Hop on your bike and hit the open road. It’s one of the thrills and favorite pastimes of motorcycle owners. However, you need a comfortable bike to do all those miles on. Cruisers are popular because they put the body in a natural position. The seat is large, with high handlebars, and positioned closer to the body. This lets you sit in a position similar to sitting in a chair. Then your feet get kicked out in front of you, giving you plenty of stretch. However, not all cruisers offer the same level of comfort. These ten bikes will have you saying, “where next?” Instead of “let’s go home.”
Yamaha V-Star
The V-Star is the perfect cruiser if you plan to go on long rides. It is bigger than other cruisers but smaller than full-blown touring bikes. The crossover design makes it perfect for riding both in the city and on the highway. While the bike isn’t small, its extra size is what helps to make it so comfortable. You almost lounge back in the seat as you stretch your arms out in front of you. Your legs relax into a more natural and neutral position, which prevents cramping. Add a backrest, and your passenger will feel as secure and comfortable as you.
Harley-Davidson Iron 883
This affordable Harley motorcycle is perfect for beginners and experienced riders alike. Older riders may recognize it as the Sportster, but Harley says we don’t call it that anymore. It is a big bike with an 883cc Evo V-twin, so get ready to maneuver its weight around. However, this is a bike that will last. The Iron 883 is one of the most customizable bikes on the market. Change it up and express your personal style. Riders can focus on performance upgrades, design changes, or customize virtually anything on the bike. So if that curved stock seat isn’t to your liking, you can easily swap it out for the perfect butt-supporting seat.
Kawasaki Vulcan
The Kawasaki Vulcan gets overlooked when it comes to lists like this. That is a real shame. The sport bike riders ignore it because it is a cruiser. The cruiser riders ignore it because it is a Kawasaki. Don’t miss out on the comfortable yet performance-minded cruiser. The seat cradles your rear end for a secure and supportive riding position. The adjustable handlebars come back to just the proper position for a relaxed arm position. The bike balancing is impressive, relieving some of the weight and stress off your legs. The result is a bike you can ride for long hours and not feel fatigued.
Yamaha Bolt R-Spec
The Bolt is Yamaha’s answer to Harley’s Sportster 883. It is small, lightweight, and designed to look like a traditional cruiser. The seat is low, making the bike comfortable for shorter riders, especially women. The fuel tank is slim, preventing the bike from having too much weight on either side. This makes the bike fun to throw around in the curves. Another nice feature is the slightly moved back foot controls. This gives the rider a greater sense of security and control that you don’t get with larger cruisers. The customization possibilities of this bike help to make it even more comfortable. Each rider can change out virtually every part to create a customized ride to suit their needs.
Harley-Davidson Electra Glide
The Electra Glide stands out in the Harley lineup for many riders because it is the ideal mix of classic motorcycle styling and modern technology. In other words, you get to look like an old-school biker but enjoy the convenience of modern innovation. The bike is a workhorse that excels on long rides. Make the bike your own with optional luggage pieces and fairing sets. Or you can strip the bike down and have a perfect city street cruiser. The seat is deeper than most bikes, giving you more of a bucket seat feel. You can also adjust the handlebars to the correct height and placement for your arm length.
Indian Roadmaster
If you are looking for a luxurious cruiser, you have found it in the Roadmaster. This bike has every bell and whistle you could ever want. It has the classic cruiser styling but with modern technology and features thrown in. Slip into the saddle, and you will feel more like you are sitting in a Lazy Boy lounger. The seat rises and wraps around you to cradle your body and hold it in place. At the same time, the large front fairing blocks wind and protects you from the elements. Your passenger even gets armrests. Riders with shorter legs may find this bike to be too big. The wide design through the center of the bike and seat can make it hard for short riders to flat-foot it.
Suzuki Boulevard C50T
As one of the bikes in production the longest, the Boulevard has seen many improvements and modifications. Since it first began production in the 1990s, Suzuki has used the Boulevard to compete with the American cruisers on the market. While it never quite got the same attention and admiration, it has formed its own place in the market. Those who give this cruiser a chance discover that it eliminates many of the complaints found in comparable competitor models. You will find a smooth ride in a comfortable seat. The riding position is slightly more relaxed, allowing your body to meld with the bike.
Indian Challenger
Starting with the bike’s design, the Challenger is a bike you will want to ride. The ergonomics are on point, eliminating sore muscles and hot spots that often develop on long rides. However, this isn’t what makes the Challenger stand out. Indian has taken passenger car technology and put it into its Challenger. Meet the ClimaCommand Comfort Seat. Flexible graphene material to cushion and keep you comfortable. Use the integrated buttons to heat or cool the seat while you ride. No more sweaty butt when riding in the summer. No more freezing your tush off in the winter. The next generation of comfort seating has arrived.
BMW R18 Classic
The compact design of the R18 makes it perfect for urban and city riding. The body positioning is less stretched out, so you feel more secure as you maneuver through traffic. While there isn’t a ton of room like the big V-twin bikes, you also don’t feel constricted. This is an important distinction from other small cruisers. As a result, you have more room to adjust and prevent cramping. The position lets you relax through the knees, allowing for good blood flow. The handlebars are wide and low, giving you plenty of upper body room for steering. You also won’t have to worry about arm fatigue on longer rides.
Honda Rebel
Feel like the ultimate rebel on this beginner-friendly motorcycle. It comes in three sizes, 300, 500, and 1100cc. Each is tuned to give you plenty of power and performance while riding on city streets. However, the Honda Rebel won’t let you down when you open it up on those long country straightaways. The gas tank has a more vertical shape that raises the handlebars. Combine this with the brought-in foot pegs, and you have a comfortable riding position. Supporting your rear end is a wide seat that has plenty of cushioning. It even has plush quilt stitch detailing that adds to its luxurious feel.