FOR KIM WOODS

Classic Cruisers in Australia (Medium-capacity)

A Buyer’s point of view

By

Pill Yen Ryder Moreton Institute of TAFE

Student Number: 84040810 Unit: MCS599 – Transportation Purchasing

Course: MCS50101 – Diploma of Transportation Management

Submitted to

Dr Ian Nicholson Monday, 1 May 2002

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Letter of transmittal 1030 Cavendish Road MT GRAVATT 4122 1 May 2002 Dr Nicholson Principal Teacher Mt Gravatt Campus Moreton Institute of TAFE MT GRAVATT QLD 4122 Dear Dr Nicholson Here is the report you requested as a component for assessment in the unit MCS599 – Transportation Purchasing. This report determines the availability for general sale in Australia in 2002 of medium- capacity classic cruiser motorcycles, and the differences amongst them. Please contact me if you have any questions regarding this report. Yours sincerely Pill Yen Rider

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Executive summary The aim of this report was to find out the availability for general sale in Australia in 2002 of medium-capacity classic cruiser motorcycles, and the differences amongst them. It was authorised by Dr Ian Nicholson of Moreton Institute of TAFE for assessment in the Unit MCS599, in the Course MCS50101. Data was collected by searching the Internet to establish which Manufacturers are selling medium-capacity classic cruiser motorcycles in Australia, then by searching the Internet for locate data for each of those models. A table of data was established and the data were then compared. Results of this analysis were then discussed and recommendations arose from this. This report looked only at the technical specification for medium-capacity classic cruiser motorcycles. It did not consider road tests, prices, or manufacturers warranties. Acknowledgements are due to M. Cycle of Biker’s Heaven Motorcycle Sales for general assistance in determining motorcycle brands in Australia. The report explains Classic Cruiser motorcycles and defines medium-capacity motorcycles as those with an engine capacity from 650cm3 to 900cm3. It explains that Cruisers may use either air or liquid engine cooling, and that they may use chain, belt, or shaft drives. The reports finds that only three manufacturers sell classic cruiser motorcycles of medium- capacity in Australia, and that each of these manufacturers has only one model of Classic Cruiser motorcycle in that capacity range. The report concludes that in the Classic cruiser medium-capacity range of motorcycles in Australia: The Yamaha XVS650A Classic is: q The only choice for an air-cooled, shaft-drive model. q The model with possibly the slowest acceleration. The Suzuki VL800 Volusia is: q The only choice for a liquid-cooled, shaft-drive model. q The model with possibly the best ride characteristics. The Kawasaki VN800 Classic is: q The only choice for a liquid-cooled, chain-drive model. q The model possibly in need of more maintenance. q The model with possibly the worst ride characteristics. This report recommends that the prospective purchaser road tests each of the three models to determine the suitability for intended purpose.

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Table of contents Letter of transmittal i Executive summary ii Introduction 1

Aim 1 Authorisation 1 Methods Used 1 Sources 1 Scope 1 Acknowledgements 1 Background 1

Cruiser motorcycles 1 Classic cruiser motorcycles 2

Findings 3 Models by manufacturer 3 Technical specifications 3

Analysis 3 Discussion 4 Conclusion 4 Recommendations 4 Bibliography 5 Appendix 1 – photographs 6

Kawasaki VN800 Classic 6 Suzuki VL800 Volusia 6 Yamaha VXS650A Classic 6

Appendix 2 - Table of technical specifications 7

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Introduction

Aim The aim of this report is to find out what classic cruiser motorcycles of medium-capacity are available for general sale in Australia in 2002, and the differences amongst them.

Authorisation This report was authorised by Dr Ian Nicholson of Moreton Institute of TAFE for assessment in the Unit MCS599, in the Course MCS50101.

Methods Used Data was collected by searching the Internet to establish which Manufacturers are selling medium-capacity classic cruiser motorcycles in Australia, then by searching the Internet for locate data for each of those models. A table of data was established and the data were then compared. Results of this analysis are then discussed and recommendations arose from this.

Sources The only sources used are those listed in the Bibliography.

Scope This report looks only at the technical specification for medium-capacity classic cruiser motorcycles. The report does not consider road tests, prices, or manufacturers warranties.

Acknowledgements This report acknowledges the work done by M. Cycle of Biker’s Heaven Motorcycle Sales for generally assisting in determining motorcycle brands in Australia.

Background

Cruiser motorcycles

The first motorcycles ever were Cruisers. That is because they were so heavy and slow that could manage was only a stately cruise, not much faster than the motorcar of the day. Cruisers are lower than standard motorcycles, when comparing ride-height. The rider sits on a standard motorcycle, while the rider reclines more on a Cruiser. (Black Echo, n.d.) Most Cruisers are powered by longitudinal V-twins, and have no ‘rush’ to them. Instead, they trade performance for a broad powerband and loads of smooth torque. Cruisers usually have comfortable high-rise handlebars, laid-back seating positions, lots of chrome, and stylish paint. Saddles on cruisers are closer to the ground, from 61 to 74cm, depending on the model. That means the rider’s feet can reach the road more easily. Riders with shorter legs have an easier time walking these motorcycles and handling them when stopped. If a passenger is catered for, the passenger’s saddle is higher than that of the rider.

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Foot pegs are positioned to allow the rider to sit in a chair-sitting posture. (Suzuki Kawasaki of Gastonia Community, n.d.) Cruisers range in size from 250cm to the largest engines found on motorcycles. For the purpose of this report, medium-capacity motorcycles have an engine capacity from 650cm3 to 900cm3. Cruisers vary in mass from lightweight 140kg models to behemoths at almost 400kg.

Cruisers may use either air or liquid engine cooling. Cruisers may use any of the three drive train methods – chain, belt, or shaft. q Chain drive transfers power more quickly and efficiently, but requires more maintenance.

Some chain drives have reduced maintenance due to using ‘O’-ring chains. The rider may need to adjust chain tension on a regular basis.

q Belt drive is similar to chain drive and is found mostly on Harley Davidson motorcycles. q Shaft drive is usually enclosed, so there is less maintenance, as the rider only needs to

change the oil in the drive unit. Typically, shaft drives works well for cruisers with larger capacity engines because the bigger engine more than makes up for the little bit of power lost in transfer through the shaft.

Classic cruiser motorcycles

Classic cruiser motorcycles have deep-valanced rear mudguards, and front ones as illustrated by the front wheel on the right of the diagram. In standard configuration, they do not have windscreens nor do they have fairings.

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Findings The findings include models by manufacturer and technical specifications for each model.

Models by manufacturer

Only three manufacturers sell medium-capacity classic cruiser motorcycles in Australia. Each manufacturer sells only one model within the specified range. These motorcycles (see Appendix 1 for photographs) are: q Kawasaki - model VN800 Classic q Suzuki – model VL800 Volusia q Yamaha – model VXS650A Classic. While there are many other motorcycle manufacturers represented in the Australian market, such as those listed below, they do not market models within the specified range. q Bimota q BMW q Cagiva q Enfield q Harley-Davidson q Honda q Moto Guzzi q Triumph.

Technical specifications

Technical specifications for each model were then collected and collated into a table. This table is displayed in Appendix 2.

Analysis The data (in the table in Appendix 2) shows that in most of the specifications, all three motorcycles are similar. All have 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, SOHC, 4-valve per cylinder, longitudinal V-twin engines. The dry mass of each motorcycle is within 4kg of each other. All have a 16” front tyre. Two have a 15” rear tyre while one has a 16” rear tyre. Width and height are variables (dictated by handle-bars, and rear-vision mirrors), and therefore differences here are of no significance. All seat heights are within 10mm of each other. All have a similar fuel capacity being within 1 litre of each other. All motorcycles have a single disc brake at the front and a drum brake at the rear. All come standard with wire-spoked wheels. The differences however, are in: q Engine capacity, with the Kawasaki and the Suzuki being the same (but with different

bore and stroke) while the Yamaha has 18% less. q Cooling systems, with the Kawasaki and the Suzuki being liquid-cooled while the

Yamaha is air-cooled. q Drive-type, with the Suzuki and the Yamaha having shaft-drive (the Yamaha being

“open”) while the Kawasaki has chain drive.

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q Wheelbase, with the Kawasaki having the shortest at 1600mm while the Suzuki has the longest at 1645mm.

q Length, with the Kawasaki being the shortest at 2390mm while the Suzuki is the longest at 2495mm.

Discussion Taking into consideration that all motorcycles have almost identical dry mass, the differences in wheelbase and length could lead to an expectation that the Kawasaki might have a slightly “choppier” ride and the Suzuki having the “softest” ride. The Yamaha, while being “in the middle” in terms of dry mass and wheelbase and length, has an 18% disadvantage in engine capacity, therefore it would be reasonable to expect that this model may lack the acceleration of the other two. It would be reasonable to expect that the Kawasaki would need slightly more maintenance as it has chain drive. The only way that a prospective purchaser could fully evaluate these three models would be to road test each.

Conclusion In the Classic cruiser medium-capacity range of motorcycles: The Yamaha XVS650A Classic is: q The only choice for an air-cooled, shaft-drive model. q The model with possibly the slowest acceleration. The Suzuki VL800 Volusia is: q The only choice for a liquid-cooled, shaft-drive model. q The model with possibly the best ride characteristics. The Kawasaki VN800 Classic is: q The only choice for a liquid-cooled, chain-drive model. q The model possibly in need of more maintenance. q The model with possibly the worst ride characteristics.

Recommendations This report recommends that the prospective purchaser road tests each of the three models to determine the suitability for intended purpose.

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Bibliography Black Echo, n.d., “A Highly Opinionated Discussion of the Various Types of Motorcycles”,

[online]. Available from: www.goingfaster.com/shadow/soapbox.html [30 April 2002] Knott, M, 2002, Motorcycle Specifications Compendium, Unadmitted Press, Somewhereville. Ratner, B, 2000, “2000 Kawasaki Drifter 800 - How to buy an Indian and save $22,000”,

[online]. Available from: www.motorcycle.com/Motorcycle Online 2000 Kawasaki Drifter 800.htm [30 April 2002]

Suzuki Kawasaki of Gastonia Community, n.d., “GUIDE TO BUYING A motorcycle”,

[online]. Available from: www.SKGastonia.com/ GUIDE TO BUYING A motorcycle - Suzuki Kawasaki of Gastonia Community.htm [30 April 2002]

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Appendix 1 – photographs

Kawasaki VN800 Classic

Suzuki VL800 Volusia

Yamaha VXS650A Classic

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Appendix 2 - Table of technical specifications

Manufacturer Kawasaki Suzuki Yamaha Model VN800 Classic VL800 Volusia XVS650A Classic

Engine Type 4-stroke, SOHC, longitudinal V-twin

4-stroke SOHC 45° longitudinal V -twin

4-stroke, SOHC, longitudinal V -twin

Engine Capacity 805cm3 805cm3 649cm3 Cylinders 2 2 2

Bore x Stroke 88.0mm x 66.2mm 83.0mm x 74.4mm 81.0mm x 63.0mm Valves/cylinder 4 4 4 Compression 9.5:1 10.0:1 9.0:1

Cooling system Liquid-cooled Liquid-cooled Air-cooled Fuel System Carburettor Carburettor Carburettor x 2

Transmission 5-speed 5-speed 5-speed Drive type Chain Shaft Shaft

Length 2390mm 2495mm 2450mm Width 940mm 995mm 930mm Height 1125mm 1110mm 1105mm

Seat height 700mm 700mm 710mm Dry Mass 235kg 239kg 235kg Wheelbase 1600mm 1645mm 1625mm

Fuel capacity - litres 15 16 16 Front brake type Single disc Single disc Single disc Rear brake type Drum Drum Drum

Wheel type Front Wire spoke Wire spoke Wire spoke Wheel type Rear Wire spoke Wire spoke Wire spoke Tyre size Front 16” 16” 16” Tyre size Rear 16” 15” 15”