For the largest part, cruiser-style motorcycles are based on American cruiser bikes of the 1930s — the Harleys and Indians with fat tires, low saddles, and gracefully sculpted fuel tanks. In the modern world, cruisers are available in different types and forms. Manufacturers are turning out new renditions of the cruiser, some of them pretty far from the art deco of the early cruiser machines.
Choosing the right beginner cruiser bike depends on several factors. The primary one is the overall stature. A beginner should put their feet on the ground comfortably to support the cycle and themselves. Other factors include the engine size of the bike, its weight, among others. Anything below 600cc would do for a beginner cruiser. An experienced rider can push anything that moves on two wheels, irrespective of the motorcycle's engine size, height, or weight. That said, dive in for five of the best beginner cruiser bikes and five machines for the seasoned rider.
10 Perfect For Beginners: Yamaha V-Star 250
The Yamaha Virago is among the most beautiful and influential Japanese motorcycles in history, and perhaps one of the best in the classic cruiser market. The bike was introduced in 1981 as a 750cc cruiser machine, and it set the tone for the whole segment with its chopper-esque styling and low-seat height. Over the years, Yamaha has added several displacements, including the 250 cc variant.
The Virago eventually became the V-Star series, which is where the V-Star 250 comes from. While the 535cc motorcycle is no longer in production, the 250 is still on the market, and it's powered by a 249cc v-twin engine paired with a five-speed transmission. The V-Twin engine produces just enough power for a neophyte rider to practice before hopping on a more powerful machine.
9 For Experienced Riders: Triumph Bonneville Bobber
While the Bonneville Bobber doesn't usually run into mind when people are discussing cruisers, it is a powerful cruiser machine that packs enough power to scare off the best sports bikes in the market. The bike features a tractor-style saddle with a low seat height and a leaned back position. Its torquey engine makes it a worthwhile consideration when shopping for a cruiser bike for the experienced rider.
The Bonneville is Triumph's bestselling model. It is based on Hinckley firm's 1,200cc Bonneville platform. It gives the rider the incredible experience of riding a custom cruiser without losing the factory fit and finish while maintaining the manufacturer's warranty.
8 Perfect For Beginners: Honda Rebel
The Honda Rebel has been around for a long time. The 500 model was introduced in 2017, and it quickly became one of the most adored and sought-after cruiser bikes of all time. The difference in sales between sports bikes and cruisers has always been minimal. So, to bring many riders to the cruiser side of things, Honda thought the best way to win riders' hearts is to stay simple.
The Honda Rebel 500 is quite simple. It's not so big, scary, nor is it powered by a roaring 2000cc v twin. The bike has gentle throttle, superb brakes, and features an assist-and-slipper clutch and has excellent gearing. Its seat is pretty much comfortable, And that's all a beginner cruiser rider wants.
7 For Experienced Riders: BMW R18
For an experienced rider to feel the true thrill of fighting with the wind, a massive, roaring beast of an engine needs to be underneath. And that's why the R18 is here. The R18 comes with the largest boxer engine BMW Motorrad has ever produced.
The BMW R18 represents the modern rendition of the cruiser machine, perfectly blended with the classic styling of the 1930s. It is inspired by the traditional models of the WW2 era, more specifically, the 1936 BMW R5. The R18 features retro-styled forks and sweeping fishtail exhausts. Its exotic bodywork is finished in a black livery and white pinstriping, all clear nods to the classic R5. In addition, BMW offers a wide range of parts to customize the behemoth Bavarian to the rider's pleasure.
6 Perfect For Beginners: Suzuki Boulevard S40
The cruiser bike market offers something for everybody, and Suzuki's Boulevard S40 is the traditional alternative to the modern-designed Rebel 500. Suzuki takes a tried and proven approach to bring into the market an entry cruiser powered by a 652cc air-cooled engine with Mikuni carburetor. The simple design of the bike also presents buyers with a blank canvas to customize the S40 to their liking.
The slim 381-pound bike gives riders the confidence to maneuver around town, and at a starting price of less than $6,000, the Boulevard S40 is probably one of the most accessible entry cruiser bikes that's also easy to work on.
5 For Experienced Riders: Yamaha Vmax
The Vmax was first released in 1985 as the first motorcycle to kick off the hyper-cruiser segment. The bike features an angular and a contemporary take on the standard cruiser bike design with hints of naked bike vibes. Adrenaline-pumping performance comes from a mammoth 200-horsepower 1.6L V4 engine.
The Vmax stands apart from pretty much every other cruiser in the market thanks to its exotic bodywork and pronounced intake scoops. To complete this fine work of art, Yamaha gives the Vmax a cockpit with instrumentation set partially on the top of the tank.
4 Perfect For Beginners: Kawasaki Vulcan 500/Vulcan S/Vulcan S ABS
Kawasaki's Vulcan lineup of cruisers was launched in the early 1980s. The first model was a 1984 700cc cruiser that set the standard for other incredible machines to follow. For a beginner cruiser, a used Vulcan 500 could do wonders. This model was sold between 1990 and 2009 with a liquid-cooled 498cc parallel-twin engine.
The best modern Vulcan for beginner riders is the futuristically designed S model. It has a 649cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin, a six-speed transmission, and a chain final drive. The Vulcan S comes with a seat height of 27.7-inches and adjustable footpegs. The Vulcan Model S is also offered with antilock-braking technology on the S ABS model.
3 For Experienced Riders: Triumph Rocket 3
Triumph's Rocket 3 is currently the largest displacement motorcycle in the market. It comes with a massive 2.5-liter three-banger producing 165 horsepower. While the bike's top speed is only 140 mph, it reaches this speed pretty fast. It is also the quickest accelerating production bike, with a 0-60 mph time of 2.75 seconds.
As any experienced cruiser rider would expect, the Triumph Rocket 3 comes loaded with a lot of technology. It has an in-built navigation system from Google and many ride modes.
2 Perfect For Beginners: Indian Scout Sixty
The last of the best beginner cruisers is the Scout Sixty, an entry cruiser designed and built by Indian. With a 999cc engine, the Scout Sixty is the largest displacement beginner cruiser bike on this list, but comes with other beginner-friendly features. Such features include an ultra-low seat height of 25 inches, the lowest in this list.
The Scout Sixty also features a low center of gravity that helps new riders control the 560-pound machine like it only weighs 200 pounds. The higher displacement and 78 horsepower make the Scout Sixty the perfect cruiser motorcycle for highway speeds.
1 For Experienced Riders: Suzuki Boulevard M109R B.O.S.S.
With the 2021 Suzuki Boulevard M109R B.O.S.S., performance has never looked so good or so dark. It is the ultimate definition of intimidation. Powered by a potent 109 cubic inch engine and wrapped with aggressive styling, the M109R is the performance cruiser machine other bikes wish they were. Its powerful V-twin has the largest pistons in the industry.
The aggressive styling of this beast includes slash-cut mufflers, a supplied solo seat cowl, and drag-style bars. To finish this work of art in style, the Boulevard M109R features a uniquely shaped headlight nacelle that is exclusively Suzuki's. And it's not just about the looks; underneath this beautiful skin are other performance cues that make it an exclusive pick for the seasoned enthusiast.