What Type of Motorcycle Is the Most Comfortable To Ride?
Comfort has many different meanings; and when it comes to motorcycles, comfort is all about personal taste. So, when Cycle Trader looked into the bikes that are the most comfortable, we tried to take into account the fact that different riders have different needs and different reasons for riding.
However, if you ask a group of riders what type of motorcycle is the overall “most comfortable,” the most common answer you would probably hear is “cruiser” or “touring,” depending on the length of the intended ride. That’s the short answer and a good place to start no matter what kind of rider you are. The long answer? Let’s start by taking a look at some different options.
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Types of Motorcycles
There are generally about 15 different types of motorcycles, designed to appeal to one market segment or another. In fact, a single rider may enjoy three or four different types of motorcycles, depending on the riding they intend to do on any particular day.
With that in mind, let’s start by defining the different types of motorcycles. Here are a few examples:
- Standard. This might be the bike that comes to mind when people think about motorcycles. Standards are the oldest style produced by manufacturers, offering a mostly “middle of the road” experience when it comes to comfort, handling, and affordability. Example: Triumph Speed Twin 900.
- Cruisers. Built mostly for city riding, Cruisers are very similar to Standards, but they have a lower seat height and more relaxed riding position. Example: Kawasaki Vulcan S.
- Touring. Similar to Cruisers but made for long-distance riding, Touring bikes have more heavy-duty wheels and rigid frames for comfort and carrying heavier loads. Example: Honda Gold Wing.
- Sportbikes. Designed for speed, acceleration, and cornering on paved roads and tracks, Sportbikes add a little extra adrenaline to the comfort equation. Example: Suzuki GSXR.
- Naked. Also known as Naked Sportbikes, Naked bikes have no fairing or front/side panels, which makes them lighter, faster, and more maneuverable. Example: BMW S100R.
- Adventure. Capable of traveling on- and off-road, although their off-road capabilities are somewhat limited. Example: Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally.
- Enduros. A racing bike for long-distance off-road adventures. Example: Yamaha WR450F.
- Dirt Bikes. Smaller bikes with special tires and suspension for riding on rough terrain. Example: KTM SX50.
- Electric. Relying on battery power alone, rather than traditional fuels like gasoline, Electric motorcycles are gaining popularity as manufacturers are trying to meet emission standard guidelines. Example: Harley Davidson LiveWire.
- Sport Touring. A hybrid of Sport and Touring bikes, Sport Touring motorcycles are comfortable on long rides, but still offer high performance on curvy roads or trails. Example: BMW K1600GTL.
- Choppers. Although the very definition of a chopper is one that has been modified or “chopped” to meet the rider’s preferences, there are some manufacturers that are releasing bikes with lengthened forks, large front wheels, and “ape hanger” handlebars. Example: Honda Fury.
- Modern Classics. Designed to replicate classic model motorcycles of the past but with modern mechanics, Modern Classics are a blast from the past with updated performance. Example: Indian Chief Classic.
- Scooters. Also known as “commuters” or “minis,” scooters aren’t technically motorcycles, but they are good for running errands and sightseeing. Example: Vespa Primavera.
Of course, these are just a few samples of the many bikes out there that can all be modified in one way or another to make them more suitable for your personal preferences.
What’s Your Type?
So, which motorcycle is the most comfortable to ride? The easy answer is, “the one you like.” Think about what kind of riding you most enjoy, pick a type that fits your style, then do some research to see what makes and models other people are recommending. Here are some criteria to consider in your search:
- Posture: An upright or leaned-back posture means that you won’t be putting weight on your arms while riding.
- Ride height: A lower ride height means a lower center of gravity, which improves stability and translates to greater comfort.
- Weight: A heavier bike is generally more stable on the road, though a lighter bike will be easier to navigate around tight city streets (and walk around if the need arises).
Once you’ve narrowed your search, go sit on a few and maybe even take a test drive or two. You’re bound to find one or two that just “feel” good as far as how you fit on it, the angle and height of the seating, the convenience of the instrumentation, and so on. Don’t forget that you can always customize your bike to fit your exact requirements.
When you’ve made your choice and you’re ready to take action, Cycle Trader can help you compare thousands of new and used motorcycle listings so you can find the best deal. And you can do it all from the convenience (and comfort!) of your computer, tablet, or smartphone.
Barrett Baker