| What is a metric cruiser? It's a japanese cruiser motorcycle
tricked out like one of the popular chopper / cruiser bikes
you see today. Rather than using the common Harley Davidson
or S&S Motor that most american made customs use, they are
based on models such as the Yamaha V-Star or the Kawasaki
Vulcan.
Why the term "metric"? American stuff, bikes, cars, etc.
typically use "standard" size tools, ie: 1/2", 9/16" while
your nuts and bolts on a Japanese made machine will most
likely be in metric units, ie: size 13, 14. You will hear
others also refer to this as "metric choppers" and "metric
customs". I like "metric cruisers" most because I prefer
the cruiser style bikes more.
Japanese Vs American
I like them both very much so I don't want to play favorites
- but since this IS a metric cruisers site, I'll state
some advantages to going with a metric custom opposed to
an American made model.
1. Price - you can start with a brand new stock Yamaha for
less than $10k. A stock Harley will cost you upwards of $20k
in most cases. You can find used metric bikes for even less.
2. Size - generally speaking most american made customs
are pretty damn big bikes. This industry is growing rapidly
which means lots of new comers that don't necessarily care
for such a large cycle. A metric cruiser offers a lot more
smaller-bike choices.
3. Reliability & Maintenance - Today Harley is making a
pretty darn reliable bike, but nothing compared to most Japanese
bikes. A bike such as American Ironhorse or Big Dog is infamously
unreliable. A metric cruiser offers everyday riding dependability
with a growing number of customization options. Now keep
in mind - with most motors in general - the more radical
you make it, the less dependable it becomes.
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