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 2,528 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

Lexmoto R66S FINANCE SPECIALISTS APPLY NOW LOW RATE FINANCE DELIVERY AVAILABLE 124cc
2025 (75 reg) | 30 miles
£2,589
Custom Cruiser | 124cc | 14BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(5)
Keeway RKV 125 C FINANCE SPECIALISTS APPLY NOW LOW RATE FINANCE DELIVERY AVAILABLE 125cc
2024 (24 reg) | 1,683 miles
£2,989
Custom Cruiser | 125cc | 13BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(4.9)
Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 XL883N Iron 883 Euro 4 883cc
2017 (17 reg) | 8,130 miles
£5,689
Custom Cruiser | 883cc | 50BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller
Triumph BOBBER 1200 1200cc
2017 (17 reg) | 3,686 miles
£7,890
Custom Cruiser | 1200cc | 75BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(4.4)
Harley-Davidson V-Rod 1130cc
2003 (03 reg) | 6,879 miles
£7,995
Custom Cruiser | 1130cc | Manual | Petrol
Private Seller
Triumph Speedmaster 1200 Custom Cruiser Petrol Manual Euro 5 (79 ps) 1200cc
| 1 miles
£13,795
Custom Cruiser | 1200cc | 78BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller
Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 XL1200X Forty-Eight Custom Cruiser Petrol Manual (68 ps) 1202cc
2015 (65 reg) | 3,200 miles
£8,000
Custom Cruiser | 1202cc | 67BHP | Manual | Petrol
Private Seller
Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 XL1200X Forty-Eight Custom Cruiser Petrol Manual (66 ps) 1202cc
2016 (66 reg) | 100 miles
£14,499
Custom Cruiser | 1202cc | 65BHP | Manual | Petrol
Private Seller
Keeway RKV 125 C Custom Cruiser Petrol Manual Euro 5 (13 ps) 125cc
2024 (74 reg) | 385 miles
£3,186
Custom Cruiser | 125cc | 13BHP | Manual | Petrol
Private Seller
Honda CMX1100 Rebel Custom Cruiser Petrol DCT Euro 5 (87 ps) 1084cc
2021 (21 reg) | 3,013 miles
£6,950
Custom Cruiser | 1084cc | 85BHP | Automatic | Petrol
Private Seller
Honda VT750 FINANCE SPECIALISTS APPLY NOW LOW RATE FINANCE DELIVERY AVAILABLE 745cc
2011 (11 reg) | 9,100 miles
£3,889
Custom Cruiser | 745cc | 42BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(4.9)
Honda CMX1100 Rebel DCT Euro 5 1084cc
2023 (73 reg) | 7,400 miles
£6,495
Custom Cruiser | 1084cc | 85BHP | Automatic | Petrol
Trade Seller(5)
Royal Enfield SUPER METEOR 650 Euro 5 648cc
2024 (24 reg) | 3,430 miles
£4,390
Custom Cruiser | 648cc | 46BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(4.8)
Kawasaki Vulcan S 650 Euro 4 649cc
2019 (69 reg) | 2,637 miles
£5,090
Custom Cruiser | 649cc | 60BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(4.8)
Harley-Davidson Softail 1868 FXBRS Breakout 114 Custom Cruiser Petrol Manual Euro 4 (93 ps) 1868cc
2019 (19 reg) | 5,500 miles
£14,500
Custom Cruiser | 1868cc | 92BHP | Manual | Petrol
Private Seller
Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 648cc
2023 (23 reg) | 10,164 miles
£4,295
Custom Cruiser | 648cc | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller
Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 XL883N Iron 883 Euro 4 883cc
2018 (18 reg) | 13,981 miles
£5,750
Custom Cruiser | 883cc | 50BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(5)
Harley-Davidson SOFTAIL 1868 FXFBS Fat Bob 114 1868cc
2020 (20 reg) | 19,500 miles
£11,490
Custom Cruiser | 1868cc | 92BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(5)
Triumph Speedmaster 1200 Custom Cruiser Petrol Manual Euro 5 (79 ps) 1200cc
2021 (21 reg) | 6,363 miles
£8,495
Custom Cruiser | 1200cc | 78BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller
Harley-Davidson TOURING FLHXU STREET GLIDE ULTRA 1923cc
2025 (25 reg) | 3,100 miles
£24,999
Custom Cruiser | 1923cc
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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