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 2,703 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

Keeway Superlight 125 Custom Cruiser Petrol Manual Euro 4 (10 ps) 124cc
2018 (18 reg) | 17,070 miles
£1,000
Custom Cruiser | 124cc | 10BHP | Manual | Petrol
Private Seller
Ducati Diavel - 1260 S 1262 S Custom Cruiser Petrol Manual Euro 4 (159 ps) 1262cc
2020 (20 reg) | 5,716 miles
£14,999
Custom Cruiser | 1262cc | 157BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller
Harley-Davidson XL1200NS Iron Euro 4 1202cc
2018 (18 reg) | 4,750 miles
£7,795
Custom Cruiser | 1202cc | 65BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller
Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 XR1200X 1202cc
2011 (61 reg) | 12,068 miles
£6,545
Custom Cruiser | 1202cc | 89BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(299)
BMW R12 1200 Claw-shifted Cardan Euro 5 1170cc
2024 (24 reg) | 2,450 miles
£9,250
Custom Cruiser | 1170cc | 93BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(37)
Harley-Davidson Softail 1868 FLFBS Fat Boy Custom Cruiser Petrol Manual Euro 5 (95 ps) 1868cc
2022 (72 reg) | 446 miles
£19,995
Custom Cruiser | 1868cc | 93BHP | Manual | Petrol
Private Seller
BMW R 18 B Warranty until 04/2028. 1802cc
2025 (25 reg) | 602 miles
£21,000
Custom Cruiser | 1802cc | Petrol
Trade Seller(21)
Triumph ROCKET III ROADSTER 2294cc
2016 (16 reg) | 8,365 miles
£10,495
Custom Cruiser | 2294cc | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller
Keeway Superlight 125 SE 124cc
| 1 miles
£2,599
Custom Cruiser | 124cc | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(49)
Yamaha XV950 R ABS Custom Cruiser Petrol Manual (51 ps) 942cc
2015 (15 reg) | 17,100 miles
£4,995
Custom Cruiser | 942cc | 50BHP | Manual | Petrol
Private Seller
Kawasaki EN500 A1 Petrol Manual (49 bhp) 498cc
1992 (J reg) | 6,382 miles
£2,750
Custom Cruiser | 498cc | 49.3BHP | Manual | Petrol
Private Seller
Triumph Bobber 1200 Black Custom Cruiser Petrol Manual Euro 4 (77 ps) 1200cc
2018 (18 reg) | 5,200 miles
£5,900
Custom Cruiser | 1200cc | 76BHP | Manual | Petrol
Private Seller
Moto Guzzi 1000 950cc
1989 (F reg) | 36,000 miles
£2,875
Custom Cruiser | 950cc | Manual | Petrol
Private Seller
Suzuki Intruder 800 VZ Custom Cruiser Petrol Manual (53 ps) 805cc
2016 (16 reg) | 15,100 miles
£4,250
Custom Cruiser | 805cc | 52BHP | Manual | Petrol
Private Seller
Royal Enfield Meteor 350 SUPERNOVA 349cc
2022 (22 reg) | 5,377 miles
£2,995
Custom Cruiser | 349cc | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(32)
Honda CMX1100 Rebel DCT 1084cc
2024 (74 reg) | 580 miles
£9,695
Custom Cruiser | 1084cc | 85BHP | Automatic | Petrol
Trade Seller
Royal Enfield SUPER METEOR 650 INTERSTELLAR 650cc
(25 reg) | 7 miles
£5,999
Custom Cruiser | 650cc | Petrol
Trade Seller(1)
Harley-Davidson Softail 1745 FXST Standard Custom Cruiser Petrol Manual Euro 5 (87 ps) 1745cc
2021 (21 reg) | 8,800 miles
£9,250
Custom Cruiser | 1745cc | 85BHP | Manual | Petrol
Private Seller
Harley-Davidson SPORTSTER XL 1200 CX ROADSTER 1202cc
2016 (66 reg) | 3,000 miles
£6,990
Custom Cruiser | 1202cc | 65BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(2)
Triumph Bonneville 790 America 790cc 790cc
2006 (06 reg) | 22,494 miles
£3,800
Custom Cruiser | 790cc | 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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