10 Best Cruiser Motorcycles of 2023

Cruiser motorcycles are primarily liked for their comfortable and stylish ride rather than speeds or maneuvering. They are also favored for their laid-back riding position due to the footpegs in front of the rider rather than below them. Cruisers have powerful engines (V-twin for most), wide rear tires, low seating position, a lot of chrome, and aesthetic appeal. The availability of aftermarket accessories and the adaptability of the motorcycles make them sweat hearts for their riders.

“Cruising isn’t just about the ride; it’s about the rhythm of the road, the melody of the engine, and the harmony found in every mile.”

Harley-Davidson is the most prominent brand when it comes to cruisers. Other motorcycle companies in Japan, India, and Europe have their unique version of cruisers equally loved by their riders. The big 4 Japanese motorcycle brands, namely Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha, have cruisers in their lineup. Ducati, Triumph, and BMW from European manufacturers have also entered the cruiser market. Royal Enfield from India has a strong lineup in the mid-size cruiser segment.

This article will unveil the ‘Top 10 Cruiser Motorcycles of 2023’.

How We Ranked the Cruisers

The “10 Best Cruiser Motorcycles of 2023” rankings were based on several criteria covering the bike’s capabilities and appeal. Some of the top criteria were –

• Performance
• Handling & Comfort
• Design & Style
• Technology & Features
• Reputation & Reviews
• Value for Money

Top-rated Best Cruiser Motorcycles for 2023

1. Harley Davidson Breakout 117

The Breakout 117 is our #1 choice when it comes to the best cruiser motorcycles for a lot of reasons. It belongs to the Harley’s Softail line, primarily known for its blend of performance and comfort. This makes it an ideal motorcycle for cruising. The 2023 model is powered by Milwaukee-Eight 117 V-Twin engine with a peak power of 103 hp @ 4750 rpm and 126 lbs-ft @ 3500 rpm of peak torque. Breakout 117 has the most powerful engine in the Softail chassis.

Harley Breakout 117 has a lean, muscular, and modern look. It has an aggressive appearance, thanks to the low-slung stance and the wide rear tire. It has the better of both worlds. On the one hand, it has traditional elements like the classic drag-bike attitude; on the other, it also has modern ones. Digital instrumentation and LED lighting are features that give a modern touch.

Some of the top features that make Breakout 117 a compelling buy are –

• Superior ride quality
• Premium finishes
• Custom detailing
• Power and performance

Overview of 2023 Harley Davidson Breakout 117

• Engine: Milwaukee-Eight 117 V-Twin engine
• Power: 103 hp @ 4750 rpm
• Torque: 126 lbs-ft @ 3500 rpm
• Seat Height: 25.6 in. (650.2 mm)
• Weight(in running order): 683 lb. (310 kg)
• Price(USA): $20,999

Official Page: Harley Davidson Breakout 117

2. Harley Davidson Street Bob 114

The Harley Davidson Street Bob 114 earned its #2 spot for various reasons. The Street Bob 114 is powered by Milwaukee-Eight 114 V-Twin engine with a peak power of 100.5 hp and peak torque of 119 lbs-ft @ 3000 RPM.

The Street Bob 114 is again part of Harley’s Softail line, like Breakout 117. It uses a rear mono-shock, albeit hidden, to maintain the hardtail look that offers improved cornering performance. Street Bob 114 is known for its nimble handling and smooth ride despite its size.

Street Bob 114 has a stripped-down styling and maintains a classic Bobber look. Despite its looks, it hosts all the modern features like a digital instrument display and LED forward lighting for enhanced visibility. Street Bob 114 is also open to customization, with Harley offering a wide range of accessories.

Overview of 2023 Harley Davidson Street Bob 114

• Engine: Milwaukee-Eight 114 V-Twin engine
• Power: 100.5 hp
• Torque: 119 lbs-ft @ 3000 RPM
• Seat Height: 25.8 in. (655.3 mm)
• Weight(in running order): 655 lb. (297 kg)
• Price(USA): $16,599

Official Page: Harley Davidson Street Bob 114

3. Harley Davidson Heritage Classic

Once again, another motorcycle from Harley Davidson secured the #3 spot on our list. The high place is due to various reasons, and we will discuss a few.

The Harley Davidson Heritage Classic has a nostalgic design similar to the classic American cruisers. It has a distinctive Softail frame, a detachable windscreen, a lot of chrome, and vintage-style saddlebags. It maintains old-school looks and modern features like digital instrumentation housed in a handlebar riser, keyless ignition, and LED lighting.

Heritage Classic has a Milwaukee-Eight V-Twin engine with 100.5 hp peak power and 119 lbs-ft@ 3000 RPM peak torque. The engine provides ample torque for smooth highway cruising with brisk and smooth acceleration.

The Heritage Classic has a high-performing front suspension and a hidden rear mono-shock suspension(to maintain a hardtail look). The well-performing suspension system provides a comfortable and controlled ride. The seating position is very comfortable for longer rides for extended periods.

Overview of 2023 Harley Davidson Heritage Classic

• Engine: Milwaukee-Eight V-Twin engine
• Power: 100.5 hp
• Torque: 119 lbs-ft@ 3000 RPM
• Seat Height: 26.3 in. (668 mm)
• Weight(in running order): 728 lbs (330.2 kg)
• Price(USA): $21,199

Official Page: Harley Davidson Heritage Classic

4. Indian Scout Bobber

The Indian Scout Bobber is in the #4 spot for various reasons. From powerful performance, striking design, and overall rich history, it has all the features of exceptional features.

The Indian Scout Bobber is powered by a 1133cc liquid-cooled V-twin engine producing 100 hp of peak power and 72 lb-ft of torque. The lightweight build (533 lbs) also contributes to its nimble handling.

The Scout Bobber has a minimalist “bobber” design, bar-end mirrors, a low-slung profile, and chopped fenders. It has the iconic tank badge with an aggressive style maintaining India’s classic design. Indian Motorcycle Company is the 1st American commercial motorcycle brand with a rich history. The company was started in 1901. Bobber is a variant with a modern twist of India’s most iconic Scout model.

Indian Scout Bobber also has a lot of accessories and custom parts that could be utilized to personalize the bike.

Overview of 2023 Indian Scout Bobber

• Engine: Milwaukee-Eight V-Twin engine
• Power: 100 hp
• Torque: 72 lbs-ft
• Seat Height: 25.6 inches (650.24 mm)
• Weight(in running order): 533 lbs (241.76 kgs)
• Price(USA): $12,249

Official Page: Indian Scout Bobber

5. Honda Rebel 1100

The Honda Rebel 1100 has earned the #5 spot in our list due to its merits that make it stand out. The Honda is known for building high-performance, fuel-efficient motorcycles, and efficient cruisers.

The Honda Rebel 1100 runs on a 1083cc liquid-cooled Unicam parallel-twin engine with 86 hp @ 7000 rpm of power and 72 lb-ft @ 4,750 RPM of torque. The engine gives out ample and smooth power for both city drive and highway cruising and has a considerable torque output.

The Rebel 1100’s chassis and suspension(43mm fork; 5.5-inch travel front & Dual Showa rear shocks) are designed to give a balanced, comfortable ride. It has a neutral riding position and a relatively low seat height, making it reachable for many riders. The nimble and responsive handling makes it perfect for various riding conditions.

The Rebel 1100 has a bobber-inspired design with minimalist elements. There are plenty of advanced techs used in the motorcycle, like –

• Honda’s Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT)
• Throttle-by-wire
• Multiple riding modes
• Honda Sensing
• Various other driver-assistive safety technologies

Think about the price, it is one of the most affordable cruisers in the market, with a price tag of $9,499 only. Be assured you get value for your money, and the price point makes it a compelling choice for many riders.

Overview of 2023 Honda Rebel 1100

• Engine: 1083cc liquid-cooled Unicam parallel-twin engine
• Power: 86 hp @ 7000 rpm
• Torque: 72 lb-ft @ 4,750 RPM
• Seat Height: 27.5 inches (698.5 mm)
• Weight(in running order): 487 lbs (220.9 kgs)
• Price(USA): $9,499

Official Page: Honda Rebel 1100

6. Honda Goldwing

With Honda Goldwing in #6, we have another Honda motorcycle in the top 10 list. Honda Goldwing is a well-established name and is well-known for the advanced technology, comfort, and luxury it provides.

The Goldwing is powered by a 1,833cc liquid-cooled engine with smooth power delivery(125 HP) and impressive torque(130 lb-ft) output. This makes

Rider and passenger comfort in Goldwing is one of the best compared to other cruisers. The seats are comfortable and ergonomically designed. The sophisticated suspension system(Double wishbone front and Pro Arm single-side swingarm rear) with seats enhances the ride quality to the next level.

Like Honda Rebel 1100, Goldwing also has tech-rich offerings. Some of the top features are –

• 7-inch full-color TFT screen
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
• Smart key fob for keyless ignition
• Electronically adjustable windscreen
• Dual-clutch transmission (DCT)

Regarding the cruising capability, you can bet on its large, integrated saddlebags with a top case. The high-capacity fuel tank allows you to ride long distances without refills.

Overview of 2023 Honda Goldwing

• Engine: 1833cc liquid-cooled horizontally opposed 6-cylinder 4-stroke
• Power: 125 HP
• Torque: 130 lb-ft
• Seat Height: 29.3 inches (744.2 mm)
• Weight(in running order): 804 lbs (364.7 kgs)
• Price(USA): $25,600

Official Page: Honda Goldwing

7. Kawasaki Vulcan S

Kawasaki is primarily known for making motorcycles for racing, high-performance sporty motorcycles, and flashy designs. The Kawasaki Vulcan S is an image changer and holds #6 on our list. It stands out from other cruisers because of its different take on cruiser design and features.

The Vulcan S is powered by a 649cc Parallel-Twin engine(from Kawasaki Ninja 650) with 50 hp(estimated) peak power and 46.3 lb-ft @ 6600 rpm peak torque. The engine is well known for its responsiveness and smooth power delivery. This also gives it a sportier riding experience away from traditional V-twin cruisers.

One of the interesting riders focussed features is its unique Ergo-Fit system. It allows ergonomics adjustments as per the rider’s preferences like –

• Adjustable footpeg
• Seat options
• Handlebar shapes

All the above help better control and adds to the rider’s driving experience.

The lower center of gravity and lightweight design aid in easy handling. It helps new riders maneuver the bike quickly, and experienced riders enjoy it.

The Vulcan S’s contemporary design stands out. It has a mix of cruiser styling with sportbike features that appeal to many riders. The accessible price, high level of performance, and customization options make it a compelling buy.

Overview of 2023 Kawasaki Vulcan S

• Engine: 649cc 4-stroke, 2-cylinder, DOHC, liquid-cooled
• Power: 50 HP(estimated)
• Torque: 46.3 lb-ft @ 6600 rpm
• Seat Height: 27.8 inches (706.12 mm)
• Weight(in running order): 491.7 lbs (223 kgs)
• Price(USA): $7,349 (non-abs)

Official Page: Kawasaki Vulcan S

8. Suzuki Boulevard M109R B.O.S.S.

Suzuki Boulevard M109R B.O.S.S. is at #9, the first from the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer.

The Boulevard M109R B.O.S.S. is fitted with a 1783cc, V-twin engine with responsive torque and massive manageable power. The engine produces 128 HP maximum power and 118 lb-ft of peak torque. Boulevard M109R B.O.S.S. is the most powerful cruiser in Suzuki’s lineup. It is primarily for people who like high-performance motorcycles.

It has a muscular and distinctive design, wide & fat tires, a large headlight cowl, and a sleek tail section. The blacked-out styling of B.O.S.S. gives an extra aggressive look to the motorcycle. Despite the size and weight, a low center of gravity and a wide, comfortable seat give it a balanced ride. It has an inverted front fork and link-style rear suspension, adding to the smooth ride on various road conditions.

Regarding technology and features, Boulevard M109R B.O.S.S. is a BOSS. Let’s have a look at some of the outstanding features –

• Digital tachometer
• LED taillight
• Drag-style handlebars
• Dual Throttle Valve
• Idle Speed Control tech (better fuel efficiency)

Overview of Suzuki Boulevard M109R B.O.S.S.

• Engine: 1783cc, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 54°, V-twin
• Power: 128 HP
• Torque: 118 lb-ft
• Seat Height: 27.8 inches (705 mm)
• Weight(in running order): 764 lbs (347 kgs)
• Price(USA): $15,599

Official Page: Suzuki Boulevard M109R B.O.S.S.

9. Yamaha V Star 250

Another Japanese motorcycle manufacturer known for their performance racers is on the #9 list of cruiser motorcycles. The new rider-friendly Yamaha V Star 250 is here for several notable features that make it an excellent choice.

The V Star 250 is widely recognized as an ideal beginner’s cruiser. It has a low seat height, lightweight, and has manageable power. It is the perfect choice for new riders with smaller stature thanks to the 25 inches seat height.

A 249cc V Star engine powers Yamaha V Star 250. It has a maximum power of 21 hp and 15.2 lb-ft of peak torque. The power is enough for daily commuting and short cruising.

250 has a classic cruiser look with detailing and plenty of chrome despite its small size.

The best part is its exceptional fuel efficiency of 78 mpg. With a fuel tank of 2.5 gal, it can go up to 195 miles before it requires a gas station visit. Due to the high mileage, it is a cost-effective choice for riders primarily for daily commuting.

The Yamaha V Star 250 is value for money with its $4,699 price tag, excellent build quality, and features.

Overview of Yamaha V Star 250

• Engine: 249cc 15-cubic-inch air-cooled, SOHC 60° V-twin, 2 valves engine
• Power: 21 HP
• Torque: 15.2 lb-ft
• Seat Height: 27.0 inches (685.8 mm)
• Weight(in running order): 324 lbs (145 kgs)
• Price(USA): $4,699

Official Page: Yamaha V Star 250

10. Triumph Bonneville Bobber

Last but not least, Triumph Bonneville Bobber holds the #10 spot on our list. The UK motorcycle manufacturer Bonneville Bobber is on the list for its unique style, high performance, and exceptional craftsmanship.

The Bonneville Bobber is powered by a 1200cc parallel-twin engine known for its torque-rich performance. The engine provides ample power of 76.9 HP @ 6100 RPM for cruising and 78.2 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm of peak torque.

It has an authentic bobber style with a single seat, hardtail look, and minimalist body design. Riders looking for a retro-inspired motorcycle with a distinctive design might want to go for Bonneville Bobber.

The Bonneville Bobber has quality finishes with rich material that adds to its aesthetic appeal and durability. The classic-looking Bonneville Bobber also has plenty of modern features like –

• ABS
• Traction control
• Ride-by-wire throttle
• Torque-assist clutch
• Two riding modes (Road and Rain)
• All-LED lighting
• 3.1 gallon fuel tank

Overview of Triumph Bonneville Bobber

• Engine: 1200cc Liquid cooled, 8 valve, SOHC, 270° crank angle parallel twin
• Power: 76.9 HP @ 6100 RPM
• Torque: 78.2 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
• Seat Height: 27.2 – 27.6 in (690 – 700 mm)
• Weight(in running order): 553 lbs (251 kgs)
• Price(USA): $13,795

Official Page: Triumph Bonneville Bobber

List of all Cruiser Motorcycles Available in USA