10 Cruisers That Make One-Bike Ownership Feel Easy
With a great big air-cooled V-twin, laid-back riding position, a solo seat, and a hard, uncomfortable rear suspension, the quintessential cruiser is not the most practical vehicle. They are, by definition, style-centric motorcycles used almost exclusively for leisure. There are, however, several modern bikes that are not quintessential cruisers.
These are actually pretty versatile, and in some cases, even beginner-friendly. But if you are going to choose one that will be your only motorcycle (and in some cases, only vehicle), it needs to have room for a passenger, which rules out several models that only come with a solo seat. It also needs to be relatively economical and affordable if you are going to use it every day, which also rules out all the high-performance bikes.
Harley-Davidson Nightster Special
MSRP: $12,499
The Nightster certainly had its fair share of teething issues. But, by all accounts, those problems have been resolved and are now a thing of the past. The one issue that persists is the fact that long-time Harley fans still have issues with all the liquid-cooled Harleys.
While liquid-cooling does add a layer of complexity, this is a modern, mechanically reliable powertrain. It also just so happens to be fairly potent. With 91 horsepower, it is actually the most powerful cruiser in this price range. It also offers a high level of specification, with ABS, traction control, and a tasteful circular TFT dash with smartphone connectivity.
Benda LFC 700
MSRP: $10,899
Out of all the bikes on this list, this is by some margin the most unusual. Chinese motorcycles come in all shapes and sizes these days, and this sporty cruiser is arguably one of the most unconventional offerings. Clearly inspired by the Ducati Diavel, the design is ultra modern, and won’t necessarily appeal to everyone. But that is only half the story.
This bike has a 677cc inline-four. The main reason why you don’t see too many middleweight inline-four cruisers is their lack of torque, but with 84 horsepower, it is still reasonably powerful. It is also well-equipped, with components from leading brands, and affordable enough to justify it if you really want something a little different. It is frightfully heavy, though, with a wet weight of over 650 pounds!
Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic
MSRP: $9,599
The Vulcan 900 Classic offers an old-school heavy chrome aesthetic. In some ways, it is a bit of a throwback to the 90s-era metric cruiser designs, but unlike other retro bikes, which usually cost more than their modern counterparts, this is a few hundred dollars cheaper than the Custom.
Along with its proven V-twin and all that chrome, you also get floorboards as standard fitment. It promises respectable long-distance comfort, but if you are after something more touring-oriented, it might be worth looking at the LT version. It adds a backrest, leather saddlebags, and a pretty big adjustable windshield for another $1k.
Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650
MSRP: $7,899
Out of all the bikes on this list, the Super Meteor 650 arguably offers the most value. It packs heaps of that old-school charm that Royal Enfield seems to have mastered, as well as what is proving to be a reliable parallel-twin. It is also more comfortable than any of the smaller, cheaper cruisers on this list, yet still a fairly competent commuter.
While reliable, overall build quality sits somewhere between the cheap and cheerful Chinese bikes and the more refined Japanese bikes. It is also pretty heavy for a bike that makes less than 50 horsepower. But these are only minor gripes, and at this price it is still well worth a look.
Kawasaki Eliminator
MSRP: $6,499
The Eliminator shares an engine with the Ninja 500, and it is pretty light, so while it offers a cruiser design, it is pretty sporty. For some, this might actually be a good thing, but other riders may not enjoy the high-revving nature of this little parallel-twin. The one thing everyone will appreciate is how reliable it is.
One of its key advantages has nothing to do with either features or performance. Kawasaki’s Ergo-fit system helps any size rider find a comfortable riding position on this little cruiser. While most bikes offer a certain amount of adjustment, this is more comprehensive and makes a discernible difference.
Benda Chinchilla 500
MSRP: $6,149
While the other Benda on this list might be a little too different, the Chinchilla offers a more familiar V-twin. It is also significantly lighter than the other bike, and will certainly be a much better option for those who will be using their bike as a commuter.
While practical, we can’t exactly vouch for the long-term reliability of these little V-twins, and at this price point, it does seem a little pricey when compared to the direct Japanese competition. It also doesn’t offer the same value as the two Chinese bikes listed below.
Moto Morini Calibro 700
MSRP: $5,999
It is hard to believe just how cheap this is. When any deal seems a little too good to be true, it is always good to approach it with a degree of caution, but it really is very hard to fault the Calibro 700. While proudly made in China, it makes use of a stroked out version of an old Kawasaki Ninja 650/Versys engine that is built by CFMoto. So mechanical reliability is not an issue.
It is also one of the best-looking bikes on this list thanks to its Italian design. While the passenger seat does come standard, you don’t get much else in terms of features. The bike gets ABS, and that is about it, but that isn’t exactly a bad thing at all on a cruiser where simplicity can be a desirable characteristic.
CFMoto 450CL-C
MSRP: $5,799
CFMoto has a bike competing in pretty much every segment these days. This little cruiser is looking to take the fight to the Honda Rebel 500 and the aforementioned Eliminator. At this price point, it certainly does demand attention.
Just like those bikes, it shares an engine with an entry-level sport bike, so it will also require a little more effort to get the most out of it. It is also a powertrain of CFMoto’s own creation, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It just isn’t quite as proven as its direct rivals.
Royal Enfield Meteor 350
MSRP: $4,899
While the bigger 650 offers a lot of value to any level rider, the 350 presents itself as an ideal starting point for new riders. It is still powerful enough to get up to and maintain highway speed, but that is not going to be its strength.
Its biggest strength is in its simplicity. This is a very good commuter bike, offering new riders a very economical motorcycle that is also cheap and easy to maintain. Obviously, at this price point you do not get much in the way of features.
Yamaha V Star 250
MSRP: $4,799
Just like the Meteor 350, this is very much an entry-level offering. It will also get up to highway speed… begrudgingly. Once you eventually do get there, you will quickly discover that it isn’t exactly happy to be there.
Unlike any of the other bikes on this list, the V Star 250 is an authentic air-cooled V-twin. It offers the whole cruiser experience, just scaled down. Over the years, this V-twin has proven to be metronomically reliable, and with a claimed fuel economy of 78 MPG, it is an ideal commuter.
Sources: Various manufacturer websites
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