/ Featured Article

Should you buy a cruiser in the Philippines?

Here’s why these laid-back two-wheelers are actually pretty fun for our roads.

EJ Punsalang EJ Punsalang on Nov 28, 2023
Should you buy a cruiser in the Philippines?

Out of all the categories of motorcycling, cruisers are arguably the most overlooked, especially here in the Philippines. We tend to find ourselves so enamored with power and performance, that superbikes and high-performance naked bikes tend to be our go-to choices when it comes to big bikes. On top of this, our less-than-perfect roads make adventure bikes pretty popular choices, too. This is really quite a shame, as there are a good number of options when it comes to cruisers available in the local market. 

Related:
Should you buy a big bike in the Philippines?

They’re pretty versatile

Should you buy a cruiser in the Philippines?

Cruisers definitely have a lot going for them, and can undoubtedly present themselves as rather versatile machines. Their laid-back nature serves as a welcome respite from the herky-jerky nature of torquey naked bikes, or the eye-watering speeds of supersports. You can even strap on some luggage on the back, fit a tank bag, and cover long distances on trips out of town. 

This is especially true if you look at the small to middleweight category with bikes like the Honda Rebel 500 or the Kawasaki Vulcan 650. These bikes are small enough to make riding through the city’s dense traffic somewhat bearable, while having enough grunt to make cruising the open highway a blast. 

Related:
5 reasons why a naked bike is a perfect start

Unmistakable styling

Should you buy a cruiser in the Philippines?

Harley-Davidson has long been the embodiment of the present-day aesthetic with which we associate cruisers. The brand’s century-long heritage has indeed served as an inspiration for many motorcyclists all around the world, as well as manufacturers, seeking to emulate the styling and character of a classic American cruiser. Instantly recognizable by both motorcyclists and non-motorcyclists alike, chances are, someone’s going to think your bike is a Harley, no matter what cruiser it is you’re on. 

That being said, not all Harleys are cruisers, and not all cruisers are Harleys. Japanese manufacturers, namely Honda, with its upcoming Rebel 1100; and Yamaha, with the Bolt 950 R, have come up with their own interpretation of a big, twin-powered cruiser. As such, there are many flavors when it comes to cruisers—not all American in origin.

Related:
Do you really want an adventure bike?

A few things to consider

Should you buy a cruiser in the Philippines?

Granted, cruisers certainly have a lot going for them. However, this isn’t to say that cruisers are for everybody. There are, indeed, a few things to consider when deciding whether or not a cruiser is the right bike for you. For starters, don’t expect cruisers such as the Harley-Davidson Electra Glide to be traffic busters. Tipping the scales in excess of 600 pounds, a lot of these heavyweight machines occupy nearly as much space as a small car. So, if you’re looking to beat the traffic on two wheels, maybe a cruiser isn’t your best bet.

Another thing to consider would be the seating position. Some cruisers have tall, upswept bars, while others place your hands in a more neutral position. Meanwhile, foot controls can be very different, too. Some cruisers, such as the new Harley-Davidson Sportster S, have forward controls which place your feet far ahead of you. Other bikes, like the Rebel 500, offer more neutral, centrally-mounted foot controls. All these things can drastically alter the way the bike moves and handles its weight both at low and high speeds. At the end of the day, this all boils down to personal preference, and we highly recommend you test ride a bike before committing to making a purchase.  

Related Articles

Latest Features