matty
Border raider.
The good thing about a smaller bike regardless of type (Road trail classic retro or custom/ cruiser ) is they are lighter than bigger bikes in basic form at any rate. We is a killer off road if the riding gets technical.
There are some bi g 1200cc bikes that are suprisingly good off road and perform very well, but the physical mass is still there and even with modern rider modes and settings when the chips are down you are on a heavy monster that needs lugging about to clear it from a spot or get it off the floor.
A big off roader that imo performed awesome for a big bike it was a surprise for me being a retro twin shocker etc, the Triumph 1200 scrambler. power was good torque and even the suspension worked great, but the weight in the end was still there dispute the design and tech.
When you are starting with a lighter bike say a 650/ 700 trail bike or a smaller twin you are starting with a basic lightweight platform you can fit out or set up how you want and even loose weight if you are diligent. Weight is the thing i like to shead on any bike, and get the weight down on a bike with less power than its bigger fat friend and your power to weight ratio will often match or exceed it, and be nimble in the technical bits. If you are addicted to power and suffer from huliganisum just buy an old sports bike fireblade zx10 or even a 750, and strip it stark naked bang it on a diet clamps and bars and bobs your uncle you got a real toy that will comfy user friendly in tight of mildly rough stuff and not break the bank. Been doing this for decades, a sports bike to me is only of any value to me as what it will be like as a fighter. YOMV
There are some bi g 1200cc bikes that are suprisingly good off road and perform very well, but the physical mass is still there and even with modern rider modes and settings when the chips are down you are on a heavy monster that needs lugging about to clear it from a spot or get it off the floor.
A big off roader that imo performed awesome for a big bike it was a surprise for me being a retro twin shocker etc, the Triumph 1200 scrambler. power was good torque and even the suspension worked great, but the weight in the end was still there dispute the design and tech.
When you are starting with a lighter bike say a 650/ 700 trail bike or a smaller twin you are starting with a basic lightweight platform you can fit out or set up how you want and even loose weight if you are diligent. Weight is the thing i like to shead on any bike, and get the weight down on a bike with less power than its bigger fat friend and your power to weight ratio will often match or exceed it, and be nimble in the technical bits. If you are addicted to power and suffer from huliganisum just buy an old sports bike fireblade zx10 or even a 750, and strip it stark naked bang it on a diet clamps and bars and bobs your uncle you got a real toy that will comfy user friendly in tight of mildly rough stuff and not break the bank. Been doing this for decades, a sports bike to me is only of any value to me as what it will be like as a fighter. YOMV
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