If, like millions of other Americans, you’re in the market for a motorcycle, you’ve probably noticed there are plenty of models to choose from. Each one has its own strengths and downsides, but those aren’t necessarily set in stone. In fact, the benefits and disadvantages of different types of bikes are largely determined by the rider’s preferences and expectations.

 

For those who plan to enjoy a lot of road trips on their bikes, a cruiser may be the best choice. These motorcycles stand out from the rest in several ways. Consider the following points to help you decide if a cruiser motorcycle is the right option for your riding needs. Along the way, we’re here to help make matters even simpler for you. Feel free to browse our selection of pre-owned motorcycles and contact us with any questions you may have.

 

What Are Cruiser Motorcycles?

 

Cruiser motorcycles are built for road trips. Most riders say they’re best suited to medium trips as opposed to long hauls. Still, many cruisers offer all the comfort and performance you need to take off on an extended adventure. They’re equally great for short trips and commuting, though. That means they can be the perfect models for everyday traveling as well as weekend getaways and cross-country rides.

 

Looking at the Distinct Features of Cruisers

 

Many have said that cruisers are essentially the iconic bikes people picture when they think of motorcycles. They’re certainly an American staple and date back as far as the 1930s. Certain distinct features set cruisers apart from their counterparts in terms of looks, comfort, and performance among other aspects.

 

Unique Design

 

Cruisers are different from other models by their very design. They’re built a bit closer to the ground than other types of bikes. That offers a few interesting benefits for riders. For one, less ground clearance changes a bike’s center of gravity, making it easier to handle. Even heavier bikes like cruisers are less challenging to balance and control because they ride low.

 

Comfortable Ride

 

In addition to being built low, cruiser bikes have a stretched-out design. That’s important for several reasons. Because of their build, many of the essential features of these motorcycles are positioned perfectly for comfort.

 

Their foot pegs are positioned somewhat lower and closer to the front of the bike than those of other models. That allows riders to stretch out their legs, so they’re not quite as confined during long rides. It also makes for easier and more convenient shifting and rear braking.

 

Their handlebars are slightly higher as well. That places the front brake lever, throttle, turn signal switches, and other controls at a perfect height for comfort and simplicity. Anyone who has managed a long road trip on certain other types of bikes can tell you that’s a definite plus.

 

Cruiser motorcycles have lower seats as well. No doubt, that further fosters a comfortable ride, especially when combined with the other features of these bikes. It’s also one of the reasons smaller riders are drawn to cruisers. With a lower build and seat height, reaching the ground when you’re at a standstill isn’t quite so difficult.

 

This setup likewise prevents riders from having to lean forward to reach the handlebars. As such, cruisers tend to prevent a great deal of back pain and muscle cramping. All this is a testament to the added comfort of cruisers when compared to many other models.

 

Speed and Performance

 

Cruiser motorcycles don’t provide quite the same speed and acceleration as, say, sport bikes. That’s partially due to their weight and longer wheelbases. Of course, that doesn’t mean they’re lacking where speed is concerned. They offer ample get-up-and-go and can certainly leave behind other motorists on take-off.

 

Power is a strong suit of cruiser bikes as well. They can handle a load and provide plenty of torque. Many are designed to carry both operators and passengers, so they don’t fall short in this regard. At the same time, they can easily bear the extra weight of full saddlebags and even tow small trailers packed with camping gear.

 

Furthermore, the majority of cruisers feature amped-up suspension to help make rides smoother. Bikes with unusually weak or stiff suspension and those with frame-mounted rear axles make for much rougher rides. Most cruisers, on the other hand, are designed to absorb much of the impact of rough roads. Keep in mind, there are some exceptions to this rule.

 

Versatility and Customization

 

On top of all that, cruiser motorcycles are incredibly diverse. Several bikes fall into this category, each of which has its own set of distinguishing features. Some have windscreens to help deflect bugs, dirt, and flying debris. Those windscreens are typically removable, though, to suit people who prefer to ride without them.

 

New models can also be equipped with advanced features, like GPS and operator assist. Some safety features have become standard equipment whereas others are optional. Additionally, some motorcycle safety solutions come into play well after the purchase, and they meld well with any equipment a bike may already have in place.

 

Cruisers are likewise extremely customizable. Riders can alter them in numerous ways to suit their own styles and tastes. From changing out the wheels, tires, and suspension to having a gel-padded seat installed for added comfort, there’s virtually no end to the personalization options available for cruiser motorcycles. You can swap out the factory mirrors for larger ones or install LED lights for greater visibility to name a few of the extra possibilities in both manufacturer and aftermarket versions.

 

What are The Disadvantages of Cruiser Bikes?

 

Cruiser motorcycles offer a long list of benefits, not the least of which are greater comfort, abundant speed, and satisfying performance. They’re equally excellent for long hauls and short trips. They’re also a nice option for smaller riders and newcomers to the world of motorcycles. Having said all that, they have a few disadvantages.

 

Not Comfortable for Everyone

 

Despite all their comfort-oriented features, some riders insist that cruiser bikes just aren’t the best options for extremely long trips because of their vibration, weight, and certain other aspects. If, after taking a few cruisers for test drives, they don’t feel as smooth and comfortable as you’d like, a touring model may be a better solution.

 

Others say cruisers aren’t completely suitable for city riding because they’re not quite as nimble as sport and street bikes. Again, taking various cruisers for test drives is advised. If you’re more interested in a bike for commuting and running errands, a street bike or sport model might suit you better.

 

Slight Sluggishness

 

Cruiser motorcycles don’t necessarily live up to all riders’ performance standards. Many find them to be too slow on the take-off. Some say their weight and design detract from their performance when compared to other types of bikes.

 

Of course, opinions vary greatly in this department. Quite a few people find their speed, acceleration, and performance to be perfectly acceptable. It’s only fair to point out that many cruisers surpass other models in terms of performance and speed.

 

Not Designed for Off-Roading

 

Cruisers aren’t right for off-roading, either. They’re meant for paved roads. Because of their low ground clearance, weight, and other design features, they just don’t perform well off of the beaten path. If you’d like to take your journeys off-road, an adventure bike may be more to your liking. Cruisers can certainly take you to an endless list of destinations, though, whether you’re traveling across the country or through winding mountain roads.

 

Heaviness

 

Weight is largely considered a positive trait of cruiser bikes. Still, some beginners and smaller riders find the extra bulk difficult to manage. After all, if you can’t sit on a bike and balance it comfortably, it’s not going to be enjoyable to ride. Riding a motorcycle you can’t handle isn’t exactly safe, either. Remember, though, cruisers can range from 400 to 1,000 pounds or more. If one model is too much to handle, finding the right bike may be as simple as downsizing.

 

Bottom Line on Cruisers

 

In truth, all those factors are largely a matter of personal preference. At the same time, if you find a cruiser that seems almost perfect, chances are you can take advantage of all the available customization options to give it the extra features it seems to be lacking. Keep in mind all the points we’ve covered here to help you decide if a cruiser is the bike for you. From there, take a look at the many models on the market to further narrow down the search.

 

Exploring Some of the Most Popular Cruiser Bikes

 

Cruiser bikes are classics. They have a clean, beefy appearance, and many models feature plenty of chrome to round out their looks. They’re sure to turn heads and make hearts pound. Some cruisers stand out even in their own crowd, though. Take a look at some of the most popular cruisers to have graced the market.

 

Harley-Davidson

 

Harley-Davidson unveiled its Road Glide lineup in 1998. Suffice it to say, it was an immediate hit. In true cruiser fashion, it offers impressive performance, plenty of cargo space, and all the comfort you need for a road trip. While its shark-nose fairing and other design features make it a sight to behold and a pleasure to ride, Harley-Davidson offers numerous add-ons and upgrades to further beef up its appearance and other features.

 

Another popular member of the Harley-Davidson cruiser family is the Low Rider S. Its newest models feature heightened power and suspension for a highly enjoyable experience. Past models certainly aren’t disappointing, either. The V-twin, Softail Fat Boy; the Heritage Classic; and the Softail Slim are just a few of the other cruisers this renowned manufacturer has to offer.

 

Yamaha V-Star

 

Covering popular cruiser motorcycles without mentioning Yamaha’s V-Star line would be like forgetting to include Harley-Davidson in the mix. V-Stars come in numerous forms ranging from the highly affordable 250 to the 1300 Deluxe and beyond. Each model has its own unique bragging points. All offer classic cruiser appearances and the rumble riders are looking for along with other benefits.

 

Indian Cruisers

 

Indian is a highly recognizable name in American motorcycles, and this manufacturer has gained more than its fair share of acclaim over the years. The Scout is one of its more well-known cruisers with the Bobber Sixty being one of the smaller and more affordable models in this lineup. It’s also among the lighter models. Of course, the Challenger with its power and storage space is worth noting as well. The Chief Dark Horse can’t be overlooked, either.

 

Triumph Cruisers

 

Triumph is likewise known for style and performance with a line of cruisers to suit those with discerning tastes. As far as cruisers go, the Rocket is one of its most popular options. The Bonneville Bobber and Street Twin also deserve honorable mention as crowd-pleasing models. Triumph cruisers fall on the pricier end of the spectrum, but they tend to have the features to back up the cost.

 

BMW R18

 

Another exciting cruiser on the market is the BMW R18. BMW gave this bike a classic cruiser design and matching features while also equipping it with a new rendition of the company’s boxer engine that dates back almost a century. A long list of customization options is available with the R18 from the paint color to the sound exploding from the exhaust.

 

Honda Shadow

 

Honda’s Shadow is a highly touted cruiser as well. With several iterations having been released over the years, there are plenty of Shadows to choose from. The Shadow 750 gets a great deal of attention because of its relatively light weight. It’s also said to be pretty spry for a cruiser. It has been deemed a great beginner bike, too.

 

Finding the Perfect Cruiser Bike for Your Adventures

 

If you’re in the market for a motorcycle, countless options are at your disposal. You could spend months sorting through different models without ever reaching the end of the list. Cruisers offer a range of features that make them perfect for beginners and veterans alike. Generally speaking, they’re suitable for both long trips and everyday rides. Models are also available to meet almost everyone’s needs and expectations.

 

While cruiser motorcycles aren’t the right choices for off-roading and don’t ride as smoothly as everyone would like, they’re definitely geared toward comfort. They offer plenty of style and performance as well. We have a sizable selection of cruisers on hand, and we’re here to help you find the perfect one to bring your upcoming adventures to life.