Is a Cruiser Right for You?

Cruiser motorcycles are thought to be the original motorcycle platform and this style of motorcycle gives an old school badass look and people love that aesthetic. There are many motorcycle clubs that have become well known and large because of how popular cruisers are. Being a part of the cruiser riding community is special because everyone shares a common interest in them. However, cruisers are more than just a bike to join a club or “cool” look and you can break down your options depending on what you might be using it for. There are many options out there so you want to make sure you choose the right cruiser for you. Many riders enjoy cruisers because of their leaned back/ relaxed position with your feet forward, which is very different from the hunched over and feet behind you riding position you find on a sport bike. We’ll go over some of the things you should consider when deciding on whether a cruiser motorcycle is for you.

Experience:

The great thing about motorcycle riding is that most types of bikes have some type of entry-level motorcycle available and cruisers are dominant in that category. There are many different CC sizes that you can begin with on a cruiser. So, if you are a beginner and you believe the cruiser life is for you but want to start off a little smaller you have that option. Experienced riders can certainly jump into something with more power right away. Whether you a newbie or long-time rider, a cruiser is a great choice for you.

Yamaha V Star 250
Harley-Davidson® Sportster

Your Budget?

In every category of a motorcycle whether it’s a dirt bike, sport bike, or cruiser you’ll have a wide price range to choose from (for the most part). Cruisers come in all types of different prices making it accessible and affordable to most. Pricing can range from as inexpensive as $4500 all the way up to $20,000+. Typically we start off with a more affordable model but if budget is an issue to important factor to you, just know it is possible without leaving your pockets empty.

Honda® Rebel 300 MSRP $4,499
Harley-Davidson® Fat Boy 114 MSRP $20,599

Commuting?

As we mentioned previously, cruisers have a relaxed seating position. They have mid/forward foot controls, and classic styling. They're almost always powered by twin motors that make lots of low-end power. Depending on which cruiser you decide to go with you will find that cruisers have better gas mileage than other types of motorcycles. Also keep in mind what type of terrain you will be going through. If you do any off-road paths for long distances we might not recommend a cruiser for you. City streets and highways are more ideal for cruisers. So we’d say, yes, if you are a commuter than a cruiser might just be for you!

Suzuki M50 Boulevard 40-41.5 MPG
Indian Motorcycle® Scout Sixtys 43-46.6 MPG

Passenger?

In order to comfortably carry a passenger, you need to make sure of a few things. The first being, do you have the control and confidence to support a total weight that could now exceed 400 lbs. (with luggage sometimes). Also, consider whether your bike has enough power to pull that much weight. You want a spacious seat which gives your passenger enough room to find different positions, the distance between that seat and the passenger pegs. A seat that’s much higher than the rider’s perches pillions perilously high. But, a seat that’s the same height or lower obscures their view. You’ll find a happy middle ground in rear seats that are just a few inches taller. Also, consider the shape of the seat. Here are two cruisers that work well for passengers.

Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic LT
Harley-Davidson® Electra Glide

Long Distance Riding:

If you are a frequent long-distance rider, the best option for you would be a touring motorcycle. However, the second-best option is a cruiser motorcycle. They’re perfect for laid-back long-distance journeys and are usually characterized by relative riding comfort and large size. Also, consider adding a large windscreen so that you are not constantly trying to hold your neck in place then having it be sore later.

Triumph Rocket III
Harley-Davidson®Street Glided

Is a Cruiser Motorcycle Right for You?

If any of these points sound good to you then yes, this might be a good option for you. Cruisers come in different options and if you don’t like the first one you see, make sure to check other ones out. For the most part, cruisers can work for any level of riding experience and come in a variety of sizes. There is many options when it comes to pricing and can be a great bike to ride to work or do whatever you do daily. The best thing to do is throw a leg over a cruiser and see how you feel!

-What Motorcycle is Right for You?

-Finding the Motorcycle that Fits You Best

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