5 Cruiser Motorcycles Made for Long Haul Trips (That Aren’t Boring!)

Most folks have an idea of what a ‘cruiser’ should be—a slow, easy-to-ride bike with lots of chrome and no attitude. But, for those of us who live life on two wheels, that’s not going to cut it. There are plenty of cruisers built to rack up the miles while turning heads, and we’ll talk about a few of them here.

Classics With an Attitude: Harley-Davidson Street Glides, Rockers, and Bagger Hybrids

At the American Motorcycle Trading Co., we’re known for our wide selection of used motorcycles for sale, including Harley models like the Road Glide and the hybrid Rocker. These bagger-derived bikes can be modified, tuned, and upgraded in ways that bring them above ‘cruiser’ level.

While these all-American bikes can be heavy and tricky to maintain, their unmistakable looks and do-it-all abilities make them a great investment. Not only will a Harley-Davidson Road or Street Glide variant carry you across the country, but it also has the aftermarket depth to stay fresh for years to come.

A Refined Roadmaster: The BMW R 18 Transcontinental

If you’re in the market for a classic cruiser that doesn’t sacrifice long-haul ability, the BMW R 18 Transcontinental is worth a second look. This heavyweight lives the touring life, but it’s not an easy chair on wheels—far from it! Based on BMW’s R 18 cruiser, the Transcontinental adds hard luggage storage, cruise control, wind protection, and a passenger backrest, which you need when you have hundreds of miles to cover.

Most riders like the R 18 Transcontinental for its high torque, user-friendly ergonomics, and ample comfort. Its flat-twin engine gets the job done, offering more audiovisual interest than you’d find in most four-cylinder touring machines. It’s heavy, sure, but its center of gravity is low enough to make it easy to ride. If you’re in the 25-60 age group and don’t want to sacrifice style for substance, the Transcontinental should be on your short list.

Great Things Come in Small Packages: The Indian Scout 101

It’s compact, but it’s not lightweight. The Indian Scout 101 packs a 1250cc liquid-cooled V-twin engine, and its notable performance belies its performance DNA. The Scout is great for road trips because it’s modern, stylish, and maneuverable enough to be equally at home on country roads and city streets.

Despite its benefits, the Indian Scout 101 comes with a few trade-offs. You may find yourself stopping for fuel more often, and the seats aren’t as comfortable as those on full baggers. If you value agility and style over highway performance, the Scout is a must-ride.

Where Sportbike and Cruiser Meet: The Ducati XDiavel V4

Ready to kick your next road trip up a few notches? Check out the Ducati XDiavel V4. It’s an artful blend of cruiser comfort and sporty style, and its 1158cc Granturismo engine puts out enough power and torque to do the job quickly. With a foot-forward riding position, a surprisingly forgiving seat (for a Ducati, anyway), wide bars, and all the modern bells and whistles, it’s hard to ignore the XDiavel V4.

Why did we put a Ducati on the list? Because it belongs here! Whether you’re cruising down the highway or tackling twisty roads, the XDiavel has the pace, sound, and swagger you want. While you’ll need to add a luggage rack and a windscreen for more utility and comfort, this Ducati is perfect for younger riders who want a cruiser that might bite back.

A Real Wild Card: Yamaha Hybrid Cruisers

If we were making this list just for fun (and who says we aren’t?) we’d throw in a hybrid cruiser from Yamaha. These high-spec bikes have the best features of tourers and bobbers, and they offer three things young riders look for: reliability, low ownership cost, and serious upgrade potential. With a modern Yamaha cruiser like the FJR1300ES, it’s easy to bolt on new bags, fairings, and other add-ons. Yamaha has shown us that cross-country rigs don’t have to be expensive; sometimes, the simplest option is the best.

A Few Riding Tips for the Road

While choosing the right bike is the start of any great road trip, it’s important to know what to do once you’ve signed on the dotted line. Here, we list a few road-ready tips for seasoned riders.

· Luggage choices matter. Whether you go with racks, saddlebags, or soft bags, choose modular luggage that’s easy to move as needs change.

· Don’t let it blow in the wind. Even the slickest cruiser will tire you out if the wind is blowing in your face all day. As you’re preparing for the road, consider adding a clip-on or adjustable wind deflector if possible.

· Ergonomics are essential. Whether you’re 25 or 55, minor adjustments make all the difference. Changing small details like handlebars, grips, and footpeg position can turn an uncomfortable ride into a smooth and memorable one.

· Keep it cool. Engine heating and cooling can be your best friend or your worst enemy. On summer days, your legs will feel it. Wear adequate riding gear and check airflow over shields and engine parts.

· Expect the unexpected. If you’re going on a cross-country trip, service availability may be rather lacking in some places. Before leaving, pack a toolkit and a few spare parts. You never know when you’ll need them!

· Stop for fuel. Although motorcycles are known for fuel efficiency, cruisers burn a lot of gas. Don’t go all out when the next gas station is 100 miles away; stop more often when you’re in the city.

· Ride at your own pace. Although these machines can reach speeds upwards of 120 miles per hour, that’s not always the best idea. Know your limits, ride at your pace, and follow all applicable laws.

Hopefully, our list of not-so-boring cruisers has been helpful and entertaining. If you want savage performance on long roads, check out the Ducati XDiavel V4—but if classic American style is what you’re after, it’s tough to beat a Harley-Davidson bagger. Check out our online inventory or visit the American Motorcycle Trading Co. showroom to see our selection in person.