Motorcycles

Best Cruisers of 1998: Editor's Choice

The editors choose the best cruisers of 1998

August 9, 2017

This was originally published in the December 1998 issue of Motorcycle Cruiser.

Editors Art Friedman and Evans Brasfield took the difficult task of picking favorites from the 1998 cruiser market. Here's what the two editors came up with:

Art Friedman's choice for the best new-for-1998? The Kawasaki Nomad.Fran Kuhn

Art Friedman:

Best New-for-1998 Cruiser: Kawasaki Nomad
Most Desirable Cruiser Under 650cc: Yamaha V-Star Classic
Most Desirable Cruiser 650–899cc: Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Classic
Most Desirable Cruiser 900–1199cc: Yamaha V-Max
Most Desirable Cruiser Over 1200cc: Honda Valkyrie Tourer
Best Value in a Cruiser: Yamaha V-Star Custom
Best Model Line: Honda
Best Manufacturer: Honda
Favorite Engine Configuration: Liquid-cooled V-four

Evans Brasfield thought the Triumph Thunderbird was one of the most desirable of the 650-899cc bikes.Fran Kuhn

Evans Brasfield:

Best New-for-1998 Cruiser: Kawasaki Nomad
Most Desirable Cruiser Under 650cc: Honda Shadow VLX
Most Desirable Cruiser 650–899cc: Triumph Thunderbird
Most Desirable Cruiser 900–1199cc: Yamaha V-Max
Most Desirable Cruiser Over 1200cc: Kawasaki Vulcan Classic
Best Value in a Cruiser: Yamaha V-Star Classic
Best Model Line: Kawasaki Vulcan
Best Manufacturer: Kawasaki
Favorite Engine Configuration: Internal combustion (sorry, I can't choose)