Cruiser motorcycle for small rider?

Question

I am looking for a good cruiser for my first motorcycle. I am not new to bikes and I have rode dirtbikes up to 250cc for quite some time, but now I want a real bike. As far as motorcycle models I am completely oblivious to the hundreds of brands and models out there. I am 5'3" and weight 130, but I am extremely muscular, but I want a lower bike that isn't too heavy, but it will still be suited for cruising. I want it to have the newer features with the bells and whistles like cruise, gauges, and a comfortable ride because it will be used for a 40 mile drive to work everyday, as well as the occasional long trips. I also need it to be reliable and safe to support 2 riders, but I won't be two upping for long road trip, but I will be taking girls out for road trips. I've considered the shadow but it's pretty bare bones, and I am really thinking about the sportster as well. I don't want a crotch rocket, and on a last note I want it too look good ie traditional v twin masculine look, and under 10k. Suggest me some model please and thank you.

Mr. Smartypants · Accepted Answer

Since you are what we call 'inseam challenged', I should mention that it's very important to be able to sit on a motorcycle with both feet flat on the ground, and especially your first bike.  They publish seat heights in the specs but the seats are all shaped differently, so the only way really to tell is to find one and sit on it.

Cruisers are a good choice, partly because of your height, but also they are very easy to ride, easy to manage for their size and weight, because they have a lower center of gravity.  They feel a lot lighter than they actually are.

Beyond that, I STRONGLY recommend you learn to ride on a used bike.

I wouldn't get a Harley Sportster for a first bike.  Though I do see a lot of people learning on them.  The Sportster is not really even a cruiser!  Plus it's heavy, it vibrates a lot, and it's not exactly a world class handler.  Since the 1950s the Sportster has been the 'entry level' Harley, but now they have a little water-cooled 750 coming out.

The Japanese cruisers are very good.  Honda Shadow is the most popular, in fact one of the most popular models in history!  The 750cc size is just about perfect--small enough to learn on but big enough to cruise fearlessly on the Interstate.  Craiglist is stuffed with lightly-used Shadows with all kinds of extras on them.  But there is also Yamaha Star, Suzuki Boulevard C50 (800cc, still in your range), and Kawaski Vulcan.

For some reason, used cruisers often have relatively few miles on them.  Someone will pay $10k for a bike and put another $4k worth of luggage and chromey bits on it, then sell it 10 years later with 5000 miles on it for $3000.  There are some great deals out there!

In fact I see lots of used Sportsters seemingly cheap.  And I can't tell whether people hate them so much they can't wait to get rid of them, or they love them so much they want a bigger Harley.

Eddy · Answer

any name brand cruiser will be fine, you will have to look around to see what bikes you like best.

? · Answer

" bells and whistles like cruise, "

You do not want a bike with cruise.

http://www.triumphmotorcycles.com/bikes/america/2013/america
http://www.triumphmotorcycles.com/bikes/speedmaster/2014/speedmaster

You can find older Honda Shadow Aeros with really nice two toned paintjobs and 1100 cc motors.

http://www.suzukicycles.com/Product%20Lines/Cycles/Products/Boulevard%20C50/2014/C50B.aspx
http://www.starmotorcycles.com/star/products/modelhome/618/0/home.aspx
http://www.kawasaki.com/Products/product-specifications.aspx?scid=7&id=790

Any of the motorcycles listed and links posted will be better than the HD Sportster.

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Cruiser motorcycle for small rider?

3 Answers