Can you use a "cruiser" motorcycle for short off-road trips?

Question

I'm thinking of buying a motorcycle so that I can ride it around town, but I'd also like to take short off-road trips on some of our local dirt roads here in Arizona. I'm not talking mud, or boulders -- just the kind of bad roads that require a 4WD. Would it be practical to buy a cruiser and sometimes take it off road, or do I need a bike that is explicitly dual purpose?

'm thinking of buying a Honda Rebel 250 cc. motorcycle so that I can ride it around town, but I'd also like to take short off-road trips on some of our local dirt roads here in Arizona. I'm not talking mud, or boulders -- just the kind of bad roads that require a 4WD. Would it be practical to buy a cruiser and sometimes take it off road, or do I need a bike that is explicitly dual purpose? I have added the detail about the bike -- that it's a 250 cc -- because it weighs only about 300 pounds, only a little more than the Honda 250 enduro model.

Sorry about the redundant material; this is my first time doing this. I appreciate the answers I have received so far.

Answer 1

That would depend on the road.
Use common sense.
I used to take my Hondas on everything. A CB650 Custom on logging roads. (mud sucks)
They were mostly a "standard" style. Easy to handle.
Cruisers are generally heavier, and harder to handle in some situations.
My Dyna won't go where my Hondas did. Too heavy. Too hard to turn at slow speed, especially in the soft.

You don't need a dual purpose, just a "general purpose".
With that thought, you have a larger selection than close-minded people.

Edit: The Rebel will do fine.

What's a little confusing is the repeat reference to 4 wheel drive. A road that REQUIRES it would not be suitable for anything other than a dirt bike. That said, my F-150 (2-wheel) would go where others would not take a 4WD.

Answer 2

A 250 rebel would probably be OK for what you want to do, but I am thinking you would have a lot more fun on a 250 dual purpose style bike. DP bikes are great on pavement too and will likely have more power than a 250 cruiser, even if the horsepower is the same, the weight will be a lot less. Less weight has the same result as more power. If you plan to do a ride on marginal roads or dirt make sure you choose a bike you can pick up easily after a tip over!

Answer 3

Road Cruiser

Answer 4

Camping and a long road trip. The BMW airheads are ideal, at least 800cc.s. You want at least a mid-sized bike, (you're on highways a lot), the BMW will do some light off road, (plenty of torque, and not too heavy. I do remember meeting a guy on a Goldwing - with a trailer no less, on top of the 10,000' Cumberland pass - gravel road, but I didn't envy him the trip.) (Been from the East Coast to the Rockies 6 Times. Once Yamaha 650, 5 - Various Beemers.) Your tent, mat, and sleeping bag go in a water-proof barrel bag on the rear rack, your rain-suit, gloves, water bottle, maps,etc. in the tank-bag. You WILL need some kind of side cases, and hard bags are the better choice, even if you don't like their looks. (Keep the C.G. low.) Good luck & enjoy!

Answer 5

A cruiser is way to heavy to take off road along with low ground clearance.

I took my S-10 pickup on some back roads in Nevada with almost new tires, destroying one tire (cut about 6 inches long) and almost another. The tires on any cruiser are not designed to handle the back roads. On my truck I should have had 8 ply tires instead of the four ply but even with 8 ply you have got to expect destroyed tires.

Answer 6

the tires are the limiting factor, street tires are helpless on grass or mud. back when a "dirt bike" was a full size Harley or BSA with the finders removed they sold ''grasshopper'' tires which were supposed to be for street or dirt but would actually get you stuck in dirt & would slide out & cause you to low side on pavement. I doubt if dual purpose (enduro) tires are much better today. better limit your off roading to fairly smooth dry dirt or gravel(Arizona county roads), or get enduro tires & dont try any fast cornering on the street.

Answer 7

BMW makes a plush dual purpose that is primarily a street bike but perfectly capable of off roading.
Sounds like the bike for you.

http://www.bmwmotorcycles.com

Answer 8

Cruisers aren't built for off-road use. If you ever sat on one you would notice that your stance isn't the greatest to maneuver on dirt. It's more of a laid back and chill on a cruiser, not to mention the tires, suspension & weight ratio don't handle well in the dirt. Rocks alone will kill your cruiser cause they are low to the ground.

"Dual Purpose" is what you want.

Good luck.

Answer 9

I wouldn't. If it's a hard-packed dirt road, then for a short distance yes. Cruisers have very smooth tires, built for pavement and traction and control could be a problem. I live in AZ, too.

Answer 10

As a dual sport rider my answer is simple. there are a great number of dual sport bikes that go off road as well as on. you need to pick a price point however as these bikes can range in price from around 5K for a Kawasaki KLR 650 to 20plusK for a BMW GS 1200.