Cruisers have a special place in the hearts of motorcyclists, renowned for their comfort, reliability, and timeless design. While they may not have the blistering speed or agility of sportbikes, cruisers excel in delivering a comfortable, laid-back ride for long-distance journeys. Their hallmark features—low-slung seats, relaxed riding positions, and smooth power delivery—make them ideal for riders who value comfort over raw speed. Beyond just comfort, cruisers are also known for their striking designs, often embodying classic styling that appeals to those who appreciate both aesthetics and performance.
Affordability is another major advantage of cruisers. While grand tourers and performance bikes can carry hefty price tags, cruisers remain more accessible to a wider range of riders. Additionally, most manufacturers offer a range of cruiser models, allowing riders to select the bike that best fits their preferences, whether it’s a beginner-friendly option or a high-performance powerhouse. To help you navigate the many options available, we’ve compiled a list of 10 of the best cruisers, each offering a unique blend of performance, style, and value.
1. Honda Rebel 300
The Honda Rebel 300 is an excellent choice for new riders looking to enter the cruiser world without stretching their budget. Priced at just $4,749, this lightweight and approachable bike provides great value for beginners. It features a 286-cc liquid-cooled engine that delivers 27 horsepower and 18 lb-ft of torque, offering enough power for casual rides while remaining easy to control. Despite its smaller size, the Rebel 300 embodies the qualities that make cruisers so appealing: a timeless design, comfort, and a smooth ride. Its sleek, blacked-out look adds to its visual appeal, and the bike’s minimalist styling ensures a simple, enjoyable experience on the road.
The low seat height of 27.2 inches and the narrow profile make the Rebel 300 easy to control, even for shorter riders or those who are new to motorcycling. The bike’s 6-speed transmission allows for smooth gear shifts, while the dual-disc brakes ensure reliable stopping power. With modern features like a digital instrument cluster, LED lighting, and a slipper clutch, the Honda Rebel 300 delivers a balanced mix of old-school charm and contemporary functionality. This affordable cruiser is perfect for anyone seeking an entry-level bike that offers an enjoyable riding experience without breaking the bank.
2. Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650
The Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 is an affordable, stylish, and comfortable cruiser, with a price tag that’s perfect for budget-conscious riders looking for more power and a premium feel. With a base MSRP of $6,900, this cruiser features a 648-cc air/oil-cooled parallel-twin engine that generates 47 horsepower and 39 lb-ft of torque. This gives it enough power for highway cruising and city riding, ensuring that the Super Meteor 650 is versatile enough to handle various terrains and riding conditions. The low seat height and relaxed, laid-back riding position make it an ideal cruiser for long trips, giving riders comfort and stability over extended distances.
What sets the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 apart from other cruisers in its class is its modern technology. The bike comes equipped with a turn-by-turn navigation system, powered by the Royal Enfield Tripper app, which integrates Google Maps for easy navigation on the road. The 43mm USD telescopic fork and twin rear shocks provide smooth suspension, even on rough roads, making it a reliable ride for long-distance touring. The Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 offers a perfect blend of retro style and modern convenience, making it an excellent choice for riders seeking an affordable and feature-packed cruiser.
3. Honda Shadow Phantom
With its iconic blacked-out design and aggressive stance, the Honda Shadow Phantom is a cruiser that stands out in both style and performance. Powered by a 745-cc liquid-cooled V-twin engine that produces 44.6 horsepower and 47.9 lb-ft of torque, this bike delivers smooth acceleration and enough power to tackle both city streets and highways. Priced at $8,399, the Shadow Phantom offers an affordable yet stylish ride for mid-tier riders looking for performance without breaking the bank. Its pullback handlebars and a low seat height of just 25.8 inches ensure a comfortable and relaxed riding position for riders of all sizes.
The Shadow Phantom’s minimalist design, with its matte black finish and sleek profile, adds to its cool factor, giving it a mean, menacing look on the road. The bike’s 5-speed transmission and shaft final drive provide smooth, low-maintenance power delivery, ensuring that the bike stays reliable over time. With features like a wide 41mm front fork and dual rear shocks with adjustable preload, the Shadow Phantom delivers excellent comfort, whether cruising on highways or navigating urban streets. For riders seeking a stylish cruiser with a little extra attitude, the Honda Shadow Phantom is a great option that combines affordability and performance.
4. Yamaha Bolt R-Spec
The Yamaha Bolt R-Spec is a perfect choice for riders who love the minimalist, no-frills approach to cruising. Starting at $8,899, the Bolt R-Spec offers a stripped-down, retro bobber design, featuring a 942-cc air-cooled V-twin engine that delivers 65 horsepower and 59.3 lb-ft of torque. The bike’s performance and styling hark back to classic American cruisers, with a teardrop-shaped fuel tank, low, curved seat, and solo rider saddle. The Bolt R-Spec is ideal for riders who want a stylish and powerful bike for city commuting or weekend trips, all without unnecessary complications.
The bike’s simplicity extends to its design, which avoids excessive chrome and flashy elements, focusing on clean lines and functional components. The Bolt R-Spec features a 5-speed transmission and a telescopic fork front suspension with dual piggyback shocks at the rear for a smooth ride. Despite its retro appeal, it is a modern cruiser, boasting solid performance and reliability. With a low curb weight of 542 pounds and a seat height of 27.2 inches, the Yamaha Bolt R-Spec offers a balanced and exciting ride for riders who want a classic cruiser experience without the high price tag.
5. Honda Rebel 1100
For those seeking more power and performance, the Honda Rebel 1100 offers a perfect balance between cruiser comfort and high-performance capabilities. Priced at $9,499, this cruiser comes equipped with a 1083-cc parallel-twin engine, delivering 86 horsepower and 72 lb-ft of torque. This makes the Rebel 1100 an excellent choice for long-distance touring or highway cruising, offering a more powerful option without venturing into the heavyweight cruiser territory. Its blacked-out design and minimalist aesthetic are sure to appeal to riders who want both style and substance.
The Rebel 1100 is built for comfort, featuring a low seat height of 27.5 inches and adjustable Showa shocks at the rear, providing a smooth ride over various terrains. The bike’s 6-speed transmission offers excellent control, while the dual front brakes ensure precise stopping power. The Rebel 1100 also includes modern technology, such as a digital display and cruise control, making it perfect for long trips. For riders looking to step up to a more powerful cruiser without sacrificing comfort, the Honda Rebel 1100 is a top choice.
6. Suzuki Boulevard C50T
The Suzuki Boulevard C50T is a luxury cruiser that combines classic styling with modern performance, offering riders an exceptional riding experience. With a base MSRP of $10,359, the C50T features an 805-cc liquid-cooled V-twin engine that produces 53 horsepower and 52 lb-ft of torque. The bike is designed for comfort, with a plush, adjustable seat and a suspension system that can be tailored to the rider’s preference. Whether you’re cruising along the coast or hitting the open road, the C50T offers a smooth and enjoyable ride, making it perfect for long-distance journeys.
Its elegant, retro-inspired design features blue accent lines on the white paint scheme, along with chrome accents and valance-style fenders, giving it a timeless American cruiser look. The C50T’s seven-way adjustable suspension system provides a tailored ride, while the bike’s fuel-injection system ensures smooth and efficient power delivery. With its balance of comfort, performance, and classic styling, the Suzuki Boulevard C50T stands out as one of the best mid-tier cruisers available today.
7. Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster
The Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster brings British style and performance to the cruiser market. With a 1200-cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine, it generates 76.9 horsepower and 78.2 lb-ft of torque, offering smooth acceleration and ample power for both city streets and long highway cruises. The Speedmaster combines classic bobber styling with modern features like ride modes, cruise control, and advanced suspension, making it an appealing choice for serious cruiser enthusiasts. Priced at $13,795, it delivers an exhilarating ride with refined comfort.
What makes the Bonneville Speedmaster stand out is its attention to detail in design and performance. The bike features swept-back beach bars, forward-set foot pegs, and a teardrop-shaped fuel tank that are all hallmarks of classic British cruisers. Its Showa cartridge forks and monoshock rear suspension ensure a comfortable ride, while its Brembo two-piston calipers provide excellent braking performance. For riders seeking a cruiser with a unique blend of classic styling and modern engineering, the Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster offers an unforgettable experience.
8. BMW R18
The BMW R18 is a standout cruiser that defies expectations, combining traditional cruiser design with BMW’s legendary engineering. With a massive 1802-cc boxer engine producing 91 horsepower and 116 lb-ft of torque, the R18 offers exceptional power and torque, making it an excellent choice for riders seeking a high-performance cruiser. The R18 features a classic low-slung design and a customizable build, making it perfect for riders who want to personalize their motorcycle. With a base MSRP of $14,995, this cruiser delivers both in terms of performance and visual appeal.
With an air/oil-cooled twin-cylinder boxer engine, the BMW R18 delivers power with minimal effort, offering riders smooth and effortless acceleration. The bike’s long, stretched-out design and steel swingarm give it a distinctive, retro cruiser appearance. Features like its adjustable rear suspension and telescopic front fork ensure a smooth, comfortable ride. For riders seeking a luxurious and powerful cruiser with customization options, the BMW R18 offers an unrivaled experience.
9. Suzuki Boulevard M109R B.O.S.S
The Suzuki Boulevard M109R B.O.S.S is a cruiser powerhouse built for riders who crave raw power and aggressive styling. Powered by a 1783-cc liquid-cooled V-twin engine, the M109R produces 128 horsepower and 118 lb-ft of torque, making it one of the most powerful cruisers on the market. The bike’s aggressive design, featuring a massive rear tire and sharp lines, enhances its intimidating presence on the road. Priced at $15,599, this bike delivers unmatched performance, perfect for riders seeking extreme power in a cruiser.
The Boulevard M109R B.O.S.S features a 5-speed transmission and an advanced suspension system, offering smooth handling despite its size. Its low, elongated design and advanced braking system provide stability and control even at higher speeds. With its head-turning appearance and exceptional performance, the M109R B.O.S.S is a true performance machine for riders who demand both power and style.
10. Harley-Davidson Fat Bob 114
The Harley-Davidson Fat Bob 114 is a premium cruiser that offers a blend of muscular power and cutting-edge technology. Powered by an 1868-cc Milwaukee-Eight V-twin engine, the Fat Bob 114 produces 100.5 horsepower and 119 lb-ft of torque, ensuring thrilling performance on any road. Priced at $18,899, this bike is the perfect choice for riders seeking a bold, powerful cruiser with modern features.
The Fat Bob 114’s aggressive styling includes a wide front end, inverted forks, and dual exhausts that enhance its commanding presence. Advanced features like electronic cruise control, LED lighting, and a premium braking system ensure that this bike is as functional as it is stylish. For those who want a cruiser that combines raw power with modern comfort and technology, the Harley-Davidson Fat Bob 114 offers an unforgettable ride.
From beginner-friendly cruisers like the Honda Rebel 300 to premium performance machines like the Harley-Davidson Fat Bob 114, there is a cruiser for every rider on this list. Whether you are looking for affordability, comfort, or ultimate performance, each model offers something unique. The world of cruisers is diverse, and the perfect bike for you is out there waiting. So saddle up, and enjoy the open road with the cruiser that suits your style and needs.
