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 2,541 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

Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 XL1200X Forty-Eight Custom Cruiser Petrol Manual (66 ps) 1202cc
2016 (16 reg) | 2,600 miles
£10,000
Custom Cruiser | 1202cc | 65BHP | Manual | Petrol
Private Seller
Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 XL833 Roadster Custom Cruiser Petrol Manual (53 ps) 883cc
2004 (04 reg) | 15,100 miles
£4,950
Custom Cruiser | 883cc | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller
Harley-Davidson Softail 1868 FXBBS Street Bob Custom Cruiser Petrol Manual Euro 5 (95 ps) 1868cc
2022 (72 reg) | 5,853 miles
£9,995
Custom Cruiser | 1868cc | 93BHP | Manual | Petrol
Private Seller
Ducati Diavel V4 1158 Custom Cruiser Petrol Ducati Quick Shift Euro 5 (169 ps) 1158cc
2024 (24 reg) | 3,535 miles
£18,995
Custom Cruiser | 1158cc | 166BHP | Manual | Petrol
Private Seller
Keeway V-Cruise 125 Custom Cruiser Petrol Manual Euro 5 (12 ps) 125cc
2024 (24 reg) | 9,700 miles
£2,300
Custom Cruiser | 125cc | 12BHP | Manual | Petrol
Private Seller
Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 XL883N Iron 883 Custom Cruiser Petrol Manual (53 ps) 883cc
2015 (64 reg) | 9,465 miles
£4,500
Custom Cruiser | 883cc | 52BHP | Manual | Petrol
Private Seller
Ducati Diavel 1198 Custom Cruiser Petrol Manual Euro 3 (154 ps) 1198cc
2012 (12 reg) | 15,450 miles
£7,600
Custom Cruiser | 1198cc | 152BHP | Manual | Petrol
Private Seller
Harley-Davidson Softail 1868 FXBRS Breakout 114 Custom Cruiser Petrol Manual Euro 4 (93 ps) 1868cc
2020 (20 reg) | 4,353 miles
£16,500
Custom Cruiser | 1868cc | 92BHP | Manual | Petrol
Private Seller
Triumph Thunderbird 1700 Custom Cruiser Petrol Manual (94 ps) 1700cc
2014 (14 reg) | 13,846 miles
£7,550
Custom Cruiser | 1700cc | 93BHP | Manual | Petrol
Private Seller
Harley-Davidson CVO Breakout
2017 (17 reg) | 33,000 miles
£12,850
Custom Cruiser | Manual | Petrol
Private Seller
Harley-Davidson Sportster 975 RH975 Nightster Custom Cruiser Petrol Manual Euro 5 (89 ps) 975cc
2022 (22 reg) | 3,578 miles
£6,750
Custom Cruiser | 975cc | 88BHP | Manual | Petrol
Private Seller
Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 XL1200C Custom Custom Cruiser Petrol Manual (66 ps) 1202cc
2005 (05 reg) | 7,000 miles
£4,100
Custom Cruiser | 1202cc | 65BHP | Manual | Petrol
Private Seller
Triumph BOBBER 1200 Euro 4 1200cc
2018 (18 reg) | 4,411 miles
£8,499
Custom Cruiser | 1200cc | 75BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller
Triumph BOBBER 1200 Custom Cruiser Petrol Manual Euro 4 (76 ps) LOW MILES - SOUNDS INCREDIBLE 1200cc
2017 (17 reg) | 4,001 miles
£9,990
Custom Cruiser | 1200cc | 75BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(5)
Harley-Davidson SPORTSTER 883cc 883cc
2008 (08 reg) | 6,700 miles
£4,490
Custom Cruiser | 883cc | Other | Petrol
Trade Seller(5)
Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 Custom Cruiser Petrol Manual Euro 5 (47 ps) 648cc
2023 (23 reg) | 435 miles
£5,250
Custom Cruiser | 648cc | 46BHP | Manual | Petrol
Private Seller
Benelli 502C Custom Cruiser Petrol Manual Euro 5 (47 ps) 500cc
2022 (22 reg) | 733 miles
£3,995
Custom Cruiser | 500cc | 46BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(5)
Triumph Bobber 1200 Custom Cruiser Petrol Manual Euro 4 (76 ps) 1200cc
2017 (17 reg) | 2,802 miles
£5,800
Custom Cruiser | 1200cc | 75BHP | Manual | Petrol
Private Seller
Harley-Davidson V-Rod 1130cc
2005 (05 reg) | 19,917 miles
£5,800
Custom Cruiser | 1130cc | Manual | Petrol
Private Seller
Harley-Davidson XR1200 1200cc
2008 (08 reg) | 2,175 miles
£6,995
Custom Cruiser | 1200cc
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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