Cruisers, as the name suggests, are meant for long tours. That is how it is designed to keep you comfortable while piling miles on the odometer. These are heavy and expensive machines that you may use for weekend trips or for a longer ride once or twice a month. But what if we say that you can use a cruiser for your everyday commute? Yes, you can enjoy that wide, deeply cushioned saddle and cool, laid-back attitude while going to the office, on business, or just to run daily errands. It sounds crazy, but that's what we are going to talk about today. A number of cruisers by different manufacturers are out there that are not expensive, not heavy, and designed to suit daily use as well as long rides. In this article, we bring to you a list of ten such awesome cruisers that can make your daily rides both comfortable and stylish.
Looking at the data from manufacturer websites, we have put together a list of some awesome cruisers that you can ride everyday
10 Yamaha V-Star 250
Base MSRP - $4,699
New to motorcycling? And want a manageable and predictable bike to hone skills? The Yamaha V-Star is the perfect machine for you. But don’t think of it just as a training platform for kids; rather, the V-Star is very practically designed, keeping in mind the basic demands of a rider. The 249 cc engine is the only V-twin in this displacement category and produces plenty of power and torque. An added benefit is the iconic V-twin rumble, which will surely turn some heads. The bike is super affordable and also provides a superb mileage of 78 mpg, which means it's a perfect value-offering machine for busy city traffic. The weight is just 324 pounds with a 27-inch seat height; these, together with the front hydraulic disc brake, offer superior handling and maneuverability.
Specifications
| Engine | Air-cooled, 249 cc, 60-degree V-twin |
| Transmission | 5-speed, multi-plate wet clutch |
| Fuel Supply | Mikuni 26mm Carburetor |
| Power | 21 horsepower |
| Torque | 15.2 lb-ft |
9 Royal Enfield Meteor 350
Base MSRP - $4,699
The Meteor 350 from Royal Enfield is the latest talk of the town. It's a simple, pocket-friendly machine with the manufacturer's almost hundred years of expertise in making 350 cc engines. The rationale behind creating this motorcycle is very simple: make a reliable bike that stays with you in any condition. It has a single-cylinder engine with an electronic fuel injection system, which ensures a predictable 20.2 horsepower at 6100 rpm and 19.9 pound-feet of torque at 4000 rpm. The classic cruiser design language of the bike allows upright seating on a plush saddle. Front and rear disc brakes and dual-channel ABS are standard features with the Google-powered Tripper navigation system on the dashboard.
Specifications
| Engine | Air-cooled, 349 cc, single-cylinder |
| Transmission | 5-speed constant mesh |
| Fuel Supply | Electronic fuel injection |
| Power | 20.2 horsepower |
| Torque | 19.9 lb-ft |
8 Honda Rebel 300
Base MSRP - $4,749
This smallest member of Honda’s Rebel family is an incredible option for daily use and is perfect for new riders. Its 286 cc engine is best suited for busy city streets, and its weight of only 364 pounds makes it easier to handle. An added advantage is the 27.2-inch seat height, which makes it accessible for riders of any size. Featuring all-LED lighting, the Rebel 300 has many design elements that enhance rider comfort. For example, the rider triangle is roomy, allowing a perfect laid-back posture, and its narrow design makes it easy to access and maneuver. At its heart lies a liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine that produces 27 horsepower and 18 pound-feet of torque. This retro-cruiser has some modern features, such as a full digital instrument cluster and a slipper clutch.
Specifications
| Engine | Liquid-cooled, 286 cc, single-cylinder |
| Transmission | 6-speed |
| Fuel Supply | Programmed fuel injection (PGM-FI) with 38mm throttle body |
| Power | 25 horsepower |
| Toque | 17.6 lb-ft |
7 Kawasaki Eliminator
Base MSRP - $6,649
Kawasaki declared this their most approachable cruiser due to its 28.9-inch seat height and a class-leading low curb weight of 388 pounds. And not only that, it is also the most affordable cruiser in Kawasaki’s stable. Built around a lightweight trellis frame, this cruiser offers superior handling and is also loaded with some premium-class tech features, such as a slip and assist clutch, Kawasaki’s Ergo Fit, ABS, and Rideology app smartphone connectivity. In terms of power, the Eliminator has a Ninja-based 451 cc twin-cylinder engine offering strong low-end torque to conquer city streets and highways alike.
Specifications
| Engine | Liquid-cooled, 451 cc, 2-cylinder |
| Transmission | 6-speed, return shift |
| Fuel Supply | Digital fuel injection (DFI) with 32mm throttle bodies |
| Power | 45 horsepower |
| Torque | 31.7 lb-ft |
6 Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650
Expected MSRP - $6,900
With 300 cc more displacement, the Super Meteor 650 is also here with its younger brother. However, while the 350-cc Meteor is best suited for young riders, the 650 demands some experience because of its more powerful engine and heavier curb weight. Besides, this is Royal Enfield’s only cruiser with a twin-cylinder engine. The maximum power produced is about 47 horsepower at 7250 rpm and 39 pound-feet of maximum torque at 5650 rpm. The classic cruiser appeal is paired with a revised ECU mapping to ensure strong grunt across the rev range and quick throttle response. The rest of the features are quite similar to the 350, such as a low and wide seat and a retro-modern analog-digital dash. The turn-by-turn Tripper navigation system powered by Google Maps also comes standard with this bike.
Specifications
| Engine | Air/oil cooled, 648 cc, parallel twin |
| Transmission | 6-speed, constant mesh |
| Fuel Supply | Electronic fuel injection |
| Power | 47 horsepower |
| Torque | 39 lb-ft |
5 Kawasaki Vulcan S
Base MSRP - $7,349
What if you could have a sporty feel in a cruiser? Sounds impossible? Not with the Vulcan S. Kawasaki has designed this cruiser with an aggressive stance and vintage styling, and its chassis and suspension are straight off Kawi’s sports bike. But sportiness doesn't end here; the 649 cc engine is from the manufacturer's sport icon Ninja, and the wheels and tires are also designed with sporty inspiration. Don’t worry about your height and size because the Vulcan is featured with the manufacturer's Ergo-Fit technology, which allows 18 possible configurations of handlebar, seat, and foot pegs. Disc brakes on both wheels and adjustable suspension offer superior control and handling, and an optional ABS is also available with a little increase in price.
Specifications
| Engine | Liquid-cooled, 649 cc, 2-cylinder |
| Transmission | 6-speed with positive neutral finder |
| Fuel Supply | Digital fuel injection (DFI) with 38mm throttle bodies |
| Power | 50 horsepower |
| Torque | 46.3 lb-ft |
4 Honda Shadow Phantom
Base MSRP - $8,399
A pullback handlebar, a low-slung seat, a blacked-out mean stance, and a powerful V-twin engine - presenting the Honda Shadow Phantom for your daily style statement. The 745-cc V-twin engine is liquid-cooled and produces 44.6 horsepower and 47.9 pound-feet of torque, which means you have enough power to go miles after miles. It's paired with a wide-ratio 5-speed transmission and a shaft final drive, which provide smooth, efficient power delivery and low maintenance. Added to the convenience, the engine is equipped with programmed fuel injection that ensures hassle-free starting at cold start and responsive power delivery. The latest model comes standard with full-LED lighting, and for an extra $300, you can bring home the Phantom with dual-channel ABS.
Specification
| Engine | Liquid-cooled, 745 cc, V-twin |
| Transmission | Wide ratio 5-speed |
| Fuel Supply | Programmed fuel injection (PGM-FI) with 34mm throttle body |
| Power | 44.6 horsepower |
| Torque | 47.9 lb-ft |
3 Suzuki Boulevard C50
Base MSRP - $8,909
The Suzuki Boulevard C50 is a V-twin-engine cruiser motorcycle known for its reliability, comfort, and affordability. The C50 is powered by an 805 cc V-twin engine that produces 53 horsepower and 52 lb-ft of torque. The engine runs smoothly and is powerful, delivering plenty of acceleration for city and highway riding. With its kicked-out fork, valance-style fenders, and staggered, chromed dual exhaust system, the Boulevard C50 makes a strong conventional cruiser-style statement. However, the best feature of this cruiser is the comfort it offers. The driver's seat is wide and thickly cushioned, as is the passenger's seat. The rear suspension has seven-way spring preload adjustability to provide a smooth and bump less ride. The 27.6-inch seat height and wide buckhorn-style handlebars make it easy to control and maneuver.
Specifications
| Engine | Liquid-cooled, 805 cc, 45-degree V-twin |
| Transmission | 5-speed constant mesh |
| Fuel Supply | Suzuki fuel injection with SDTV |
| Power | 53 horsepower |
| Torque | 52 lb-ft |
2 Yamaha Bolt R-Spec
Base MSRP - $8,899
Yamaha has only two cruisers to offer; the second is the Bolt R-Spec. Once you graduate from V-Star 250, you should give Bolt R-Spec a try. This bike is sporting the heritage cruiser style so superbly that American-made cruisers may feel an identity crisis. If you love the old ways of riding without loads of electronic rider aids, then this bike is perfect for you. The teardrop-shaped slanted fuel tank precedes an ergonomically designed curved low seat, enhancing the bike's heritage appeal and providing greater riding comfort. Yamaha retained the classic charm by only adding ABS-equipped disc brakes and nothing more. The Bolt R-Spec produces 65 horsepower and 59.3 pound-feet of torque from its 942 cc air-cooled SOHC V-twin engine, and the best part is that the maximum torque is available at a low 3,000 RPM. Which means busy traffic, twisty highways, and uphill roads—nothing can stop you.
Specifications
| Engine | Air-cooled, 942 cc, V-twin |
| Transmission | 5-speed, multi-plate wet clutch |
| Fuel Supply | Electronic fuel injection |
| Power | 65 horsepower |
| Torque | 59.3 lb-ft |
1 Harley-Davidson Softail Standard
Base MSRP - $14,399
The Softail Standard is different from those big, heavy machines from Harley-Davidson that are good for highways but not so practical for a daily commute. This old-school cruiser is particularly built for those riders who would love to commute to work every day with classical elegance. The sleek, lightweight design of this bike restricts the weight to 655 pounds, which is lighter if we compare it to other H-D machines. The seat height is also 25.8 inches, and together with its lower weight, this bike is perfect for city cruising. Plus, you get the timeless softail design with the manufacturer's famed Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine. The 110 lb-ft of wide-range torque not only allows great passing power but also inspires you to leave the city behind on weekends.
Specifications
| Engine | 107 cu in Milwaukee-Eight |
| Transmission | 6-speed |
| Fuel Supply | Electronic sequential port fuel injection (ESPFI) |
| Power | 92.5 horsepower |
| Torque | 110 lb-ft |