Catalog cards show one representative trim per model. Buy score is a 0-100 MotoCompare estimate from model-year confidence, recalls, specs, and ownership context. Verify before making purchase decisions.
The Rebel 1100 drops Honda's Africa Twin-derived 1,084cc parallel-twin into a cruiser chassis with ride modes, traction control, and cruise control standard — plus an available DCT automatic — at under $10,000. The 3.6-gallon fuel tank limits touring range, and the parallel-twin engine note will disappoint buyers expecting traditional V-twin character; this is a modern-tech cruiser, not a classic.
The Street Glide's fork-mounted batwing fairing provides class-leading wind protection with a lower bagger profile versus a full dresser — the core of the ongoing Street Glide vs. Road Glide buyer debate. Milwaukee-Eight torque makes the 811-lb weight manageable on the highway; budget $1,000–$2,000 for accessories.
The Scout Bobber shares the Scout's 1,250cc liquid-cooled V-twin and 25.6-inch seat height in a stripped-down, low-slung profile — the most style-focused entry in Indian's Scout lineup. The slammed rear suspension delivers only 2 inches of travel and a notoriously harsh ride over bumps; this is a style-first city cruiser, not a comfortable long-distance bike.
Honda's most-searched beginner cruiser balances a confidence-building 27.2-inch seat height with the proven 471cc parallel-twin from the CB500 lineup. Used examples consistently land between $4,000 and $6,000, giving it the strongest value position in the entry cruiser segment.
The Sportster S is the most performance-focused Harley in decades — the liquid-cooled Revolution Max 1250T V-twin with variable valve timing, Brembo brakes, and Showa suspension transforms the Sportster nameplate into a serious sports-cruiser. An open NHTSA recall for triple clamp fracture risk requires remedy verification before purchase; confirm it is resolved on any used example.
Kawasaki's Vulcan S uses the Ninja 650's 649cc parallel-twin in a cruiser chassis with the Ergo-Fit system that adjusts seat, footpegs, and handlebars to fit a wide range of rider sizes — the most physically adaptable beginner cruiser available. Used at $4,000–$6,500, it is the strongest value in the entry cruiser segment for buyers who don't need V-twin character.
The U.S.-exclusive Deadwood combines a 98 hp Milwaukee-Eight 117 Classic with mid-mount controls, a solo saddle, and a stripped-back performance-cruiser stance.
The Diavel V4 combines a 168 hp V4 Granturismo engine with a 492-lb wet weight, upright ergonomics, and cruiser presence in Ducati's muscle-roadster flagship.
The Scout's 1,133cc liquid-cooled V-twin produces 100 hp in an approachable midsize cruiser package — a 25.6-inch seat height and low-speed agility that make it easier to manage than the numbers suggest. Pre-2024 models lack cornering ABS and ride modes; the 2024 generation redesigned the Scout lineup around modern electronics and is the version to prioritize when buying current.
The Street Bob is Harley's stripped-down bobber with the Milwaukee-Eight 117 V-twin now standard — 120 lb-ft of torque at 2,500 rpm in a 646-lb Softail chassis with forward controls and a minimal solo-seat profile. An active NHTSA recall for rear brake line chafing requires remedy verification on any used example before purchase.
Indian's Springfield adds a power windshield and lockable hard saddlebags to the Thunderstroke 116 V-twin platform — 126 lb-ft of torque with keyless ignition and ride modes standard in a convertible bagger format where both accessories detach quickly for a clean cruiser silhouette. At 795 lb it is among the heavier models in Indian's lineup; the air-cooled engine generates noticeable heat in slow city traffic.
The Heritage Classic packages Harley's retro touring aesthetic — leather saddlebags, a detachable windshield, and whitewall tires — on the Softail chassis with the Milwaukee-Eight 114 V-twin for riders who want classic 1950s looks with modern performance. At 728 lb it is among the heavier Softail models, but the detachable touring accessories let the bike transform from tourer to cruiser in minutes.
The Road King is Harley's classic cruiser — a Milwaukee-Eight V-twin with a detachable windshield and lockable hard saddlebags that add long-distance capability in a cleaner silhouette than the full-dress Street Glide or Electra Glide. At 807 lb it is lighter than Harley's full dressers while still delivering genuine two-up touring ability, making it the natural choice for riders who want touring function without the fixed fairing.
The Low Rider S fits Harley's Milwaukee-Eight 117 HO — 114 hp and 128 lb-ft of torque — with an inverted fork and dual-disc front brakes that deliver genuine sport-cruiser handling. The solo seat and forward controls create a committed riding position best suited to solo use; 2021–2022 models had a throttle-by-wire hesitation TSB that dealers can address.
Suzuki's Boulevard S40 delivers a cruiser aesthetic in a light and affordable package — a 652cc single-cylinder engine (not a V-twin) in a 381-lb chassis with a 27.6-inch seat that is genuinely manageable for brand-new riders. Single-cylinder vibration is inherent and highway cruising is limited; this is a surface-street starter bike for riders who want the cruiser look at the lowest possible entry weight and price.
Kawasaki's Vulcan 1700 Vaquero combines a 1,700cc liquid-cooled V-twin with frame-mounted hard bags and a batwing fairing — the most direct Japanese alternative to the Harley Street Glide in the full-bagger class. Discontinued after 2022, used examples at $8,000–$14,000 offer the big-bagger experience at thousands less than Harley and Indian equivalents; the 845-lb weight requires low-speed practice.
The Honda Shadow 750 is a best-selling entry cruiser — a 745cc liquid-cooled V-twin with a confidence-inspiring 25.9-inch seat height and Honda's legendary reliability, available used at $3,000–$7,000 across a 40-year production run. The rear drum brake on non-ABS models limits stopping performance by modern standards; this is an affordable entry cruiser built for proven durability over the latest features.
The Vulcan 900 projects the physical presence of a much larger cruiser from a manageable 903cc V-twin in a 620-lb package with a 26.8-inch seat height — a natural step-up for entry-level cruiser buyers who want more road presence. The 5-speed transmission leaves the engine revving noticeably at highway speeds; riders who prioritize highway cruising should consider the 6-speed Vulcan S instead.
Yamaha's Bolt R-Spec packages a punchy 942cc air-cooled V-twin with excellent low-end torque in a lightweight 542-lb sport-cruiser chassis with a 27.2-inch seat and piggyback rear shocks. The 3.2-gallon fuel tank is the defining limitation — this is a city-and-back-roads cruiser, not a highway tourer.
Suzuki's Boulevard C50 combines a liquid-cooled 805cc V-twin with a 27.6-inch seat and 611-lb curb weight in a mid-size cruiser format — a natural step-up from entry cruisers with the liquid-cooled engine avoiding the heat concerns of air-cooled competitors at the same price. Used examples at $3,500–$6,000 make it a standout affordable liquid-cooled V-twin cruiser on the market.
The Iron 883 is the narrowest, lowest entry point into Harley's lineup — a Dark Custom Sportster with a 25.7-inch seat and the most extensive aftermarket catalog in motorcycling. Used examples at $5,500–$9,500 vary widely based on miles and added accessories; the Iron 883 community is among the most active for customization, so buying used often means inheriting upgrades.
Triumph's Bonneville Bobber achieves a convincing hardtail aesthetic through an elegantly hidden rear shock, pairing the look with a torquey 1,200cc parallel-twin with 270-degree firing order. There is no provision for a passenger seat, and the 3.2-gallon fuel tank limits range — a solo urban cruiser built for style and character.
Yamaha's V-Star 650 has been a best-selling entry cruiser since 1998 — an air-cooled 649cc V-twin with a 27.9-inch seat, shaft drive, and Yamaha reliability in a 545-lb package that has introduced many riders to V-twin cruising. Used examples at $2,500–$4,500 are the most affordable entry into a genuine V-twin cruiser, though pre-2010 carbureted models require occasional carburetor maintenance.
Suzuki's Boulevard M109R is a power cruiser with a 1,783cc liquid-cooled V-twin delivering broad torque in a 764-lb chassis with a distinctive aggressive stance that stands apart from traditional bagger designs. The 240mm rear tire limits replacement options and the clutch pull is heavier than most cruiser alternatives; test ride before committing to confirm both are acceptable for your riding.
Harley's Fat Boy pairs a Milwaukee-Eight 114 V-twin with Lakester cast-aluminum wheels that retain the model's iconic solid-disc profile while adding stylized perimeter cutouts. Its 25.9-inch seat and 699-lb curb weight deliver the unmistakable low, muscular stance.
The Indian Chief mounts the Thunderstroke 111 V-twin — a 1,811cc air-cooled engine with an exceptionally smooth torque curve — in a modern chassis with keyless ignition, ride modes, and cruise control standard at under $15,000. Limited rear suspension travel produces a firm ride over rough pavement; this is a style-forward cruiser that prioritizes low-speed presence over all-day comfort.
Yamaha's V-Star 1100 delivered a 1,063cc air-cooled V-twin with shaft drive and a 27.9-inch seat in a classic cruiser package with a strong owner community and straightforward maintenance. Discontinued after 2009, used examples at $3,000–$5,000 are budget-oriented cruisers for riders who prioritize low-cost ownership over modern technology.
The Softail Standard is Harley's most stripped-down Softail — a Milwaukee-Eight 107 V-twin in a 655-lb package with minimal equipment by design, intended as a blank canvas for custom builds rather than a ready-to-ride tourer. One open NHTSA recall requires remedy verification before purchase; confirm it has been resolved on any used example.
The Honda Fury is the only production chopper still available from a major Japanese manufacturer — a 1,312cc liquid-cooled V-twin stretched into a 71-inch wheelbase with a 26.9-inch seat height and slammed rear suspension for a convincing custom look straight from the factory. The long wheelbase demands commitment in low-speed corners; handling is secondary to style in this machine.
Yamaha's V-Star 1300 combines a 1,304cc air-cooled V-twin with shaft drive in a mid-size cruiser chassis — a bridge between the entry-level V-Star 650 and a full-dress tourer at 717 lb. Discontinued after 2017, used examples at $5,000–$8,000 offer a big-displacement Japanese shaft-drive cruiser at a price that typically undercuts comparable Harley and Indian alternatives.
Yamaha's VMAX is a distinctive power cruiser — a 1,679cc 65-degree V4 delivering 200 hp with V-boost induction that creates a power surge above 6,000 rpm in a muscle-cruiser chassis no other manufacturer has replicated. Discontinued after 2020, used examples at $10,000–$16,000 are sought after for V4 engine character that has no modern equivalent; this is a machine for experienced riders.
