I'm planning a cross-country Motorcycle road trip. What Mid-weight Cruiser would you recommend?

Question

I've been riding for two years, and have logged about 6000 miles so far. I currently ride a 1981 Yamaha 650 Maxim and previously rode a 1986 Yamaha Virago 750.

I'm planning a cross-country road trip with two friends. So I expect long distances in the saddle, so I need something comfortable with decent highway speeds.

I'd like to stick with middle-weight cruisers, as I like the looks of cruisers and I'm not too interested in something too heavy.

I was looking at a Suzuki Intruder 800, but read it isn't great on long commutes on the interstate.

What would you recommend?

Answer 1

i have a kawasaki vulcan 750.i ride it all over the state i live in and its very comfortable.you can see one at www.kawasaki.com.mine is a 2005.it has the higher handle bars and wider foot pegs from factory.i've had mine up to 115mph before and still had more in the bike.good luck and have fun be safe.

Answer 2

I like the Honda Shadows.

Answer 3

ducati 996

Answer 4

Hyosung GV650   great bike. This is not one of the china junk models.

Answer 5

try a kawasaki vulcan 900. they look cool are comfortable and well sized.

Answer 6

it boils down to how the bike fits ya. hopefully it has a windshield and floorboards so you can strech the legs out.  the maxim will vibrate ya to death on a long trip.

Answer 7

I have a Yamaha VStar 1100 and after about an hour my butt is killing me.

Answer 8

Harley Heritage softail or ultra.

Answer 9

My money is with Joe B on this.  The mid weights are fine, but they are mostly better as standards rather than cruiser wannabes. The essence of cruiser hood (as she are spoke in japan) is a big engine lots of torque. And mostly the Mid sized engines don't have it.

Suzuki 650 wee-Strom or Suzuki 650 Savage.

(or a Ducati 848!)

Answer 10

Ok you need something MidWeight and Nothing To Heavy..Your Bestbet is a Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail, Very Comfortable, Barely Feel any Bumps, Nice Look

Answer 11

you want to be comfortable, keep the wind and rain off, want excellent gas mileage and extended range, comfortable riding position, a bike with radial tires that stick to the road like glue and excellent wet traction/

forget about a cruiser!

get the Suzuki 650 V Strom, or the SV650S, or the Kawasaki 650 Ninja, or Verseys

Answer 12

The problem with middleweight cruisers is not the bike, it's just the seat!  A Virago or Shadow 750 would be great, it's just that the seat isn't comfortable for long periods.  Look into an aftermarket seat, maybe you can find a used one on EBay or Craigslist.  Or perhaps a sheepskin pad or gel pad, something like that.

I have ridden V-twin cruisers and they do vibrate, but it's a low-frequency vibration that is usually not objectionable.  Maybe some models are worse than others.  What bothers me is the seating position, feet out forward, sitting on my tailbone.  But that's just me, lots people tour on cruisers and love them.

I spent a day on a Harley Heritage Softail a couple of years ago and it is indeed a wonderful touring mount!  Too bad it's so ^*(%_#@ expensive!  Not especially fast or good handling but very comfortable and stable on the freeway.

Answer 13

I would stay away from your 81 Yamaha, it may be great for around town.  The bike is very light and during high speed for long period of time, you'll going to feel the vibration onto your hands and legs.

I would go toward a liter bike, something like BMW R1200RT or Japanese Honda Shadow 1100 or Yamaha V-star 1100.  You'll be more comfortable.  If you can't afford the bike, there are places you can rent one a at a decent rate.

Enjoy your trip and be safe!

Answer 14

I have to second the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic. I have over 8000 miles on mine and have taken a few long trips. I would recommend a Mustang seat though. I like it. it has good power, forward controls and can be had for under $8000. The wheelbase on it is as long as a Harley Dyna Glide so it rides better than a shorter wheelbase Sportster. The Suzuki 800 struggles with a heavy load or 2 up riding. I liked the Yamaha 650 Silverado but once again to small. A buddy in Wisconsin swears buy the Honda Shadow 1100 and up bikes.

Answer 15

your girlfriend.

Answer 16

Any FL or FLH Harley.