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 2,612 Custom Cruiser bikes available on Autotrader, we have the best range of bikes for sale across the UK.

Latest second hand Custom Cruiser bikes for sale

Triumph Thunderbird 1700 ABS Custom Cruiser Petrol Manual Euro 4 (101 ps) 1699cc
2015 (15 reg) | 14,780 miles
£7,650
Custom Cruiser | 1699cc | 99BHP | Manual | Petrol
Private Seller
Triumph SPEEDMASTER 1200 FINANCE SPECIALISTS APPLY NOW LOW RATE FINANCE DELIVERY AVAILABLE 1200cc
2022 (22 reg) | 4,000 miles
£8,989
Custom Cruiser | 1200cc | 78BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(1)
Triumph SPEEDMASTER 1200 FINANCE SPECIALISTS APPLY NOW LOW RATE FINANCE DELIVERY AVAILABLE 1200cc
2021 (21 reg) | 5,573 miles
£8,389
Custom Cruiser | 1200cc | 78BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(1)
Triumph Bonneville America 865 2013 ONLY 13K 1 OWNER LONG MOT MID-WEIGHT CRUISER BIKE 865CC 865cc
2013 (13 reg) | 13,201 miles
£3,595
Custom Cruiser | 865cc | 60BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(5)
Harley-Davidson Street 750 XG 2016 ONLY 6K VANCE AND HINES EXHAUST 750CC CRUISER 749cc
2016 (66 reg) | 6,338 miles
£4,195
Custom Cruiser | 749cc | 56BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(5)
Indian Chief Dark Horse 1890 Euro 5 1890cc
2021 (71 reg) | 250 miles
£11,950
Custom Cruiser | 1890cc | 90BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(5)
Kawasaki Vulcan S 650 649cc
2026 (26 reg) | 144 miles
£6,295
Custom Cruiser | 649cc | 59BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(5)
Harley-Davidson Softail 1584 Fat Boy Lo (FLSTFB) denim special Petrol Manual 1585cc
2010 (10 reg) | 576 miles
£15,495
Custom Cruiser | 1585cc | Manual | Petrol
Private Seller
Honda CMX1100 Rebel Custom Cruiser Petrol Manual Euro 5 (88 ps) 1084cc
2023 (23 reg) | 7,200 miles
£6,750
Custom Cruiser | 1084cc | 87BHP | Manual | Petrol
Private Seller
Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 XL1200C Custom Custom Cruiser Petrol Manual (66 ps) 1202cc
2008 (08 reg) | 20,000 miles
£4,500
Custom Cruiser | 1202cc | 65BHP | Manual | Petrol
Private Seller
Harley-Davidson V-ROD VRSCSE Screamin Eagle 1250cc Nationwide Delivery £149 - 9.9% APR 1250cc
2005 (05 reg) | 7,659 miles
£12,990
Custom Cruiser | 1250cc | Other | Petrol
Trade Seller
Harley-Davidson STREET GLIDE ST 1923cc
2022 (22 reg) | 11,068 miles
£19,999
Custom Cruiser | 1923cc | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(5)
Triumph Thunderbird 1600 1597cc
2010 (10 reg) | 11,630 miles
£5,790
Custom Cruiser | 1597cc | 86BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(5)
Harley-Davidson LOW RIDER ST 1923cc
2022 (72 reg) | 10,379 miles
£16,999
Custom Cruiser | 1923cc | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(5)
Triumph BONNEVILLE AMERICA 865 FINANCE SPECIALISTS APPLY NOW LOW RATE FINANCE DELIVERY AVAILABLE 865cc
2011 (11 reg) | 7,000 miles
£4,589
Custom Cruiser | 865cc | 60BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(4.7)
Honda CMX500 Rebel Custom Cruiser Petrol Manual Euro 4 (46 ps) 471cc
2018 (68 reg) | 6,174 miles
£3,988
Custom Cruiser | 471cc | 46BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(5)
Zontes ZT125-C FINANCE SPECIALISTS APPLY NOW LOW RATE FINANCE DELIVERY AVAILABLE 125cc
2025 (75 reg) | 1,631 miles
£2,189
Custom Cruiser | 125cc | 14BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(3)
Harley-Davidson Softail 1690 FLSTC Heritage Classic 1690cc
2012 (12 reg) | 24,711 miles
£8,490
Custom Cruiser | 1690cc | 73BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(4.6)
Ducati XDiavel V4 1158 Sport Cruiser Petrol Manual Euro 5 (168 Naked (2025 - )
0
£26,595
Custom Cruiser | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller
Ducati Diavel V4 1158 Custom Cruiser Petrol Ducati Quick Shift Custom Cruiser (2022 - )
0
£24,595
Custom Cruiser | 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