no final drive. There it usually consists of a pair of gears, which are considered as an extension of the gearbox, and not as the final drive in its traditional sense. Therefore, further down the article we will talk about motorcycle systems. Modern motorcycles use three types of final drives: chain, belt and cardan. The most common is the chain drive, and is used on machines for a wide variety of purposes, from small bikes like the Yamaha YBR125 to high-performance sportbikes. The cardan is installed on bikes, the main requirements for which are reliability and durability of the main gear, plus long service intervals. Relative to the other two types of final drive, the belt is used the least. All bikes from Harley-Davidson and many devices from the now deceased Buell, as well as some cruisers from Japanese manufacturers, are equipped with it. Now let's talk about each type in more detail.

A funny, but no less revealing model of the Moto Guzzi V8 chain final drive

Chain

Chain drive is the most successful scheme for use on a motorcycle. The chain drive is compact and easily located in most modern designs. A well-adjusted and properly lubricated chain is the most efficient way to transfer power, with power transmission losses of about 5% to the wheel. It has a low unsprung mass (we’ll talk about what this is in the article about bike suspensions) and is quite cheap to produce. An undoubted advantage is the ease of changing the gear ratio of the final drive by replacing the drive and driven sprockets.

An additional element on motorcycles with a chain drive and long-travel suspension is a chain guide, which prevents the chain from jumping off the sprocket (Kawasaki KLX250 2009)

Of course, the chain also has its disadvantages. The chain needs to be serviced frequently, and if this is not done on time, its performance will noticeably decrease. And when the bike is used in difficult conditions such as high humidity or sandy terrain, chain maintenance intervals are sharply reduced. If you completely neglect lubrication/cleaning/adjusting the chain, it will crackle for a thousand or two kilometers as a warning, and then it will burst enchantingly. Maybe even the engine crankcase will get a crack or a dent as a souvenir, and the unlucky owner will forever remember that the condition of the chain needs to be monitored. Chain life can be extended by installing a closed guard or an automatic lubrication system. However, these measures will not save the chain from stretching and sagging. And the more powerful the engine, the shorter the life of the chain.

Please don't forget to maintain your chain!

The development of sealed joint chains (O-ring or X-ring) solved some of the problems associated with standard roller chains by preventing dirt from getting into the rotating bushings and keeping lubricant inside them.

All chains are paired with sprockets, which cost little, but which wear out just as much as the chains. The constant impact of the rotating chain rollers quickly “chews” the sprocket teeth, and eventually the sprocket and chain assembly will need to be replaced. The drive sprocket is attached to the free end of the secondary (driven) shaft of the gearbox. The driven (rear) sprocket is usually installed on the pendulum in which the wheel is mounted, or directly on the hub (in the case of a cantilever pendulum). Now let's take a closer look at how the circuit is constructed.

• A standard roller chain consists of inner and outer links. The inner link consists of two side plates, two hollow bushings pressed into the holes of the side plates, and two rollers located on the bushings. The outer links consist of two side plates and two fingers pressed into the holes of the side plates. The chain is made from individual links by inserting the pins of the bushing links into the hollow bushings of the rubber links. The rollers can rotate freely on the bushings, and the bushings can rotate freely on the fingers. The standard roller type chain is the cheapest, perfect for installation on small-capacity motorcycles and inexpensive mid-capacity motorcycles.

Standard roller chain design 1 - roller link, 2 - bushing, 3 - roller, 4 - bushing link, 5 - pin, 6 - side plate

• O-ring . The design is basically the same as discussed above, with the exception of the presence of ring seals (the same O-rings) between the side plates of the roller and bushing links. These seals serve to seal in the grease that is used to lubricate the rollers and bushings during assembly, and to prevent dirt and moisture from getting inside.

Kawasaki KLR650 2008, O-ring chain

• X-ring . They work in the same way as the O-ring, only the O-ring is X-shaped in cross section. This improves sealing and reduces friction losses between the ring and the side plates.

The cost (as well as weight) of the last two types of chains is higher, which is compensated by an increased service life. However, the strength of a chain is ultimately determined by the material it is made from and how the pins are secured into the side plates. In racing bikes, durability is a concern, so the chains for such machines are made thin and light, often using slots in the side plates and hollow pins. There is no question of any sealing, as well as long service life of the chain. In general, all means are good in the fight against excess weight.

If you decide to replace the chain, when buying a new one, you must take into account its size. Its designation uses a three-digit code, for example, 525. The first number indicates the chain pitch (the distance between the centers of two adjacent fingers), and is expressed in eighths of an inch. The next two numbers indicate the width of the rotating rollers, expressed in eightieths of an inch. That is, the number 25 means that the width is 25/80 inches. Sometimes the manufacturer will change the last number to provide a stronger version of the chain, which has the same pitch and width but thicker side plates.

Chain width and pitch

Belting

The belt was used on the very first motorcycles, and it worked satisfactorily, since the power of the engines of that time was low. To give you a little idea of what kind of power we were talking about at the dawn of motorcycle construction, here’s a fun fact: the power of the first motorcycle, built in 1902 by Siegfried Bettman, the founder of the Triumph brand, was as much as 1.75 horsepower! The same as the Triumph Rocket III starter now has...

Oh yes, belt drive. The first belts were made of leather, rubber and fabric, they worked quietly and absorbed shock loads well in transmission, but slipped when wet or stretched. As power increased, the belt drive gave way to a chain drive. This was until, much later, belt technology made it possible to create a belt drive capable of withstanding the high loads found on modern motorcycles.

Belt drive BMW F800ST

A modern belt consists of an inner cord of man-made fiber (most often Kevlar is used) embedded in rubber. On the inner surface of the belt there are teeth that work along the mating surface of the toothed pulleys. The use of teeth eliminates slippage and provides the same efficiency as a chain drive. The pulleys must be larger than the main chain drive sprockets to reduce bending as the belt runs up and down; It also ensures that the gear is distributed over the maximum number of teeth, reducing the load on each tooth.

The belt structure is clearly visible

The efficiency of a timing belt is slightly lower than that of a clean, new chain, but during operation this difference becomes reversed. The belt system is lighter and quieter than a chain, does not require lubrication or adjustment, and lasts longer. However, the use of the belt is still limited by the motor power. The belt drive can cope with a cruiser without problems, but it will not be able to transmit the consistently high power of sportbike engines. So, we sorted out the belts and chains. Now let's move on to the most ponderous, but very reliable main gear mechanism - the cardan.

Cardan shaft

On motorcycles, driveshaft drive has been used for many years, although in terms of preference it has never been ahead of chain drive. Which is better, a chain or a cardan, is the subject of much debate. The advantages of the cardan include rigidity, cleanliness (due to the closed design) and ease of maintenance. In fact, the entire job of the owner of a bike with a driveshaft is to change the oil in the bevel gear housing (aka the gearbox). When talking about the disadvantages, opponents of universal joints on motorcycles perk up and remember the high cost of production and high weight (which leads to an increase in unsprung masses). The main “killer trump card” of cardan fighters is large losses when transferring power to the wheel.

Tetralever driveshaft and suspension, Kawasaki GTR1400 2008

It is best to use a cardan on engines in which the crankshaft is located longitudinally to the line of the motorcycle - that is, when the axis of rotation of the cardan and crankshaft is parallel. To make it clearer - any boxer BMW, Honda Gold Wing, Moto Guzzi bikes with transverse cylinders. If the crankshaft is located transversely in the frame (for example, in-line fours), then the shaft can be connected to the drive only by changing the direction of its rotation at a right angle using a pair of bevel gears. Modern bikes with a cardan drive and a transverse crankshaft prove that this can be done technically and accurately (the same BMW K1300R). It is also necessary to ensure rear suspension travel. For this purpose, a universal joint or constant velocity joint (CV joint) is used at the front end of the shaft. The driveshaft itself rotates inside the control arm, and the final drive housing is bolted to the end of the arm.

There are several side effects associated with using a driveshaft. I’ll immediately make a reservation that the following shortcomings were more obvious in early designs; in modern systems the effect is not so noticeable. The first is the rigidity of the transmission, which is counteracted by the "elasticity" of the chain drives (engineers can combat this effect by installing a damper in the gearbox). The second is the tendency of some cars equipped with a driveshaft to “goat” when accelerating. BMW dealt with this effect by using a “Paralever” type suspension (we will talk about the design of this in the articles on suspension and chassis).

Paralever and driveshaft on BMW R1200GS Adenture

The final reduction in speed and increase in torque occurs in the final drive housing through the use of a small pinion and a large internal gear.

Universal joint Yamaha FJR1300 2004

Small gear and ring gear FJR1300

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I hope that after reading this article, you will be able to make an informed judgment about why a particular final drive design is chosen for a particular motorcycle, as well as evaluate future developments in this area. Now your knowledge includes how the engine, intake and exhaust systems, and transmission work (for those who haven’t read, welcome to our “iron shop”!). Our immediate plans are to tell you all the most interesting things about wheels, tires and braking systems. And we will also definitely talk about why the tread pattern on the wheels is directed in different directions. So stay with us, and be sure to leave comments about the article! All the best!

Honda Shadow

Honda originally developed the Shadow series of motorcycles for the American cruiser market in the early 1980s. Because the Shadow needed to fit seamlessly into the market, Honda designed the bike with the laid-back, relaxed and comfortable demeanor synonymous with vintage American cruisers of the 1950s.

Given that the Shadow is the Rebel's big brother, it gained popularity among fans who craved the American cruiser design but also disliked the smaller pocket versions. As a result, Honda has introduced many versions of the Shadow over the years. These models include: Shadow Aero, Shadow ACE Tourer, Shadow Spirit, Shadow Saber, Shadow VLX, Black Widow, Shadow Slasher and Shadow Phantom.

Yamaha VMAX

The V-Max attracted attention not only with its distinctive styling, but also with its powerful 70-degree V4 engine. After its debut, the V-Max received enough recognition to win Motorcycle of the Year in 1985. Although critics noted the cruiser's soft suspension and fast acceleration.

In 2009, Yamaha officially introduced the VMAX as the successor to the V-Max. The completely redesigned VMAX features a fully adjustable suspension, slipper clutch, anti-lock brakes, electroluminescent readout, Yamaha chip intake, signature key and under-seat fuel tank. Moreover, the motorcycle has an all-aluminum frame with a powerful 1679 cc DOHC V4 engine. cm with liquid cooling used as a stressed element. In its rare 20-plus years of production, the VMAX has amassed a global fan base through clubs and received accolades from numerous motorcycle magazines.

Durability

The long service life of the cardan is due to the strength and generality of the system. A chain or belt, due to its mobility, is weaker than a powerful driveshaft. And one more thing, the cardan unit is sufficiently protected from moisture, even forcing a ford with it is possible, except that when moisture is sucked into the gearbox, you need to change the oil as soon as possible after the water procedures.

There are legends that the cardan dies abruptly and silently, but it only does this to very inattentive motorcyclists. Cardan wear can always be predicted by extraneous sounds, metal chips/shavings when changing the oil, crunching sounds and the condition of the clutch. It is enough to pay attention to the behavior of the motorcycle components to notice the wear of the part.