Buying guide · 1970

Best cruiser motorcycles

Low seats, feet-forward ergonomics and torque you can use from idle. Cruisers are also the most personalised bikes on the road — exhausts, seats, bars and luggage are the core aftermarket.

Who this segment suits

  • Riders who want a low seat and relaxed, feet-forward ergonomics
  • Owners planning a long personalisation project
  • Weekend riders covering steady miles rather than chasing lap times

Model picks — cruiser motorcycles

Every pick links to its fitment reference: chain spec, pad codes, tyre sizes and the parts that fit.

BikeTypeYearsWhy it makes the listOwn one?
Indian Scout BobberCruiser20182026Stripped bobber stance on the Scout platform — the most modified cruiser in its class.Find parts that fit →
Harley-Davidson Iron 883Cruiser20092022Sportster-family cruiser with the deepest accessory catalogue of any bike.Find parts that fit →
Honda Rebel 500Cruiser20172026Light, low and modern — the easiest cruiser to live with as a first bike.Find parts that fit →
Kawasaki Vulcan SCruiser20152026Adjustable ergonomics let riders of very different heights fit properly.Find parts that fit →
Harley-Davidson Fat BoyCruiser19902026Big-twin Softail with the widest visual presence in the range.Find parts that fit →
Yamaha BoltCruiser20142026Compact air-cooled V-twin that takes bolt-on custom parts easily.Find parts that fit →
Indian ChiefCruiser20142026Classic big-twin cruiser aimed at long, relaxed miles.Find parts that fit →
Moto Guzzi V9 BobberCruiser20162026Transverse V-twin character with a factory bobber treatment.Find parts that fit →

What to check before you buy

  • Seat comfort over distance — the stock saddle is the first thing most owners replace
  • Exhaust legality: check the system is stamped and road-legal in your market
  • Whether bar risers or forward controls are needed for your height
  • Final drive type — belt drives need different maintenance from chains
  • Chrome and paint condition, which drive resale on this segment more than mileage

What it costs to run

  • Seats, exhausts, bars and luggage are the four purchases most cruiser owners make in the first year
  • Heavier bikes wear rear tyres faster than fronts — budget uneven replacement
  • Big-twin services cost more in labour hours than small twins; see the price tables per country

Part-cost ranges and workshop labour rates for 16 countries are in our price guides.

Exhaust for cruiser motorcycles

The category cruiser motorcycles owners buy from first.

Slip-On Exhaust MufflerVerified fit
Exhaustvia Amotopart

Slip-On Exhaust Muffler

Stainless slip-on with removable db killer and deeper exhaust note.

$219.00View

Parts this segment needs first

All cruiser motorcycles in our catalog

16 models with fitment references and matched parts.

Other segments

FAQ

What is the difference between a cruiser and a bobber?

A bobber is a cruiser style: minimal bodywork, shortened or removed rear fender, usually a solo seat. Mechanically it sits on the same platform.

Are cruisers good for beginners?

Mid-capacity cruisers are, because the seat is low and power is delivered gently. Big twins are heavy at walking pace, which is where new riders struggle.

What is the first upgrade for a cruiser?

A seat, for most owners. It changes both comfort and riding position more than any other single part.