Which scenario breeds the better rider?

[tached1000rr]

Just trying to facilitate some discussion as always:

Okay these are some "generalizations" so use your own frame of reference to guide you. Which scenario below would you say would result in a more skilled rider?

A) Riding a cruiser say 25,000 miles then going to a sportbike?

B) Riding a sportbike for 25,000 miles then going to a cruiser?

And just for extra credit:

C) Riding a harley for 150 miles and going back to a bike

[101lifts2]

Miles are not really relevant, but how you used the motorcycle. I would say a track rider who commutes on a bike regulary is a more experienced rider overall than only a track rider or only a commuter. BUT...since you put a cruiser first (which most likely never seen a track), I'll say choice B.

[neebelung]

Originally Posted by 101lifts2

Miles are not really relevant, but how you used the motorcycle. I would say a track rider who commutes on a bike regulary is a more experienced rider overall than only a track rider or only a commuter.

Yup. <--- See, I didn't say "this," Kell

Seat time is important, but VARIETY of the types of miles ridden while in the seat is what makes a well rounded rider, IMO.

[Mr Lefty]

Originally Posted by 101lifts2

Miles are not really relevant, but how you used the motorcycle. I would say a track rider who commutes on a bike regulary is a more experienced rider overall than only a track rider or only a commuter. BUT...since you put a cruiser first (which most likely never seen a track), I'll say choice B.

interesting... I'd agree with you but what are we talking about... are we talking about the better STREET rider? or the better RIDER?

I mean riding on the street takes more than just being able to handle your machine well. if someone who rides track day in and out... goes to the street... with no street experience... they're gonna be in for a rude awakening the first time they get into traffic. they're not gonna be watching the right places to give them an advantage (ie watching drivers movements in the car)

I agree as far as handling the bike... a track rider will be better... that's why we go to the track... to eliminate all the other distractions.

back to the original question:

I don't think one will lead to a better rider over the other... the bikes are so different... I mean you can't even say that the cruiser would be more forgiving to learn to ride on... as changing to a sport bike... that throttle is way different...

maybe someone who's swapped back and forth would have better input.

[Homeslice]

Depends how big the cruiser is. If it's some 800-lb monster, the rider will probably spend all that time chicken-footing it around, learning almost nothing.

[derf]

I dunno, there are some folks out there who can throw down on a cruiser

[Homeslice]

Originally Posted by derf

I dunno, there are some folks out there who can throw down on a cruiser

because they started on a dirtbike when they were like 5

in fact that should have been the #1 choice in your survey

[racedoll]

Originally Posted by Homeslice

because they started on a dirtbike when they were like 5

in fact that should have been the #1 choice in your survey

I was going to say dirt bike riders seem to make a pretty good rider overall. But what the hell do I know.

[ericr]

In reality it'll be the guy that is willing to explore the limits of whatever bike he's on and has the skill to use it. Yes a sportbike is more capable but if all the rider does is run fast on the straights and cruise the main drag... There are a lot of sportbike riders out there that can only outrun me on a straight.

I'd agree with Homeslice, the one that started on dirt at 5 and never quit riding

[tached1000rr]

For what it's worth, I intentionally left dirt bikes and riders off. I fall in that category of starting out early as a kid on dirt bikes so I agree with that school of thought.