Cruiser motorcycles are stylish, reminiscent of American bikes from the 1930s to 1960s, and comfortable to ride. They are low-slung bikes, perfect for touring the world. Thanks to extra features such as saddlebags, a windscreen, and a backrest for the passenger, cruisers are a great option for leisure riding.
Cruiser bikes are also a great option for beginners, who can gain experience thanks to their relaxed power output -at least compared to sports bikes. Every cruiser has: a low seat, wide handlebars, and footpegs pushed toward the front of the bike. But these rare special edition cruisers offer way more than that.
10 The 29 Honda VT 750 S, 2012
This cruiser is both a naked bike and a roadster. The VT750S is versatile and made for the road. It has an upright riding position which gives riders more confidence on the bike. As Ride Apart writes, “naked bikes are also budget-friendly.” This Honda proves the theory right. When it launched in 2012, the special edition VT750S cost $8,000.
The Honda features a “Championship White” bodywork, which gives the cruiser a retro look. To give the bike an even more stylish look, the Honda VT 750 S is adorned with the original Honda wing logo, both in yellow and red.
9 The Kawasaki Mean Streak, 2007
From the retro look of the Honda to the modern and flaming Kawasaki Mean Streak. It is a stable bike, with performance-oriented radial tires mounted on 17-inch wheels, an inverted fork, air-pressure and rebound-damping adjustability for the dual shocks, and dual disc brakes up front.
The Mean Streak is a Vulcan model with a 1,552cc V-twin engine and electronic fuel injection. The price tag on the Mean Streak varied by the color choice: $11,099 for Ebony; $11,299 for Metallic Flat Spark Black and Frame Persimmon Red.
8 The Triumph Rocket X, 2015
Triumph launched this special edition model to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Rocket III. The manufactures only produced 500 units in a beautiful and shiny Jet Black shade. This Triumph special edition also features side panels with the model’s number and an exclusive logo.
The black wheels have hand-painted silver pinstripes and blackened twin exhausts, mirrors, and handlebars. Although the real strength of the Rocket X is in its engine: the 2.3-liter three-cylinder engine is the biggest engine used by a production motorcycle in the world.
7 Suzuki Boulevard M50, 2009
This muscle cruiser has a hard-tail design and an advanced rear suspension system, which provides a comfortable and responsive ride. The Suzuki Boulevard M50 focuses on engine power thanks to its liquid-cooled 50-cubic-inch V-twin engine and an advanced Suzuki fuel injection system.
This 2009 special edition has dual spark plugs on each cylinder for better combustion and lower emissions and the five-speed transmission offers a relaxed ride. To make the ride even more comfortable, the model features low-rise handlebars mounted on pull-back risers. A bike to take on the road.
6 The Yamaha V-Star 1300 Deluxe, 2017
The starting price of this Yamaha special edition is $15,000 and it features an 80-cubic-inch (1304cc) liquid-cooled SOHC V-twin engine. It is a cruiser made to tour, also thanks to the fully integrated dash and an audio system with iPod and iPhone compatibility.
Riders of the Yamaha V-Star 1300 can enjoy both music and a rugged, waterproof Garmin zumo 665 GPS -which gives riders motorcycle-friendly navigation and 3D building view. This Yamaha cruiser includes lockable hard side bags for commuters and the real steel fenders are perfect for customization.
5 The Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail, 1994
Harley-Davidson launched the first Softail model in 1984, a custom roadster bike. It has rear suspension or shock absorbers located out of direct view, so as to look like a hard-tail motorcycle. Harley-Davidson placed the shock absorbers along the axis of the motorcycle, tucked under the transmission.
The Softail is the most customizable of Harleys and it is often used during bikes’ shows. Harley-Davidson only produced 2700 units of the Heritage Softail which nowadays is considered a vintage bike.
4 The Ducati Diavel Cromo, 2013
Ducati produced the first Diavel model in 2011, without any aerodynamic protections but with a six-speed transmission. The Cromo version features a fully chromed tank, in contrast with the starkly yet stylishly with the gloss black parts.
The Ducati Diavel Cromo has a more vintage look than the Diavel, thanks to the horizontal seat stitching and classic Ducati logos. The bike has three riding models with the latest, innovative Ducati technology such as the Touring Riding Mode, which offers a smoother ride. On the other hand, the Sport Riding Mode provides maximum acceleration.
3 The Kawasaki Vulcan S, 2016
With a price tag of $8.500, this special edition Kawasaki is a cruiser made for the road. The model comes in two color options: Metallic Matte Carbon Gray or Matte Urban City White. This special edition model features many accessories such as the Cafè style windscreen and the Easy Reach front seat, which brings the rider closer to the handlebar.
The Vulcan S doesn’t vary much from the base model, but the matt black livery and the lime green inserts, give this special edition an aggressive look. Inspired by American muscle cars, this Kawasaki is truly special and unique.
2 The Moto Guzzi California 1400 Custom, 2012
Launched four years before the Kawasaki Vulcan S, the Guzzi California 1400 Custom cost $25,000. It is a luxury cruiser that comes in two color variations: Executive brown and Elegance grey. Elegant and fancy looking, this special edition Guzzi aims at a small and shiny elite of riders.
Bikers can choose among three riding models, which include Tourism, Speed, and Rain. The Italian cruiser has a double, rear shock absorber and on the front view, the powerful headlight equipped with daytime lighting with LED DRL. The California 1400 Custom is made to be comfortable and enjoyable during every occasion.
1 The UM Commando Mojave, 2018
The production of this special edition bike was discontinued in 2019, but when it launched, the Commando Mojave was inspired by the American desert. The bike has a sand motif, which makes it available in matt brown paint, with matching saddlebags and tank pouch.
Two stickers highlight the Mojave theme: one actually proclaims it to be a Mojave and the second sticker features the desert’s Joshua Trees. This special edition UM features a six-speed gearbox and fuel injection. Although the model doesn’t have an Anti-lock Braking System, it features a step-up and split seat. A special edition to speed through the American landscape.