Power cruisers have been around since the mid-'80s when bikes such as the Yamaha V-Max was released upon the public. It was a really simple concept; grab a large engine that's filled to the brim with horsepower and torque, but instead of fitting it in a sportbike, mount it to the frame of a cruiser bike. And presto, the power cruiser was born - even if they wouldn't be referred to as such for another couple of decades.
The initial versions were downright terrifying, mainly because the brakes and chassis didn't stand a fighting chance against the massive power delivered by the big-bore engines. However, the manufacturers stuck with it, and over time, the power cruisers evolved and received much-needed upgrades that made them not only rideable, but some will even let you hit the twisties and carve up the canyon roads.
When looking for a powerful cruiser bike, Harley-Davidson might be the obvious choice for many. Bikes such as the discontinued V-Rod and Night Rod, or the new Breakout and FXDR certainly tick all the right power cruiser boxes. However, if you're looking for something that packs a mean punch and doesn't come with a bar and shield tank emblem, these are the bikes for you:
15 Triumph Rocket 3 TFC
Triumph’s newest Rocket 3 TFC is nothing short of a supercruiser with its mahoosive 2,500cc triple-cylinder engine producing a claimed 168 hp and 163 pound-feet of torque. As you twist the throttle on this beast, you better prepare to hang on for dear life.
Sure, it's not the fastest bike to 60 mph, but this thing is packing a ridiculous amount of grunt. Luckily, it's very well behaved and one of the most comfortable power cruisers out there.
14 Ducati Diavel 1260 S / XDiavel
Last year, Ducati completely revamped its devilish power cruiser, the Diavel. It received a larger 1,262 Testatretta DVT V-Twin engine along with more streamlined minimalist bodywork. Being a Ducati, it's a given that the Diavel has a trellis frame. It handles great and has enough power to get you wherever you're going in no time at all - except you'll always want to take the long road to get there.
13 Yamaha VMAX
Good old Max practically invented the whole power cruiser segment all the way back in 1985. The modern-day VMax has a 65-degree V4 engine measuring in at 1,679cc, but unlike the original, it offers perfectly controllable acceleration.
Whereas the old VMax required hopes and prayers every time you fired it up, this one comes with parts that match its power, such as ride-by-wire throttle, slipper clutch, dual wavey brake discs with six-piston calipers, and suspension adjustability front and rear. It's like a sportbike in cruiser clothing.
12 Honda Gold Wing
While the Gold Wing is more of a tourer than a power cruiser, it does have a huge 1,833cc flat-six engine pushing out 125 horses - these aren't wild stallions like the ones in a sportbike, but more like Clydesdales, built to haul some extra weight.
The G-W actually has more than 40 degrees of available lean angle, so show it a twisty road and it'll be more than happy to keep you entertained all day long. With its relaxed ergonomics and smooth riding experience, you'll soon find yourself checking out maps to take it for a longer trip.
11 BMW K1600B
Say hello to the Bavarian bagger, the K1600B is a touring bike that has sportbike-like parts crammed into it, and it's all the better for it. This bike is German engineering at its finest, with a 1,649cc inline-six mounted transversely in the frame and canted forward to make it shorter and more compact. With 160 horses and 129 pound-feet of torque, it sure does have enough grunt to be called a power cruiser.
10 Suzuki Boulevard M109R B.O.S.S.
We can't make a list of power cruisers and not include the incredible Suzuki Boulevard M109 B.O.S.S. Even if it has barely seen any changes in more than a decade, it's still one of the most popular cruisers out there, thanks to its muscular looks and the 1,783cc (109ci) 54-degree V-Twin engine. It packs 105 hp and 97 lb-ft of torque and is surprisingly rev-happy, making it a great choice for some spirited riding.
9 Moto Guzzi Audace
The Moto Guzzi Audace model is a lighter-weight model built on the California platform. Its 1,380cc engine is an awesome unit! Power is a very healthy 96 horsepower, and it delivers 89.2 pound-feet of torque, which definitely qualifies as a power cruiser.
The Audace doesn't compromise in the looks department - it has the broad shoulders and muscle bike stance. In fact, the carbon fiber used on this bike isn’t there to save weight, it’s designed purely to give the Audace a look of purpose and performance.
8 Indian Scout
According to Indian, its 1,133cc V-Twin Scout engine produces 100 hp and 72 pound-feet of torque. Those who are into tuning their bikes would be happy to know that the engine feels very under-stressed and is probably capable of a lot more.
At 558 lbs wet, the Indian Scout is fairly light for a cruiser bike, which means this thing flies like the proverbial manure of a shovel - it's certainly a lot nippier than you'd expect from a classically styled motorcycle.
7 Honda Valkyrie
While the Valkyrie hasn't been in Honda's cruiser lineup for several years now, this beefy muscle bike is still a force to be reckoned with. The Valkyrie is packing the same 104 horsepower 1,832cc flat-six engine that's also found in the base Gold Wing, but here it has less weight to move, making it even quicker and nimbler.
6 Victory Octane
Sadly, Victory is no longer a functioning motorcycle manufacturer, but its legacy lives on. Victory was one of the few cruiser bike companies that actually took an interest in racing, so they knew a thing or two about making powerful bikes.
The Octane effectively had the same 1179 V-Twin engine as the one now found in the Indian Scout, but with a handful more horses. It only weighs 548 lbs wet, so it's quite the performer.
5 Victory Vegas 8 Ball
We've already mentioned how Victory participated in racing. They’ve actually entered bikes into both the Isle of Man TT and the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, and that DNA shines through in their power cruiser, such as the Vegas 8 Ball.
This bike comes packed with American muscle, 1731cc of it, punching out a very decent 105 hp and 110 lb-ft of torque, combined with its relatively low weight of 638 lbs, the Vegas 8 Ball is one of the fastest accelerating cruisers out there.
4 Moto Guzzi California 1400 Custom
The Moto Guzzi California series is usually overlooked when it comes to power cruisers, and that's a shame! Some claim they're not cruiser bikes, but we beg to differ! These bikes come with a powerful 1380cc V-Twin engine that produces 95 hp and 88.5 lb-ft of torque, they have a relaxed and comfy riding position, and they're just tons of fun to throw a leg over and ride on your favorite stretch of asphalt.
3 Yamaha Star Raider
The Yamaha Star Raider was clearly a product inspired by custom choppers, but with some common-sense elements - such as being able to go around a corner. Ok, sure, it looks more like a classic cruiser, but here's the thing; The Star Raider comes with a 1854cc V-Twin engine, giving you old-school looks with modern-day performance.
This bike has 100 horsepower and 123.8 lb-ft of torque on tap, making it a powerful and fast cruiser that still manages to retain a lot of those classic cruiser elements.
2 Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Mean Streak
The Kawasaki Mean Streak is an oldie, but a goodie. Looking at it, it's obvious that Kawasaki made this bike to be ridden... hard! Just like a sportbike, you sit more 'in' the bike than on it, and it has inverted forks, huge brakes, 17-inch wheels with sticky rubber, and a reinforced swingarm - everything you need to enjoy yourself on a winding road. The 1552cc V-Twin engine feels modern and up to date, providing the rider with bucketloads of torque.
1 Boss Hoss
Now we're talking! Over the top in every way possible, this American behemoth has a 350-cubic-inch Chevy small block V8 and power figures start at 200 hp. If that's not enough, there's the 502 cubic inches (8.2 liters) version.
It sounds like it would be a beast to ride, right? Well, some owners affectionately describe the Boss Hoss as a "big scooter" as it offers good ride comfort and driving dynamics, and is, surprisingly, almost vibration-free.