Modern day cruiser motorcycles are built to get riders and their luggage where ever they need to go in both style and comfort. They continue to evolve, however, and have become much more practical than what they used to be. Today, many cruisers take riders back to the 1950’s and 1960’s in terms of style, but they come with a much more modern motor and other up to date accessories. Some of the most popular style of cruisers are those in the middleweight class. They are lighter and lower than some of the bigger models making them more fuel efficient and great for beginners and more experienced riders alike.
One of the most popular models on the market today is the Harley Davidson Sportster XL 883. This model definitely takes you back to the glory days of bike riding with its forward leaning riding position and suspension. Priced at $6,700 it features a 883cc, air-cooled, 45 degree, V twin engine that will go from 0 to 60 in just under six seconds. It also comes with a five speed manual transmission and will get almost 53 miles to the gallon.
Another popular model for a cruiser motorcycle is the Yamaha V Star Custom. With a price tag just over $6,000 riders get a bike that is great for both beginners and those on a budget. It only weighs 474 pounds making it easy to maneuver within traffic and will still get about 52 miles to the gallon. It comes with a 649cc, air-cooled, 70 degree, V twin engine that will get a rider from 0-60 in 6.7 seconds. It also has a five speed transmission and an awesome, throaty sound when at idle.
Honda also offers a cruiser motorcycle that is at the head of the class. The Honda Shadow Spirit 750 C2 is a bike that looks a lot larger than what it actually is. At just over $7,000 it has a somewhat small engine, but excellent stopping capabilities. The engine is smooth and the bike is vibration free while on the open highway. Short riders will also appreciate the low seat height and even tall riders won’t feel cramped even over long distances. It comes with a 745cc, liquid-cooled, 52 degree, V twin engine that will sip gas and give you almost 55 miles to the gallon. It will also go from 0-60 in 6.7 seconds.
Kawasaki also makes a great choice for those looking at a cruiser. The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 custom is priced at $7,400 and will be appreciated by riders with a little more experience who can handle its power, size and heft. A great looking bike, it comes with a 903cc, liquid-cooled, 55 degree, V twin engine that will get you from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 5.8 seconds. It has an exceptionally smooth ride and is a dream to drive over long distances. Finally, it has a five speed manual transmission that shifts easily and you get instant torque in the machine as well.