Generally speaking, motorcycles are divided into various categories. This time, we've focused on cruisers. Cruisers are a popular category, and there are surely many riders who would like to ride one at least once.
We'll introduce what kind of motorcycles cruisers are, as well as our own opinionated and recommended "cool" cruisers from current models.
What is a Cruiser?
First, what kind of motorcycle is a "cruiser"?
Cruisers emphasize "relaxed travel" and "comfortable travel" rather than speed or sporty performance, and the concept of "cruising" is directly incorporated into the name.
Cruisers have been characterized by models from American manufacturers such as Harley-Davidson and Indian Motorcycle.
For that reason, in Japan, this type of motorcycle was categorized as "American" until recently. "American" is a term unique to Japan, and globally, the "cruiser" category includes styles other than those that originated in the United States, so it is becoming more common to call them "cruisers" in Japan as well.
Cruiser Features
Cruisers are characterized by the following
Riding Position
- Designed for a natural, relaxed posture with legs extended forward and back straight.
Design and Style
- The motorcycle has a low body and a long wheelbase.
- Retro and dignified designs are common, and chrome parts and round lights are often used.
Engine Characteristics
- The engine is designed to emphasize torque in the mid- to low-speed range.
- Emphasis is placed on comfort at relaxed cruising speeds rather than high speed performance.
Usage
- Suitable mainly for city driving and long-distance touring.
- The main focus is on leisurely riding to enjoy the scenery rather than high speeds and sporty driving.
customizability
- A wide variety of custom parts such as handlebars, seats, and mufflers are available to suit individual styles.
7 Recommendations
We have selected seven cool recommended cruisers from the current models as of December 2024.
Here is an introduction in order.
HONDA "Rebel 250
The Rebel was released by HONDA in 1985. Production of the domestic model ended in 1998, but it was revived in 2017 as the Rebel 250. From the 2020 model, the name was changed from "Rebel 250" to "Rebel 250". All lights have been changed to LED, and ABS has also been changed to standard equipment. In the same year, the "S Edition" was added to the type settings.
HONDA says that it "expresses a tough and cool image," and the wide front and rear tires compared to the slim frame further emphasize its "low and fat presence."
As a cruiser-type 250cc model, it is the only current model in Japan and is very popular, and is recommended for those who value cost performance such as maintenance costs.
The "Rebel 500" and "Rebel 1100" are also sold as higher-end models.
Engine Displacement: 249cc
Maximum Output: 26 PS (19 kW) at 9,500 rpm
Maximum Torque: 22 Nm at 6,500 rpm
Seat height: 690mm
Price: $3879.09 - up (* Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price as of December 2024)
KAWASAKI "ELIMINATOR
The Eliminator was released by Kawasaki in 1985. Starting with a 900cc model for export, it is available in a wide variety of models in Japan, including 750, 400, and 250cc. It was developed with the concept of a drag racer, and is characterized by its acceleration-oriented setting that uses the GPZ engine. In 1997, a single-cylinder 125cc model and a 250V equipped with a V-twin engine were also released.
Production of the 400cc model ended in 1995, but it will be revived as a new Eliminator in 2023.
Kawasaki says that it is a model that emphasizes ease of use, from everyday use to long touring, with a slim, low and long style, a low and comfortable seat, and light and natural handling.
It is not a traditional cruiser, but it is attracting attention as the only 400cc cruiser type model in Japan that can be ridden with a regular motorcycle license.
The family models, `SE'' and `PLAZA EDITION'', are also available.
Displacement: 398cc
Maximum Output: 48 PS (35 kW) at 10,000 rpm
Maximum Torque: 37 Nm at 8,000 rpm
Seat Height: 735mm
Price: $5172.12 - up (* Manufacturer's Suggested Retail price as of December 2024)
YAMAHA "BOLT R Spec ABS
The BOLT was released by YAMAHA in 2013. It was introduced as a derivative model of the XSV950, an overseas model. The design concept is "Ultimate Purely Bobber," with three keywords: "Raw Metal," "Simple," and "Sporty," and it pursues a bobber-style ride.
It was released in a standard model, a high-end model called the "R Spec," a sports model called the "C Spec" that appeared in 2015, and an "ABS specification vehicle" for each model. Since the model change in 2017, ABS has been changed to standard equipment.
Currently, only the "R Spec" is sold, and production will end as of June 2023, so new cars can only be purchased in stock.
The "BOLT" is a rare domestic cruiser in recent years, finished with beautiful styling that is typical of YAMAHA. If you want to buy a new car, this is your last chance! Please check the stock with your dealer.
Displacement: 941cc
Maximum Output: 54 PS (40 kW) at 5,500 rpm
Maximum Torque: 80Nm/3,000rpm
Seat Height: 690mm
Price: $6639.88 - up (* Manufacturer's suggested retail price as of December 2024)
HARLEY-DAVIDSON "LOW RIDER S
The "LOW RIDER S" was released by the American "HARLEY-DAVIDSON" in 2019. The first low rider was the "FXS LOW RIDER" released in 1977 with a Shovelhead engine. After that, the "FXLR LOW RIDER" with an Evolution engine on the FXR frame was released in 1987, and the "FXDL LOW RIDER" with a Dyna frame was released in 1993, and was developed as part of the Dyna family. After that, the "LOW RIDER S" was released in 2019 as the 11th new model in Japan belonging to the Softail family.
The engine was released with a 1868cc "Milwaukee-Eight™ 114", and the displacement was further increased to the 1923cc "Milwaukee-Eight™ 117" from the 2022 model.
The "LOW RIDER S" is a popular model among Harley-Davidson, which can be said to be the king of cruisers. Why not consider it?
Displacement: 1,923cc
Maximum Output: 105 HP (78 kW) at 5,020 rpm
Maximum Torque: 168 Nm at 3,500 rpm
Seat Height: 710mm
Price: $18717.47 - up (* Manufacturer's suggested retail price as of December 2024)
Indian MOTORCYCLE "CHIEF DARK HORSE
The CHIEF DARK HORSE was released by the American company Indian MOTORCYCLE in 2015. The first CHIEF was born in 1921, and was transformed into the current model in 2021 (2022 model), the 100th anniversary year.
The engine is based on the air-cooled "THunder Stroke 111" and is equipped with the "THunder Stroke 116" with an expanded displacement of 1,890cc, and although it is air-cooled, it is Euro 5 compliant.
Indian is less well known than Harley in Japan, but it is a must-have cruiser choice.
Displacement: 1,890cc
Maximum Output:??／/??
Maximum Torque: 162 Nm at 2,900 rpm
Seat Height: 662mm
Price: $18299.38 - up (* Manufacturer's suggested retail price as of December 2024)
BMW MOTORRAD "R 18
The R 18 was released by BMW MOTRRAD in Germany in 2020. It is a model that pays homage to the classic R5 that was released in 1936, and is a cruiser model in BMW's Heritage series lineup.
The R 18 is equipped with a completely new horizontally opposed boxer engine, named the Big Boxer, which is a tradition and symbol of BMW. Its displacement is 1,801cc, the largest displacement of any boxer engine that BMW has ever produced.
The R 18 is also available in Classic, B, Transcontinental, and Roctane, so you can choose your favorite style.
It is a perfect combination of tradition and the latest technology, and is a car for connoisseurs who want to experience the unique ride quality of a boxer engine.
Displacement: 1,801cc
Maximum Output: 91 PS (67 kW) at 4,750 rpm
Maximum Torque: 158 Nm at 3,000 rpm
Seat Height: 690mm
Price: $16952.34 - up (* Manufacturer's suggested retail price as of December 2024)
ROYAL ENFIELD "METEOR 350 Aurora
The METEOR 350 was released in 2020 as a 2021 model by the Indian brand ROYAL ENFIELD. The name ROYAL ENFIELD has gradually become more well-known in Japan in recent years, and many people may know it, but it is a motorcycle manufacturer originating in the UK that has been manufacturing motorcycles since 1901. The name of the vehicle is inherited from the METEOR, which was announced in 1952 and gained a reputation for its high durability.
Equipped with a long-stroke air-oil-cooled 349cc single-cylinder engine, this cruiser model has a classic look that is typical of Royal Enfield.
In addition to the three colors of Aurora, there are a wide variety of colors available, including Fireball, Stellar, and Supernova.
Although it is not a typical cruiser style in modern terms, it can be ridden with a regular motorcycle license and gives you a sense of the good old motorcycle.
Displacement: 349cc
Maximum Output: 20.2PS(14.9kW)/6,100rpm
Maximum Torque: 27Nm/4,000rpm
Seat Height: 765mm
Price: $4724.80 - up (* Manufacturer's suggested retail price as of December 2024)
Summary
The word "cruiser" accurately expresses the essence of "relaxed cruising," and motorcycles are designed to suit that purpose. This style, which originated in American riding culture, has now spread to motorcycle enthusiasts all over the world.
Enjoying the scenery and the comfort of being able to keep riding forever - surely everyone would want to ride a cruiser at least once, right?
We hope that this article has been of some help to you when choosing a motorcycle.