When people started riding their bikes long distances in the early 1930s, cruisers were introduced. By the late 1960s, the world was graced by a multitude of big macho cruisers, and some bikers still remember them fondly. Cruisers were mostly an American invention, with people preferring the roaring sound of large engines with unusual capabilities.
Cruisers are among the most well-known types of motorcycles ever produced. They are readily identified by their comfortable riding posture, broad handlebars, and spacious seats. We've seen a large variety of cruisers approach cities over the last century. Few of them have dominated the industry over the years, receiving praise from both journalists and buyers. Some have been absolutely thrashed and disavowed by the public. Below we have compiled a list of 5 cruisers we approve and 5 which should be avoided.
10 Approve: Ducati XDiavel
Ducati isn't really the first name that springs to mind when it comes to cruisers. Exotic superbikes, desmodromics, and fiery Italian personalities are widely associated with the brand. Ducati, on the other hand, has previously introduced cruiser models. The first Diavel was unveiled at the 2010 EICMA show. It was an instant success.
The XDiavel made its debut in 2016. Due to its low-profile, long wheelbase, and huge 1,262cc engine, this was Ducati's first belt-driven motorcycle and the company's fastest accelerating motorcycle at the time. The XDiavel currently has 152 horsepower, 92 lb-ft of torque, and a top speed of more than 160 mph.
9 Avoid: Honda Gold Wing Valkyrie
The Valkyrie is best described as a slab-sided attack on the eyes. In the interest of success, it foregoes the fairings and side-bags of previous Gold Wings, but does so at the expense of the timeless and cool styling of the original Gold Wing Cruisers.
It might be insanely powerful with a 6-cylinder engine and one of the fastest speed cruisers ever built, but that doesn't make it a cool bike to be seen on.
8 Approve: Harley-Davidson Softail Deluxe
Harley-Davidson has been a hallmark of creativity in American innovation and design for over a century. The Harley-Davidson Softail Deluxe is a high-end cruising motorcycle that stands out in a crowd. Softail seems to have an unlimited number of adjustable solutions.
The standard model is powered by a 1753cc V Twin engine that generates 77 horsepower and 109 pound-feet of torque. It's one of the most luxurious cruisers, with plenty of fuel, and one of the best features is the Harley-Davidson brand, which stands for continuity both inside and out.
7 Avoid: BMW R1200C
The BMW R1200C marked BMW's return to designing cruisers after a long absence, and it was definitely controversial. The R1200C was not well received due to its lumpy styling and obvious power deficit from an anemic 1200cc engine.
The R1200 C isn't poor in terms of results, but its looks leave a lot to be desired. Even an ultra-cool Pierce Brosnan as James Bond jumping over a helicopter couldn't save the R1200C's outcome.
6 Approve: Honda Shadow
The first Shadows were introduced in 1983, and the line has since expanded to accommodate a vast range of engine sizes and variants, ranging from 125cc learner bikes to larger mile-munching 1,100cc steeds, with Spirit, Aero, Phantom, and RS trims previously available.
The new Shadow Phantom is a fast cruiser with plenty of grunt for highway cruising, all rolled up in a steady and optimistic package. With a blacked-out 745cc V-twin, 44.9 horsepower, and 47.9 lb-ft of torque, the Shadow has the right mix of attitude, endurance, and fun to entertain both novice and experienced riders.
5 Avoid: Harley-Davidson Electra Glide
On paper, the Harley-Davidson Electra Glide is a great bike. It's a detailed cruiser motorcycle powered by a 1,746 cc, single-cam, V-twin, pushrod engine. In fact, however, this is far from the case. The most ironic feature that makes this cruiser unstable is that, despite being called the Electra Glide, the majority of its issues are related to the moto's electrical components.
These include the starter, wiring, and various other electronic components in the motorcycle, which has resulted in many buyers returning the machine to the suppliers. As a result, it is better not to buy the Electra Glide, particularly if it is used.
4 Approve: Moto Guzzi MGX-21
The Moto Guzzi MGX-21 made its debut in 2014, causing quite a stir in the industry. Its 21-inch front wheel, all-carbon-fiber structure, and saddlebags with nearly 130 pounds of storage space make it the ideal cruiser for even the most discerning traveler.
It has a 1380cc transverse V-Twin engine with 97 horsepower and 89 lb-ft of torque. Moto Guzzi's MGX-21 is a cruiser with miles of style, combining futuristic architecture with tried-and-true results.
3 Avoid: Hyosung GV650 Aquila
This Korean cruiser provides nothing in terms of coolness and can only be defined as good value. The GV650 will never win any beauty competitions thanks to its daunting style that carelessly mixes trends into one unattractive cocktail of a cruiser.
With 70 hp, the V-twin engine provides plenty of power. It's also essentially a carbon copy of the Suzuki SV650 engine, all made by a brand that's largely unknown outside of South Korea. Unfortunately, frugality is not an especially fashionable look for a cruiser, otherwise, this would be a winner.
2 Approve: BMW R18
The R18 from BMW Motorrad is a big, bulky cruiser. It's well-known for its new 1802cc engine, which produces a lot of torque. This bike, like all BMWs, comes with a slew of inventions and technologies designed to make life on the road simpler. The R18, on the other hand, weighs a bit more.
The R18 takes the spirit of the original R5 and cranks it up to eleven with the company's largest-ever motorcycle boxer engine, producing 90 horsepower and 116 pound-feet of torque. The R18 has three riding modes: Rain, Roll, and Rock, which is a cool twist on Rain, Road, and Sport. There is also switchable automatic stability control (ASC) and engine drag torque control (MSR).
1 Avoid: Boss Hoss Big Block Limited SS
Although strength and performance are highly valued characteristics in a cruiser motorcycle, too much of a good thing can be detrimental. That is the case with the 6,200 cc, four-stroke, V8 Boss Hoss Limited SS Big Block.
This cruiser motorcycle has a power output of 445 hp and 445.1 ft-lb torque at 4,750 rpm. Although no other motorcycles can boast such unbridled strength, even the most seasoned riders should avoid this cruiser since it takes more than just power to make a great bike, but power is all the Boss Hoss has to offer.