The motorcycle called “cruiser” is often considered a luxury item. Regardless of whether it is an old-school bagger, a powerful cruiser capable of accelerating in 2.7 seconds to a hundred, or an American chopper – its purpose is to deliver the owner and passenger with maximum comfort and pathos.
While being actually cruisers, motorcycles are so different that it will be difficult to convince a person of the opposite. However, the modern Triumph Rocket 3, Yamaha V Star (250), Harley-Davidson Road King (Classic), as well as the Indian Chief are all cruiser bikes. Before advising you on certain models of cruisers, we would like to remind you about the security of purchases. If you decide to buy a retro Harley-Davidson cruiser, don’t hesitate to do the Harley VIN lookup. In this way, you will be able to secure yourself from unreliable sellers. Now, let’s move on to see the list of the best cruisers for beginners.
- Honda Steed NV 400
In their native Japan, these bikes are one of the most popular models for tuning. In addition to the classic “chopper” appearance, ease of control, predictable dynamics, and stability, these vehicles are valued for their amazing resource: with normal care and high-quality consumables, the bike can go up to 250 thousand km! The secret is simple: this is a Honda. The only disadvantage is that they are too small for tall drivers.
- Suzuki VS400 Intruder
Cruisers with pretentious names Intruder, Desperado, Marauder – are all consecutive, technically almost identical models. These are sharp, dynamic motorcycles produced for the Japanese domestic market. In terms of safety, these bikes are superior to almost all competitors with their alloy wheels and low weight. Everything shows the sporty character of the bike, which will be enjoyed not only by a beginner but also by an experienced driver. The only minus is that fuel consumption depends on the speed mode (from 3.5 to 6 liters per hundred).
- Yamaha XVS 400 Drag Star
Based on the 650cc model, the 400cc model was created to fill an empty niche after the end of production of the popular but outdated Virago. They had the same motor, which gave the bike impressive traction on the bottoms and excellent handling. Further improvement in ergonomics made the motorcycle more and more relevant for a novice motorcyclist. Despite the closure of production in 2017, the bike is still available, in demand, and has a full selection of components. Additional pros are a maintenance-free cardan drive and comfortable dimensions for a tall driver.
- Kawasaki Vulcan S
Vulkan is advertised by the manufacturers as the best cruiser for the city. Motorcycles are equipped with two-cylinder “in-line” models from the ER-6 or Versys 650, the torque of which was shifted down. The frame is made of aluminum, the body is lightened to the maximum. Vulkan-S is equipped with modern solutions, such as ABS, electronic injection, adjustable suspension, and can accelerate to a “hundred” in just 4.2 seconds.
- Yamaha Midnight Star 950
This is a reliable and beautiful cruiser with elements of passive safety important for a beginner: a low center of gravity, wide footboards, tenacious hydraulic disc brakes on both axles. The engine power is enough to freely accelerate to a maximum of 190 km/h. Many owners recommend this Yamaha model as the first motorcycle, despite the volume and weight. As for the disadvantages – the lack of a tachometer and too tenacious front brake.
