Cruisers

What it feels like for a girl

One of the most popular motorcycle cruisers on the market is the Honda Gold Wing. I know this because I dated a guy who loved his dad's Gold Wing.

The Gold Wing cruiser wasn't my first time riding a motorcycle with a guy, but it was my first experience with motorcycle cruisers. It was a much safer experience than my others, but it also might have had a lot to do with the drivers.

Cruisers vs. the Crotch Rocket

The first guy I rode a bike with was in his late teens, and he loved his new crotch rocket. It was probably a Suzuki or a Kawasaki Ninja or something equally flashy. Late one night we cruised around the block in my little hometown. Then he decided to take me out on the highway. He wanted to show me just how fast he could drive his bike, and I proceeded to watch the speedometer race up to over 100 mph. We didn't wear helmets. Bugs hit my face, so I just held on and tucked my face into the back of his neck until it was over.

For anyone who knows the Gold Wing cruisers, they know that the experience is quite a different ride. I didn't wear a helmet with the Gold Wing, either, but I didn't have bugs hitting my face. I had a cushy leather seat, and the cruiser's radio made automatic sound adjustments when we changed speeds.

Showing it off

Cruisers allow you to just sit back and enjoy the ride. My boyfriend took me on his dad's cruiser on long drives along the highways in Southeast Iowa. Iowa scenery, especially the Loess Hills, is stunning, with its hills, lush trees and rows of corn. We'd almost always drive through the state park in the area. Then we'd saunter through his little hometown because I know he liked to show off his girlfriend - and his cruiser.

Gold Wing cruisers are attractive bikes, and this one was in particular. It was painted a sparkling pearl white, and the seats were tan leather. My boyfriend and his dad both loved that bike, and his dad generously let him drive it whenever we stopped to visit. I think I would have enjoyed the experience even more if I'd have been able to drive it myself.

I see Gold Wing cruisers a lot on the road still. Although I don't know much about motorcycle cruisers, I know they provide a comfortable, easygoing, and carefree ride on the road.