Embarking in your journey as a brand new biker is extraordinarily thrilling. You are a part of a tight-knit group of people who take pleasure in being the black sheep of society, and select to reside life on their very own phrases by working a machine solely fanatics perceive. Now that you just’re prepared and enthusiastic about getting your first motorbike, it’s essential to ask your self “What kind of bike do I want?”

While some will gravitate in direction of high-speed sport bikes like a Kawasaki Ninja or a Honda CBR, a few of you may want one thing a bit of extra laid-back. You simply bought right here, so you are not seeking to gun it on the freeway anytime quickly. You simply need to get your arms on one thing that’s comfy, simple to journey, and excellent to take out on a heat summer time’s day. Well, fortunate for you, these are all features an entry-level cruiser motorcycle suits greatest, and listed below are 10 of those to make your decision-making simpler.

Pulling knowledge immediately from producers, and respected information websites like motorcyclenews.com and different dependable sources, we have put collectively an inventory of nice cruiser choices for rookies.

Updated February 2024: Cruisers are one of the standard classes of bikes on this planet. This is especially true within the United States, the place Harley-Davidson and Indian reign supreme. But they are not the one cruiser manufacturers right here, and when you’re prepared to purchase a cruiser as your starter bike, there are some nice choices obtainable from these different manufacturers. To hold our readers up to the mark, this text can be up to date periodically.

1 Yamaha V Star 250

MSRP: $4,699

Performance Specifications

One of the smallest cruisers obtainable on sale in America is the classic Yamaha V Star 250. This motorbike suits the entry-level invoice for a couple of causes. Firstly, it carries the traditional, chrome-heavy esthetic that many rookies discover interesting. Second, the V Star is tremendous accessible with a low 27-inch saddle peak and a feather-like 324-pound curb weight. Third, the old-school taste trickles all the way down to the 250cc powerhouse that also comes with a carburetor and five-speed transmission. Thanks to those, it is confirmed to be a great selection for riders in search of one thing easy.

PROS

• Lowest weight on the checklist
• 250cc Yamaha engine is ideal for studying to do upkeep on
• Profile and chrome harken again to classic cruisers

CONS

• Maybe it’s too small for bigger riders
• Confident rookies will outgrow it quick on account of low energy and lack of tech

2 Royal Enfield Classic 350

MSRP: $4,699

Performance Specifications

There’s no arguing that Royal Enfield has been on a world tear as of late. Right from the dirt-cheap Hunter 350 to the Himalayan and the newly launched Super Meteor, RE has been knocking it out of the park relating to sought-after, cheap, low-capacity bikes.

Nothing suits the invoice higher than the world-renowned Classic 350. The firm sells hundreds of thousands of Classic 350s every year and if that is now proof of its capabilities, we do not know what it’s. Why is it profitable, you ask? Well, as a result of it provides an impeccable mix of old-school esthetics, with out feeling historical just like the V-Star 250. In reality, the child cruiser underwent an enormous overhaul simply a few years in the past which gave it a brand new lease of life.

PROS

• Charming esthetics
• Trusty powertrain
• Dirt-cheap at $4,599

CONS

• Enthusiasts will develop out of it rapidly
• Freeway cruising may be a difficulty

3 Royal Enfield Meteor

MSRP: $4,699

Performance Specifications

Built on the identical platform because the Classic is Royal Enfield’s premium 350cc cruiser motorbike, the Meteor 350. It serves as an ideal for newbie clients that Harley and Indian do not appear to care about, packing all needed options, likable esthetics, and, most significantly, a punchy 350cc single-cylinder powerhouse.

We skilled it firsthand when we lived with the Hunter 350 and the mill was a nice shock, though it solely has 20 horsepower. Plus, you’d additionally dig the plethora of color options that comprise all the things from shiny single-tone paint to matte and dual-tone finishes.

PROS

• Adequate options for the pricing (informative cluster, LED tail lamp, backrest, ABS)
• Assortment of choices
• Starts from as little as $4,699

CONS

• 350cc single would possibly really feel sluggish on the freeway
• A bit obese for a small bike (~420 kilos)

4 Honda Rebel 300

MSRP: $4,899

Performance Specifications

If you need a related, no-frills cruiser just like the Meteor however with Japanese taste, then the Honda Rebel 300 is one of the best guess. The child Rebel serves responsibility as Honda’s smallest cruiser motorbike within the United States, promising an unintimidating mix of efficiency, options, and appears. At its coronary heart lies a 286cc, liquid-cooled powerhouse that produces 27-odd horsepower and 18 pound-feet.

This is topped by options like LED lights, a completely digital instrument cluster, and a slipper clutch. The crown jewel in our books, nevertheless, is a likable rider triangle. It seats you low, upright, and in a comfortable place, all of that are well-suited for entry-level riders.

PROS

• Premium design and options
• Proven 286cc engine
• Prices begin from simply $4,769

CONS

• No pillion saddle
• ABS isn’t normal

5 Benelli Imperiale 400

MSRP: $4,899

Performance Specifications

In the area of interest entry-level cruiser market, the Imperiale 400 largely faces competitors from fashions with displacements underneath 350 cc. Like its rivals, the Benelli traditional has remarkably easy mechanics that present a clean journey. It is powered by a 374cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine that generates 21 horsepower and 22 pounds-feet of torque.

It rides on single disc brakes and a set of 19/18-inch wheels, whereas a metal double cradle chassis helps the engine and is complemented by telescopic forks and two shock absorbers on the again. Extended fenders, spherical lights, peashooter muffler, and the classic-styled tank all display how simplistically designed all the Benelli bike actually is.

PROS

1. Classic styling impressed by classic bikes
2. Smooth and refined engine efficiency
3. Comfortable seating place

CONS

1. Limited shade choices in comparison with different fashions
2. Relatively smaller seller community
3. Slightly larger weight

6 Honda Rebel 500

MSRP: $6,499

Performance Specifications

Dig the Rebel 300 however might use some extra horsepower? Fret not, Honda has the Rebel 500 for you. Designed to be extra of a well-rounded motorbike, the Rebel serves as a great cruiser for regular using in addition to occasional ripping periods. Be it an informal cruise by way of the again roads or a dash in your twisties, it has the capabilities to ship on each fronts.

Honda designed the Rebel 500 to be an entry-level cruiser for the twenty first century. So you get loads of trendy tidbits, reminiscent of a blacked-out esthetic, bronze wheels (in some colorways), a slipper clutch, an all-LED lighting bundle, and a digital instrument cluster. Topping all this, in fact, is the 471cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine (identical because the CBR500R, CB500X, and CB500F) with 45 horsepower.

PROS

• Likable design
• Dependable Honda energy plant present in different fashions
• Thoroughly trendy in appears

CONS

• ABS prices $300 additional
• Compact kind could also be too small for bigger riders

7 CFMoto 450 CL-C

MSRP: N/A

Performance Specifications

With the CL-C, CFMoto makes its entry into the moderately priced cruiser market. The Chinese model has fairly a couple of exceptional value-for-money bikes underneath its belt and the brand new cruiser is not any completely different. It gets a host of features together with turn-by-turn navigation through the CFMoto app, dual-channel ABS, traction management, and a slipper clutch.

It will get all the weather of a recent cruiser too, together with its vast tires, curved tank, and low stance. Features-wise, it could possibly be probably the most superior cruiser in its class. The vintage spherical 3.6-inch TFT instrument panel shows all of the pertinent data. It might properly be value being the grasp of all the things as soon as it makes its technique to the US.

PROS

1. Retro-styled American cruiser design
2. Affordable value level
3. Comfortable seating place for lengthy rides

CONS

1. Limited availability of licensed service facilities
2. Less established model presence in comparison with others available in the market
3. Hasn’t but made it to the US

8 Kawasaki Eliminator

MSRP: $6,649

Performance Specifications

Kawasaki had seemingly just one motorbike of their sights once they have been creating the brand new Eliminator — the ever-popular Honda Rebel. With the Rebel’s lengthy historical past and recognition, Team Green had nothing of their secure that might probably reply it. So, the bikemaker took the Rebel’s recipe and perfected it to delivery the new-for-2023 Eliminator. Though the primary mannequin got here with a 400cc twin (an identical to the Ninja 400), the US-spec Eliminator boasts a bigger 450cc mill with 31.7 pound-feet. Add to this its 22-pound weight benefit over the Rebel, and also you’re extra grunt right here. You additionally get a extra informative LCD right here, smartphone connectivity, and a pillion saddle as normal equipment–all absent on the Honda.

PROS

• Placement between the Rebel 300 and 500 may be the ace up its sleeve
• High-tech options and cellphone connectivity
• Should provide higher efficiency

CONS

• Costs $200 greater than the Rebel
• Looks too much like the Honda

9 Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650

MSRP: $6,999

Performance Specifications

The Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 is a residing instance of Royal Enfield’s wealthy historical past and its persevering with affect within the retro market. This bike has an alluring fusion of British and American cruiser design components which were painstakingly honed over time to provide a singular motorbike persona. At 740 mm, the seat peak is sort of excessive for a cruiser, nevertheless it unexpectedly provides character to the bike and makes it stand out from the throng.

The highly effective 648cc Parallel-twin, 4-stroke, SOHC engine on the coronary heart of the Super Meteor 650 has 4 valves per cylinder and gives sufficient energy for straightforward and clean freeway journey. In conclusion, the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 proves to be a robust, engaging, and sensible selection that’s properly worthy of your consideration.

PROS

• Looks lovely
• A strong engine boasts good highway efficiency
• Value for cash

CONS

• Subpar journey consolation
• Gets insufficient wind safety

10 Kawasaki Vulcan S

MSRP: $7,349

Performance Specifications

A typical sample seen amongst lots of the bikes on this checklist is their mass enchantment. Not simply when it comes to energy and value, however in consolation. What makes the Kawasaki Vulcan S such a well-liked selection for brand new riders is its accommodating ergonomics. While some bikes are higher suited to sure heights, the Vulcan S fits every kind of riders (super-short or super-tall). A low seat and ahead controls again this up properly. To make issues sweeter, you get a trusty 649cc, parallel-twin mill between your legs. There’s ample juice (61 horsepower) to maintain new riders entertained for a very long time.

PROS

• Trusty 650cc engine has no scarcity of grunt
• Kawasaki’s ErgoFit expertise ensures the bike will match any rider

CONS

• Lack of options.
• Uninspired appears, match, and end

11 Honda Shadow Phantom

MSRP: $8,399

Performance Specifications

Widely thought of one of the standard cruiser bikes for rookies, the Honda Shadow checks off all of the containers one appears for in a newbie’s cruiser. Simple, trendy, and clean are some adjectives that match this bike properly, all of which make it easier to introduce your interior badass to the remainder of the world.

The motorcycle has undergone a sizable update for 2023, gaining notable updates reminiscent of a brand new seat, handlebar, and a digital instrument cluster. Topping this can be a new rear fender, blacked-out exhaust, and fork gaiters, all of which make it look extra butch. You’d additionally respect the discount in weight and seat peak.

All this whereas, the motorbike carries ahead the likable 745cc liquid-cooled V-twin four-stroke engine, which delivers the correct amount of kick for a brand new rider to make them really feel in management, and never current itself as overpowering. So the Shadow is right for newbie riders simply seeking to cruise round city and construct their confidence working an actual motorbike in real-life visitors with out feeling intimidated by it.

PROS

• Low seat peak is ideal for rookies
• Pullback handlebar suited to consolation
• 745cc liquid-cooled V-Twin is highly effective however unintimidating

CONS

• Quite hefty at 543 kilos
• Sparse expertise

12 Suzuki Boulevard C50

MSRP: $9,199

Performance Specifications

Suzuki has its personal tackle the old-school cruiser with the Boulevard C50. While the fundamentals are an identical to others (low seat, ahead controls, and plenty of chrome), a singular contact right here is the set of floorboards as an alternative of your traditional footrests. These guarantee a way more comfy using expertise than footpegs, and get you prepared for the full-sized tourers if that is your finish objective after beginning out on small cruisers. Under all this lies a decent-sized 805cc V-twin engine to vow an genuine American cruiser expertise. Bonus factors for the low-maintenance shaft-drive right here (it is the one motorbike right here to function it).

PROS

• Great traditional look with out the Harley price ticket
• Floorboards for higher foot consolation
• Shaft-drive is a rarity within the phase

CONS

• Outdated and seemingly forgotten by Suzuki
• Heavy and lumbering at 611 kilos
• Barely any options

13 Yamaha Bolt R-Spec

MSRP: $8,899

Performance Specifications

On our checklist of entry-level cruisers, the 2023 Yamaha Bolt R-Spec is an in a position possibility that swoons with its ageless appeal. There is not any denying that there exists a startling similarity in its design to the Triumph Bonneville Bobber. The bike’s minimally raised handlebar encourages a considerably forward-leaning using stance, which amplifies the expertise’s aggressiveness.

The Bolt R-Spec has a double-down tube frame design that provides the engine robust help. This bike has a 942cc, air-cooled, SOHC V-Twin, four-valve engine that produces a tremendous 65 horsepower, giving it an amazing possibility for freeway driving. The Bolt R-Spec ought to be your first choose when you’re ready to shell out some cash for a classic American cruiser that may deal with long-distance journey.

PROS

• The hanging presence of a traditional bobber with a neo-retro enchantment
• Powerful engine
• Exceptional consolation for metropolis using

CONS

• Small gas tank capability
• The instrument cluster is primary
• Stock seat may be uncomfortable for longer rides

14 Indian Scout Bobber Sixty

Starting MSRP: $10,749

Performance Specifications

Among all these beginner-friendly ones, the Indian Scout Bobber Sixty is undoubtedly probably the most lovely. Its tiny fenders, blackout detailing, matte-finished blue indigo paint, and glossy traces all work so properly collectively to create a incredible general look. Coming with a 1,133cc liquid-cooled V-Twin engine that spits out a tremendous 100 horsepower at 8,100 RPM, the Scout Bobber Sixty has sufficient to maintain you thrilled. Even although it is maybe on the upper finish of the funds vary, for many who can afford it, it positively provides nice worth.

PROS

• Easy to deal with and maneuver
• It has a robust engine that delivers a clean and responsive journey
• It has a low seat peak that makes it accessible to riders of all sizes

CONS

• The bike has a restricted vary on account of its small gas tank
• Stiff suspension could make for a bumpy journey on tough roads
• High price ticket in comparison with different cruisers in its class

15 Harley-Davidson Nightster

MSRP: $11,999

Performance Specifications

We know you have been ready for it, and it is right here. Though not precisely an entry-level cruiser, the Nightster is the smallest Harley-Davidson cruiser cash should buy proper now. It checks all the best containers, providing a cushty using triangle, easy-to-reach seat peak, and a low weight–three essential features for brand new riders.

The solely drawback is its 975cc V-twin engine that has 90 horsepower, which can be a bit a lot for these riders simply beginning out. However, Harley-Davidson has thrown in trendy rider aids to maintain you proper aspect up. So, when you merely will need to have a brand-new Harley as your first motorbike, the Nightster goes to be the simplest out of all present HD choices to tame.

PROS

• Accessible ergonomics
• Loads of energy to maintain you entertained for years
• Only bike right here with digital rider aids

CONS

• Over $13,000 MSRP is so much for newbies
• The engine can really feel intimidating