Cruiser bikes may just be the best option for new riders. Their low seat height, relaxed riding ergonomics, and wide variety of engine and styling options make them fun and accessible to all kinds of riders.
There are plenty of cruiser bikes in the beginner motorcycle segment. Most of them are cool and stylish, not to mention easy to ride. Unlike beginner sports bikes, which constantly entice the rider to go faster, cruisers are laid-back and have a chill attitude.
We’ve analyzed the best cruiser motorcycles for beginners, but they’re also great if you’re a returning rider or even experienced but looking for an affordable bike that’s easy to ride.
Honda Rebel 300
Honda’s Rebel lineup is a stroke of genius. They’ll lure in beginner riders with the Rebel 300, move them on to the Rebel 500, and, once they’re ready for a big bike, the Rebel 1100 is there waiting for them.
The smallest Rebel is among the least intimidating motorcycles a new rider can throw a leg over. Its 286cc single-cylinder engine only produces 27-ish horsepower and 18 lb-ft of torque. It also offers low seat height and a comfortable riding position—unless you’re taller than average.
Honda Rebel 500
Moving on from the Rebel 300 to the slightly more powerful Rebel 500, you’ll find that it’s actually the exact same bike but with a different engine. The Rebel is one good-looking cruiser with a massive selection of aftermarket parts, so you can turn it into something truly unique.
Engine-wise, the 471cc parallel twin is a tried and tested unit that’s served in Honda’s entire 500 lineup. It churns out around 47 horsepower, which still isn’t particularly intimidating, but it does make the 500 a much better all-round bike than its smaller 300 sibling.
Yamaha V Star 250
Yamaha’s V Star 250 has been around for over 15 years already, and not much has changed in those years. This lightweight cruiser offers a low seat height and old-school technology that’s proven to be a winning formula for newbie riders.
The Yamaha V Star 250’s air-cooled V-twin engine produces 21 horsepower and 15 lb-ft of torque, which won’t scare anyone even at full throttle. It is not the best entry-level cruiser by any means, but if you’re on a strict budget, you can probably find a used one for a mere fistful of dollars.
Royal Enfield Classic 350
Royal Enfield’s popularity has exploded in recent years thanks to a fantastic lineup of affordable, cool-looking motorcycles perfect for both new and experienced riders. One of those bikes is the RE Classic 350, which has been selling like hotcakes since it first arrived.
The Classic 350 is the perfect option if you want an entry-level cruiser with an old-school design but are not too keen on the ancient Yamaha 250 V Star. Its 349cc single-cylinder engine produces around 20 horsepower and an equal amount of torque, making it capable a capable bike, just don’t expect to win any races at the Isle of Man TT.
Royal Enfield Meteor 350
As we said, Royal Enfield is on a roll these days, and the Meteor 350 is an excellent option if the Classic 350 looks a bit too, well, classic. It still offers retro styling, and the engine is the same 349cc air/oil-cooled thumper.
The Meteor 350 is a very basic motorcycle, which is great because that translates into a lower price and fewer things that can go wrong. As always, Royal Enfield offers it in a variety of colors, and there are plenty of optional accessories available.
Kawasaki Eliminator SE ABS
Kawasaki’s all-new Eliminator is set to be a serious threat to the Honda Rebel 500. We must admit it’s a very good-looking bike, and everything points to it being excellent to ride, too.
Its 451cc parallel-twin engine is derived from the entry-level Kawasaki Ninja, producing nearly 50 horsepower. Like all cruisers, the Eliminator has a low seat height, but Kawasaki opted for mid-mounted pegs, not forward controls, so it has a more upright riding position, making it both sportier and more relaxed to ride.
CF Moto 450 CL-C
CF Moto is another motorcycle brand that’s doing great these days. This Chinese bike manufacturer surprised everyone with its excellent 450SS sports bike and is now set to release the CL-C cruiser.
Judging by the 450SS, the CF Moto CL-C may become the most advanced and feature-filled motorcycle in its segment. As good as it may be, the one thing that’s still up in the air with Chinese bikes is the resale value, and only time will tell how it fares.
Kawasaki Vulcan S ABS
Stepping up to the big boys’ league, the Kawasaki Vulcan has a 649cc parallel-twin engine from the Ninja 650. With 60+ horsepower, it may not be the best option for the freshest riders, but it’s easily manageable for those with a few months worth of experience under their belt.
We like the styling of the Vulcan S, but the most remarkable part has to be Kawasaki’s Ergo Fit system that lets riders adjust the bike’s ergonomics. The handlebar, seat, and footpegs are all adjustable, so as long as you have a human body, it should be possible to make it suit you.
Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650
The Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 looks like a classic British motorcycle with some American influences thrown in the mix. We like it! However, with a seat height of just over 29 inches, the Super Meteor 650 is taller than most cruisers and perhaps not the best choice for shorter riders.
Its 648cc parallel-twin engine produces 46 horsepower and 39 lb-ft of torque, which is plenty for this style of bike. The old 883 Sportster wasn’t too far off those figures, and that was a heavy bike for its size. Like all Royal Enfield models, the Super Meteor 650 offers excellent value for money.
Honda Shadow Phantom
If you want a proper American-style cruiser bike that’s perfect for both new(ish) and experienced riders, this Japanese model may be the way to go. Honda’s Shadow Phantom 750 looks the part, and it’s probably one of the most reliable bikes on the market.
Most novices can handle the Shadow Phantom thanks to its 45-horsepower V-twin, low seat height, and manageable weight. It’s also the perfect choice if you’re looking for a commuter bike capable of touring on the weekends.
Yamaha Bolt R-Spec
The Yamaha Bolt R-Spec is a better Sportster than the H-D Sportster ever was. It’s easy to spot the styling influences from the legendary American cruiser here, but Yamaha has improved nearly every aspect of the actual riding experience.
Its air-cooled 942cc V-twin engine produces more than enough power to have some fun, without getting you in trouble with the long arm of the law every time you get in the saddle. The Yamaha Bolt offers a smooth ride and excellent handling, and if something is not to your liking, there’s an endless amount of aftermarket parts available.
Suzuki Boulevard C50
Suzuki really went all-out when it created the very retro-styled Boulevard C50. The Boulevard C50 has floorboards rather than regular footpegs, as you’d find on an actual vintage bike. This makes it more relaxing to ride and adds a touch of luxury. Suzuki also opted for a shaft drive instead of a chain or belt, which means there’s less maintenance to worry about.
Everything else is as expected: a low seat height, plenty of chrome, and an 805cc V-twin engine that produces just over 50 lazy horses. Weighing over 600 lbs, it’s a heavy bike with barely any features, so it’s certainly not suited for everyone.
Indian Scout Sixty
The Indian Scout Sixty is the last cruiser bike on our list, and it’s a questionable entry. There’s nothing questionable with the bike itself, as it is great, but it’s not the best choice for novice riders. However, those with a healthy dose of common sense will have no issues riding one, even if they lack experience.
The Indian Scout Sixty has a 25.6-inch seat height, which makes it accessible to even the shortest of inseams. While the 78-horsepower 999cc V-twin engine is the most powerful here, its power delivery is smooth, so we wouldn’t worry too much. The riding ergonomics are relatively relaxed, and the Scout offers predictable handling.
