Cruiser bike guide

Best Cruiser Motorcycles

Cruiser motorcycles are built around relaxed riding, low-slung styling and plenty of road presence. From accessible cruisers to Harley-Davidson, Triumph, Indian and Yamaha models, here are some of the best used cruiser bikes to consider.

What is a cruiser motorcycle?

A cruiser motorcycle usually has a lower seat, relaxed riding position, wide handlebars and a strong focus on style and comfort. They are popular with riders who want a laid-back feel, characterful engines and a bike that looks just as good parked up as it does on the road.

Relaxed riding

Cruisers usually have a comfortable, laid-back riding position suited to steady road riding.

Low seat height

Many cruisers sit lower than adventure, touring or sports bikes, which can help with confidence at a stop.

Road presence

From Harley-Davidson to Indian, cruisers are known for distinctive styling and strong visual appeal.

Character

Cruisers are often chosen for how they feel, sound and look, not just how quick they are.

Why choose a cruiser bike?

Cruiser bikes appeal to riders who want a different experience from sports, naked or adventure bikes. They are more about comfort, style and relaxed road riding than chasing outright performance.

Comfortable road riding

A relaxed seating position can make cruisers enjoyable for slower roads, weekend rides and steady miles.

Distinctive styling

Cruisers have a strong visual identity, from stripped-back bobbers to traditional Harley-Davidson models.

Plenty of choice

There are accessible middleweight cruisers, classic American-style bikes and premium large-capacity models.

Best used cruiser motorcycles to consider

These used cruiser bikes cover a wide range of styles, from accessible cruisers through to premium bobbers and heavyweight cruisers.

Accessible cruiser

Honda CMX500 Rebel

The Honda CMX500 Rebel is a low-slung cruiser-style bike with a relaxed riding position and manageable feel. It is a good option for riders who like cruiser styling without wanting a large, heavy bike.

Shop Honda CMX500 Rebel
Modern cruiser

Kawasaki Vulcan S 650

The Kawasaki Vulcan S 650 is a modern take on the cruiser, with easy-going road manners and approachable performance. It suits riders who want comfort, style and everyday usability.

Shop Kawasaki Vulcan S 650
Classic Harley style

Harley-Davidson Sportster

The Harley-Davidson Sportster is one of the most recognisable cruiser names. It is a popular used choice for riders who want classic Harley-Davidson styling, character and road presence.

Shop Harley-Davidson Sportster
Urban Harley

Harley-Davidson Street

The Harley-Davidson Street brings Harley styling into a more approachable, urban-focused package. It is worth considering if you want cruiser character in a bike that feels easier to manage.

Shop Harley-Davidson Street
Traditional cruiser

Harley-Davidson Softail

The Harley-Davidson Softail is a proper cruiser with big-bike presence and traditional Harley-Davidson appeal. It suits riders who want a more substantial cruiser for relaxed road riding.

Shop Harley-Davidson Softail
Bobber style

Triumph Bobber

The Triumph Bobber blends classic styling with a stripped-back custom look. It is a strong option for riders who want a premium cruiser feel with British character.

Shop Triumph Bobber
Premium cruiser

Indian Scout

The Indian Scout is a premium cruiser with distinctive styling and strong road presence. It is a great choice for riders who want something with classic American cruiser appeal.

Shop Indian Scout
Japanese cruiser

Yamaha XV950

The Yamaha XV950 is a relaxed cruiser with stripped-back styling and a practical road feel. It is a solid option for riders who want cruiser looks with Yamaha ownership appeal.

Shop Yamaha XV950
Heavyweight cruiser

Indian Chief Dark Horse

The Indian Chief Dark Horse is a larger premium cruiser with bold styling and serious road presence. It is best suited to experienced riders who want a heavyweight cruiser with a strong visual identity.

Shop Indian Chief Dark Horse

Compare popular cruiser motorcycles

The right cruiser depends on your experience, budget and whether you want something light and approachable or large and traditional.

Bike Best for Riding style Experience level Category
Honda CMX500 RebelAccessible cruiser ridingRelaxed road ridingConfident newer riders and upwardsMiddleweight cruiser
Kawasaki Vulcan S 650Modern cruiser feelEveryday road ridingConfident ridersMiddleweight cruiser
Harley-Davidson SportsterClassic Harley styleWeekend riding and cruisingExperienced ridersTraditional cruiser
Harley-Davidson StreetUrban Harley ownershipTown and road ridingConfident ridersModern cruiser
Harley-Davidson SoftailBig cruiser presenceRelaxed road ridingExperienced ridersHeavyweight cruiser
Triumph BobberPremium bobber stylingWeekend rides and custom styleConfident ridersBobber
Indian ScoutPremium cruiser characterRoad riding and cruisingExperienced ridersPremium cruiser
Yamaha XV950Japanese cruiser ownershipRelaxed everyday ridingConfident ridersMid-size cruiser
Indian Chief Dark HorseHeavyweight cruiser presenceRelaxed big-bike cruisingExperienced ridersHeavyweight cruiser

Best cruisers for newer riders

If you want cruiser styling but do not want a big, heavy bike straight away, the Honda CMX500 Rebel and Kawasaki Vulcan S 650 are strong places to start. They offer cruiser looks with a more manageable feel than larger heavyweight models.

Honda CMX500 Rebel

A low, approachable cruiser-style bike with a relaxed feel and manageable size.

Kawasaki Vulcan S 650

A modern cruiser with everyday usability and a more approachable riding experience.

Best premium cruiser motorcycles

If you want more presence, premium styling and a more traditional cruiser feel, Harley-Davidson, Triumph and Indian models are all worth considering.

Harley-Davidson Softail

A traditional cruiser with big-bike presence and classic Harley-Davidson appeal.

Triumph Bobber

A stripped-back premium bobber with British character and custom-inspired styling.

Indian Scout

A premium cruiser with distinctive styling and strong American cruiser appeal.

How to choose the right cruiser motorcycle

Choosing the best cruiser comes down to size, weight, riding position and how you want to use the bike. A middleweight cruiser may be easier to live with, while a heavyweight cruiser will give you more presence and traditional cruiser character.

Think about size

Some cruisers are low, but they can still be heavy. Consider how easy the bike feels at low speed and when moving it around.

Consider comfort

Seat shape, foot position, handlebar reach and wind protection all affect how comfortable a cruiser feels.

Be realistic on use

Think about whether you want a weekend bike, a daily cruiser or something for longer relaxed rides.

Which cruiser bike is right for you?

If you want something manageable, look at the Honda CMX500 Rebel or Kawasaki Vulcan S 650. For classic cruiser character, the Harley-Davidson Sportster, Softail and Street are strong options. If you want something more premium, the Triumph Bobber, Indian Scout, Yamaha XV950 and Indian Chief Dark Horse are worth considering.

Other motorcycle guides

Still comparing? These pages can help you find the right bike for your riding style, budget and experience level.

Best Naked Motorcycles

Upright road bikes for riders who want everyday comfort and strong performance.

View naked bikes

Best Touring Motorcycles

Comfort-focused bikes for longer rides and relaxed distance riding.

View touring bikes

Best Motorcycles For Short Riders

Low-seat and manageable bikes for riders who want an easier reach to the ground.

View short rider bikes

Browse used cruiser motorcycles

At SuperBike Factory, stock changes daily. Browse over 2,000 used motorbikes and find the right cruiser bike for your riding style, budget and experience level.

Shop used motorcycles

Best Cruiser Motorcycles FAQs

What is the best cruiser motorcycle?

The best cruiser motorcycle depends on what you want from the bike. The Honda CMX500 Rebel and Kawasaki Vulcan S 650 are more approachable options, while Harley-Davidson, Triumph, Indian and Yamaha cruisers offer more traditional cruiser style and presence.

Are cruiser motorcycles good for beginners?

Some smaller and middleweight cruisers can be suitable for confident newer riders, but larger cruisers can be heavy and are usually better suited to experienced riders.

Are cruiser bikes comfortable?

Cruiser bikes are often built around relaxed riding positions, low seats and steady road riding, but comfort depends on the model, seat, handlebar position and footpeg layout.

What is the difference between a cruiser and a bobber?

A bobber is usually a stripped-back style of cruiser with minimal bodywork and a custom-inspired look. Cruisers are a broader category that includes traditional, modern and heavyweight bikes.

Are Harley-Davidson bikes cruisers?

Many Harley-Davidson motorcycles are cruisers, including models such as the Sportster and Softail. Harley-Davidson is one of the most recognised cruiser brands.

Can I finance a used cruiser motorcycle?

Finance options may be available on selected used cruiser motorcycles, subject to status. You can get your personalised quote online.

Don't just take our word for it

Important Notice

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