Buying an American bagger often comes with underrated compromises. Weight and size are arguably the biggest ones, which decrease their livability in regular life. After all, no one wants to muscle an over-800-pound machine in the parking lot every day. That’s where the touring-type cruiser segment comes in. These bikes weigh considerably less, while still getting you decent long-haul abilities. We’re talking about 10 such examples here, all of which weigh well under 800 pounds. Most of them have hard luggage and wind protection as standard, too. They come from all over the world, and the list goes in increasing order of weight.
Moto Morini Calibro Bagger
Weight: 459 LBs
We start with the lightest touring-ready cruiser money can buy: the sub-$8,000 Calibro Bagger. Although this has Chinese origins, the engine’s blueprint is inspired by Kawasaki’s 650cc lineup, and the engineering comes from Italy. That helps the bikemaker keep the weight well under 500 pounds, which is extremely rare for such a midweight machine. At the same time, it doesn’t skimp on the basics. The parallel-twin mill has sufficient juice for the freeway, there are hard saddlebags at the rear, the front-end has a batwing fairing, and the ergonomics are like you’d expect from a bagger.
Honda Rebel 1100T DCT
Weight: 549 LBs
This right here is arguably the most livable bagger-type cruiser bike on the planet. While its sub-550-pound weight, butter-smooth parallel-twin engine, and comfortable ergos all deserve credit, the DCT is where things become sweeter than ever. This unique setup (in the cruiser world) does all the shifting for you and takes physical clutch actuation out of the picture. So not only do you have less to muscle here, but you also have no worries about feathering the clutch. No other bike in the cruiser segment has a comparable package right now, regardless of the origin.
Triumph Speedmaster
Weight: 584 LBs
The Speedmaster is a globally renowned cruiser choice for its impeccable engine and comfort. That is topped with a sub-590-pound curb weight, low center of gravity, and a sub-60-inch wheelbase. All of these will make it easier to live with than an American bagger. A small catch, though, is the lack of wind protection and luggage. So you will have to invest some extra money in making it touring-friendly if you’re considering it as a bagger alternative.
Suzuki C50T Special
Weight: 644 LBs
The C50T Special is a midweight cruiser built to mimic large American touring-type cruiser bikes. Although a sub-1000cc machine, the dimensions are all in line with bigger cruisers for the OG American feel. In addition, it has touring goodies like saddlebags and a windscreen from the factory that add convenience, on top of two thick saddles. A fully liquid-cooled machine (unlike many of the American baggers out there) rounds things off. So ease of livability here is more in respect to reliability and comfort rather than outright low weight or compact dimensions.
Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic LT
Weight: 657 LBs
Kawasaki’s answer to the budget touring-friendly cruiser segment is the Vulcan 900 Classic LT. It follows the same recipe as the C50 above, but weighs a little more and can be bought new today. We also like the fact that there’s a standard pillion backrest here, which is something no other bike on this list offers. Heck, most American baggers skip this little but integral comfort element as well. Oh, and when you’re chilling in the city, you can strip everything off to improve livability.
Indian Sport Scout RT
Weight: 568 LBs
The updated Scout lineup is Indian’s answer for American cruiser fans who dislike the massive heft. So the entire lineup focuses on keeping usability high and weight low. Out of these, the Sport Scout RT brings a touring-friendly package with bits like hard saddlebags and a headlight fairing. Yet, it weighs just 568 pounds wet and has a compact sub-62-inch wheelbase. That should pay dividends in the city, ensuring easy maneuvers.
Indian Super Scout
Weight: 589 LBs
The Super Scout is another touring-friendly machine in the Scout lineup. But unlike the Sport Scout RT, this one keeps things more retro. So there’s a lot of chrome, studded leather saddlebags, a transparent bolt-on windscreen, and spoked wheels. Two other noteworthy inclusions are a pillion saddle (missing on the Sport Scout) and swept-back handlebars sitting on risers. So you’re getting extra comfort for the extra 20-pound heft.
Harley-Davidson Low Rider ST
Weight: 712 LBs
The Low Rider ST is a cruiser-bagger hybrid by the Motor Company. The entire base package under the skin is from the sporty Low Rider, topped with touring goodies like a fairing and hard saddlebags. Making it even more special is the High Output V-twin with class-leading horsepower. This focus on sportiness ensures a curb weight of 712 pounds–99 pounds less than the Street Glide. You also get more ground clearance here and a more premium suspension package.
Indian Sport Chief RT
Weight: 714 LBs
The Sport Chief RT is Indian’s dig at the Low Rider ST. So you get the full-fat heavyweight cruiser experience here. The engine capacity and dimensions are identical between the two, so it comes down to the matter of preference, ease of livability-wise. As for the nitty-gritty, you get smaller saddlebags and a fairing here, but better features, including a navigation-equipped TFT instrument cluster and a standard pillion seat. Oh, and you save almost $1,500 over the single-seater Low Rider ST.
Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic
Weight: 719 LBs
The Heritage Classic is arguably the most comfortable cruiser in Harley’s range. This is down to its massive saddle, standard floorboards, swept-back handlebars, and a windscreen. Add to that the standard saddlebags, and you essentially have a touring-ready machine at your disposal. Despite all that, it weighs almost 100 pounds less than our reference bagger. So this will be easier to deal with during tight maneuvers or parking lot movements.
Source: Various Manufacturers
