Cruisers are beefy and stable motorcycles designed for steady highway riding, comfortable commuting, and casual canyon carving.
While most cruisers include wide handlebars and forward controls to assist their core intended function, not all of them come with the capacity to carry your passenger’s gear.
Furthermore, not all of them come with a second pillion for a passenger to sit.
This article lists the best cruiser motorcycles with a passenger seat, comparing the engine specs, comfort features, and dimensions to help you pick the most practical bike for you and your passenger.
Table of Contents
1. Indian Scout
The Indian Scout is a mid-sized cruiser that combines classic heritage with refined engineering via its 1133cc liquid-cooled V-Twin motor. Not only does the Scout come stock with a passenger pillion, but riders can add quick-release, locking leather saddlebags to add room for their passenger’s gear.
- Engine & Drivetrain:
- Bore x Stroke: 3.898 in x 2.898 in (99 mm x 73.6 mm):
- Compression Ratio: 10.7:1
- Displacement: 69 ci/ 1,133 ccs)
- Drive/Driven Clutch: Wet, Multi-Plate
- Electronic Fuel Injection System: Closed Loop Fuel Injection / 60 mm Bore
- Engine Type: Liquid Cooled V-Twin (60 degrees)
- Exhaust: Split Dual Exhaust w/ Cross-over
- Horsepower: 100 HP
- Peak Torque: 72 ft-lbs. (97.7 Nm)
- Peak Torque RPM: 5,900 rpm
- Transmission/Final Drive: 2.357: 1
- Transmission/Primary Drive: Gear Drive Wet Clutch
- Dimensions:
- Fuel Capacity: 3.3 gals (12.5 L)
- Ground Clearance: 5.7 in (146 mm)
- GVWR: 988 lbs. (449 kg)
- Lean Angle: 31°
- Overall Height: 42 in (1,068 mm)
- Overall Length: 91.5 in (2,324 mm)
- Overall Width: 36.1 in (916 mm)
- Rake/Trail: 29.0° / 4.7 in (120 mm)
- Seat Height: 25.6 in (649 mm)
- Weight (As Shipped / Running Order): 541 lbs (245 kg) / 561 lbs (254 kg)
- Wheelbase: 62 in (1,575 mm)
2. Indian Springfield
The Indian Springfield is a bold and broad vintage cruiser with one of the most comfortable passenger seats in the game. Furthermore, the Springfield rolls off the lot with remote-locking hard cases and a tall windshield to keep the wind off you and your passenger both.
- Engine & Drivetrain:
- Bore x Stroke: 3.976 in x 4.449 in (101 mm x 113 mm)
- Compression Ratio: 9.5:1
- Displacement: 111 cu in (ccs811 cc)
- Drive/Driven Clutch: Wet, Multi-Plate, Assist
- Electronic Fuel Injection System: Closed loop fuel injection / 54 mm bore
- Engine Type: Air-cooled Thunderstroke 111
- Exhaust: Split Dual Exhaust w/ Cross-over
- Peak Torque RPM: 3,000 rpm
- Transmission/Final Drive: 2.2: 1
- Transmission/Primary Drive: Gear Drive Wet Clutch
- Dimensions:
- Fuel Capacity: gals gal (20.8 L)
- Ground Clearance: 5.6 in (142 mm)
- GVWR: 1385 lbs. (628 kg)
- Lean Angle: 31°
- Overall Height: 56.6 in (1439 mm)
- Overall Length: 101.7 in (2,583 mm)
- Overall Width: 42.5 in (1,080 mm)
- Rake/Trail: 25° / 5.2 in (133 mm)
- Seat Height: 26 in (660 mm)
- Weight (As Shipped / Running Order): 797 lbs. (362 kg) / 829 lbs. (376 kg)
- Wheelbase: 67.0 in (1,701 mm)
3. Harley-Davidson Fat Bob 114
The Fat Bob 114 is a short, lean, nimble cruiser with a stripped-down American aesthetic that resembles the minimalist cruisers of the past while leaving room for a passenger pillion on its chopped rear fender. It’s got a passenger-sustainable rear suspension and a massive 114 engine to take you both cruising.
- ENGINE: Milwaukee-Eight 114
- BORE: 4.016 in.
- STROKE: 4.5 in.
- DISPLACEMENT: 114 cu in
- COMPRESSION RATIO: 10.5:1
- FUEL SYSTEM: Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
- EXHAUST: 2-into-2 shorty dual; catalyst in muffler
- PRIMARY DRIVE: Chain, 34/46 ratio
- DIMENSIONS:
- LENGTH: 92.1 in.
- SEAT HEIGHT, LADEN: 27.7 in.
- GROUND CLEARANCE: 4.7 in.
- RAKE: 28
- TRAIL: 5.2 in.
- WHEELBASE: 63.6 in.
- FUEL CAPACITY: 3.5 gals.
- OIL CAPACITY (W/FILTER): 5 qt.
- WEIGHT, AS SHIPPED: 653 lb.
- WEIGHT, IN RUNNING ORDER: 675 lb.
4. Harley-Davidson Fat Boy 114
The Fat Boy comes stock with a passenger seat and the 114 cc powerhouse of an engine used in the Fat Bob, mounted into the Fat Boy package made famous by Arnold in Terminator 2.
- EXHAUST: 2-into-2 staggered; catalyst in muffler
- PRIMARY DRIVE: Chain, 34/46 ratio
- LENGTH: 93.3 in.
- SEAT HEIGHT, LADEN: 25.9 in.
- GROUND CLEARANCE: 4.5 in.
- RAKE: 30
- TRAIL: 4.1 in.
- OIL CAPACITY (W/FILTER): 5 qt.
- WEIGHT, AS SHIPPED: 671 lb.
- WEIGHT, IN RUNNING ORDER: 699 lb.
5. Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic
The Heritage Classic resembles vintage American cruisers with a modern twist. It comes with a rear-fender-mounted passenger seat and leather saddle bags with enough space for extra gear. It also stocks a quick-release windshield and a Milwaukee 114 Engine.
- EXHAUST: 2-into-2 shorty dual; catalyst in muffler
- PRIMARY DRIVE: Chain, 34/46 ratio
- LENGTH: 95.1 in.
- SEAT HEIGHT, LADEN: 26.3 in.
- GROUND CLEARANCE: 4.7 in.
- RAKE: 30
- TRAIL: 5.5 in.
- WHEELBASE: 64.2 in.
- FUEL CAPACITY: 5 gals.
- OIL CAPACITY (W/FILTER): 5 qt.
- WEIGHT, AS SHIPPED: 697 lb.
- WEIGHT, IN RUNNING ORDER: 728 lb.
- LUGGAGE CAPACITY -VOLUME: 1.5 cu ft
6. Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster
The Bonneville Speedmaster is the more cruiser-oriented edition of the Triumph Bonneville, the quintessential modern classic. The Speedmaster package includes a passenger seat with lower back support and a 1200cc engine to accommodate its unique road racer style.
- Engine: Liquid-cooled, 8-valve, SOHC, 270° crank angle parallel twin
- Capacity:1200 cc
- Bore: 97.6
- Stroke: 80
- Compression: 10.0:1
- Max Power EC: 76.9 HP @ 6100 RPM
- Max Torque EC: 78.2 LB-FT @ 4000 rpm
- System: Multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection
- Exhaust: Chromed stainless steel two into-2 twin-skin exhaust system with chromed stainless silencers
- Final Drive: Chain
- Clutch: Wet, multi-plate torque assist clutch
- Gearbox: 6-speed
- Width Handlebars:35.8 in (910 mm)
- Height Without Mirror:41.5 in (1055 mm)
- Seat Height:27.8 in (705 mm)
- Wheelbase:59.1 in (1500 mm)
- Rake:25.3 º
- Trail:3.6 in (91.4 mm)
- Tank Capacity:3.2 US gal (12 liters)
- Wet Weight:580 lb. (263 kg)
7. Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic/ Classic LT
The Vulcan 900 Classic is a liquid-cooled, 900cc muscle cruiser known for its affordable price tag and long-lasting reliability. It has a comfortable passenger seat, and the LT or Light Touring edition includes a windshield and leather saddle bag.
- Engine: 903 cc 4-stroke, 55-degree V-twin, liquid-cooled
- Power: 50 HP
- Bore x Stroke: 88.0 x 74.2mm
- Compression Ratio: 9.5:1
- Fuel System: DFI 34mm Throttle Bodies (2), with sub-throttle valves
- Starter: Electric
- DRIVETRAIN:
- Transmission: 5-speed with positive neutral finder
- Final Drive: Kevlar-reinforced belt
- Dimensions:
- Overall Length: 97.0 in
- Overall Width: 39.6 in
- Overall Height: 41.9 in
- Wheelbase: 64.8 in
- Ground Clearance: 5.3 in
- Seat Height: 26.8 in
- Curb Weight: 619.6 lbs.
8. Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Vaquero
The Vulcan Vaquero stocks a liquid-cooled 1700cc V-Twin, a frame-fixed fairing, locking hard luggage cases, and a sporty passenger seat.
- Engine: 4-stroke, 52-degree V-twin, liquid-cooled
- Displacement 1,700cc/103.7 cu in
- Bore x Stroke 102.0 x 104.0mm
- Compression Ratio 9.5:1
- Fuel System DFI 42mm Throttle Bodies (2) Ignition TCBI w/ Electronic Advance
- Transmission: 6-speed with overdrive and positive neutral finder
- Final Drive: Carbon fiber-reinforced belt
- Electronic Rider Aids: Electronic cruise control, Kawasaki Advanced Coactive-Braking Technology (K-ACT II) ABS
- Maximum Torque 107.6 lb-ft @ 2750 rpm
- Frame Type Steel, double-cradle with box-section single-tube backbone
- Rake/Trail 30/7.0 in
- Overall Length 98.8 in
- Overall Width 38.2 in
- Overall Height 50.8 in
- Ground Clearance 5.7 in
- Seat Height 28.7 in
- Curb Weight 844.5 lbs.
- Fuel Capacity 5.3 gal
- Wheelbase 65.6 in
- Special Features Integrated audio system with SiriusXM ® Radio compatibility
9. Honda Shadow Aero
The Shadow Aero combines the classic cruiser look with Honda’s efficiency-focused modern engineering. It features a shaft-driven transmission and a 750cc V-Twin engine and comes from the dealership with a comfortable passenger seat.
- Engine Type: 745cc liquid-cooled 52-degree V-twin four-stroke
- Bore and Stroke: 79.0mm x 76.0mm
- Induction: Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI); 34mm throttle body
- Valve Train: SOHC; three valves per cylinder
- Compression Ratio: 9.6:1
- Transmission: Wide-ratio five-speed
- Final Drive: Shaft
- Rake (Caster Angle): 34.0°
- Trail: 6.3 inches
- Wheelbase: 64.5 inches
- Seat Height: 25.9 inches
- Curb Weight: 560 pounds (Includes all standard equipment, required fluids, and a full tank of fuel)
- Fuel Capacity: 3.7 gallons, including 0.9-gallon reserve.
- Miles Per Gallon: 56 MPG
10. Honda Shadow Phantom
The Shadow Phantom may feature the same innovative technology and 745 ccs, liquid-cooled V-Twin engine as the Aero, but the Phantom trades the Aero’s classic cruiser vibe for a sleek and aggressively modern, blacked-out style. The Phantom’s seat style is sporty but includes a rear-fender mounted pillion for a passenger.
- Engine Type: 745cc liquid-cooled 52-degree V-twin four-stroke
- Bore and Stroke: 79.0mm x 76.0mm
- Induction: Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI); 34mm throttle body
- Valve Train: SOHC; three valves per cylinder
- Compression Ratio: 9.6:1
- Transmission: Wide-ratio five-speed
- Final Drive: Shaft
- Rake (Caster Angle): 34°
- Trail: 6.3 inches
- Wheelbase: 64.6 inches
- Seat Height: 25.8 inches
- Curb Weight: 549 pounds (Includes all standard equipment, required fluids, and full tank of fuel)
- Fuel Capacity: 3.7 gallons, including 0.9-gallon reserve
- Miles Per Gallon: 56 MPG – Honda fuel economy estimates are based on EPA exhaust emission measurement test procedures and are intended for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on how you ride, maintain your vehicle, weather, road conditions, tire pressure, installation of accessories, cargo, rider and passenger weight, and other factors.
11. Indian Super Chief Limited
As its name implies, the Super Chief Limited is an upgraded version of the stripped-down Chief cruiser.
In addition to a stock passenger seat, leather saddle bags, and a quick-release windshield tall enough to protect rider and passenger, the Super Chief Limited edition stocks a 116/1890 cc Thunderstroke engine, a powerhouse of an air-cooled V-Twin and the biggest engine Indian makes.
Engine & Drivetrain:
- Bore x Stroke: 4.063 in x 4.449 in (103.2 mm x 113 mm)
- Compression Ratio: 11.0:1
- Displacement: 116 cu in (1,890 ccs)
- Drive/Driven Clutch: Wet, Multi-Plate
- Electronic Fuel Injection System: Closed loop fuel injection / 54 mm bore
- Engine Type: Air-cooled Thunderstroke 116
- Exhaust: Dual Exhaust w/ Crossover
- Peak Torque: 120 ft-lbs.
- Peak Torque RPM: 2,900 rpm
- Transmission/Final Drive: 2.2: 1
- Transmission/Primary Drive: Gear Drive Wet Clutch
Dimensions:
- Fuel Capacity: 4.0 gal (15.1 L)
- Ground Clearance: 4.9 in (125 mm)
- GVWR: 1,160 lbs. (522 kg)
- Lean Angle: 28.5°
- Overall Height: 47.4 in (1,203 mm)
- Overall Length: 90 in (2,286 mm)
- Overall Width: 42.5 in (1,080 mm)
- Rake/Trail: 29° / 5.2 in (132 mm)
- Seat Height: 26.2 in (665 mm)
- Weight (As Shipped / Running Order): 714 lbs. (324 kg) / 739 lbs. (335 kg)
- Wheelbase: 64.0 in (1,626 mm)
Sources:
Cruiser Motorcycles | Indian Motorcycle
Bonneville Speedmaster Model | For the Ride (triumphmotorcycles.com)
2023 Kawasaki Vulcan® 1700 Vaquero® ABS | Cruiser Motorcycle