Cruiser motorcycles are usually big and bulky bikes equipped with V-twin engines. Also, they're not exactly the plainest and most simple-looking two-wheelers on the road - which often makes them stylish and cool. However, they pay the price for their massive size and laid-back designs with sluggish acceleration and low top speeds. After all, they're meant for a relaxing cruise down the highway, not a race track.
That, however, is in the past. These days, motorcycle manufacturers are finding new ways and technologies to keep their cruisers in the fast lane. With improved recipes for speed, you'll find that a lot of today's cruisers under the muscle, power, and sport category can easily go over 100 mph in a flash. These are made solely as performance bikes and are usually produced without the saddles, windshields, and additional weights that can slow it down.
If you want the classic badass cruiser look but without the outdated performance, take a look at the fastest cruisers that you'll find in the market today.
10 2020 Yamaha VMAX: 0-60 In 2.5 Seconds
First introduced in the market as a power cruiser in 2009, Yamaha has proven itself worthy of leading the competition in terms of speed. If you're looking for something that can burst like a bullet, the 2020 Yamaha VMAX can be bought for $17,999.
Although it does have a higher seat than most cruisers, the 30.5-inch seat height can be harder for beginners to straddle on to. Though we don't recommend the 1,679 cc V4 engine for beginners. This gives the Yamaha VMAX over 120 lb-ft of torque and more than 170 horsepower.
9 Ducati Diavel 1260 S: 0-60 In 2.6 Seconds
The Ducati Diavel 1260 S isn't only quick. It also makes curves easier to pull through. If you're looking for a good performance cruiser, the Ducati Diavel 1260S is one bike that defines power cruiser bikes.
Ducati is a popular bike-manufacturing company that knows what they're doing so it's no secret why the Diavel 1260 S is one of the quickest cruisers out there. After all, it does carry a 1,262 cc twin-cylinder Testastretta DVT engine. This supplies the Diavel with up to 157 horsepower and 95 lb-ft of torque. Not to be confused with the XDiavel 1262, another awesome bike from Ducati.
8 Triumph Rocket 3 GT: 0-60 In 2.7 Seconds
One of the more rebellious-looking cruisers in this list is the Triumph Rocket 3 GT that was first introduced in 2019. It showcases not only snappy acceleration but also a muscular overall design.
You can get this mighty cruiser for yourself for $22,600. With that, you get a 2500 cc engine that tops at 165 hp and 163 lb-ft of torque. Though it weighs in at a hefty 650 lbs, the bike's configuration makes sure it ticks in at 0-60 mph in only 2.75 seconds.
7 Harley Davidson Livewire: 0-60 In 3 Seconds
If we're talking about fast motorbikes, Harley Davidson is a brand you should expect to hear. In the case of fast cruisers, it was the company's first electric bike that got them into the list.
Though it's no surprise for an electric bike to pack a punch, we're still happy that the Livewire put up a fight with a Tesla Model 3 in a drag race. The triple-phase induction motor that churns out 74 horsepower and 52 lb-ft of torque is just one of its proud specs. Although it is technically one of the fastest bikes out there, there have been reports that the Livewire isn't selling out as fast as expected.
6 Triumph Rocket III Roadster: 0-60 In 3.3 Seconds
This two-wheeled bad boy is more than just a badass cruiser. It actually has the largest displacement around so not just anybody can mess with this mean-looking cruiser bike.
Crafted with a monstrous 2,300cc liquid-cooled 2.3L 3-cylinder engine, the Triumph Rocket III Roadster can give any capable driver up to 148 hp and 163 lb-ft of torque. You also won't have to worry about spending extra for ABS because it comes as a standard. For $15,500 you can have your Triumph Rocket III Roadster in Phantom Black or Jet Black.
5 Honda Gold Wing Valkyrie 0-60: In 3.4 Seconds
If you know your cruisers, you may very well know the story behind the Honda Gold Wing Valkyrie. Beyond the amazing comeback as a speedy champ, this Valkyrie actually took more than a decade to wake up from slumber.
These days, the Honda Gold Wing Valkyrie is missing the fairings and bags which makes it way lighter and of course, faster. It's also powered by a liquid-cooled, six-cylinder engine capable of 1832 cc. This gives the Valkyrie a bursting 110 hp with 110 lb-ft of torque.
4 Harley-Davidson VRSCA V-Rod: 0-60 In 3.5 Seconds
For something categorized as a power cruiser, we shouldn't be surprised that something like the Harley-Davidson VRSCA V-Rod is up in this list. The mean-looking handlebars and forward controls might make you want to steal some glances but the overall driving experience will make you want to buy one.
Powered by a liquid-cooled, 60-degree 1,131 cc V-twin engine, the Harley-Davidson VRSCA V-Rod is supplied with 115 hp and 100 Nm of torque. Though some sites list the V-rod to have a top speed of 116 mph, a Topspeed.com user said his V-Rod can reach up 10 133 mph.
3 Yamaha XV1900A Star Raider 0-60: In 3.6 Seconds
The Yamaha XV1900A Star Raider is basically a touring bike but without all the heavy stuff to drag. Though it would have been extra sporty and badass with its accessories, we'd still ride this speedy cruiser any day.
Powered by a 1,854 V-twin engine, this proud cruiser is not going to let any sports bike leave it in the dust. It carries 99 hp and 123 lb-ft of torque to swiftly go from 0 to 60 in only 3.6 seconds. The Yamaha XV1900A Star Raider is a limited production model.
2 2020 Suzuki Boulevard M109R B.O.S.S: 0-60 In 3.65 Seconds
The 2020 Suzuki Boulevard M109R B.O.S.S is a performance cruiser that uses some of the biggest pistons one would see in a bike. But thanks to Suzuki's skillful engineers, the M109R B.O.S.S is more than just powerful - it's attractive too!
It bears bold, think lines and a menacing look that real drivers always crave for in a cruiser. It also has a power-packed 1783 cc V-twin engine to make sure you blast off to 60 mph in only 3.65 seconds. The 2020 Suzuki Boulevard M109R B.O.S.S has an estimated top speed of 110 mph.
1 Moto Guzzi California 1400 Custom: 0-60 In 3.75 Seconds
American motorcycle brands are great and all, but there is just something about Italian products that make you want to have one. The Moto Guzzi California 1400 Custom is one example.
This beefed-up cruiser is more than just a bike. To the makers, it carries the heritage of workers hand-building their products in their Mandello del Lario production house. This work of art comes with a 1380 cc 90-degree V-twin engine that supplies the Moto Guzzi California 1400 Custom with 88 lbs-ft of torque and 95 hp.