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 2,524 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

Harley-Davidson SPORTSTER 883 XL883N Iron Euro 4 883cc
2020 (69 reg) | 262 miles
£7,495
Custom Cruiser | 883cc | 50BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(5)
Ducati Diavel V4 1158 Custom Cruiser Petrol Ducati Quick Shift Euro 5 (169 ps) 1158cc
2024 (24 reg) | 5,320 miles
£17,000
Custom Cruiser | 1158cc | 166BHP | Manual | Petrol
Private Seller
Hyosung GV300 S Aquila Custom Cruiser Petrol Manual Euro 5 (29 ps)
2021 (21 reg) | 1,880 miles
£3,500
Custom Cruiser | Manual | Petrol
Private Seller
Indian Scout 1133 Euro 5 1133cc
2022 (22 reg) | 8,932 miles
£9,600
Custom Cruiser | 1133cc | 94BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(4.9)
Harley-Davidson SOFTAIL Deluxe 1690 FLSTN Custom Cruiser Nationwide Delivery £149 - 9.9% APR 1690cc
2017 (17 reg) | 9,737 miles
£11,990
Custom Cruiser | 1690cc | 73BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller
Keeway K-Light 125 124 Custom Cruiser Petrol Manual Euro 5 (10 ps) 124cc
2023 (73 reg) | 888 miles
£2,150
Custom Cruiser | 124cc | 10BHP | Manual | Petrol
Private Seller
Harley-Davidson Softail 1450 FXSTB Night Train Custom Cruiser Petrol Manual 1449cc
2006 (06 reg) | 14,800 miles
£6,000
Custom Cruiser | 1449cc | Manual | Petrol
Private Seller
Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 XL1200V Seventy-Two Custom Cruiser Petrol Manual (66 ps) 1202cc
2012 (12 reg) | 11,809 miles
£7,995
Custom Cruiser | 1202cc | 65BHP | Manual | Petrol
Private Seller
Harley-Davidson Street BOB Fxdb 1584 13 1585cc
2014 (63 reg) | 14,108 miles
£8,999
Custom Cruiser | 1585cc | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller
Harley-Davidson TOURING FLHTKANV ULTRA LIMITED ANNIVERSARY 1868cc
2023 (73 reg) | 1,407 miles
£26,995
Custom Cruiser | 1868cc | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller
Harley-Davidson Softail FAT BOB! CUSTOM BUILD! STAGE 2 CAM! MASSIVE SPEC! PRISTINE CONDITION! 1868cc
2019 (69 reg) | 3,455 miles
£16,995
Custom Cruiser | 1868cc | 92BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(5)
Harley-Davidson Softail 1584 FXCWC Rocker C 1585cc
2010 (10 reg) | 5,295 miles
£12,995
Custom Cruiser | 1585cc | 72BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller
Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 XL1200CB CB Custom Limited Custom Cruiser Petrol Manual (68 ps) 1202cc
2014 (63 reg) | 9,670 miles
£6,950
Custom Cruiser | 1202cc | 67BHP | Manual | Petrol
Private Seller
Honda CMX500 Rebel Custom Cruiser Petrol Manual Euro 4 (46 ps) 471cc
2018 (18 reg) | 2,080 miles
£3,900
Custom Cruiser | 471cc | 46BHP | Manual | Petrol
Private Seller
Ducati XDIAVEL 1260 S 1262cc
2023 (72 reg) | 3,963 miles
£14,495
Custom Cruiser | 1262cc | Petrol
Trade Seller
Harley-Davidson Softail 1690 FLSTN Deluxe 1690cc
2014 (64 reg) | 13,757 miles
£12,495
Custom Cruiser | 1690cc | 77BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller
Triumph Bonneville Bobber 1200 Custom Cruiser Petrol Manual Euro 4 (76 ps) 1200cc
2017 (17 reg) | 6,511 miles
£7,699
Custom Cruiser | 1200cc | 75BHP | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(5)
Triumph Bonneville America 865 Custom Cruiser Petrol Manual (61 ps) 865cc
2016 (16 reg) | 5,000 miles
£5,000
Custom Cruiser | 865cc | 60BHP | Manual | Petrol
Private Seller
Harley-Davidson Softail 1856cc
2007 (07 reg) | 15,108 miles
£8,790
Custom Cruiser | 1856cc | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(4.6)
Harley-Davidson Dyna 1584cc
2009 (58 reg) | 14,979 miles
£7,690
Custom Cruiser | 1584cc | Manual | Petrol
Trade Seller(4.6)

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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