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 2,771 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 Euro 4 (66 ps) 1202cc
2017 (67 reg) | 4,000 miles
£8,500
Custom Cruiser | 1202cc | 65BHP | Manual | Petrol
Private Seller
Sinnis Hoodlum 125 ZS 125-79 Custom Cruiser Petrol Manual Euro 4 (11 ps) 125cc
2020 (20 reg) | 5,820 miles
£1,200
Custom Cruiser | 125cc | 11BHP | Manual | Petrol
Private Seller
Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 XL1200V Seventy-Two Custom Cruiser Petrol Manual (66 ps) 1202cc
2014 (14 reg) | 7,406 miles
£6,495
Custom Cruiser | 1202cc | 65BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller
Harley-Davidson Softail 1868 FXBRS Breakout 114 Custom Cruiser Petrol Manual Euro 5 (95 ps) 1868cc
2022 (22 reg) | 8,740 miles
£16,250
Custom Cruiser | 1868cc | 93BHP | Manual | Petrol
Private Seller
Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 XL1200C Custom Custom Cruiser Petrol Manual (66 ps) 1202cc
2013 (63 reg) | 21,900 miles
£4,750
Custom Cruiser | 1202cc | 65BHP | Manual | Petrol
Private Seller
Kawasaki Vulcan S 650 ABS Custom Cruiser Petrol Manual (61 ps) 649cc
2015 (15 reg) | 6,042 miles
£3,500
Custom Cruiser | 649cc | 60BHP | Manual | Petrol
Private Seller
Keeway Superlight 125 Euro 5 124cc
2024 (74 reg) | 1 miles
£2,199
Custom Cruiser | 124cc | 10BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(23)
Harley-Davidson Dyna 1745 FXBB Street Bob Custom Cruiser Petrol Manual Euro 4 (87 ps) 1745cc
2020 (70 reg) | 3,600 miles
£8,995
Custom Cruiser | 1745cc | 85BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller
Ducati Diavel V4 1158 Ducati Quick Shift Euro 5 1158cc
2023 (72 reg) | 4,647 miles
£18,995
Custom Cruiser | 1158cc | 166BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(5)
Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 XL883N Iron 883 Custom Cruiser Petrol Manual (53 ps) 883cc
2014 (14 reg) | 3,600 miles
£6,000
Custom Cruiser | 883cc | Manual | Petrol
Private Seller
Triumph Speedmaster 1200 Euro 5 1200cc
2022 (22 reg) | 4,507 miles
£9,450
Custom Cruiser | 1200cc | 78BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(6)
Harley-Davidson STREET ROD XG 750 A 749cc
2018 (68 reg) | 8,300 miles
£4,490
Custom Cruiser | 749cc | 57BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(1068)
Harley-Davidson DYNA FAT BOB FXDF 103 1690 1690cc
2018 (67 reg) | 3,465 miles
£10,890
Custom Cruiser | 1690cc | 79BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(1068)
Indian CHIEFTAIN 1811cc
2017 (67 reg) | 16,447 miles
£11,755
Custom Cruiser | 1811cc | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(1068)
Indian CHIEF DARK HORSE 1890cc
2021 (21 reg) | 8,427 miles
£13,115
Custom Cruiser | 1890cc | 90BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(1068)
Honda CMX500 REBEL Euro 5 471cc
2021 (21 reg) | 6,619 miles
£4,390
Custom Cruiser | 471cc | 46BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(7060)
Kawasaki Vulcan S 650 ABS 649cc
2016 (66 reg) | 2,968 miles
£4,890
Custom Cruiser | 649cc | 60BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(7060)
Yamaha XVS950Midnight Star 942cc
2014 (14 reg) | 7,539 miles
£4,990
Custom Cruiser | 942cc | 52BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(7060)
Triumph THUNDERBIRD 1600 1597cc
2014 (64 reg) | 9,470 miles
£7,490
Custom Cruiser | 1597cc | 84BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(4)
Harley-Davidson STREET ROD XG 750 A 749cc
2018 (68 reg) | 3,746 miles
£4,490
Custom Cruiser | 749cc | 57BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(2617)

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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