Whenever cruiser motorcycles are mentioned, Harley-Davidson usually dominates the conversation, while Indian provide an amazing alternative. Japan is likewise famous for putting together some terrific machines, both on two and four wheels alike. And on the other side of the globe, many Japanese cruisers put Harley-Davidsons to shame. Yet it can't be ignored how amazing some of the cruiser bikes produced in Europe are. They may not get the press, but they definitely deserve it.
Whether it’s from the UK, Italy, or another nation, these bikes provide high-tech performance combined with comfort and a style other countries can’t touch. They can be captivating on the road yet better to drive. Here are ten of the best European cruiser bikes that put both Harley-Davidson and Japan to shame in terms of fine performance married to gorgeous looks.
10 Triumph Bonneville Bobber
Even the name sounds fun. The Triumph Bonneville Bobber has been one of the company’s most loved cruisers since its release in 2017 and just improves every year. The company doesn’t offer any fancy additions or gizmos but a straight-up, stripped-down cruiser that makes up in performance what it lacks in frills.
The 1200cc can get 77 hp, and 78 lb-ft of torque and the new “Black” model adds liquid cooling and improved clutch for a great ride to bob along the road.
9 Moto Guzzi California Touring
It may sound odd for an Italian company to offer a bike themed to the Golden State, but it works. The California Touring possesses a 90-degree V-Twin 1380cc engine, which produces 96 bhp of power and 89 lb-ft of torque and mated to a shaft drive 6-speed transmission.
The design is unique with a 710-pound frame, yet somehow, it feels much lighter once it gets going on the road. The result is a bike that’s a terrific ride in any state and another gem from Moto Guzzi.
8 BMW Nmoto Inc. Nostalgia
As the name implies, the BMW Nmoto Inc Nostalgia is a throwback cruiser with a modern touch. It takes its power from a BMW R7 but the underpinnings of an R9. It promises the performance of a retro bike without all that annoying upkeep and backs it up nicely.
The 1170cc engine can make 110 hp for a top speed of 140 mph and surprisingly light (452 pounds) with all that steel. It manages the epic feat of making an already classic motorcycle even better.
7 Triumph Rocket 3 TFC
There’s a risk when you name your bike after something amazingly fast and can’t back it up. Luckily, the Triumph Rocket 3 TFC avoids that trap. The bike’s engine is an astonishing 2500cc for a claimed horsepower close to 170 and 160 lb-ft of torque.
It also looks incredible with its black matte, chrome, and high-tech additions ensuring this turns heads...assuming they can keep up with such a stunning speed.
6 Triumph Thunderbird 1600
Triumph also does its best to live up to their name as some of the best bikes from Great Britain. The Thunderbird 1600 is often overlooked but one of the company’s best cruisers. The water-cooled 1597cc parallel-twin makes 85 hp and 108 lb-ft of torque.
It’s powerful yet possesses an air of refinement with a quiet engine and excellent balance. The six-speed gearbox aids this as the British can do a Thunderbird better than an American company could.
5 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650
The Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 is a great bike that mixes classic old-world British biking with a modern flair. The 47bhp, 650cc twin maintains an excellent steady performance with the Monza-style fuel cap, twin dials in the cockpit, and comfortable steering.
The top-notch British engineering is on full display with precision construction for a terrific experience.
4 Ducati XDiavael
Some may be put off by Ducati themselves calling the XDiavael a “slow” bike. But keep in mind, by Ducati standards, “slow” means blowing away most other bikes on the market. In this case, the 1262cc power train produces 152 hp. If that’s “slow”, it’s terrifying to think what Ducati considers a “fast” bike.
That’s in addition to a wonderful modern design that makes it look alluring and impressive for one of the best cruisers any company has on the market.
3 Moto Guzzi MGX-21
Italian bikes are always amazing machines, but Moto Guzzi outdid themselves with the MGX-21. This experimental model surpassed expectations with a terrific performance. The 1380cc transverse V-twin powertrain coughs out 97 hp and 89 lb-ft of torque.
The “Flying Fortress” may be large yet handles the size well to shine in a terrific ride, perfect for tearing up long distances on the road and in a style only Italians can provide.
2 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster
Triumph is well known for some fine cruisers like the Bobber, but the Speedmaster is something else. At just 432 pounds, it can easily handle the road at high speeds, aided by the 1200cc engine for 96 hp and 82 lb-ft of torque.
The ABS and advanced technology aid the performance as well to allow the Speedmaster to live up to its name as one of the best Cruisers from a company that specializes in them.
1 BMW R18
After a year of buzz, the BMW R18 is finally here..and it lives up to the hype. An engineering marvel, the R18 possesses the largest boxer BMW has ever offered, a stunning 1.8-liter horizontally opposed twin-cylinder engine for 91 horsepower and a whopping 116 pound-feet of torque.
Leaving the driveshaft exposed is unique for a BMW bike, yet the Rock, Roll and Rain drive modes make this the new must-buy cruiser for those who want to leave even Japanese motorcycles in the dust.
Sources: motorcyclenews.com, autowise.com, cycleworld.com