Best Motorcycles for Big and Heavy Guys

1. Introduction:

Every year, motorcycle manufacturing companies make different motorcycles for different types of riders. Most young people like sports bikes, while people above 30 years old go for touring, adventure, or cruiser bikes . One type of bike may not be suitable for every kind of rider. That is why companies make different variants of a single model specific to different types of riders which include heavyweight riders, young riders, tall riders, etc.

A common problem that is faced by fat guys is that it is difficult to pick the right bike that fulfills their needs and falls in their preferred category. The majority of the fat guys prefer cruisers and touring motorcycles because they are very comfortable, especially for long rides and their speed is easier to control as compared to sports motorcycles and naked motorcycles.

This list is categorized by the different bike classes, like touring bikes, cruisers, sports bikes, and bagger bikes. Each category includes the best bikes according to their price, performance, and overall experience.

2. Touring Bikes:

Touring bikes are heavyweight bikes that have extra space for luggage and are suitable for longer rides. Touring bikes are typically able to carry two persons over long distances. The riding experience is extra comfortable so that the rider doesn’t become fatigued during long rides. They are fitted with larger engines which allow for higher power output. The only downside of touring bikes is that they are difficult to ride in the city. Due to the heavy weight and large size of touring bikes, they are sometimes difficult to handle.

Here is a list of the best touring bikes for big guys:

2.1 BMW R1200 RT

BMW is a German company that manufactures automobiles and was founded in 1916. BMW has a history of manufacturing airplane engines, cars, and motorbikes. BMW Motorrad is a branch of BMW that specifically manufactures motorcycles. BMW Motorrad is famous for its touring, Sports, and adventure motorcycles.

The BMW R1200 RT is a sports-touring bike. It was first launched in 2005 and remained in production till 2019. It has a powerful 1,170 cc displacement engine that can deliver a maximum horsepower of 109 hp and a maximum torque of 120 Nm . This bike has an estimated carrying capacity of 225 kg (496 lbs).

This bike was also awarded as the “Best Tourer” twice in a row by the U.K. newspaper Motorcycle News in 2005 and 2006. Even in 2014 and 2015, the BMW R1200 RT was awarded as “ Best Touring Bike ” by Motorcyclist. This bike is still available at a price of $18,395 .

BMW R1200 RT

Photo Credit: @webbikeworld.com

Although BMW R1200RT has a powerful engine it possesses a very smooth and comfortable ride. Even for a bumpy road, BMW R1200RT provides excellent suspensions. Therefore for fat and heavy-weight guys, BMW R1200RT is a very good option to pick. However, it can be difficult to ride within the city just because of short corner turns. Otherwise, it is a complete packet for fat guys.

2.2 Honda Goldwing:

Honda is a Japanese automobile company that was founded in 1946 . Honda specializes in making both cars and motorbikes. Honda is currently the world’s fourth largest vehicle manufacturing company and sells vehicles in about 150 countries . Honda launched its first motorcycle in 1949 . Currently, in the motorcycle market, Honda is manufacturing its bike in all categories like adventure, cruiser, sports, and touring.

The Honda Goldwing was the first touring bike made by Honda. The Honda Goldwing’s first model was launched in 1975 . The Honda Gold Wing series has appeared 18 times in the Ten Best Bikes of Cycle World list. This bike has a 1,833 cc displacement engine which can produce a horsepower of 125 hp and a maximum torque of 170 Nm .

The throttle feels smooth and delivers a high-power output when you twist it. The bike weighs around 357 kg (787 lbs). Due to its large size, it may feel difficult to drive this vehicle in the city. It has a carrying capacity of 423 lbs (192 kg) . The Honda Goldwing costs $25,300.

With such a weight and engine power, Honda Goldwing still provides all comfort an overweight rider could ask for. The handling feels very smooth, the suspensions are really comfortable, and even at taking turns, the suspension does not over-suppress which result provides a very relaxing experience for the big guys.

Honda Goldwing

Photo Credit: @wilsonpowersports.com

2.3 Harley Davidson Freewheeler:

Harley Davidson is one of the oldest American motorcycle companies in the world. This company has made many remarkable motorcycles over the years. Harley Davidson grew in fame after the 1950s thanks to publicity in movies and their bikes being showcased by celebrities.

The Harley Davidson Freewheeler is a three-wheeled motorcycle. This bike has a powerful 1,690 cc engine which can deliver a maximum torque of 159 Nm . This bike weighs around 492 kg (1,084 lbs) . Because of its huge length and width, it is difficult to turn corners while riding within the city. The Harley Davidson Freewheeler costs around $28,499 .

A heavyweight rider will feel really comfortable riding a freewheeler because of the larger seating area and soft suspension. As this bike has two rear wheels and very good ground clearance therefore even two heavyweight guys can easily enjoy their ride on this motorcycle.

Harley Davidson Freewheeler

Photo Credit: @harley-davidson.cn

2.4 Victory Vision:

Victory is an American motorcycle company founded in 1999 and continued producing bikes till 2017. Polaris Industries was Victory’s parent company. The victory was founded to compete with the other American motorcycle companies like Harley-Davidson, Indian Motorcycle , etc. Manufacturers of Victory motorcycles put in a lot of effort to make their bikes in terms of design, performance, and engine.

The Victory Vision was introduced in 2007 . it had two variants: the street bike and the tourer. The tourer variant had a hard trunk with full fairing and hard saddlebags . Victory Vision performed very well when compared to its competitors, the Honda Goldwing and the Indian Roadmaster . One interesting fact about the Victory Vision is that this bike cannot be laid down on the ground because of its large floorboards.

The Victory Vision has a massive 1,740 cc V-Twin engine which can deliver a horsepower of 92 hp and a maximum torque of 148 Nm . The bike weighs around 407 kg (896 lbs) . It has almost the same features as its competitors but the main selling point of the bike was its low price of $21,099, much is much lower compared to the prices of both the Honda Goldwing and the Indian Roadmaster .

Victory Vision provides almost the same comfortable riding experience to the fat guys as like the Honda Goldwing. Except at a cheaper price, this motorcycle not only provides a comfortable ride but also gives a very entertaining time with its great speaker system. For a fat guy who wants an entertaining and relaxing ride at a reasonable price then Victory Vision is a very good option to go for.

Victory Vision

Photo Credit: @motorcyclespecs.co.za

2.5 Indian Roadmaster:

Indian Motorcycle is the second oldest American motorcycle company. Indian Motorcycle’s bikes were used in WWI and WWII and kept on making motorcycles after the war ended. In 2011, the Indian Motorcycle was acquired by Polaris. From then on, the Indian Motorcycle made one of the most remarkable motorcycles in the world with traditional designs and modern technology.

The Indian Roadmaster was introduced in 2014 and remains in production. The Indian Roadmaster is similar to the earlier Indian Chieftain, but with some changes like an extra trunk, heated seats and grips, passenger floorboards, rear crash bars , and LED headlights.

The Indian Roadmaster has a powerful 1890 cc Thunderstroke 116 engine which can generate a maximum torque of 171 Nm . The Indian Roadmaster weighs 412 kg (1,635 lbs), making it very difficult to pick up. This bike cost around $30,499.

Indian Roadmaster does cost more than all the touring bikes but it has all the features that should be in a touring bike but even in better form. This motorcycle feels more comfortable for fat guys because of its soft leather seating, large displacement of suspensions, and very good ground clearance. Even if two fat guys are riding on it it will provide the same performance as it provides to a single rider.

3. Cruiser Bikes:

Cruisers are comparatively lighter than touring bikes due to not being fitted with an extra trunk on the back. The seat height of cruisers is kept low. Some cruisers that will be discussed below can provide a good riding experience both on urban and open roads. However, people prefer cruisers because of the following reasons:

Less weight means it is easier to handle bikes even when riding in the city.
Less bulky look than touring bikes.

Here is a list of the best cruisers for big guys:

3.1 Honda Rebel 500:

The Honda Rebel 500 was released in 2017 and is still in production. The Honda Rebel 500 ’s design is very simple and neat while still looking elegant. The Honda Rebel 500 has a liquid-cooled 471 cc engine which generates a horsepower of 50 hp and a maximum torque of 45 Nm.

The Honda Rebel 500 weighs around 190 kg (420 lbs) . It does not have any special kind of features like digital indicators or a pressure monitoring system, but it does include a digital speedometer. The seat height is low so even average and shorter riders can easily operate it. Because of the Honda Rebel 500’s size, it is easy to handle when traveling through the city and is able to turn tight corners. The Honda Rebel 500 costs $6,399 .

For mid-size big guys, this Rebel 500 is a very good bike. Although, it lacks very features compared to its other competitors in terms of riding. This motorcycle is very easy to handle for a big guy in terms of speed as well as overall handling. If a fat guy wants a reasonable cruiser motorcycle that will make its riding experience smooth then Rebel 500 is a good option.

3.2 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 classic:

Kawasaki is a Japanese motorcycle-making company that is world famous for creating a bike that has set a world record of covering 400 km/h in 26 seconds . Kawasaki is not only famous because of its sports bikes, but for manufacturing powerful bikes in other categories as well.

The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 classic is a mid-sized cruiser bike introduced in 2006. The classic Kawasaki Vulcan 900 has a 903 cc liquid-cooled four-stroke engine, which can deliver a horsepower of 50 hp and maximum torque of 79 Nm . This bike weighs around 619.6 lbs (281 kg) . If a person is interested in riding a bike that can carry a heavy load easily and feels comfortable for longer, then the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 is a good investment at the cost of $8,499 .

The rider might be a heavyweight guy or mid-size, this motorcycle is a complete pack not for one but for two riders. Kawasaki official launched this with a seating capacity of two persons which means even two heavyweight guys riding on this motorcycle will enjoy the ride with great suspension and comfortable seats.

Kawasaki Vulcan 900 classic

Photo Credit: @cameroncycle.ca

3.3 Harley Davidson Sportster:

The Harley Davidson Sportster is one of the best-selling Harley-Davidson bikes ever. The first Harley Davidson Sportster was launched in 1957 and is still in production. This bike has a 1252 cc V-Rod water-cooled engine, one of the most powerful engines among cruisers. This engine can generate a horsepower of 121 hp .

The Harley Davidson Sportster weighs around 228 kg , making it easy to handle when traveling in the city. The new Harley Davidson Sportster models have cruise control, navigation, a TFT display screen, and adjustable performance suspension. This bike costs $14,999.

Harley Davidson Sportster does cost more than all the cruiser motorcycles on the list but the speed and power this motorcycle can provide to one heavyweight guy have not matched all the cruiser motorcycles. Sportster has its handlebars at a very easy position even fat guys will feel easy handling this motorcycle. Not only in handling but this motorcycle also provide great power and can also be easily controlled by heavyweight riders. This is a good option for a fat guy who is not so tall.

Harley Davidson Sportster

Photo Credit: @harley-davidson.com

3.4 Indian Scout Sixty:

Indian Motorcycle is not only famous for its touring bikes but it is also one of the first motorcycle companies to have made cruiser bikes.

The Indian Scout Sixty is a variant of the Indian Scout, first launched in 2016 with a 61 cu (980-cc) V-twin liquid-cooled engine, capable of delivering a horsepower of 78 hp and a maximum torque of 88 Nm . The Indian Scout Sixty has a five-speed manual transmission, a maximum weight of 546 lbs (248 kg) , and a carrying capacity of 988 lbs (449 kg) . The Indian Scout Sixty costs $12,649 .

Scout Sixty provides very much the same riding experience to the fat guys as the Sportster except this bike has a larger length which means it is a good cruiser motorcycle for a heavyweight tall rider. Tall heavyweight guys would need a motorcycle that does not have a lower handlebar so that the motorcycle is easier to handle and the body will also be in a relaxing position.

Indian Scout Sixty

Photo Credit: @cycleworld.com

3.5 Ducati Diavel:

Ducati is an Italian motorcycle company founded in 1926 . Ducati is famous for its fast and awesome-looking sports bikes.

The Ducati Diavel is the second cruiser bike ever made by Ducati . The Ducati Diavel was launched in 2010 and it is still in production. The Ducati Diavel is the most modern-looking cruiser. It has a 1,198 cc liquid-cooled L-twin engine which can deliver a torque of 130 Nm . The Ducati Diavel has two variants with different engine capacities. Despite not being a mid-speed cruiser, it can reach a top speed of 169 mph (272 km/h) . The Ducati Diavel has a maximum carrying capacity of 882 lb (400 kg). The Ducati Diavel has a base price of $20,995 .

If a heavyweight guy wants a cruiser motorcycle that is stylish, easy to handle, has good easily controllable speed, and great suspension with a great sound. Then Ducati Diavel is the best option. This motorcycle is the best option for one heavyweight rider and it is expensive as well but it has all the latest features in it that the other Ducati’s sports bikes have like cruise control, riding modes, electric ignition, ABS, adjustable shocks, quick-shifter, etc.

Ducati Diavel

Photo Credit: @bikewale.com

4. Sports Bikes:

The sports bike category is the most beloved category among riders nowadays. The majority of sports bikes are not built to carry a heavy load. Therefore, big and overweight guys might have difficulty choosing a sports bike suited for their needs. Here is a list of the best sports bikes for big guys:

4.1 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R:

Kawasaki made the world’s fastest bike: the Kawasaki Ninja H2R . The Kawasaki Ninja ZX series has multiple variants with different engine capacities and release years.

The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R is one of the best mid-range sports bikes. It was first launched in 1995 and it is still in production. It has a 636 cc liquid-cooled, four-stroke engine, can reach a top speed of 160 mph (257 km/h), and can carry a maximum weight of 430.0 lbs (195 kg) . The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R costs $11,999.

Although it is a sports motorcycle it can provide a good riding experience for fat guys because of its great suspension and good ground clearance. Ninja ZX-6R has all the features that the latest sports motorcycles have. Ninja ZX-6R is a good motorcycle for a single heavyweight guy who is interested in a sports motorcycle at a good price.

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R

Photo Credit: @rideapart.com

4.2 Kawasaki ZX-14R:

The Kawasaki ZX-14R is also a variant of the Kawasaki ZX series . It was launched in 2006 and remained in production till 2020. The Kawasaki ZX-14R had an enhanced engine, chassis, suspensions, and slipper clutch.

It had a 1,441 cc liquid-cooled four-stroke engine capable of delivering a maximum horsepower of 207.9 hp and a maximum torque of 153.5 Nm . It has a six-speed manual transmission system, can reach a top speed of 186 mph (299 km/h) , and weighs 593 lbs (269 kg) . The Kawasaki ZX-14R costs $15,599 .

ZX-14R is the successor model of ZX-6R with a more bulky look and much larger size. Because of its larger size, this motorcycle is the best option for taller heavyweight guys who are interested in sports motorcycles. ZX-14R is also one of the fastest motorcycles in Kawasaki.

Kawasaki ZX-14R

Photo Credit: @crossroadpowersports.com

4.3 Suzuki Hayabusa GSX-1300R:

Suzuki is a Japanese automobile company founded in 1909 . Suzuki manufactures both motorcycles and cars and made its first bike in 1952 . Suzuki has spread its influence in 23 different countries .

The Suzuki Hayabusa was launched in 1999 and is still in production. It set a world record by reaching a top speed of 194 mph (312 km/h) . It was also awarded as the “Best Sports Bike” and the “Fastest Bike of the 20th Century.”
The Suzuki Hayabusa has a powerful 1,340 cc engine which can deliver a maximum horsepower of 197 hp and a maximum torque of 138.7 Nm. The shape of the Suzuki Hayabusa is very bulky, which makes it suited for big guys . Its maximum weight is 592 lbs (268.5 kg) and has a base price of $18,999 .
Hayabusa is the bulkiest sports motorcycle of all time. It has great suspensions and a powerful engine that can fulfill all the needs of heavyweight fat guys. Hayabusa is recommended for heavyweight guys who want a very fast and overall comfortable motorcycle in every aspect.

Suzuki Hayabusa GSX-1300R

Photo Credit: @firstpost.com

5. Bagger Bikes:

Bagger bikes are big bikes specially made for longer rides. They typically have a windshield attached to their structure, which helps keep the wind from hitting the rider’s face and makes for a more enjoyable riding experience. It is also possible to attach hard saddlebags. Bagger bikes are favored by big riders because of their large sizes and powerful engines. Bagger motorcycles are somewhat between touring and cruiser motorcycles. If a heavyweight guy wants a motorcycle that is not as bulkier as touring motorcycles and not as compact as a cruiser then bagger motorcycles are the best option for such big guys. They provide a very comfortable riding experience as the touring motorcycles

Here is the list of best bagger bikes for big guys:

5.1 BMW K1600 B:

The BMW K1600 B is a variant of the BMW K1600 series, the “B ” in the name stands for the bagger. The shape of the BMW K1600 B is a combination of elegance and modern technology. It has all the latest features installed, including a digital engine management system, cruise control, four configurable buttons, etc.

The BMW K1600 B was first launched in 2011 and is still in production. It has a powerful 1,649 cc engine capable of delivering a maximum horsepower of 160 hp and a maximum torque of 175 Nm . The BMW K1600 B has a top speed of 125 mph (200 km/h) , a total weight of 758 lb (343 kg) , and a carrying capacity of 476 lbs (216 kg). The BMW K1600 B costs $25,665.

BMW K1600 B is the best option for big guys who are interested in a bagger motorcycle which has a very elegant design with comfortable seats, a powerful engine, and hard saddlebags . Whether the big rider wants to go for a long ride or ride with the city, this motorcycle provides an excellent riding experience.

BMW K1600 B

Photo Credit: @pidcock.com

5.2 Victory Cross-Roads:

The Victory Cross-Roads is a magnificent bagger motorcycle from Victory . It was first launched in 2010 . The Victory Cross Roads has a classical body shape with traditional fairing and hard saddlebags. It has a bulky and large body which makes it a good choice for big guys.

The Victory Cross-Roads has a powerful 1,704 cc (106 cu) V-Twin engine which can produce a maximum horsepower of 92 hp and a maximum torque of 148 Nm . It has a dry weight of 771.6 lbs (350 kg) , a carrying capacity of 1,360 lbs (618 kg) , and a base price of $19,499 .

If a heavyweight guy likes classical-looking bagger motorcycles with great power at cheaper prices compared to all other expensive bagger motorcycles, then Victory Cross-Roads is the best option to pick. It does not have as many digital features as the other new bagger motorcycles but it has a hard throttle which means at a little push the motorcycle will give an enormous output to the heavyweight rider.

Victory Cross-Roads

5.3 Indian Challenger:

The Indian Challenger was launched in 2020 , making it the first fixed bagger motorcycle made by Indian Motorcycle . The Indian Challenger is equipped with all the latest features. It has a seven-inch digital screen that can be connected to your phone. This screen also provides information regarding the fuel indicater, riding modes, cruise control, oil indication, etc. The Indian Challenger has an electric keyless ignition system, adjustable windshield, adjustable airflow vents, ABS, hard saddlebags, etc.

The Indian Challenger has a powerful 1,768 cc PowerPlus engine, capable of producing a maximum torque of 178 Nm and a maximum horsepower of 122 hp . It has a maximum weight of 840 lbs (381 kg) , a carrying capacity of 1,385 lbs (628 kg), and a base price of $24,499.

This bagger motorcycle contains very much horsepower but still, it is easy to handle especially for big guys who want a perfect-looking bagger motorcycle with great sound. Challenger is also the bulkiest bagger motorcycle. However, this motorcycle is also a very good option for tall big guys.

Indian Challenger

Photo Credit: @usedmotorcyclestore.com

5.4 Harley Davidson Street Glide:

The Harley Davidson Street Glide was first launched in 2006 as a touring bike. A bagger variant of Harley Davidson Street Glide was also launched later on. The Harley Davidson Street Glide is the best option for riders who are fond of personalizing their bikes. This bike has good durability which attracts many riders. It has a touchscreen to display information and can be fitted with stretched saddlebags .

The Harley Davidson Street Glide had a powerful 1,753 cc (107 cu) air-cooled engine capable of a maximum torque of 165 Nm . It weighs around 829 lbs (376 kg) , has a carrying capacity of 500 lbs (227 kg) , and has a base price of $21,430.

Street Glide is less bulky and less heavy than the Indian Challenger. If a fat guy needs a motorcycle with great sound packed with smooth riding and easy to handle bagger motorcycle then Harley Davidson Street Glide is the best option for short and tall heavyweight guys.

Harley Davidson Street Glide

Photo Credit: @susquehannavalleyhd.com

6. Conclusion:

Indian Challenger and Harley Davidson Street Glide are the best competitors with BMW K1600B in the bagger motorcycles category. However, Victory Cross-Road is the best cheapest bagger motorcycle. Suzuki Hayabusa is the fastest bulky sports bike but Kawasaki ZX-14R is the best overall heavyweight rider-oriented sport motorcycle. Harley Davidson Sportster and Indian Scout sixty are the best all-rounder cruiser motorcycles for big guys. BMW R1200RT, Indian Roadmaster, and Honda Goldwing are the best touring motorcycles for tall and heavyweight guys.

Except for sports and cruiser motorcycles, all the motorcycles mentioned above have saddlebags attached to them because they are specially made for long drives. However, the extra accessories like Saddlebags, Tank bags , Sissy bar bags , Sissy bar , Crash bars, Luggage Racks, Trunk, Handlebars bags, Seats, etc. can be bought from the online stores .