Best Starter Cruiser Motorcycle

Looking to get into the world of motorcycling?

A cruiser motorcycle can be a great place to start. Cruiser motorcycles are known for their comfortable riding position, easy handling, and classic styling.

But with so many options on the market, it can be tough to know where to begin.

In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best starter cruiser motorcycles.

1. Yamaha V Star 250: The Yamaha V Star 250 is a great starter cruiser motorcycle for several reasons. It’s lightweight and easy to handle, making it ideal for beginners. It also has a low seat height, making it easy to reach the ground. The V Star 250 has a classic cruiser look, with a chrome-plated fuel tank and spoked wheels. And with a price point of around $4,500, it’s one of the most affordable cruiser motorcycles on the market.
2. Honda Rebel 500: The Honda Rebel 500 is another great starter cruiser motorcycle. It has a comfortable riding position, with mid-mount footpegs and a low seat height. It also has a peppy 471cc engine that’s fun to ride. The Rebel 500 has a modern look, with LED lighting and a digital display. And with a price point of around $7,000, it’s still relatively affordable.
3. Kawasaki Vulcan S: The Kawasaki Vulcan S is a great starter cruiser motorcycle for riders who want a little more power. It has a liquid-cooled 649cc engine that’s smooth and powerful. The Vulcan S has a unique design, with an adjustable footpeg position and a unique rear shock system that can be adjusted to match the rider’s weight. And with a price point of around $7,500, it’s still affordable for a mid-size cruiser motorcycle.
4. Harley-Davidson Street 500: If you’re looking for a classic American cruiser motorcycle, the Harley-Davidson Street 500 is a great place to start. It has a classic cruiser look, with a teardrop fuel tank and wire-spoke wheels. The Street 500 has a liquid-cooled 494cc engine that’s fun to ride. And with a price point of around $7,000, it’s a relatively affordable option for a Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
5. Suzuki Boulevard S40: The Suzuki Boulevard S40 is another great starter cruiser motorcycle. It has a classic cruiser look, with a chrome-plated fuel tank and spoked wheels. The S40 has a lightweight 652cc engine that’s easy to handle, making it a great option for beginners. And with a price point of around $6,000, it’s an affordable option for a mid-size cruiser motorcycle.

No matter which starter cruiser motorcycle you choose, it’s important to invest in good quality riding gear and take a motorcycle safety course to ensure that you’re riding safely and confidently. With the right gear and a little bit of practice, you’ll be cruising down the road in no time.

Be sure to check out our article on the Best Beginner Sport Bike

Are there any other beginner-friendly cruiser motorcycles that didn’t make the list?

Yes, there are many other beginner-friendly cruiser motorcycles that didn’t make this list. Some additional options to consider include:

1. Suzuki GZ250: The Suzuki GZ250 is a lightweight and easy-to-handle cruiser motorcycle that’s ideal for beginners. It has a low seat height, making it easy to reach the ground, and a simple, classic design.
2. Honda Shadow Aero: The Honda Shadow Aero is a comfortable and reliable cruiser motorcycle that’s a popular choice for beginners. It has a smooth 745cc V-twin engine and a classic cruiser look.
3. Kawasaki Vulcan S Cafe: The Kawasaki Vulcan S Cafe is a stylish and modern cruiser motorcycle that’s ideal for riders who want a more unique look. It has a liquid-cooled 649cc engine and a comfortable riding position.
4. Yamaha Bolt: The Yamaha Bolt is a sporty and fun cruiser motorcycle that’s great for beginners. It has a 942cc V-twin engine and a minimalist design that’s both classic and modern.
5. Harley-Davidson Iron 883: The Harley-Davidson Iron 883 is a popular cruiser motorcycle that’s known for its classic styling and powerful engine. It has an 883cc V-twin engine and a low-slung design that’s perfect for cruising around town.

How do cruiser motorcycles compare to other types of motorcycles, such as sport bikes or adventure bikes?

Cruiser motorcycles are different from other types of motorcycles such as sport bikes or adventure bikes in several ways. Here are some of the main differences:

1. Riding position: Cruiser motorcycles are designed with a relaxed and upright riding position, which is more comfortable for long-distance rides. In contrast, sport bikes have a forward-leaning riding position that is more suited for racing and aggressive riding, while adventure bikes have a more upright riding position that is designed for off-road and touring riding.
2. Handling: Cruiser motorcycles typically have a longer wheelbase, which can make them feel less nimble than sport bikes or adventure bikes. However, they are often more stable at lower speeds and have a lower center of gravity, which can make them easier to handle for beginner riders.
3. Engine size and power: Cruiser motorcycles usually have larger engines with more low-end torque, which makes them ideal for cruising around town or on the open road. Sport bikes, on the other hand, are designed for high-performance riding and often have smaller engines that deliver more power at higher RPMs. Adventure bikes usually have larger engines than sport bikes, but they are designed for off-road riding and typically have less horsepower than cruisers or sport bikes.
4. Style: Cruiser motorcycles are known for their classic and retro styling, with features like long fenders, wide handlebars, and a low-slung seat. Sport bikes, on the other hand, have a sleek and aerodynamic design, while adventure bikes have a more rugged and utilitarian look.

Ultimately, the type of motorcycle that’s best for you will depend on your riding style, experience level, and personal preferences. If you’re looking for a comfortable and stylish motorcycle that’s ideal for cruising, a cruiser motorcycle might be the right choice for you. If you’re looking for a high-performance bike that’s designed for racing, a sport bike might be more suitable. And if you want a versatile bike that can handle both on-road and off-road riding, an adventure bike might be the way to go.

What should I look for when choosing a starter cruiser motorcycle?

When choosing a starter cruiser motorcycle, there are several factors to consider, including:

1. Seat Height: Look for a motorcycle with a seat height that’s comfortable for you. If you’re new to riding, you may want to consider a motorcycle with a lower seat height, as this will make it easier to reach the ground and stabilize the bike.
2. Weight: Choose a motorcycle that’s light enough for you to handle easily, but heavy enough to provide stability on the road. Cruiser motorcycles can be heavier than other types of motorcycles, so make sure you’re comfortable with the weight before you buy.
3. Engine Size: Consider the size and power of the motorcycle’s engine. Starter cruiser motorcycles usually have engines between 250cc and 650cc, which are powerful enough for cruising around town and on the open road.
4. Comfort: Look for a motorcycle that’s comfortable to ride for long periods of time. Cruiser motorcycles typically have a relaxed riding position, which can help reduce fatigue and discomfort.
5. Price: Determine your budget and look for motorcycles that fit within your price range. Starter cruiser motorcycles can range in price from a few thousand dollars to more than $10,000, depending on the make and model.
6. Maintenance: Consider the maintenance requirements of the motorcycle. Some models may require more frequent maintenance or have higher repair costs than others.
7. Reputation: Do your research and read reviews from other riders to get an idea of the motorcycle’s reliability, safety, and overall performance. Consider purchasing from a reputable dealer or manufacturer with a history of producing quality motorcycles.

What are some common features of cruiser motorcycles?

Cruiser motorcycles are known for their classic and retro styling, and typically feature a number of common design elements, including:

1. Low Seat Height: Cruiser motorcycles often have a low seat height, which makes them more accessible for riders of all sizes.
2. Relaxed Riding Position: Cruiser motorcycles have a relaxed and upright riding position, which puts less strain on the rider’s back and shoulders.
3. V-Twin Engine: Most cruiser motorcycles are powered by a V-twin engine, which provides plenty of low-end torque for cruising around town.
4. Long Wheelbase: Cruiser motorcycles typically have a longer wheelbase than other types of motorcycles, which makes them more stable and comfortable on long rides.
5. Wide Handlebars: Cruiser motorcycles often have wide handlebars, which provide a comfortable and relaxed grip for the rider.
6. Spoked Wheels: Many cruiser motorcycles feature spoked wheels, which add to the classic and retro look of the bike.
7. Fenders: Cruiser motorcycles often have long fenders, which can help protect the rider from debris and dirt on the road.
8. Chrome Accents: Many cruiser motorcycles feature chrome accents on the engine, exhaust, and other parts of the bike, which add to the bike’s classic and stylish look.

Can cruiser motorcycles be customized or modified to fit my preferences?

Yes, cruiser motorcycles can be customized or modified to fit your personal preferences and riding style. In fact, many riders choose to modify their cruisers to reflect their own unique style and personality.

There are many aftermarket parts and accessories available for cruiser motorcycles, including seats, handlebars, exhaust systems, and more. Some riders also choose to customize the paint job, add chrome accents, or install new lighting or sound systems.

When modifying your cruiser, it’s important to consider both form and function. While you want your bike to look great and reflect your style, you also want to ensure that any modifications you make don’t compromise the safety or performance of the bike.

It’s also important to note that modifying your cruiser can affect its resale value, so it’s a good idea to keep track of any changes you make to the bike, and to consult with a professional mechanic or customizer before making any major modifications.

Overall, customizing or modifying your cruiser can be a fun and rewarding experience that allows you to make your bike truly your own. Just be sure to do your research and take the necessary precautions to ensure that your modifications are safe and effective.