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 2,815 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

Harley-Davidson Fxlrs LOW Rider S 1868 20 S Euro 4 1868cc
2021 (21 reg) | 7,917 miles
£11,999
Custom Cruiser | 1868cc | 92BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller
Triumph THUNDERBIRD 1600 1597cc
2009 (09 reg) | 21,703 miles
£5,390
Custom Cruiser | 1597cc | 84BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(2)
Yamaha Virago XV 535 Bobber 535cc
1990 (G reg) | 36,590 miles
£975
Custom Cruiser | 535cc | Manual | Petrol
Private Seller
Triumph Speedmaster 1200 Custom Cruiser Petrol Manual Euro 4 (79 ps) 1200cc
2018 (18 reg) | 5,335 miles
£8,725
Custom Cruiser | 1200cc | 76BHP | Manual | Petrol
Private Seller
Yamaha XVS1100 Drag Star Classic Petrol Manual (61 bhp) 1063cc
2010 | 2,995 miles
£4,395
Custom Cruiser | 1063cc | Manual | Petrol
Private Seller
Harley-Davidson Dyna 1745 FXBB Street Bob Custom Cruiser Petrol Manual Euro 4 (87 ps) 1745cc
2018 (18 reg) | 9,150 miles
£9,250
Custom Cruiser | 1745cc | 85BHP | Manual | Petrol
Private Seller
Kawasaki VN 1700 Call Today, Nationwide delivery 2000cc
2004 (53 reg) | 23,179 miles
£6,495
Custom Cruiser | 2000cc | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(32)
Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 XLH Custom 110th Anniversary Edition Custom Cruiser Petrol Manual (66 ps) 1200cc
1994 (M reg) | 17,644 miles
£4,695
Custom Cruiser | 1200cc | Manual | Petrol
Private Seller
Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 XL1200X Forty-Eight Custom Cruiser Petrol Manual Euro 4 (66 ps) 1202cc
2017 (17 reg) | 4,600 miles
£8,400
Custom Cruiser | 1202cc | Manual | Petrol
Private Seller
Yamaha XV535 550 DX Virago Petrol Manual (44 bhp) 535cc
1999 (T reg) | 21,500 miles
£1,500
Custom Cruiser | 535cc | 44BHP | Manual | Petrol
Private Seller
Harley-Davidson Softail 1868 FLFBS Fat Boy 115th Anniversary Custom Cruiser Petrol Manual Euro 4 (93 ps) 1868cc
2020 (70 reg) | 1,000 miles
£19,250
Custom Cruiser | 1868cc | 92BHP | Manual | Petrol
Private Seller
Honda CMX500 Rebel Custom Cruiser Petrol Manual Euro 4 (46 ps) 471cc
2018 (18 reg) | 3,423 miles
£3,799
Custom Cruiser | 471cc | 46BHP | Manual | Petrol
Private Seller
Harley-Davidson SPORTSTER XL 1200 NS IRON 1202cc
2021 (21 reg) | 4,033 miles
£8,290
Custom Cruiser | 1202cc | 65BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(7179)
Honda CMX500 Rebel Euro 4 471cc
2017 (17 reg) | 1,861 miles
£4,000
Custom Cruiser | 471cc | 46BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(1)
Suzuki Intruder 1800 1783cc
2008 (58 reg) | 22,000 miles
£6,200
Custom Cruiser | 1783cc | Manual | Petrol
Private Seller
Harley-Davidson Softail 1584cc
2008 (57 reg) | 10,522 miles
£8,500
Custom Cruiser | 1584cc | Manual | Petrol
Private Seller
Triumph Bonneville America 865 790cc
2006 (55 reg) | 6,100 miles
£4,500
Custom Cruiser | 790cc | Manual | Petrol
Private Seller
Kawasaki VN1500 1500cc
2002 (51 reg) | 27,000 miles
£5,000
Custom Cruiser | 1500cc | Manual | Petrol
Private Seller
Keeway Superlight 125 Custom Cruiser Petrol Manual Euro 5 (10 ps) 124cc
2022 (72 reg) | 200 miles
£2,000
Custom Cruiser | 124cc | 10BHP | Manual | Petrol
Private Seller
Kawasaki VN800 B5 Classic Petrol Manual (54 bhp) 805cc
2002 (52 reg) | 19,000 miles
£4,000
Custom Cruiser | 805cc | 54.2BHP | Manual | Petrol
Private 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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