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 2,819 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

Yamaha XV950 R ABS 942cc
2015 (15 reg) | 2,648 miles
£4,550
Custom Cruiser | 942cc | 50BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(2)
Harley-Davidson CVO FXSTSSE2 SCREAMIN EAGLE SPRINGER CLASSIC 1800cc
2008 (08 reg) | 5,809 miles
£15,495
Custom Cruiser | 1800cc | Petrol
Trade Seller
Ducati DIAVEL 1198 Carbon FINANCE SPECIALISTS APPLY NOW LOW RATE FINANCE DELIVERY AVAILABLE 1198cc
2012 (12 reg) | 13,000 miles
£6,289
Custom Cruiser | 1198cc | 152BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(1)
BMW R 18 1800 Custom Cruiser Petrol Manual Euro 5 (91 ps) 1802cc
2021 (21 reg) | 1,412 miles
£9,750
Custom Cruiser | 1802cc | 89BHP | Manual | Petrol
Private Seller
Harley-Davidson FXBR 1923 FXSB Breakout Euro 5 1923cc
2023 (73 reg) | 1,540 miles
£19,995
Custom Cruiser | 1923cc | 101BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(2)
Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200cc
2017 (67 reg) | 12,073 miles
£6,694
Custom Cruiser | 1200cc | Petrol
Trade Seller
Triumph Speedmaster 1200 Euro 4 1200cc
2021 (21 reg) | 3,810 miles
£9,098
Custom Cruiser | 1200cc | 76BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(364)
Harley-Davidson Sportster 1250 S Custom Cruiser Petrol Manual Euro 5 (122 ps) 1252cc
2022 (22 reg) | 4,551 miles
£9,980
Custom Cruiser | 1252cc | 120BHP | Manual | Petrol
Private Seller
Harley-Davidson Softail Deluxe 1584cc
2011 (60 reg) | 27,959 miles
£15,995
Custom Cruiser | 1584cc | 75BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(7)
Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 XL883N Iron 883 Custom Cruiser Petrol Manual Euro 4 (51 ps) 883cc
2018 (67 reg) | 225 miles
£8,250
Custom Cruiser | 883cc | 50BHP | Manual | Petrol
Private Seller
AJS Sedona 250 Euro 5 249cc
| 1 miles
£4,599
Custom Cruiser | 249cc | 26BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(20)
Triumph BONNEVILLE AMERICA 865 865cc
2012 (62 reg) | 19,141 miles
£4,190
Custom Cruiser | 865cc | 60BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(7179)
Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 CLASSIC TOURER 1700cc
2009 (09 reg) | 19,700 miles
£4,790
Custom Cruiser | 1700cc | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(7179)
Kawasaki Vulcan S 650 Euro 4 649cc
2020 (20 reg) | 240 miles
£5,290
Custom Cruiser | 649cc | 60BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(7179)
Triumph SPEEDMASTER 1200 Euro 5 1200cc
2021 (21 reg) | 700 miles
£9,590
Custom Cruiser | 1200cc | 78BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(7179)
Harley-Davidson SOFTAIL FLFB FATBOY 1745 1745cc
2018 (18 reg) | 2,465 miles
£15,490
Custom Cruiser | 1745cc | 85BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(7179)
Honda VT750 SA 745cc
2012 (61 reg) | 3,300 miles
£5,090
Custom Cruiser | 745cc | 42BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(8)
Harley-Davidson SOFTAIL 1868 FXDR 114 FINANCE SPECIALISTS APPLY NOW LOW RATE FINANCE DELIVERY AVAILABLE 1868cc
2019 (68 reg) | 6,227 miles
£15,489
Custom Cruiser | 1868cc | 89BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(12)
Harley-Davidson Sportster XLH 1200 R 1200cc
2004 (04 reg) | 17,790 miles
£4,690
Custom Cruiser | 1200cc | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller
BMW R1200C Montauk Custom Cruiser Petrol Manual (61 bhp) 1170cc
2003 (53 reg) | 9,765 miles
£5,600
Custom Cruiser | 1170cc | 61BHP | Manual | Petrol
Private 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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