There are numerous styles of motorbikes to select from to ride. From sport bike, to dual sport, to cruiser. And all riders have their preference in style and brand of motorcycle. When it comes to brands of motorcycles, some riders will try owning different brands for variety and to see what they have to offer. Then there are riders who are loyal die hard's to their favorite brand. Even going as far as every stitch of gear and clothing they wear having their motorbikes brand name displayed on it.
When it comes to the cruiser style of motorcycle, Harley-Davidson undoubtedly holds the leading spot as the most well-known cruiser style motorcycle brand, even with non-riders. While the Harley-Davidson brand is extremely popular, there are other cruiser style brands that are worth considering and trying out. Just hearing the name Harley-Davidson, the first thing that comes to mind is big, heavy, noisy, expensive motorcycle. And that’s even before the owner puts modifications into it.
Just because you want a cruiser style motorcycle, it does not mean you have to buy a Harley-Davidson. Other motorcycle brands do manufacturer cruiser style motorcycles that may not be as heavy, noisy, and fit a more reasonable budget. Read on for 15 Cruiser Bikes We’d Rather Buy Than A Harley-Davidson.
15 Honda Rebel CMX500
Honda came out with a Rebel 250 in 1985 to try to attract young rider’s attention. It was produced off and on until 2016 when the successors, the Rebel 300 and Rebel 500 were released.
The liquid-cooled parallel-twin bobber style Rebel 500 comes with blacked out components giving it the look of a lean, mean machine. The riding position is relaxed and the low seat height at 27.2 inches allow most riders to be flat-footed at stops. And there are rumors that Honda may have a higher cc Rebel in the works.
14 Kawasaki Vulcan
Kawasaki motorcycles started producing the Vulcan, in a 750 Series, for the 1985 model year. There have been ten more Series added to the line-up, ranging from a 400 up to a 2000.
The Vulcan offers agile handling, relaxed, low seating position of a cruiser. Depending on the cc of the motorbike, the parallel-twin or V-Twin engine offers tons of get up and go, and peppiness for a cruiser. And all for a base MSRP of under $9,000 for a brand new 750 cc version.
13 Yamaha V-Star
The Yamaha V-Star, the name it is known as in North America, was released in Japan in 1996 under the name Yamaha XVS 400 DragStar. Europe and North America saw the 650 version on the market in 1997. The 650 V-Star was a mid-size cruiser which was popular with all level of riders.
The V-Star line-up continued to grow when the 1100 V-Star was introduced in 1999. Riders had an option of the Custom or Classic models. Production ceased in 2008 but the V-Star continues to be a popular used cruiser option for riders to buy.
12 Honda Gold Wing
When Honda released the first 1000GL Gold Wing in 1974, it did not resemble the modern day Gold Wing in the least bit. The original cruiser Gold Wing was a naked bike, minus the saddle bags, trunk, and fairings.
The production years since 1974 saw many changes and improvements. A few being the addition of saddlebags, trunk, and fairings when the 1100 was introduced. This turned the Gold Wing into the touring cruiser we are familiar with, and many riders love.
11 Triumph Bonneville Bobber
The Triumph Bonneville Bobber is one of the “newer kids on the block” being released in 2017. It caught rider’s attention being the quickest selling model in Triumph’s 115 years. Now offering the Bobber Black, Triumph is hoping to hit that mark again.
The 1200 cc Bobber Black sports larger forks, revamped front brakes, LED headlight, daytime running lights, and single-button cruise control. With two possible seat positions, riders can select which is most comfortable for them.
10 Yamaha Star Bolt
Yamaha released the 942 cc Star Bolt, or Bolt, for the 2014 model year. Its low seat height, light weight, and ease in handling, has made it a popular choice with new riders.
Yamaha designers have left the Bolt with little chrome or accessories when it hits the showroom. This is to allow ease of customization, and personalization, for the rider when they purchase their new ride. And with a base MSRP just under $10,000 brand new, it is a great deal.
9 Honda Shadow
Honda produced the Shadow line up of cruiser bikes starting in 1983. Engine displacement ranged from a 125 cc to an 1100 cc. There were many additions to the Shadow lineup and revisions to the models to keep up with the competition.
Honda had possibly the closest non-Harley to a Harley-Davidson in the Honda Shadow Ace. It was so similar that Harley-Davidson tried to sue Honda over the styling and sound. After a few years in the courts, Harley-Davidson dropped the case and the Shadow silently disappeared.
8 Suzuki Boulevard C90T
In 1998, Suzuki introduced a cruiser bike the VL 1500 Intruder LC. VL represented the V-twin engine and long frame. LC represented Legendary Classic. The 1500 cc Intruder was in production until 2004 when Suzuki re-branded the cruiser line to the Boulevard. Along with the re-branding and some styling redesigns, the Boulevard came with a change from a carburetor system to a fuel-injection system.
The 1500 cc Boulevard C90T is a touring model that comes with saddlebags and windscreen. It is a comfortable ride for both passenger and driver, with the driver sitting in the typical foot forward cruiser position.
7 Kawasaki 1700 Vaquero
The 1700 Vaquero is one of the models available in the 1700 cc Vulcan line of Kawasaki motorcycles. Released in 2011, the Vaquero is a bagger model ready to hit the open road, coming supplied with saddle bags and a frame mounted fairing. And for customization, there is a wide selection of accessories to personalize your Vaquero.
6 Kawasaki 1700 Voyager
The 1700 Voyager is the top model offered in the Kawasaki Vulcan cruiser line of motorcycles. The big brute of a bike at almost 900 pounds, makes a statement on the road. And to stop all that bike, it comes with Kawasaki Advanced Coactive-braking Technology (K-ACT II) ABS.
The Voyager touring cruiser is ready to take its riders on spectacular motorcycle vacations in style while offering total comfort and luxury.
5 Indian Scout Sixty
The Indian Scout Sixty is one of the entry models of the Indian motorcycle lineup. At 1,000 cc engine displacement, it is by no means slow or a “beginner” bike. With just a few flashes of chrome, the blacked out Scout Sixty offers a stylish cruiser with great handling, and a pleasure to ride.
4 Honda CTX700
The Honda CTX700 offers cruiser style touring for all levels of riders. Its power is not overwhelming for beginner riders, yet offers enough power for veteran riders. If you are a rider that is tired of constantly shifting a manual transmission, the CTX700 offers an automatic dual-clutch transmission (DCT).
Two style options available are the CTX700N, the naked version without a fairing, and a CTX700, which comes equipped with a fairing. Both offer cruiser style seating with forward footpegs.
3 Victory Octane
The American made 1200 cc Victory Octane was produced for the 2017 model year. Since only 4,000 Octanes were produced and Victory Motorcycles were shut down in 2017, the Octane is becoming a must-have collector’s item.
Rumors say that parts for the Octane will only be available for 10 years after production ceased. Many riders don’t seem too concerned about that as they are buying up the Octane for their collections and to enjoy riding.
2 Ducati XDiavel
When you hear the bike brand, Ducati, the first images that come to mind is a high-performance race bike. Ducati has definitely taken a new path with the cruiser style 1262 cc XDiavel.
The XDiavel has the unique ability to be configured to just about any rider. There are seven possible footpeg positions to select from. And for even more personalization there are seven seats and three handlebars to pick from. Great strategy when competing with so many options in the marketplace.
1 Indian Chief Vintage
If you are interested in a nostalgic ride, with modern riding conveniences, the Indian Chief Vintage may be the cruiser for you. The Chief Vintage was released to the market in 2013. The idea behind the Chief Vintage was to celebrate the styling of the original Indian Chief motorcycle line from the 1920s to 1950s. From the sleek lines, to the whitewall tires, to the flashy chrome, the Indian Chief Vintage is a cruiser legend.
Sources: totalmotorcycle.com, cycleworld.com, topspeed.com, Kawasaki.com, indianmotorcycle.com