Top 5 Harley Davidson

The Top 5 Harley Davidson Alternatives

As promised in the last edition of The Devil’s Steed, this week around The Backdoor brings you the top 5 Harley Davidson alternatives. And while reading this most of you will start to think ‘why oh why hasn’t he added a BMW into this?’ well, as I told a close friend while on the road, having a BMW and talking about it is a bit like saying ‘oh look I got syphilis, the best of the sexually transmitted disease.’

Now getting back to the topic at hand, the top 5 Harley Davidson Alternatives, I’ve got to say there is no real alternative for the beast that is the Harley. There are only compromises for it. But never the less we shall take a pinky dive in to the great world of touring and cruising motorcycles

Although touring bikes are made all over the world, the following Japanese models have always fascinated me just because they take that extra effort to make your ride a bit more exciting and passionate.

The Yamaha Star Roadliner

Labeled as one of the best boulevard cruisers in the world, the Yamaha Star Roadliner gets its bad boy reputation not only for its massive 48 degree V-Twin engine but for its definitive styling method, ride feel and comfort. With its fuel injection and the Exhaust Ultimate Power Valve that churns and chugs the engine, coupled with its 5 Speed gear box the Roadliner sounds the hounds of hell running a rampage through the pearly gates. As one of the heavier bikes, you would think that putting this much power in it would be like putting a cow in a tracksuit. But what you don’t realize is that because of its low center of gravity, this is not a cow in a track suit, but a cow GTI. With its low center of gravity, and its 50/50 weight distribution between the two wheels this monster runs a length of 101.6 in and has a ground clearance of 6.1 in.

The Suzuki GZ250 Marauder

An exceptionally good rider, I would recommend this to anyone who is getting in to riding as it stands between a standard and a cruiser. Unlike the previous behemoth this is a lighter, shorter version. Not suffering any design changes since the inception of the vehicle, this proves the theory that timeless looks don’t need any alterations. With its low weight, the GZ is easy to handle in tight situations and easier to be ridden by a novice rider. And despite having a smaller engine than most of the other bikes in this category, it packs a surprising punch from its 250cc engine. Another advantage of buying this is its price tag. It’s one of the best bargains you can get at a reasonable price of $3,900 – $4,000.

The Honda Shadow

With a range of engines from a 125cc to a whopping 1100cc engine, the Honda Shadow is one of the most successful cruising bikes in the world. With its definitive styling it has captured the harts of riders since the 1980’s. Originally introduced as a replacement for the Rebel, this hyper netter cruiser made it to the big boy’s ring with its legendary 750cc liquid cooled V-Twin. With its definitive history and its great look, the Shadow is money well spent indeed. And if you are looking at delving into one, I highly recommend the 400cc edition; it packs a sweet punch as well as a good weight distribution.

The Honda Steed

The smaller cousin to the above mentioned Shadow, the Honda Steed is a more maneuverable motorcycle with a lot of perks. As somewhat of a smaller, Shadow look-a-like the 400 cc engine has a butt load of power to get you from point A to point B in style. One of the lightest bikes around (203Kg) this has a more simple Carbureted engine. The first impression when you ride this is that it feels like a normal bike, but when you open the taps, it takes you to a totally different world. With its awesome power and its roaring engine, its one of the most impressive bikes I have ridden.

The Yamaha Raider S

Made in the same country as the Harley this models unique styling has defined motorcycle design. A member of the Star family, the first production models went on sale in 1994. Again with a range of engines to choose from 250cc to 1100cc the Raider incorporates the classic V-Twin type engines. With its chrome detailing and its powerful engine and low rpm, it is a beast that should not be underestimated. With its air cooled, over head valve engine, it has a nice feel as you ride along the road to the ends of the earth.