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 2,769 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 18 1800 Custom Cruiser Petrol Manual Euro 5 (91 ps) 1 owner Full BMW Service History 1802cc
2021 (21 reg) | 10,000 miles
£8,450
Custom Cruiser | 1802cc | 89BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(327)
BMW R 18 1800 Custom Cruiser Petrol Manual Euro 5 (91 ps) Auto stability control Reverse 1802cc
2021 (21 reg) | 1,145 miles
£8,995
Custom Cruiser | 1802cc | 89BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(327)
Triumph Bobber 1200 Euro 5 1200cc
2024 (24 reg) | 2,498 miles
£11,795
Custom Cruiser | 1200cc | 78BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller
Honda CMX500 REBEL FINANCE SPECIALISTS APPLY NOW LOW RATE FINANCE DELIVERY AVAILABLE 471cc
2020 (20 reg) | 1,191 miles
£4,589
Custom Cruiser | 471cc | 46BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(312)
Triumph Speedmaster 1200 Custom Cruiser Petrol Manual Euro 5 (79 ps) 1200cc
2022 (72 reg) | 6,106 miles
£9,995
Custom Cruiser | 1200cc | 78BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller
Kawasaki Vulcan S 650 FINANCE SPECIALISTS APPLY NOW LOW RATE FINANCE DELIVERY AVAILABLE 649cc
2021 (71 reg) | 10,319 miles
£4,689
Custom Cruiser | 649cc | 60BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(312)
Harley-Davidson DYNA FLD SWITCHBACK 1690 1690cc
2013 (63 reg) | 8,877 miles
£8,690
Custom Cruiser | 1690cc | 75BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(2)
Kawasaki Vulcan S 650 Euro 5 649cc
2024 (74 reg) | 49 miles
£6,190
Custom Cruiser | 649cc | 59BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(2)
Harley-Davidson STREET XG 750 749cc
2019 (69 reg) | 3,986 miles
£4,590
Custom Cruiser | 749cc | 57BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(2)
Harley-Davidson SOFTAIL FLSTF FATBOY 1690 1690cc
2017 (17 reg) | 7,794 miles
£11,290
Custom Cruiser | 1690cc | 73BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(2)
Harley-Davidson SOFTAIL FXLR LOW RIDER 1745 1745cc
2019 (19 reg) | 4,256 miles
£10,890
Custom Cruiser | 1745cc | 85BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(2)
Harley-Davidson Sportster Nightster Special
| 1 miles
£10,995
Custom Cruiser | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(7)
Harley-Davidson Dyna 1584 FXDB Street Bob 1585cc
2013 (13 reg) | 11,762 miles
£7,795
Custom Cruiser | 1585cc | 75BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller
Keeway RK V125 C KEEWAY C 125cc
2024 (74 reg) | 3,323 miles
£2,799
Custom Cruiser | 125cc | 13BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(59)
Harley-Davidson V-Rod 1247 VRSCF Muscle 1247cc
2015 (15 reg) | 5,578 miles
£11,995
Custom Cruiser | 1247cc | 119BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller
Harley-Davidson Sportster XL883N IRON 883cc
2013 (13 reg) | 7,201 miles
£4,798
Custom Cruiser | 883cc | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(11)
Royal Enfield SUPER METEOR 650 Euro 5 648cc
2023 (73 reg) | 838 miles
£5,391
Custom Cruiser | 648cc | 46BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(7178)
Harley-Davidson SPORTSTER 1200 CUSTOM LTD XL CB 1202cc
2014 (14 reg) | 5,500 miles
£6,290
Custom Cruiser | 1202cc | 67BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(1087)
Ducati DIAVEL CARBON 1198cc
2014 (64 reg) | 9,691 miles
£6,491
Custom Cruiser | 1198cc | 152BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(1087)
Harley-Davidson SPORTSTER S 1252cc
2023 (72 reg) | 7,600 miles
£8,990
Custom Cruiser | 1252cc | 120BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(7178)

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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