What is the best cruiser?

[BER18 100]

There are good reasons to like the R18 cruiser.

I commute 28 miles to work each way and need a bike that can comfortably move 70 mph or more on the interstate highways.
a) Consider the Indian bikes for a moment. Their cruisers are 1200-1300cc in size and tend to wrap out at highway passing speeds. My R18 does 75 mph at 2800 rpm.
b) Now think about the Harley bikes. They make a big motor cruiser (Fatboy) but the 240 back tire is just too much. I could see going 200 maybe but 240 is disproportionately humongous. My R18 has a respectable 180 back tire.
c) Honda bikes have a chopper (Fury) at 1300 cc, but this is another high rpm bike at 75 mph.

Our low center of gravity R18 has enough oomph at highway passing speed but without weighing in at 860 Lbs. I really like the big bore cruiser we call the R18.

 

[Noelpolar]

I'd never owned a cruiser in 40 years or biking and I never would have if the R18 hadn't come along. So, for me, the R18 did something better than the others.... it got me to buy it (and keep it).

 

[R18CentennialRider]

The HD breakout is a beautiful cruiser and will go 80mph on the highway all day long. But it’s very uncomfortable to ride even medium distances.

The triumph rocket is a great cruiser with more power than anybody really needs.

The triumph bonneville speedmaster is a beautiful cruiser that will go 80mph all day long but is somewhat small for anybody over 6 feet. Triumph also has the bonneville t100 and t 120 which I guess technically are not cruiser style but could be used as such and are fast and comfortable.

The Honda rebel 1100 is an awesome cruiser and fun to ride.

Lots of choices out there.

 

[oldslodog]

A motorcycle that more fits comparison is this, It was mine now my sons as i prefer the R-18

 

[BigJimSlim]

It’s a subjective question that’ll likely involve some provocation of emotional response.

I love my R18B, and even more so after doing a 700 mile weekend on it. Did a similar weekend a year ago on my Triumph Thunderbird and the Beemer just outdoes that bike in every regard except for seat comfort over time in the saddle. That thunderbird seat was plush, man, but the additional comforts of the B just win. And the B seat isn’t as bad for me as some others report it is to them. I can do a couple hours in a leg and it’s alright. And the seat is fixable. Maybe even with the Corbin I bought from a guy here that’s on my shelf yet to be bun-tested by me!

I’m not really sure what I’d even change on the R18B that would make it noticeably better for my use. CarPlay maybe? Maybe slightly larger bags? But neither are deal breakers and their absence doesn’t detract from my overall experience with the bike. The only two CarPlay things I’d like are Waze and Spotify. BMW’s turn by turn nav works well enough for me and running music via phone is whatever. I usually have one nearly empty saddle bag, so bigger would only help but rarely.

I suppose the perfect cruiser is like the perfect mate. The one you fall in love with despite their flaws.

 

[Viking Power]

I'm no expert but have some Harley experience having owned one once upon a time. Chose my R18 over what HD had to offer when I did some test riding recently. Loving my R18 though I'll always have a soft spot for Harley.
To me, Harley and Indian are overpriced for what they have to offer and what they do have is all very similar. I find the R18 to be reasonably priced and a uniquely refreshing rolling work of art.

 

[Rufus]

Don’t think the best cruiser really exists, to travel at 70mph it’s really more about whatever the weather is doing at that exact time of riding rather than the bikes ability. On a very windy day down a motorway (freeway) or into a strong headwind it’s just miserable and would be the same on any naked bike really. Faster you go the worse it gets. That’s why I tend to stick to about 60mph if I can and let traffic overtake if they want, not bothered.

If we tip toe into the murky world of aftermarket fairings, what works for one person might not work for another because of issues with noise, turbulence, buffeting.

If comfort at higher speed is very important then I can’t think of any ‘cruiser’ that would work really. You’ve got to think tourer (GW practical, TC stylish, BMW RT and of course the GS that everyone has, maybe for a reason ).

 

[oldslodog]

I bought mine to ride naked. Stripped it down the day I brought it home. The leather bags, passenger seat and back rest all boxed up. I also removed passenger pegs along with the windshield. Still wanting to lose those long classic mufflers too.

 

[BER18 100]

You might like the short Hattech mufflers from Hornig

 

[BigJimSlim]

I bought mine to ride naked. Stripped it down the day I brought it home. The leather bags, passenger seat and back rest all boxed up. I also removed passenger pegs along with the windshield. Still wanting to lose those long classic mufflers too.

I’d be really curious to know how different a stripped down version compares to riding my B. I’ve ridden only naked bikes til this one, so I’m no stranger to all the wind. Wonder if it feels lighter or more flickable at all.

 

[oldslodog]

I'm probably not the best person to ask that question. I ride kinda hard at times, retired motorcycle flat-tracker takes me over at times. I ride them like I stole them. Even the K1600B got rode like a road racer and those acorn nuts on the bottom of my R-18 footboards are ground to the stud. I'm worried about them coming apart for replacement. I didn't realize how much I missed the wind therapy

 

[Mr. Efficiency]

To me, the best cruiser is the prettiest one. Cruisers are in a unique niche where it’s about the emotions they evoke and how they make you feel. Performance, other than safety and soundness, really aren’t important in any way as long as the bike is reliable.

I am always clear; I like a lot of motorcycles more than the R18. A lot of them. My GS is a fantastic motorcycle; My thug Dyna (bored out and re-suspensioned) could kick its butt and it was pretty. I like Hondas and Triumphs and lots and lots of bikes. BMW is definitely not the be all and end all of motorcycles.

But, the R18 First Edition in its true form is gorgeous and fun to ride. It is retro… dig the little details like the cockpit view and feel when you ride it, the weird glow from the speedometer at night. They really got retro right with the Bare R18. It feels right and it is currently my favorite cruiser. And its not all subjective; I have entered this bike in 8 or 9 “show and shine” type bike shows and won best import each time, even getting some best of show votes from the Motor Company Crowd. It is beautiful, it is a hoot to ride, and it starts conversations. It does what a cruiser is supposed to do.

 

[Viking Power]

I'm probably not the best person to ask that question. I ride kinda hard at times, retired motorcycle flat-tracker takes me over at times. I ride them like I stole them. Even the K1600B got rode like a road racer and those acorn nuts on the bottom of my R-18 footboards are ground to the stud. I'm worried about them coming apart for replacement. I didn't realize how much I missed the wind therapyView attachment 15839

Nice looking bike! I can relate about wanting to push hard at times. Sometimes riding a cruiser or standard hard is even more fulfilling than doing the same on a sport bike in my opinion anyway.

 

[Viking Power]

To me, the best cruiser is the prettiest one. Cruisers are in a unique niche where it’s about the emotions they evoke and how they make you feel. Performance, other than safety and soundness, really aren’t important in any way as long as the bike is reliable.

I am always clear; I like a lot of motorcycles more than the R18. A lot of them. My GS is a fantastic motorcycle; My thug Dyna (bored out and re-suspensioned) could kick its butt and it was pretty. I like Hondas and Triumphs and lots and lots of bikes. BMW is definitely not the be all and end all of motorcycles.

But, the R18 First Edition in its true form is gorgeous and fun to ride. It is retro… dig the little details like the cockpit view and feel when you ride it, the weird glow from the speedometer at night. They really got retro right with the Bare R18. It feels right and it is currently my favorite cruiser. And its not all subjective; I have entered this bike in 8 or 9 “show and shine” type bike shows and won best import each time, even getting some best of show votes from the Motor Company Crowd. It is beautiful, it is a hoot to ride, and it starts conversations. It does what a cruiser is supposed to do.
View attachment 15886

Another looker. How do you like those V&H pipes?

 

[Noelpolar]

Nice looking bike! I can relate about wanting to push hard at times. Sometimes riding a cruiser or standard hard is even more fulfilling than doing the same on a sport bike in my opinion anyway.

Agree.... if the R18 wasn't rewarding riding hard it wouldn't have been a keeper for me.... the nice part is that riding it at 80% is doable.... on a sportsbike it's jailable ŵhen off a track.

 

[TheOldProfessor]

"Best Cruiser" is a very subjective term. Best at what? Comfort, performance, uniqueness??? I have ridden motorcycles for over 55 years and cruisers for the past 25 years. If you want comfort and performance, nothing beats Harley Street or Road Glides IMHO. I could do multiple 500+ mile days with no problems. However, you will pay a premium price. My used 2022 R18B with very low miles was $10K less than a similar Street Glide.
I loved my Harley and I'm going to like my R18B, especially at the price point. Is it as comfortable as the Street Glide? Not even close. But the Beemer is doable and it has some features not offered by Harley (reverse being a big one). My Beemer gets 50 mpg out on the highway, which beats HD by about 4-5 mpg.
It also has the "unique factor", at least here in the USA. I was at Sturgis this year and did not see one R18B, except mine. Harleys are on every street corner, but the Beemer is the one people will walk over to see. I've put on a custom seat, and have a taller windshield on the way. I can rest my legs out on the crashbar if I need to stretch. I put 900 miles on in 2 days and it was doable.
The "best cruiser" is whatever you feel best about riding within your budget constraints. Enjoy.

 

[BER18 100]

Yes the HD RoadGlide is an easy ride for long distance, but it is not a cruiser.
And it is a beast to maneuver in the garage.

 

[Mr. Efficiency]

Another looker. How do you like those V&H pipes?

I love the pipes. I liked the fishtails but they were heavy and got in the way of the best feature on the bike… the nickel plated exposed driveshaft. Like all Vance and Hines pipes… you need a couple of really nasty cutting tools to decalifornate them… but a lot of guys dont realize how loud they are because they are not obnoxious at idle and the pipes sit well behind the rider. They are perfect for the bike.

 

[BER18 100]

I have always like the Vance and Hines pipes on my bikes, but no more.
No experience with cutting torches.

I’m destined to keep the cats on my R18 unless I go with the MADD pipes from across the pond, (expensive and not chromed)

As soon as Hornig gets restocked with the Hattech pipes, I think I’ll go that route.

 

[Ninjabones]

I have always like the Vance and Hines pipes on my bikes, but no more.
No experience with cutting torches.

I’m destined to keep the cats on my R18 unless I go with the MADD pipes from across the pond, (expensive and not chromed)

As soon as Hornig gets restocked with the Hattech pipes, I think I’ll go that route.

I’ve been very pleased with my Hattech pipes… really transformed the bike (plus you can use the supplied inserts if you want to tone it down a bit).