4 Smooth-Driving Cruiser Motorcycles For Riders Who Put Comfort First

Choosing the right motorcycle can be difficult, especially when you consider the variety of different styles that are out there. But it's all about understanding that each type is built to accommodate specific situations. For example, sport bikes prioritize performance, touring models are designed for long trips, and dirt bikes are great for off-roading. But when it comes to relaxed riding and overall comfort, cruising motorcycles are the right choice for many riders.

In fact, cruiser motorcycles are known for their laidback approach and focus on open-road riding. They typically have a low-slung profile and a seating position to keep the rider's legs extended, yet back and relatively relaxed. Cruisers are generally heavier bikes with longer wheelbases, and they have a low center of gravity that can help keep them firmly planted to the road. These bikes usually have wide handlebars and foot controls that are set forward, which both add to their relaxed feel.

So when it comes to enjoying a comfortable ride on a long, sunny stretch of highway, a cruising motorcycle may be the right option. But the problem then becomes which models are the best, and can give riders the full laidback experience they're looking for. There are a lot of motorcycles to choose from in this category, but these four cruising models do tend to stand out from the rest.

The popular Suzuki Boulevard C50 uses an 805cc, fuel-injected 45-degree V-twin engine, along with a five-speed transmission. It also has a 27.6-inch seat height, forward-mounted floorboards, and a rear suspension system with a hidden shock. Suzuki's specifications include a spacious riding position and suspension that's specifically tuned for a comfortable ride. This allows the Boulevard C50 to deliver a smooth experience on both city streets and the highway.

The C50's design is geared toward that relaxed riding style, complete with a traditional look that includes chrome, broad fenders, and wire-spoke wheels. This old-school bike is also available in a C50T Special package for riders who want more touring equipment, such as a windshield, saddlebags, and a passenger backrest. Because of its features and overall design, the Boulevard C50 is in the same competitive class as other cruiser motorcycles from Honda and Kawasaki.

A road test performed by TFLcar indicated how the C50 could use those features in a real-world scenario. The C50 was not only easy to handle, it was also able to absorb bumps in the road, thanks to its rear suspension. This was despite the bike's retro appearance, which is reminiscent of a hardtail motorcycle. The position of the floorboards and controls for longer rides were praised as well, and the C50's engine delivered a consistent level of power during testing.

The Honda Shadow Phantom is powered by a 745cc liquid-cooled 52-degree V-twin engine with fuel injection and a shaft final drive. It has a 25.6-inch seat height, which allows riders to easily put their feet on the ground at a stop. The bike also has a low center of gravity and a solo saddle. The Phantom is designed for a smooth ride, as its fuel-injection system helps provide a consistent ride throughout the engine's RPM range.

The Shadow Phantom's engine is tuned for low-end torque rather than outright performance. This means that when riding in stop-and-go traffic, as well as merging onto highways, the move feels more manageable to the rider. Additionally, the bike's relatively low weight makes it easier to maneuver around parking lots and through tight turns. The Phantom's upright riding position also helps the operator to assume a relaxed posture while riding.

Rider Magazine has put the Shadow Phantom to the test, and found the bike to have a smooth power delivery, with plenty of low-end power for pulling away from intersections. But it also had enough performance to climb a state highway at an elevation of 6,000 feet. The Phantom's comfortable saddle was a plus, as it remained soft enough that the reviewer had no complaints, even after spending four hours on the bike.

The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic has a 903cc liquid-cooled 55-degree V-twin engine with fuel injection and a five-speed transmission. Its seat sits at 26.8 inches high and the bike has a 64.8-inch wheelbase. The Vulcan 900's suspension uses a 41mm telescopic fork with 5.9 inches of travel and a rear Uni-Trak system with 4.1 inches of travel, helping provide a smooth ride. The Vulcan uses a final drive belt that's reinforced with Kevlar and has floorboards that provide a relaxed riding position.

The Vulcan 900's engine setup gives it a useful amount of power without putting the focus squarely on high-speed performance. This makes the motorcycle more well suited to riders who prefer a smooth and steady pace over a more aggressive riding experience. Additionally, the Vulcan's five-speed design works with the engine to deliver the kind of straightforward performance that fits the motorcycle's emphasis on relaxed cruising.

In a test ride on the Ray Bowden Rides YouTube channel, the Vulcan 900 Classic was found to be both comfortable and easy to maneuver. The bike's floorboards added to the relaxed riding experience, with the ride remaining smooth as the speed was increased to around 60 mph. The Vulcan's engine provided plenty of torque without needing to be pushed too hard, and the bike was comfortable enough to be well suited for cruising on the highway.

The Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic uses a Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine that produces 120 pound-feet of torque at 2,500 rpm. Its seat is 26.3 inches high and is designed to accommodate both the rider and a passenger comfortably. The bike has a 64.2-inch wheelbase and an updated suspension, along with equipment needed for longer rides. This includes lockable saddlebags and a detachable windshield.

The Heritage Classic has several features designed to make longer rides easier on the rider. For example, the floorboards provide plenty of room, while the windshield reduces the amount of wind that actually hits the rider. This Harley also offers different modes for riding through challenging weather, including Rain, Road, and Sport. The Road mode specifically gives the rider a less aggressive throttle response, ultimately making for a smoother ride. The rear suspension also does a better job of absorbing bumps, even at higher speeds.

Road Rider Magazine tested the Heritage Classic and found it to be easy to manage at low speeds, thanks in part to its low seat and wide handlebar. This Harley also performed well on the open road, with the suspension effectively handling bumps and rough pavement, while the engine remained smooth in the process. The Heritage Classic's combination of low vibration and comfortable suspension helped reduce rider fatigue, especially on longer rides.

In order to determine which cruiser motorcycles best fit this list, we first began with manufacturer specifications. We took the models that stood out for their focus on comfort and smooth riding and then compared them alongside reviews from reputable industry sources including TopSpeed and Cycle World, among others. Using comfort as the primary consideration, we dove into factors like seat height, riding position, and various engine characteristics. With those features in mind, we then searched for real-world impressions from sources that had tested the motorcycles. This helped to provide a picture of how each bike's design and equipment actually translated to real-world driving conditions, resulting in the four models on the list.