Since the '30s, cruiser bikes have been a huge part of the motorcycle culture in America. There's something about their relaxed riding position, forward set footpegs, low seat, large rear tire, and low-end torque that seems to appeal to a large section of enthusiasts. Those lucky enough to own one love to enjoy the views and cleanse their souls when taking the bike on a journey.
Despite the motorcycle industry growing extremely competitive due to the introduction of all-new breeds of bikes – like electric motorcycles, 2020 has been an exciting model year in the cruiser realm. Various manufacturers are hard at work, trying to dominate the market. The following are ten of the best cruisers of 2020.
10 Harley-Davidson FXDR 114
When designing the FXDR 114, Harley-Davidson sought inspiration from the dragstrip and fighter jet worlds. The result was a beefy but stylish motorcycle that proved Harley-Davidson is the true king of cruiser bikes. This is a cruiser with a long, low look and better cornering clearance than any cruiser on this list.
At the heart of the FXDR 114 is a 1,868cc air-cooled Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine that produces 78.7 horsepower and 119 pound-feet of torque. This is paired with an aluminum swingarm, a forward-facing air intake, and a 43mm inverted fork, all of which boost aesthetic appeal.
9 Indian Scout 100th Anniversary
Featuring classic styling and a mighty powertrain, the Scout 100th Anniversary pays homage to the American manufacturer's classic cruisers since the 20s. The bike is designed to prove that Americans make the most badass cruiser bikes. The Scout 100th Anniversary is limited to just 750 units. It features a unique red paint job with Anniversary Gold trim, a commemorating badge, spokes wheels with gold pinstripes, a Desert Tan leather saddle, a luggage rack, beach bars, and chrome detailing.
The Scout 100th Anniversary uses the same liquid-cooled 1,133cc V-Twin found in its predecessors, putting out 100 horsepower and 72 pound-feet of torque.
8 Triumph Rocket 3 R GT
One of the most anticipated cruisers for 2020 was the Triumph Rocket 3 R GT, and it's easy to see why. For one, this bike has an eye-catching design that features a new styling treatment that leans into more of a roadster aesthetic than the traditional lines of the past versions.
The Rocket comes with an all-new 2458cc three-cylinder engine with a power output of 165 horsepower and a jaw-dropping 168 pound-feet of torque. A new aluminum frame makes the new Rocket 88 pounds lighter than its predecessor and is fitted with Showa suspension setups, Brembo monoblocks, and cast-aluminum wheels.
7 BMW R 18
The R 18 is the talk of the cruiser world right now, aiming both Harley and Triumph. It looks pretty sweet with its swoopy silhouette, massive jugs, exposed nickel-plated shaft drive, fishtail exhausts, and a lovely teardrop fuel tank.
The R 18 draws its power from a 1,802cc air- or oil-cooled flat twin-cylinder engine cranking out 90 horsepower, giving the 761-pound machine a top speed of 120 mph. Buyers can expect the R 18 to have a two-up seat, additional LED lights, pannier bags, a tall screen, and cruise control.
6 Harley-Davidson Low Rider S
After a few years' hiatus, Harley-Davidson decided to revive the Low Rider S for the 2020 model year, giving it the most powerful engine in its best-handling Softail chassis. This refurbished Softail has a unique design featuring a nostalgic frame geometry, a cyclops headlight, a chopped-down bullet fairing, blackout bullet blinkers, tall handlebar risers, a flyscreen, and bronze cast wheels.
Powering the Low Rider S is the biggest 1,868cc Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine making 90 hp and 119 pound-feet of torque mated with a slip and assist clutch and a six-speed Cruise Drive Transmission.
5 Honda Rebel 500
Although it's not an all-new bike, the refreshed entry-level Rebel 500 cruiser from Honda is an exciting prospect. The engine, wheels, frame, and handlebars remain unchanged, but the saddle, LED lighting, and dash get a fresh new look.
The Rebel 500 comes with a 471cc liquid-cooled engine with an output of 45 horsepower. This is paired with a new assist-and-slipper clutch, an updated suspension system, and revised shocks. The Rebel 500 also comes with electronic aids such as traction control, cruise control, a TFT screen, and different riding modes.
4 Ducati Diavel
The Diavel is a belt-driven cruiser from Ducati. It features cutting-edge modern styling, sports bike handling, and sports bike power. The Diavel is genuinely a thing of beauty thanks to its fancy paint job, suede saddle, forged wheels, and plenty of black detailing. Buyers will also love the single-sided swingarm, compact exhaust, the color TFT dash, and the huge back wheel.
A 1,262cc V-Twin VVT engine provides 158 horsepower, allowing the Diavel to hit a top speed of 150 mph. Ducati has also equipped the Diavel with the most advanced tech such as cornering ABS, launch control, ride modes, full LED lighting, and keyless start.
3 ARCH Motorcycle KRGT-1
Keanu Reeves' boutique operation sells some pretty badass motorcycles these days, one of which is the flagship KRGT-1. With its unique styling, massive thrust, and easy ergonomics, the new KRGT-1 is turning out to be one of the best cruiser bikes on the market.
The KRGT-1 boasts of a hearty 2,032cc S&S power plant with an output of 122 horsepower and 122 pound-feet of torque. To up its badassery status, the KRGT-1 gets beefy purpose-built ISR monoblocks, carbon fiber five-spoke wheels, Arch spec Ohlins FGRT forks and monoshock, and a Yoshimura carbon fiber exhaust.
2 Indian Challenger Dark Horse
With its distinct blacked-out style and unmatched comfort, the Indian Challenger Dark Horse makes going longer and further an adventure like never before. The Indian Challenger Dark Horse comes with a liquid-cooled V-Twin engine cranking out 122 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of torque. This is paired with an inverted front suspension and a hydraulically adjustable Fox rear shock to deliver unyielding stability and curve-hugging handling.
The Dark Horse has a host of tech features such as Smart Lean Technology to keep riders grounded, Dynamic traction control, Drag Torque Control, and ABS with cornering control.
1 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster
Some people may be mad that the Triumph Bonneville Bobber is not on this list, but loyal cruiser fans know that the Speedmaster is the better option both from an aesthetic and practical standpoint. The 2020 Speedmaster carries "British attitude" on its shoulders and comes with a 1200cc parallel twin with an output of 77 horsepower and 78 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed transmission.
To ensure maximum comfort over long distances, the Speedmaster is equipped with ride-by-wire throttle, a reworked rear monoshock suspension, a cage-style swingarm, and new rider modes that also allow it to conform to Euro 4 emission standards.