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 2,696 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

Kawasaki Vulcan S 650 Custom Cruiser Petrol Manual Euro 4 (61 ps) 649cc
2019 (19 reg) | 8,163 miles
£4,790
Custom Cruiser | 649cc | 60BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(7179)
Harley-Davidson SPORTSTER XL 883 L SUPERLOW 883cc
2015 (15 reg) | 2,801 miles
£6,390
Custom Cruiser | 883cc | 52BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(7179)
Harley-Davidson SPORTSTER XL 1200 IRON 1202cc
2021 (21 reg) | 8,847 miles
£7,965
Custom Cruiser | 1202cc | 65BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(7179)
Ducati DIAVEL 1198 Carbon 1198cc
2016 (16 reg) | 8,480 miles
£8,690
Custom Cruiser | 1198cc | 152BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(7179)
Triumph THUNDERBIRD 1700 STORM ABS 1700cc
2014 (64 reg) | 4,377 miles
£7,990
Custom Cruiser | 1700cc | 97BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(2688)
Harley-Davidson SPORTSTER 1200 CUSTOM XL C 1202cc
2013 (62 reg) | 6,918 miles
£6,790
Custom Cruiser | 1202cc | 65BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(9)
Harley-Davidson SPORTSTER XL 1200 NS IRON 1202cc
2018 (18 reg) | 9,630 miles
£7,590
Custom Cruiser | 1202cc | 65BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(1089)
Suzuki Intruder 800 VL Custom Cruiser Petrol Manual (53 ps) 805cc
2016 (65 reg) | 18,575 miles
£5,250
Custom Cruiser | 805cc | 52BHP | Manual | Petrol
Private Seller
Honda CMX500 Rebel S CMX500A2SED (25MY)
0
£5,999
Custom Cruiser | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(15)
Harley-Davidson Softail 1690 FLS Slim Custom Cruiser Petrol Manual (78 ps) 1690cc
2012 (12 reg) | 3,900 miles
£8,995
Custom Cruiser | 1690cc | 77BHP | Manual | Petrol
Private Seller
Ducati XDiavel 1262 S Custom Cruiser Petrol Manual Euro 4 (152 ps) 1262cc
2017 (17 reg) | 2,596 miles
£10,450
Custom Cruiser | 1262cc | 150BHP | Manual | Petrol
Private Seller
Triumph Rocket III 2458 Storm GT Euro 5 2458cc
2024 (24 reg) | 1,112 miles
£19,999
Custom Cruiser | 2458cc | 179BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(352)
Kawasaki VULCAN S 650 Euro 5 649cc
2024 (24 reg) | 868 miles
£5,995
Custom Cruiser | 649cc | 59BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller
Kawasaki VN1600 Mean Streak Petrol Manual (65 bhp) 1552cc
2005 (54 reg) | 16,200 miles
£3,995
Custom Cruiser | 1552cc | Manual | Petrol
Private Seller
Honda CM250 233cc
1997 (R reg) | 5,350 miles
£2,275
Custom Cruiser | 233cc | Manual | Petrol
Private Seller
Honda CMX1100 DCT 1084cc
0
£10,999
Custom Cruiser | 1084cc | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(28)
Honda CMX1100 1084cc
0
£9,999
Custom Cruiser | 1084cc | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(28)
Harley-Davidson Fxcwc Rocker C 1584 11 C 1585cc
2010 (60 reg) | 9,614 miles
£12,495
Custom Cruiser | 1585cc | 72BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(13)
Harley-Davidson SOFTAIL FXBBS STREET BOB 114 1868 1868cc
2021 (21 reg) | 791 miles
£11,390
Custom Cruiser | 1868cc | 93BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(2)
Harley-Davidson SOFTAIL 1690 FLS Slim Euro 4 1690cc
2024 (74 reg) | 1 miles
£13,890
Custom Cruiser | 1690cc | Manual | Petrol
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?

Popular Body types