9 Fastest Cruiser Motorcycles You Could Easily Afford!
Despite an ongoing consumer appetite for long and low motorcycles, it seems that cruiser-style machines are still among the most popular street bike segments in America. With the advent of all these new models from manufacturers, we truly felt that it might be time to update the list of the best new cruisers you can afford under $10,000.
This update also has plenty of familiar models from the past. This time, we’ve included all the beloved newbies that have proved their worth in the most recent test rides. Our favorites tend to be urban-friendly, classically styled medium-displacement bikes. But, truth be told, some go for a more modern, minimal appearance, if that’s your thing. Pick your favorite!
2021 Royal Enfield Meteor 350: $4,399-$3,549
Whatever you do, don’t let the 350-cc displacement fool you: the Meteor looks pretty much like a full-size ride rather than an entry-level option. Well, that’s partly because of its classic retro styling, with full fenders, a bulbous fuel tank, and a large, cushy saddle.
In fact, it even has a center stand. When we rode the Meteor a few months ago, we noticed the fuel-injected 349cc engine’s gradual, steady power delivery. But don’t be fooled into thinking that you could win drag races with this baby! It has five speeds and a chain final drive, but only for casual cruising around the city. All in all, the easygoing Meteor is more than a fine choice.
2021 Honda Rebel 300/Rebel 500: $4,599/$6,299
Honda’s second-gen Rebels keep making the list every single year because they outclass the other models in terms of performance, value, and, of course, feature set. Besides, the 2020 model year brought major improvements in suspension and LED lighting, as well as an added slipper and assist clutch that goes well with model styling on the 500 models.
Both models have quick-revving engines, low seat heights, and the most affordable MSRPs, which makes them a great choice for a beginner cruiser. However, we prefer the Rebel 500. On one hand, for all the reasons listed above, and also for the fact that it brings a 471cc twin-cylinder engine with tons of user-friendly power,.
2021 Royal Enfield INT650: $5,799
It seems that the Royal Engineer and Honda managed to figure out the entry-level end of the spectrum. However, that doesn’t mean they don’t make wonderful middleweights either. For instance, Enfield’s bike, the INT650, has another retro-fied model that resembles the classic Brit-bike styling of the 1960s, only that it adds modern components for a fun ride.
The standard motorcycle is moved along by a friendly 648cc parallel twin, but riders were very impressed by its silky smooth throttle delivery. The wide majority of riders will actually be into the upright ergos, which also include the dual-channel ABS, but also the above-average fit and finish and the overall stylish good looks.
2019 Suzuki S40: $5,799
The bike we formerly knew as the Savage retained its ferocity for over 35 years. Truth be told, it’s one of the only chopper-style bikes here, so yes, it’s still going to turn heads. You can find the Boulevard S40 listed on Suzuki’s website as a 2019 model, but only because it didn’t undergo any changes.
This basically means that it’s the same bulletproof, air-cooled 652cc single-cylinder engine. However, Suzuki did its best to spice things up by blacking out other bits, too. For instance, the handlebar, the lower fork legs, and the wheel rims.
Overall, the basic features that lured riders in the past are still there, with some small changes, like a low 27.6-inch seat height, lightweight, and easy ergonomics that would carry the entry-level torch.
2022 Kawasaki Vulcan S/2021 Vulcan S ABS: $7,299/$7,599
The Vulcan S is a peculiar middleweight hybrid with Goldilocks charm. If you ask me, this would describe it perfectly: just big enough, powerful enough, and versatile enough to appeal to a wider market of riders. You know, the kind of riders that are looking for sporty performance but with comfortable ergonomics included.
The Vulcan S offers them just that, in a package meant to suit almost any size rider of any skill level. The Vulcan S also has a 649cc liquid-cooler parallel twin taken out of the sporty Ninja 650 and a trick Ergo-Fit system, which comes with 18 adjustments by moving the seat, footpegs, and handlebar to various positions.
2021 Yamaha Bolt R-Spec: $8,499
Yamaha’s sole remaining cruiser in its 2021 lineup made the list because of its combination of old-school style with modern technology, features, and overall goodness. It’s for intermediate riders who want to vibe with the lower seat height and compact chassis.
But this doesn’t mean that seasoned pilots wouldn’t enjoy it, especially with the bare-bones 942cc air-cooled V-twin. It can feel smoother and stronger than many of its competitors. Also, the solo-seat “urban-bobber” style will come off as a more modern version. Yamaha didn’t offer any standard base Bolt as a 2021 model, but with the 2021 R-Spec with ABS as standard, it’s still a better choice.
2022 Indian Scout Bobber Sixty/Scout Sixty: $8,999/$9,499
We highly appreciated the 1,000-cc Scout Sixty in the past, too, and up to this day, it’s still a bargain. However, despite the accessible 25.8-inch seat height and 542-pound curb weight, this is definitely not your average entry-level cruiser.
The 60-ci liquid-cooled 78-hp engine might propel the Scout past any other bike on the list. Moreover, the aluminum-cast frame isn’t really the type of thing you would normally find on beginner bikes. We’re still leaning toward the Scout Sixty’s close cousin, the Bobber Sixty, just because it’s less expensive.
And yes, we also happen to think the blacked-out styling is much easier on the eyes. The powerplant is identical to that of the Scout Sixty, especially since it’s a liquid-cooled 61ci (1,000cc) V-twin engine with a well-spaced five-speed gearbox. The Scout Bobber Sixty produces 67.83 hp and 55.82 pound-feet of torque on the dyno, which are fairly powerful numbers.
2022 Honda Rebel 1100/DCT: $9,299/$9,999
One of the newer entries on the list is the heftier version of Honda’s stalwart Rebel model. The Rebel 1100 is faster than any past Rebel, but it still keeps the low seat height and relaxed riding position quite familiar to cruiser-class fans.
The main difference is that the liquid-cooled 1,084cc engine carried over from Honda’s Africa Twin, so even with the same moody styling cues carried over from its smaller siblings, you might also find a couple of features you wouldn’t normally see in this class of cruisers, such as a ride-by-wire throttle with four modes, traction control, ABS, and of course, cruise control.
2022 Triumph Street Twin: $9,400
Technically, it’s not a cruiser. Triumph’s retro-styled offering is nevertheless stylish and ergonomic enough to appeal to the same crowd. Moreover, it has been accepted by many riders in the community to warrant inclusion on this list.
As a matter of fact, the Street Twin was declared the Cycle World’s Best Standard back in 2016, so there’s definitely a lot to appreciate there. In 2022, the Street Twin got some minor revisions due to its 900-cc high-torque engine.
However, it still kept the same low seat height, cool character, stripped-back custom styling, and spirited ride quality. All in all, it’s safe to assume things are still improving.
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