10 Cruiser Motorcycles That Make Everything Else Feel Like A Waste Of Money
Over the years, the cruiser segment has evolved into a diverse space. From small displacement beginner bikes all the way up to fire-breathing power cruisers, there is something out there for pretty much every skill level. The one thing we don’t see across the board is value.
Value can be deeply subjective. The reason why some might perceive certain models to be overpriced is simply because others are willing to pay that much for that particular model. Each of the bikes on this list is quite different, but all of them offer a lot of value, not necessarily to everyone, but to the right buyer. All of which also bring something unique to the table that makes them stand out from the growing crowd.
10
Ducati Diavel V4
MSRP: $27,995
The Diavel has been around for 15 years now, but the latest Granturismo-equipped bike is quite different from the original. While the original bike featured a traditional Ducati V-twin plucked out of a superbike, this V4 has been developed from the ground up for street use. It still packs a mighty 168 horsepower punch, but it offers altogether more usable performance. Traditional desmodromic valves have been ditched in favor of conventional valve springs and modern variable valve timing. So far, this arrangement has proven to be exceptionally reliable.
9
Harley-Davidson Low Rider S
MSRP: $18,999
There is something about the Low Rider S that just seems to capture the essence of Harley-Davidson. Even though it incorporates several modern elements, such as cornering ABS, lean sensitive traction control, ride modes, a TFT dash, and a blacked out design, it still has that authentic air-cooled V-twin. With 128 pound feet of torque, its Milwaukee-Eight 117 High Output motor delivers a unique kind of punch, and, of course, that classic Harley rumble.
8
Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster
MSRP: $14,795
Triumph has a knack for building some of the best retro motorcycles, and that really shines through with the entire Bonneville range. Between this and the Bobber, we have a pair of the very best metric cruisers money can buy, and the latest model adds a layer of sophistication to the package. It now offers cornering ABS and lean sensitive traction control. A couple of important modern safety features that supplement the old-school design aesthetic.
7
Harley-Davidson Nightster Special
MSRP: $12,499
Although Harley-Davidson sells this as their “entry-level” platform, there is nothing “entry-level” about the Nightster. To some, the cheaper base model might offer more value, but we feel the Nightster Special is well worth the extra expense. Along with that punchy 91-horsepower liquid-cooled V-twin, it gets a mini-fairing around the headlight, a tasteful round TFT dash with smartphone connectivity, and the lesser spotted passenger seat.
6
Honda Rebel 1100 DCT
MSRP: $10,399
Honda has made a big push for automatic motorcycles, offering at least one in each of the major segments. Opinion is still divided on the matter, but no matter where you stand, they are here to stay. The Rebel 1100 DCT is an especially attractive option for those looking for a full-size motorcycle, yet are either unable, or unwilling to ride a manual bike. It offers incredible value at this price point, offering respectable performance, and unbeatable reliability.
5
Yamaha Bolt R-Spec
MSRP: $8,999
At one point in time, Yamaha had the most extensive cruiser lineup in the industry, but today we are down to just two models. The Bolt R-Spec is actually the bigger of the two options, and is in many ways a motorcycle from another time. It doesn’t offer much in the way of features, but it does have an authentic air-cooled V-twin. It also has a less authentic design which will be all too familiar to old Sportster fans!
4
Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650
MSRP: $7,999
The price of the Super Meteor has certainly increased a bit since it was first introduced, but so has the appreciation for the model. Its air-cooled parallel-twin won’t be winning any spec-sheet wars, but it is reliable, efficient, and is a perfect match for the retro design theme. More importantly, it is also a comfortable motorcycle, and is more than up to the task of handling extended highway runs when called upon. In terms of build quality, it is not quite up there with the Japanese manufacturers, but it is still slightly ahead of the ever improving Chinese bikes.
3
Kawasaki Vulcan S
MSRP: $7,649
The Vulcan S continues to fly under the radar a little. It shares an engine with the Versys, Ninja, and Z 650, so it is easy to see why some, more dedicated cruiser fans might be put off. But, they shouldn’t be. As much as you need to rev the bike a little to get the most out of it, it has a pretty big competitive advantage when compared to the other bikes in this price range. Kawasaki’s Ergo-Fit system is a throwback to a time when we used to have more adjustable motorcycles. For whatever reason, this kind of thing got phased out, but even though the Vulcan S is a relatively compact motorcycle, it offers enough adjustability for anyone to find a comfortable riding position.
2
Honda Rebel 500
MSRP: $6,799
The Rebel 500 is one of the easiest motorcycles to recommend. It is approachable enough for new riders, yet still powerful, and comfortable enough to get on the highway and cruise as far as you like. It is not the kind of bike that you will outgrow in a hurry, either, and could easily hold onto the bike for a long time. These parallel-twins are incredibly durable for a smaller displacement engine, and have proven more than capable of crossing the 100,000-mile threshold.
1
Yamaha V Star 250
MSRP: $4,799
While the Rebel might be the ideal bike for new riders who don’t particularly want to outgrow their motorcycle, the V Star 250 is the ideal bike for those that eventually want to upgrade to a bigger, more powerful cruiser. With the little Yamaha, you get a proper air-cooled V-twin, with everything just scaled down to a more manageable size for new riders. Even when you do eventually upgrade, this is the kind of bike that is affordable enough to keep. With a claimed fuel economy of 78 MPG, it will make for a great little commuter, and you can save the “fun bike” for weekend excursions.
Sources: Various manufacturer websites
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