The cruiser class is the emotional foundation of the motorcycle industry. Filled with heritage, classic styling, and outlaw appeal, this platform is the heartbeat driving the environment forward. Over years of innovation, the cruiser has changed its shape, engine size, and its technology, but the landmarks of this journey remain as symbols and footnotes for future models to draw from. Here are the most iconic cruisers whose impact is clearly shown in today's market.
Triumph Rocket 3 Roadster
Triumph Motorcycles
A ride worthy of the Terminator’s praise, the Rocket 3 Roadster comes in at a ridiculous 2500cc engine with the highest torque of any production bike - 163 pound-feet. The bike starts at $23,400 and outdoes its closest competition in torque by 71-percent, giving the bike a peak horsepower of 164 at the rear wheel, 11-percent more than the previous generation. The newest generation is 88 pounds lighter with an astounding 18-liter fuel tank. Surprisingly, this bike is excellent for those seeking a custom experience, offering options in all parts of the cycle and giving 50 custom accessories to the consumer. Accurately named the Rocket, this bike is a perfect option for those seeking to blast off at the next stop light.
Suzuki Boulevard M109R
The M109R or “BOSS” Suzuki is an excellent example of modern styling reinventing a popular category in motorcycle riding. With a 54-degree V-twin engine pushing this beautifully sleek bike down the road, this bike shows the peaks of engineering and the boundaries for innovation. The 1738cc engine seems directly competitive with the big bore Rocket from Triumph. The cycle only starts at $15,299 and includes Suzuki’s premier Dial Throttle Valve System, providing smooth low to mid-range throttle response. The exhaust system is also updated, providing exact tuning and optimum engine performance and sound. The low-maintenance shaft drive, a personal favorite, offers reliability to the rider. This bike's angles are iconic and are a worthy opponent to the remainder of this list's entries.
Harley-Davidson Sportster S
A modern redesign of an instantly recognizable vehicle, the Harley-Davidson Sportster S is the answer to those seeking performance and styling from an American Brand. The Sportster S comes in at $15,499 with the all-new Revolution Max 1250T Engine, a modern marvel in engineering. The Sportster was long seen as the budget, low-power entry into the Harley-Davidson ecosystem but is now a mainstay in the performance bike world. With Clear competition in style from the Indian Scout Bobber and rivalry in performance from the FTR1200, the Sportster S holds its own with a beautiful platform to work with. The High Mount exhaust differs from Harley's classic styling with its custom display and flat track inspiration. This bike blazes its trail and creates a landmark for two-wheel designers to follow.
Yamaha Bolt R-Spec
One of the more budget options on this list, the Yamaha Bolt R-Spec, packs a punch for only $8,599. With Old school design reminiscent of the classic cruiser look, and an updated 942cc engine, this bike is an excellent value for what it offers. With a less demanding belt drive, a motorcycle is a perfect option for low-maintenance seeking consumers. The Bolt was designed for an Urban environment but is well suited for the occasional backroad adventure. Being so compact and customizable suggests to the rider the availability for commuting. This is best suited for those seeking a traditional cruiser look with modern technology and performance.
Ducati XDiavel
Ducati, well known for its premium entries into various markets, differs in no way from this premium “Cruiser” bike. It is challenging to consider this bike a cruiser with its trellis frame and sport-inspired styling and engineering. Nevertheless, the Ducati XDiavel shines. The angles and guidelines on the bike's frame make it immediately recognizable and sure to impress at your next stop light. The Twin Cylinder Testastretta DVT1262 is the driving force on this bike, accompanied by a symphony of the premium braking systems and Italian Leather Seat. The XDiavel is inspired by the fashion industry of Italy, so much so that it has been displayed in Art exhibits in Milan. The bike delivers 160 horsepower to the rear wheel at 9500 RPM, with a beautiful Desmodromic Variable Timing mechanism, giving prompt and smooth response at the wrist twist. Coming in at $20,295, this bike is well reviewed and acclaimed for the rider seeking sex appeal and modern engineering.
Harley-Davidson Fat Boy
The Harley-Davidson Fat Boy: As American as Apple Pie or Football on a Sunday morning. With its 114 V-Twin Engine and a relaxed riding position, this bike delivers on all that's needed from an American Cruiser. With a tradition in hot rod culture, this chrome-covered beast was meant for the open road and even included a passenger seat to give you some company. The Big Twin Engine is well known for its crisp throttle response and well-rated performance. The Steamroller Stance is easily recognizable, leaving no room for argument in identifying this beast. Coming in at $19,530, this bike is designed for a sentimental person seeking to experience the American Dream on the highways of this country.
Kawasaki Vulcan 900
Although Harley riders may disagree, this entry is ubiquitous and well-revered in the cruiser category. The Kawasaki Vulcan 900, one of my first bikes, is a fantastic value for the package it comes in, not unlike Kawasaki. It has a smooth five-speed transmission, a 5.3-gallon fuel tank (longing for the open road), and a classic white wall-spoked set of wheels on the definitive version. This has a comfortable, relaxed riding stance and a stretched back handlebar position, very easily upgraded with a windscreen and custom luggage system. The bike only comes in at $8,999, the second-cheapest option on this list. This is a winner if you seek a budget cruiser with much to offer.
Yamaha VMAX
The Yamaha VMax is well revered for its futuristic styling and cult following. At $17,999, this bike is a 1679cc Liquid-cooled 65-degree V-Four engine with 16 valves and five speeds. This bike is the only one on this list with a slipper clutch and a shaft drive. The VMax kicks out 173 horsepower to the rear wheel and features a proprietary Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle and Intake System, dictating the engine breathing by the twist of your wrist. This is an apparent rivalry with the likes of the Triumph Rocket and the Italian-made XDiavel. With a seat height of 30.5 inches and a wet weight of 683, this bike features drag-style instruments for the speed demons' needs and delivers in the engine. The VMax is perfect for the buyer seeking to lay down some new times at the quarter-mile without sacrificing any of the everyday comforts of a modern bike.
Indian Chief
Widely debated as America’s first real cruiser, the Indian Chief has a soft spot in most riders' hearts, encouraging the ideology of the old American west. Today’s Indians only start at $14,999 and include the updated Thunderstroke 111, providing 108 pound-feet of torque throughout its six-gear transmission. The base model is stripped down and much more minimalist than previous iterations, allowing the rider to customize the ride to their needs. With a low seat height, a solo saddle, mid-mounted footpaths, and some laid-back handlebars, Indian created this bike with travel in mind. Each cycle comes standard with Premium Pirelli Night Dragon Tires, Cruise control, optional ABS, Keyless Ignition, and various trims. The Chief is an excellent option for the feature-minded rider seeking some traditional riding with the comforts of the modern day.
Indian Scout Bobber
One of the most sought-after bikes on this list, the Indian Scout Bobber took the world by storm with its modern redesign in the last decade. The Bobber starts at only $12,249 and comes in various trims, colors, and packages. The aggressive stance and bobber style promotes confidence in the rider and a premium feels at every turn. The 100-horsepower V-Twin is punchy in its acceleration, perfect for those seeking to overtake on the backroads or the highway. The six-speed transmission provides a sporty feel contrary to its competitors in this category. The seat is genuine leather and bobber style, giving an aggressive old-school look to the bike. The bike includes a USB port hidden inside the front end, adding convenience to the riding experience. With standard ABS and various upgrades available, the Indian Scout Bobber is a crowd pleaser in almost every way. Bobbers are perfect options for those seeking head-turning styling and modern technology to assist them on their journeys.