10 Coolest Used Cruiser Bikes That Are Worth Every Penny
The best cruiser motorcycles on the market are about more than mere transportation—they’re about attitude, presence, and the feeling that the raw two-wheeled power can inspire. Unfortunately, however, due to their flashy components and premium branding, you’ll find that a badass Harley-Davdison or a powerful Indian isn’t exactly something that comes cheap. Luckily, the used market is packed with hidden gems that deliver incredible bang for their buck. We’re talking seriously cool cruiser motorcycles that are worth every penny.
From raked out factory choppers to high-performance European power cruisers, there’s something out there for motorcyclists of all types and riding abilities. Whether you’re looking for long-haul comfort, aggressive corner-carving performance, or simply unadulterated straight-line speed, we’re confident that we can find something that’ll address your needs. With this in mind, we looked high and low for only the coolest cruisers the used market has to offer. What follows are 10 options that we feel are worth every penny.
2022 Honda Fury
J.D. Power Average Used Retail: $8,640
After Honda discontinued the VTX, the Fury took over as the largest V-twin in the lineup, bringing with it a raked frame, a lengthy wheelbase, and a set of slim bodywork to create a slick factory custom look. With its undeniable chopper-like appearance, it’s a unique bike in the world of cruisers, and it’s one that’ll have you standing out at any stop light. The best part, though, is that, because the Honda Fury comes with a proven 1,312cc liquid-cooled V-twin, a final shaft drive, and other features typical of Honda’s storied build quality, it’s a bike that avoids the reliability problems often plague customs with a similar look. Though we’d generally suggest buying a model made within the last five years for the sake of mileage and maintenance, the Fury has remained relatively unchanged since its debut in 2009, so you may even be able to walk away with one for less than J.D. Power’s $8,640.
2021 Indian Scout
J.D. Power Average Used Retail: $8,770
With the shuttering of Victory (we’ll get to that with our next pick), the good news is that Polaris decided to focus its efforts on Indian. Between its retro-inspired styling and its potent liquid-cooled V-twin engines, the revived American brand has established itself as a true threat to the likes of Harley-Davidson. As such, if you’re after a cruiser that’s packed with old-school cool and mile-munching capabilities, the Scout is one option that’s sure to please. With 1,133cc on tap, it makes a healthy 100 horsepower, and, thanks to the availability of bags and fairings, it can be made to cover distances comfortably. The low seat height makes it approachable to beginners, while the timeless Indian styling draws attention wherever you go. And at less than $10,000 on the secondhand market, it’s incredibly reasonable from a price standpoint.
2017 Victory Cross Country Tour
J.D. Power Average Used Retail: $9,000
Before Victory was killed by its parent company, Polaris, in 2017, the brand put out some truly unique V-twin cruisers. Among distinctive models like the Highball and the Vision, the Cross Country proved to be an incredibly capable long-distance cruiser. Between its frame-mounted fairing (replete with sound system), hard saddlebags, and trunk, the Tour Deluxe model had all the makings of a propper bagger and won Motorcycle.com’s 2010 Cruiser of the Year. With power coming from Victory’s proven 106-cubic-inch V-twin, it was distinguished by a responsive aluminum chassis and 4.3 inches of rear suspension travel. J.D. Power puts the average used retail right at $9,000, so the Cross Country makes for a bargain compared to your equivalent Harley bagger, though you do have to factor in parts availability and servicing for the defunct Victory brand.
2015 Yamaha V-Max
J.D. Power Averaged Used Retail: $9,520
While cruisers aren’t typically known for their all-out speed, the Yamaha V-Max is one model that proves an exception to the rule. Yamaha’s muscle bike first hit the road in 1985, and it immediately wowed the rest of the industry with monstrous torque and brutal acceleration thanks to its 1,679cc V4 engine. At the time, Cycle World testers managed to run a V-Max to a blistering 10.64-second run at 128.57 miles, and plenty of other publications managed to match that effort. Then, with the eventual update to the V-Max in 2009, Yamaha made the bike even more potent through upgraded suspension components, a new intake, and a slipper clutch, among other impactful changes. With nearly 200 horsepower on tap for less than $10,000, this Yamaha is a cruiser that’s worth every penny.
2018 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy
J.D. Power Averaged Used Retail: $11,200
Thanks to its association with Arnold Schwarzenegger in Terminator 2: Judgement Day, the Harley-Davidson Fat Boy was forever cemented in popular culture, and you’ll find that few cruisers today are as instantly recognizable. In other words, if you’re looking for a motorcycle that’ll turn heads wherever you go, a Fat Boy is worth every penny. Along with timeless looks and an imposing street presence, the bike boasts a 107-cubic-inch Milwaukee-Eight V-twin engine that delivers a characteristic Harley sound. What’s more, 2018 introduced a significant update to the model in the form of a redesigned softail frame with updated Show suspension front and rear. As such, it makes for great value at $11,200, as J.D. Power even puts a 2017 model at an average retail of $10,715.
2021 BMW R18
J.D. Power Averaged Used Retail: $12,075
Back in 2020, BMW re-entered the cruiser segment with its retro-styled R18. Combining design inspirations from the brand’s legendary R5 model with the displacement of its biggest boxer twin to date, the bike made for a bold take on the classic low-slung cruiser aesthetic. Moreover, with 1,802cc on tap and premium features like selectable ride modes, ABS, keyless start, traction control, and shaft drive, the R18 isn’t just a looker—it’s made to perform. And with different trim levels and an armload of accessories, BMW gives you the ability to make the bike your own. When you consider that you can get all of this for just a little over $10,000, it’s a wonder that there aren’t more boxer cruiser converts out on the road.
2020 Triumph Rocket 3 R
J.D. Power Averaged Used Retail: $13,410
When you’re after a cruiser that will make a statement, look no further than the Triumph Rocket 3 R. With the power coming from the world’s largest production motorcycle engine, this British two-wheeler also puts down the most torque out of any production motorcycle—it redefines what a muscle bike can be. Moreover, Triumph threw tons of high-end components at the model to make sure that the chassis could handle the mammoth triple. So, along with some Brembo Stylema brakes and a lightweight aluminum frame, you’re also getting a suite of electronic aids in the form of ride modes, cruise control, cornering ABS and much more. Because of depreciation, many examples are easily available for less than $15,000, so shopping around on the used market can save you some coin compared to buying new.
2022 Ducati Diavel 1260S
J.D. Power Averaged Used Retail: $15,270
Ducati took to the cruiser market with the Diavel in 2011, and the exotic L-twin proved a resounding hit on account of its aggressive looks, thrilling performance, and booming soundtrack. With the launch of the second-generation Diavel 1260 models in 2019, Ducati only improved on its original effort thanks to additions like the Testastretta engine, updated exhaust, and tweaked geometry. In the case of the 2022 model, you’re getting an authoritative 159 horsepower and 95 lb-ft of torque, along with advanced rider aids like cornering ABS and traction control, top-shelf Brembo brakes, and Öhlins suspension (with the up-spec 1260 S). At $15,270, you’ll be paying a bit of a premium for a used Ducati compared to more commonplace bikes, but the extra cost is well worth the performance you get out on the road.
2022 Harley-Davidson Low Rider ST
J.D. Power Averaged Used Retail: $15,825
The Harley-Davidson FXRT is a legendary cruiser in the motorcycle world on account of its dynamic chassis and striking looks (and it also happens to be the highest-mileage Harley in the world). As such, used models can be hard to come by—especially at reasonable prices. If you’d like the closest modern equivalent, you can’t go wrong with the Low Rider ST. Powered by the MoCo’s torquey 117-cubic-inch Milwaukee-Eight V-twin, it comes equipped with a sport-touring fairing, mid-controls, and lockable bags. As such, it’s an ideal option whether you’re looking for everyday practicality or weekend trip potential. Being a newer model in the Harley lineup, you’ll end up paying more for it on the used market (a little over $15k for a 2022 model, by J.D. Power’s estimate), but it’s worth the expense because of its unique features.
2005 Honda Rune
J.D. Power Averaged Used Retail: $18,320
The Honda Rune first arrived on the scene in 2004 after winning an internal Honda design competition with its radical styling and imposing presence. Though it reportedly cost $100,000 to produce, the Big Red used the model as a marketing tool and sold each example for a mere $25,000. Even still, that made for big money at the time, and the high price point meant that only an estimated 3,000 Runes were built in total. As such, nowadays, the 1,832cc Honda cruiser is a rare sight, and it’s a bike that’s sure to make you stand out on account of its unique trailing-link front suspension, massive proportions, and dazzling amount of chrome. Per J.D. Power, the average retail price comes out to $18,320, but you can often find them for less if you’re willing to put up with more mileage on the odometer.
Sources: BMW, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Indian, Triumph, Yamaha, J.D. Power
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