One of the things that has never gone out of fashion is traveling on a motorcycle. The kind of motorcycle we use for travel has certainly evolved, and today we have a wide variety of bikes to choose from. Although it is true that we can basically use any motorcycle for travel, a dedicated touring bike will always be more comfortable.
If you are after something that comes a little closer to a traditional cruiser, then a bagger might be a good option for your cross-country adventure. Even in this space, there is a wide variety of bikes ranging from pretty expensive high-end models – that are actually much closer to full dressers – to more simplified bikes that are essentially cruisers with saddlebags. We’ve tried to find something for everyone and for every budget, accordingly.
Here Are The Cheapest Baggers From All Popular Brands
If you love baggers, these are the most reliable and easiest to attain options for you
Honda Gold Wing
MSRP: $25,500
The base model Gold Wing is still a very expensive motorcycle. For so many riders, this has proven to be a premium well worth paying as it remains one of the most popular models in spite of its pricing. With a little less wind protection and no passenger backrest, the base model is certainly more of a bagger.
But it is still ultra-luxurious, boasting a long list of rider aids and comfort features. Even this lower spec model still presents itself as something of a contradiction, with this kind of luxury removing some of the fun associated with riding a motorcycle.
Indian Springfield Dark Horse
MSRP: $24,999
Indian is the first American brand to successfully challenge Harley-Davidson in a part of the market the iconic brand has dominated for decades. The key to Indian’s success is how they have been able to blend elements of the past with modern powertrains and features.
While the base model Springfield, offers a more traditional design, the Dark Horse adds a few nice modern touches to what is a solid foundation in the form of the Thunderstroke 116. We’d like the option for the liquid-cooled PowerPlus engine, though.
Harley-Davidson Street Glide
MSRP: $24,999
Harley-Davidson has an extensive touring lineup, but the Street Glide stands out as one of the few models that offers genuine value. While still pretty expensive, this big, powerful V-twin rather effectively mixes traditional design elements with a thoroughly modern package.
It offers a comfortable upright seating position, floorboards, and arguably the most authentic American bagger experience. Sweetening the pot is the recent price cut. However, it limits the bike to a solo rider, as there’s no pillion seat or pegs.
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BMW K 1600 B
MSRP: $24,975
The K 1600 B is about as feature-rich as you can get. At this lofty price point, most riders will be demanding a certain set of features, and this covers just about every base, but its key point of difference is that smooth-running inline-six engine. This is actually the only inline-six motorcycle engine currently in production.
For those unfamiliar, it makes the bike pretty wide. Other than this fact, there are precious few negatives, and it certainly justifies its price tag, but just like the Gold Wing, too much comfort can actually detract from the experience.
Indian Sport Chief RT
MSRP: $22,499
The RT is a new trim available for the popular Sport Chief. It adds some well-integrated saddlebags and a passenger seat to the cruiser, effectively converting it into a pretty decent bagger. It makes for a more nimble, sportier option when compared to the aforementioned Springfield Dark Horse, with it being around 60 pounds lighter.
With it having the same powerful Thunderstroke 116 V-twin, you will feel the difference. It’s also worth mentioning that if you remove the saddlebags and fairing, this essentially transforms into a sporty cruiser.
Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic
MSRP: $19,999
The Heritage Classic is Harley’s cheapest cruiser-type bagger, offering a tasteful retro design and a powerful modern Milwaukee-Eight 117 twin. This kind of retro design won’t be for everyone, but if you are a fan, it offers decent value.
Beneath the retro-styled exterior lies a modern bike with a host of important features such as cornering ABS, lean-sensitive traction control, cruise control, and ride modes. Like the Street Glide, the base price only gets you a rider saddle. So do keep that in mind.
Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Vaquero ABS
MSRP: $19,999
When compared to the more expensive American twins, this is certainly a more bare-bones alternative. That is not necessarily a bad thing. The Vaquero has been around for over a decade, more or less unchanged.
While turning to the used market for a bike like this might be a shrewd move, you will forgo the warranty, and to some, that peace of mind is worth paying for. Pick this if you want trustworthiness more than anything else.
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BMW R 18 Classic
MSRP: $18,395
It is no secret that the R 18 has not been quite as successful as BMW once hoped it would be. In a market with so many good options, we can’t help but feel that BMW got the pricing wrong back when these bikes were first launched. The brand has since adjusted, for better or worse, and the Classic bagger actually offers a decent amount of value to the right buyer.
Just like every other BMW product, it is well-made, but getting one is something of a commitment, because the resale value is not particularly good. There’s also an R 18 B version on offer. That adds more to the price, though, even though much of the package is similar.
Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic LT
MSRP: $10,599
If you are only willing to accept a V-twin bagger, and nothing else, this is by some margin the most affordable option. Its heavy chrome aesthetic is straight out of the 90s when metric cruisers were everywhere.
If you like its design, then it might be ideal. Just don’t expect it to be fast, especially if you and your significant other are tackling a mountain pass. Consider it a mini Heritage Classic if you want.
Moto Morini Calibro 700 Bagger
MSRP: $6,799*
While there is a lot of negative sentiment directed towards Chinese products, the 2025 Calibro 700 Bagger is a pretty decent option if you are on a budget. Its reworked Kawasaki engine is a little on the sporty side, but mechanically reliable, and it keeps electronic features to a minimum.
Calibro
We included this as more of a placeholder, though. It serves to underscore the fact that you don’t need to fork out over $20k for a bagger. Any decent middleweight cruiser with some aftermarket saddlebags and a passenger seat will do the trick.