There are a few very good reasons behind the popularity of cruisers: their laid-back attitude and ability to crack long distances with minimal fuss are two big ones, not to mention that they tend to simply look the business out on the open road. Given all that, there are a lot of manufacturers who have tried their hand at putting out their interpretation of what a cruiser should be, all with varying degrees of success.

UPDATE: 2024/01/04 12:29 EST BY RAUNAK AJINKYA

Despite a rapidly diversifying market, cruisers of all shapes and sizes have retained their popularity. Given that trend, those on the lookout for new cruisers will be happy to know that we've updated this list to reflect some of the best options out there on the market today.

In this instance, it's good to be on the buyers' side, given the sheer plethora of options on offer. In this list, we try to narrow down the options that should rocket to the top of your list if you're in the market for one. Not keen on long distances but still want a cruiser? We've got that covered, too. This, ranging from heritage-rich Harley-Davidson and Indian Motorcycle models to performance-packed Ducati and reliable Kawasaki bikes, is our list of cruisers you should keep in mind for long and short hauls.

How we got our model selections: To compile this list, HotCars thoroughly scanned all the manufacturers that currently have cruiser offerings in their portfolios. Once those were identified, we narrowed the list by picking what we felt their best use case was: short trips or long hauls. It should be noted that the motorcycles on this list are a combination of motorcycles currently in production and those that have been discontinued but can be found easily in the used market.

13 Yamaha V-Star 1300 Tourer

Use Case: Touring

Used Price Range: $3,300-$9,000

The V-Star 1300 Tourer can be described as a heavy middle-weight or a light-heavyweight cruiser. The bike is not small, but it is small enough that you won’t have to wrestle with it. The V-Star has a 1,304cc V-twin engine that pumps out respectable power without being intimidating.

A low seat and low center of gravity helps make the bike easy to handle, making the V-Star 1300 a great tour bike for beginners. The ability to operate the instrument functions using buttons on the handlebar adds confidence to the bike. Fitted with an adjustable backrest and removable windscreen, you can customize the ride to your liking on the go.

2016 Yamaha V-Star Cruiser 1300 Tourer Specs

Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs

12 Honda Rebel 500

Use Case: Short Trips

Starting MSRP: $6,499

The Honda Rebel is a lightweight, low-seating cruiser with plenty of user-friendly power. The potent and fast-revving 471cc parallel-twin motor in the Rebel offers low-rpm torque but lots of higher-rpm performance. This makes it a great fit for confident new riders since it is much more forgiving of errors while offering enough power to bail the rider out of trouble with a bit of throttle.

Wind blast is quite minimal for a naked bike without a windshield. The black cowling installed around the Rebel’s headlight effectively guides the oncoming wind around the rider, which reduces wind resistance on the freeway.

2023 Honda Rebel 500 Specs

Specs referenced from Motorcycle Specs

11 Victory Cross Country Tour

Use Case: Touring

Used Price Range: $7,000-$26,500

The Victory Cross Country Tour is a bike made for riders who prefer a bike with a bulky build. The bike is fully dressed with a full fairing with wings to extend protection to the rider’s hands, full windshield, and lower leg guard fairings complete with a windbreak. The hard, waterproof locking bags have a total of 41 gallons of space to store enough cargo for continent-spanning rides. An air and oil-cooled Freedom 106.6 V-Twin engine helps haul the 845-pound monster along the highway effortlessly.

The CC Tour packs numerous feature options, including cruise control, ABS, adjustable fairing venting, large floorboards, dual-zone heated seats, three 12-volt sockets, AM/FM radio, weather band radio with iPod integration, and full instrumentation. They are bulky, but many riders will appreciate having them during long rides.

2013 Victory Cross Country Tour Specs

Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs

10 Harley-Davidson Iron 883

Use Case: Short Trips

Used Price Range: $4,000-$13,000

The Harley-Davidson Iron 883 carries the authentic style and sound synonymous with the brand. The 883cc powerhouse runs hard and gives a smooth ride, which makes the bike quick enough for roaming the boulevards and backstreets.

The Iron 883 gives off a performance-centric vibe, with drag bars and mid-mount controls that form an aggressive rider triangle. This pushes the rider into a slightly forward-leaning posture, which makes for fun, aggressive cornering. However, the sporty nature of the bike makes it suitable for short, around-town rides only.

2009 Harley-Davidson Iron 883 Specs

Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs

9 Honda Rebel 1100

Use Case: Touring

Starting MSRP: $9,549

Honda's Rebel lineup certainly makes a good case for itself across the board, which is also why the Rebel 500 and the 1100 both make it on this list. Whereas the 500's best use case was tagged for short trips, the added displacement (and consequently power output) puts the Rebel 1100 squarely in the crosshairs of those looking for a long-distance cruiser.

While the 300 and 500cc variants appeal more to beginners, the 1100 is aimed more at those with a bit of experience and comes packed with goodies like a full electronics suite and even a DCT transmission. Add to that Honda's legendary reliability, and you have a cruiser ideal for longer distances.

2023 Honda Rebel 1100 Specs

Specs referenced from Motorcycle Specs

8 Indian Scout

Use Case: Short Trips

Starting MSRP: $13,249

The Indian Scout gave the cruiser segment a big fillip when it was introduced in 2015. It manages the seamless blend of a retro bobber's style and performance with a modern twist. Within the Scout umbrella itself, you have quite a few options to choose from, like the Scout Bobber, the Scout Rogue, and even the Scout 60. Still, regardless of what you settle for, you'll end up with a motorcycle that's easy to maneuver, stylish, and quite desirable.

Its liquid-cooled V-twin is quite punchy, features a low seat, and has a relaxed riding posture, ensuring that any and all short trips are easily taken care of. Given what it offers, it's hard to look past the Indian Scout family.

2024 Indian Scout Specs

Specs sourced from Indian Motorcycle

7 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager ABS

Use Case: Touring

Starting MSRP: $19,799

The Vulcan 1700 Voyager ABS stands as Kawasaki’s king of the open road. Few motorcycles can command the power and luxury status of the Voyager. The bike is all about comfort and convenience.

Its large trunk can fit two full-face helmets, while high-capacity, locking saddlebags can hold all your supplies and gear for the cross-country ride. Small storage compartments provide safe space to conveniently stow electronics, sunglasses, and other valuables.

Additionally, the Vulcan 1700 family was built with full regard for passenger comfort. It has a comfortable saddle, passenger backrest, and floorboard for the ultimate pillion comfort on long rides.

2023 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager ABS Specs

Specs sourced from WebBikeWorld

6 Yamaha V-Star 250

Use Case: Short Trips

Starting MSRP: $4,699

The Yamaha V-Star 250 is among the best and most fun entry-level bikes money can buy. It is lightweight and has low seating, only 27 inches off the pavement. That said, it is still a good choice for any experienced rider who prefers fun that comes bundled in small packages.

The V-Star 250 is a unique bike since it is the only V-twin in the performance class. Its smooth, torquey, controllable power delivery makes it popular with riders across all skill levels. Also, at 78 MPG, you can have lots of fun on the V-Star 250 without hurting your pocket. With carburetor bikes slowly becoming extinct, the V-Star 250 offers a rare choice for carburetor fans looking for a simple, classic cruiser commuter bike.

2023 Yamaha V-Star 250 Specs

Specs sourced from WebBikeWorld

5 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Highway King

Use Case: Touring

Starting MSRP: $26,999

All the Harley-Davidson’s Glide lineup bikes are respectable tourers, but the Electra Glide Highway King stands out. The Electra Glide Revival is a modern remake of the 1969 Classic that proves blending classic style with modern engineering is a winning formula. The bike’s uncompromising comfort design is focused on lengthy rides for two, making it the bike of choice for thrilling adventures that take you cross-country and back.

The Electra Glide’s Milwaukee-Eight 114 V-twin engine provides enough power to spare and is accompanied by the memorable deep Harley rumble. The bike's superior throttle response and suspension performance have no rival in quality and efficiency.

2023 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Highway King Specs

Specs sourced from Harley-Davidson

4 Kawasaki Vulcan S

Use Case: Short Trips

Starting MSRP: $7,349

The Vulcan S is Kawasaki’s smallest sport cruiser in production since 2016. It carries the same low and lean profile found on bigger Vulcan cruisers. The bike’s chassis and suspension are derived from a sportbike, providing light and responsive handling for effortless maneuvering and a sporty feel.

The Vulcan S is a cruiser that an average rider should feel at home riding due to the low seating position, easy-to-reach handlebars, and perfectly placed footpegs. What's more? You are spoiled for choice with 18 different adjustable configurations to achieve your preferred riding position.

2024 Kawasaki Vulcan S Specs

Specs sourced from Kawasaki

3 Indian Roadmaster

Use Case: Touring

Starting MSRP: $32,999

The Indian Roadmaster is the peak of luxury touring cruiser, complete with classical styling and bundled with all the cross-country amenities for two you could wish for. It includes navigation, heated grips, and a premium audio system. The Roadmaster is powered by the grunty Indian Thunderstroke 116 V-Twin engine. Indian’s Ride Command system controls the infotainment and bike data and streams it to a 7-inch touchscreen.

The Roadmaster fits almost all riders due to its low handlebar, spacious floorboards, and wide seat. It comes with an adjustable windshield, which enables customization of wind protection. The addition of heated grips and seats for both ride and pillion make the bike comfortable for long rides, even in cold weather.

2024 Indian Roadmaster Specs

Specs sourced from Indian Motorcycle

2 Ducati XDiavel S

Use Case: Short Trips

Used Price Range: $10,000-$30,000

Ducati is known for high-performance race motorcycles, so few thought it would be a perfect match when they introduced their first cruiser. However, the XDiavel S is as addictive as its Ducati siblings. It is one of the best-looking and fun motorcycles money can buy. The Italian performance cruiser is powered by a 1,262cc V-Twin engine producing 160 hp. With city traffic moving at different speeds, the XDiavel S has the power and ability to be the bike you need whenever needed.

The XDiavel S is a bike designed to thrill you whenever you hop on it. It is a genuine cruiser with forward-facing foot control, sits low and long, with a muscular presence that generates excitement. Also, it gives the sense of standing apart from everyone else on the street.

2023 Ducati XDiavel S Specs

Specs sourced from Ducati

1 Indian Chief Dark Horse

Use Case: Touring

Starting MSRP: $18,499

As far as big, burly American cruisers go, the Indian Chief Dark Horse is right up there with the best of the lot. The Indian brand makes a variety of cruisers, but the original Chief, with its V-twin, is one of their most loved motorcycles.

It is an air-cooled 1,890cc engine with more than enough grunt to power you across large distances. And keeping in line with Indian's philosophy, the Chief Dark Horse gets a host of modern tech, such as ride-by-wire throttle, ride modes, a touchscreen dial, cruise control, and much more. Also, baked into the price is undeniable style and character. Hard not to consider the Chief Dark Horse, then.

2024 Indian Chief Dark Horse Specs

Specs sourced from Indian Motorcycle

Source for MSRP and Features: Respective manufacturers' websites

Source for technical specs: Motorcycle Specs

Source for used prices: Cycle Trader