Trail is the angle between the steering head (Usually the same as the fork tubes) and the vertical. The longer the angle, the more stable the machine, and the harder it is to change direction.

Midway between the Fury and the Stateline-Interstate twins, the Sabre retains the Fury's small front wheel, but reverts to a comfortable sit up position. (Photo: Rob O'Brien)

Trail is the distance between the front tire contact patch and the prolongation to the ground of the steering head axis. When moving, the tire “follows the pivot point, much like a caster wheel at the front of a shopping cart. The longer the trail, the more stable the machine is and the harder it is to make it change direction.

And by the way, you can still get the 2009 VT1300T Tourer model, close to the Interstate but with slightly higher saddle, floorboards rather than pegs, and backrest for the passenger.

Right-sized powertrain
Metric cruisers with late generation 1300cc engines have always struck the right chord with me, as these bikes have more torque and power than the smaller 750, 900 and 1100 models, without the massiveness of the 1600 and larger power cruisers.

Solo rides at any speed / load / distance combination are well within the capabilities of these machines, delivering comfort, and enough power to get you out of trouble. Add good mileage, lower price and operating costs, and they look better and better and better when compared to the larger brethren.

All VT1300 models use the same engine, the water cooled 1300cc V-Twin with fuel injection and three valves per cylinder, producing 57.8hp at a low 4,250 rpm and a healthy 79lb-ft of torque at a surprisingly low 2,250rpm. The single-pin crank produces a sound close to the iconic “patate patate patate” so dear to fans of the large-engined H-D 96 engines. Dual balancers eliminate most of the undesirable vibration that are innate to this layout. The five-speed gearbox and shaft drive complete the drivetrain, always smooth but with enough mechanical presence to let you know that this is a serious machine.

A nice look at the twin exhaust system and the low low, almost slammed look of the Sabre, despite the still generous 102mm of rear suspension travel. (Photo: Bill Petro)