What is a cruiser motorcycle?

Cruiser motorcycles are a definition that applies to bikes modelled after American brands popular in the 1930s-50s, with the Harley Davidson perhaps being the most popular amongst them. They are famous for their riding position which puts the hands up and the feet forward, often with a backward lean to the seat, as well as their wide handlebars. They are primarily known for their easy rideability, accessible shifting, and low-end torque, though they rarely meet the horsepower expected of other types of bikes like sports bikes.

What's the difference between a cruiser and touring motorcycle?

Touring bikes can look a lot like cruisers, given that both are large, powerful bikes that are easy to ride, especially on the highway. However, touring motorcycles are built more specifically for long-distance rides, and are outfitted as such. They have more cargo room, are ergonomically designed to make them more comfortable on long rides, and tend to have room to an additional rider with two-up seats.

Are cruiser motorcycles good for beginners?

Cruisers are relatively easy to ride and to shift, though they are, on average, quite large. There are smaller cruiser bikes that are easier to handle, however, which can be a good fit for a beginner. The Keeway Superlight 125 is a good example of a cruiser suitable for A1 licence holders.

What is a good cruiser motorcycle?

The Yamaha V-Star 250 Cruiser is considered not only one of the more beginner friendly bikes of this kind due to its smaller size, but it's also thought to be one of the best examples of what makes a cruiser bike. This 250cc motorcycle is praised for its maneuverability, good mileage per gallon, and a comfort low seat that keeps the ride straight backed and comfortable, perhaps for flat open roads.

Custom Cruiser bikes for sale

With 2,675 Custom Cruiser bikes available on Auto Trader, we have the best range of bikes for sale across the UK.

Latest second hand Custom Cruiser bikes for sale

BMW R NINET SCRAMBLER X Aluminium Tank Hand-Brushed 1170cc
2020 (70 reg) | 6,592 miles
£8,495
Custom Cruiser | 1170cc | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(4.6)
Triumph Rocket III 2458 R Custom Cruiser Petrol Manual Euro 5 (167 ps) 2458cc
2022 (22 reg) | 2,500 miles
£16,500
Custom Cruiser | 2458cc | 165BHP | Manual | Petrol
Private Seller
Honda VT1300 Interstate 1312cc
2015 | 26,350 miles
£7,750
Custom Cruiser | 1312cc | Manual | Petrol
Private Seller
Harley-Davidson Softail 1868 FXBRS Breakout 114 Custom Cruiser Petrol Manual Euro 5 (95 ps) 1868cc
2021 (21 reg) | 6,674 miles
£14,000
Custom Cruiser | 1868cc | 93BHP | Manual | Petrol
Private Seller
Bluroc Motorcycles V-Bob 250 Custom Cruiser Petrol Manual Euro 5 (18 ps) 250cc
2024 (24 reg) | 900 miles
£2,500
Custom Cruiser | 250cc | 18BHP | Manual | Petrol
Private Seller
Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 XL1200CX Roadster Custom Cruiser Petrol Manual (66 ps) 1202cc
2016 (16 reg) | 9,291 miles
£8,200
Custom Cruiser | 1202cc | 65BHP | Manual | Petrol
Private Seller
Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 XL1200C Custom 1202cc
2013 (13 reg) | 20,080 miles
£5,990
Custom Cruiser | 1202cc | 65BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(4)
Ducati DIAVEL CARBON 1198cc
2012 (12 reg) | 512 miles
£7,490
Custom Cruiser | 1198cc | 152BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(4.9)
Keeway K-Light 125 124 Custom Cruiser Petrol Manual Euro 5 (10 ps) 124cc
2022 (22 reg) | 550 miles
£1,600
Custom Cruiser | 124cc | 10BHP | Manual | Petrol
Private Seller
Indian Scout 1133 Custom Cruiser Petrol Manual Euro 5 (95 ps) 1133cc
2021 (71 reg) | 160 miles
£18,995
Custom Cruiser | 1133cc | 94BHP | Manual | Petrol
Private Seller
Ducati Diavel 1260 1262 S Euro 4 1262cc
2019 (19 reg) | 9,591 miles
£11,499
Custom Cruiser | 1262cc | 157BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller
Triumph THUNDERBIRD 1700 LT FINANCE AND DELIVERY AVAILABLE 1700cc
2015 (64 reg) | 156,910 miles
£6,390
Custom Cruiser | 1700cc | 93BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller
Harley-Davidson Softail 1868 FXFBS Fat Bob 114 Custom Cruiser Petrol Manual Euro 5 (93 ps) 1868cc
2022 (72 reg) | 1,580 miles
£13,750
Custom Cruiser | 1868cc | 92BHP | Manual | Petrol
Private Seller
Harley-Davidson Softail 1923 FXSB Breakout Custom Cruiser Petrol Manual Euro 5 (103 ps) 1923cc
2024 (74 reg) | 4,600 miles
£19,999
Custom Cruiser | 1923cc | 101BHP | Manual | Petrol
Private Seller
Ducati DIAVEL FINANCE SPECIALISTS APPLY NOW LOW RATE FINANCE DELIVERY AVAILABLE 1198cc
2011 (11 reg) | 15,670 miles
£5,989
Custom Cruiser | 1198cc | 152BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(5)
Keeway V-Cruise 125 FINANCE SPECIALISTS APPLY NOW LOW RATE FINANCE DELIVERY AVAILABLE 125cc
2024 (24 reg) | 3,118 miles
£3,589
Custom Cruiser | 125cc | 12BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(5)
Harley-Davidson Softail 1868 FLFBS Fat Boy Euro 5 1868cc
2021 (21 reg) | 5,185 miles
£16,991
Custom Cruiser | 1868cc | 93BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller
Harley-Davidson TOURING FLHXS STREET GLIDE SPECIAL 1868cc
2022 (22 reg) | 14,964 miles
£16,995
Custom Cruiser | 1868cc | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller
Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 XL883C Custom Cruiser Petrol Manual (53 ps) 883cc
2007 (07 reg) | 6,861 miles
£5,500
Custom Cruiser | 883cc | Manual | Petrol
Private Seller
Ducati Diavel V4 1158 Ducati Quick Shift Euro 5 1158cc
2024 (24 reg) | 926 miles
£22,499
Custom Cruiser | 1158cc | 166BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller

Your questions answered

Cruiser motorcycles are a definition that applies to bikes modelled after American brands popular in the 1930s-50s, with the Harley Davidson perhaps being the most popular amongst them. They are famous for their riding position which puts the hands up and the feet forward, often with a backward lean to the seat, as well as their wide handlebars. They are primarily known for their easy rideability, accessible shifting, and low-end torque, though they rarely meet the horsepower expected of other types of bikes like sports bikes.
Touring bikes can look a lot like cruisers, given that both are large, powerful bikes that are easy to ride, especially on the highway. However, touring motorcycles are built more specifically for long-distance rides, and are outfitted as such. They have more cargo room, are ergonomically designed to make them more comfortable on long rides, and tend to have room to an additional rider with two-up seats.
The Yamaha V-Star 250 Cruiser is considered not only one of the more beginner friendly bikes of this kind due to its smaller size, but it's also thought to be one of the best examples of what makes a cruiser bike. This 250cc motorcycle is praised for its maneuverability, good mileage per gallon, and a comfort low seat that keeps the ride straight backed and comfortable, perhaps for flat open roads.

Custom Cruiser bikes for sale

addWhat is a cruiser motorcycle?

addWhat's the difference between a cruiser and touring motorcycle?

addAre cruiser motorcycles good for beginners?

addWhat is a good cruiser motorcycle?

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