A cruiser motorcycle comes in many shapes and sizes. In fact, there are several options to choose from in terms of make, model, power, control and most importantly, style.
From fully laid-back styles to up-right choppers that defy all conventions of motorcycle architecture, the choices are endless.
Needless to say, there is a plethora of cruiser bikes that don’t just fulfill all requirements with stock variants, but you can also customize these bikes to make something that appeals to your aesthetic and ergonomic requirements. Not only can they become baggers, but with a little customization, they can become anything at all.
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1. Are You a Beginner or an Old Rider?
Firstly, you need to think about whether you’re a beginner or someone who hasn’t ridden in a long while. Because either way, you aren’t prepared to get on 600cc or more powerful bikes that come with an increased risk of losing control and getting injured.
There’s no shame in admitting that you don’t have enough experience riding a motorcycle because otherwise, you’re just going to fool and injure yourself. These bikes aren’t something to joke around with, even if they’re just cruisers. For example, going for an Iron 883 right from the beginning is one of the biggest mistakes a rider can make.
Similarly, if you’re an old rider who hasn’t ridden a bike in years, you shouldn’t consider yourself as physically apt as you were before. Which is why, if you’re looking to make a return to the road, you should start off with something that’s easier to control. Once you’re fairly confident in your ability to bank and brake, you can make the switch to something heavier.
Primarily, we recommend going for one of the best cruiser bikes for beginners. This list will help you get the bike you want.
2. Think of Your Budget
We all want the best of the best but seldom do we find the budget to do the things we like. The same is the case with motorcycles. Even though we know there are great 2022 cruiser motorcycles out there that scream out to new riders, you can’t go for something that doesn’t comply with your budget.
It’s recommended that you don’t think about going all out on your budget when choosing a motorcycle because if this is your first bike, you’re probably going to want to change it later on. Even if you’re an experienced rider, you should consider your financial situation and save some for a rainy day.
There are several bikes that are available for under $10k. In fact, you’ll find several that are almost half the price if you’re okay with buying a used bike. Though new riders are more liable to be ripped off when making a second-hand purchase, it’s recommended that you only refer to an authorized dealership whenever you’re looking to make a purchase.
3. Consider New or Used Cruiser Bikes
If you’re looking for a used cruiser bike around you, you’ll need to understand a couple of things about the bike.
Firstly, unless you have a ton of riding experience and know the specifics of the bike you’re interested in, you shouldn’t think that you can identify a bad second-hand bike from a good one.
Not only will you be risking your investment but you’re also liable to get yourself something that is liable to present serious problems later on.
Trust nobody but an authorized dealer and if you still have reservations, it’s recommended that you go for inspections and don’t leave any stone unturned.
That means you should check everything from the throttle to the last tread of the rear and front wheels.
You deserve the value for your money and thus, if it takes a couple of extra bucks to confirm an inspection, it’s better to spend the extra cash just to be sure.
4. How to Buy the Best Cruiser Motorcycle for Yourself?
It’s not easy to buy a motorcycle. From the decision between a new and a used motorcycle to the very choice of make and model that you go for, everything will play a crucial role in determining how well your buying process goes. In fact, there are significant chances that you might end up making a mistake and realize it later on when you’ve gotten enough miles down the road.
However, let’s not classify that as a huge mistake because after all, if you’re a beginner, you’re probably going to need the experience and regardless of which bike you start off with, you’ll eventually get the hang of the difference in various bikes.
Just make sure that you’re not instantly going for a hog because it’s not really a beginner bike. Though there’s nothing wrong with a Harley, they’re just very heavy and powerful bikes that require a couple of years of experience before you can safely handle them. So, rather than taking this as a challenge, let’s make the wise decision and go about buying the best cruiser motorcycle for ourselves.
Before we get to the gist of it, let’s answer a few important questions on everyone’s minds about motorcycles and cruisers:
4.1 Which one is a Good Cruiser Motorcycle for Beginners?
Cruiser motorcycles are generally a good choice for beginner riders with a lack of significant experience in handling bikes. What makes them ideal for those just starting is the unique build that allows for a relaxed seating position. Additionally, the seat is situated relatively lower than those in other sorts of bikes. This makes it convenient for rides with low height to easily be able to touch the ground.
Our favorite beginner cruiser motorcycle is the Honda Rebel 500. This cruiser motorcycle is not just easy to ride but also comes at an affordable price and has a versatile design. It is hard to find an ideal cruiser motorcycle for a beginner rider that is better and more approachable than the Honda Rebel 500.
There’s another less powerful alternative for beginner riders offered by Honda called Rebel 300. However, Rebel 500 has still proved to be more appealing to those who are looking for a bit of thrill without being heavily intimidated. The two-cylinder engine having comparatively higher performance allows the Honda Rebel 500 to cater to these enthusiasts.
Though Rebel 500 is mostly recommended for starters, you can still customize the motorcycle and upgrade it later when you have had enough experience to move beyond the beginner phase.
Also Read: Best Cruiser Motorcycles for Beginners
4.2 Are Cruiser Motorcycles More Comfortable?
One of the biggest perks that Cruiser Motorcycles have proven to give is comfort. Cruisers, as the name suggests, are specifically designed to serve the needs of those who like to go on long trips. Therefore, they perform best on flat and even surfaces such as highways.
The low seats allow the riders to have a more relaxed position which is necessary for long-distance travel. Comfort is not just a luxury but also a necessity when you are taking very long-distance rides. If you are not sitting comfortably and your back is arching uncomfortably, this can lead to unhealthy strain on your back muscles and spine.
As a result of this, you might end up having to deal with a terrible backache which can last for several days. In addition to this, the long-term strain on your back can lead to several chronic health conditions that are difficult to treat. In case that happens, you will have to bid farewell to your motorbike riding days.
Moreover, the high-placed handlebars of some cruiser motorbikes allow your hands to rest easily on them which gives you a more laid-back position. In this way, you get an overall relaxed posture which reduces the likelihood of fatigue in your arms or back muscles.
Therefore, it is necessary to prioritize comfort and get a cruiser motorcycle if you are planning to go for long rides more often. The more comfortable you are, the more likely you are to enjoy the whole experience of riding a bike.
4.3 How Fast Can Cruiser Motorcycles Go?
Cruiser Motorcycles are typically larger in size and have a heavier structure in comparison to most street bikes. The double cylinder engines and the extra elements added for style purposes make these motorbikes quite bulky.
The heavier mass of these motorcycles impedes their velocity, therefore they tend to accelerate at a relatively slower rate. This makes sense when you consider that they were purposefully designed to provide the experience of a relaxing cruise down long highways surrounded by scenic beauty. This allows riders the additional benefit of being able to take in the gorgeous views around them.
However, motorcycle manufacturing companies have recently found ways to incorporate the latest technologies to introduce faster cruiser motorbikes in the market. Several of these motorbikes claim to surpass the 100mph threshold in a blink of an eye.
Most of these motorbikes have windshields, saddles and additional weights removed which considerably reduces the weight of these bikes and allows for enhanced performance with higher speed.
The question that begs to ask though is this, ‘should you drive a cruiser as fast as it can go?’
The answer is simple. Firstly, you won’t come across many places in the world (unless you’re on a racetrack) where you can go past the speed limit of 60-70 mph. And since you’re not buying a sport or enduro racing bike, you shouldn’t expect your ride to go that fast either.
Secondly, a cruiser, by its very name, describes a bike that has been designed to provide you with one of the most comfortable experiences for ‘cruising’ down roads. The weight distribution of those heavy-duty bags and windshields is in sync with the bike’s ergonomic performance. Which is how these bikes can balance themselves almost automatically, making it easier for riders to bank them in any direction they want.
Therefore, it follows logically that if you’re deciding to buy a cruiser, you give up the idea of revving through the highway like a maniac at speeds greater than 100mph.
4.4 Are Average Cruiser Bikes Bad for Off-road Conditions?
No. Cruiser bikes, though heavy, are ideal for adventure touring because they provide you a blend of power, comfort and luxurious riding features. Though not all cruisers are equipped with state of the art technical features like adventure touring bikes like the Harley Pan America might offer, you get an incredible motorcycle capable of taking you anywhere in the world. So, no. Cruiser bikes are not bad for off-road conditions as long as you’re not trying to go for a completely off-road adventure meant for adventure or enduro bikes.
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