Do standard bikes handle as well as sport bikes?

[Joe Jones]

Or at least close to it? I have a 750cc cruiser and just want better handling. I'm thinking about getting an fz1. Also, are they high maintenance?

 

[Candid Chris]

Handling depends a lot on the handler but for the most part sport-bikes handle quicker because they need to for faster speeds.
If you own a cruiser you should cruise, if you own a sport-bike cruising is not what you have in mind but if you own a standard you get a taste of both, so as long as that taste is satisfying ......

 

[The One]

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its like comparing a honda civic to an masaritte totaly different animals.
You can do some things to your 750 to make it handle better tho.
tires . Suppension .handle bars etc.

 

[Zoe R]

Sport bikes are lighter than standards, often have more power and better suspension. In real world riding, the difference is negligible, but on the track they are definitely superior. If you ride within the law, a standard like the FZ1 will handle any road just as well as any sportbike, and be a lot more comfortable in the meantime.

The maintenance for a standard will be no worse than a cruiser, with the possible need for periodic valve adjustments and chain maintenance, that a cruiser may not have. Not enough to matter, in my opinion.