Want to rumble along looking too cool for school? It's the best cruiser motorbikes of 2025!

Owning a cruiser in the UK is a bit like wearing cowboy boots in Manchester: it might not be the most practical choice, but damn, does it make a statement.

Sure, these American-style beasts are more about laid-back rumbling and looking effortlessly cool than razor-sharp handling or adventure-ready practicality, but now many new cruiser bikes are exceptions to that rule, and are correcting that age-old stereotype.

And let’s be honest, in short there’s something undeniably satisfying about rolling through town on a machine that oozes attitude. Smaller cruisers, with their low seats and easygoing nature, make for excellent starter bikes, while big Harleys and Indians have a presence that turns heads faster than a free round down the pub.

“But aren’t cruisers just overpriced, unwieldy garage trophies?”

Not necessarily. Sure, you could drop £20K+ on a chrome-laden Harley that’s more metal than machine, and full-fat choppers are more about art than actual transport. But these days, there’s a cruiser for nearly every budget and taste, from £5K beginner-friendly options to snarling performance European exotic bruisers, and fully kitted-out ‘baggers’ built for long-haul comfort. And the best part? They’re often surprisingly cheap to insure – just in case you need more help to justify your purchase.

But which should you go for? Here’s our pick of the best around right now.

Best cruiser motorbikes in 2025:

• Indian Scout 101 – MCN Cruiser of the year 2024
• Indian Sport Chief
• Harley Davidson Fat Bob FXFB
• Harley Davidson Nightster
• Ducati Diavel V4 – MCN Cruiser of the year 2023
• Triumph Rocket 3 Storm
• Triumph Bobber
• BMW R18
• Honda CMX1100
• Royal Enfield Super Meteor
• Kawasaki Vulcan S

New contenders worthy of note:

• Morbidelli C1002V
• Great Wall S2000
• Benda LFC700

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2024-on Indian Scout 101 – MCN Cruiser of the year 2024!

• Related: Check out MCN’s list of best urban motorcycle boots

Developed over three and a half years prior to its launch in 2024, this is the Scout’s first major update in the decade since it was unveiled at the ‘14 Sturgis Rally. While the latest generation machine is new from the ground up, they haven’t stayed too far from the original’s styling, so it’s still instantly recognisable as a Scout, albeit with smoother lines.

Indian’s new 101 Scout offers a sublime mix of high performance, sharp handling, strong brakes and tech with American cruiser flair. It’ll lap up a spirited Sunday scratch and then glide serenely through town while you admire your reflection in shop windows and wow you with its glossy paintwork, attention to detail, tech and quality components. It isn’t cheap, but you’ll never feel short changed.

Be sure to check out MCN’s Deputy Head of Digital Ben Clarke’s report on his Indian Scout 101 when he runs the bike during the 2025 long term test.

• Highlights: New ‘1250 SpeedPlus’ V-twin engine / New tubular steel chassis / Top-notch suspension and brakes
• Specs: Engine size: 1250cc Power: 110bhp Weight: 240kg Seat height: 654mm
• Price: N/A (used) – £16,095 (new) | buy from here
• Read MCN’s in-depth, expert Indian Scout 101 review

Interested in this bike? Find Indian Scout 101 for sale.

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2023-on Indian Sport Chief

Indian’s Sport Chief is a slice of American pie with an unlikely appetite for corners. For a company best known for steady-away cruisers, bobbers and tourers, that might sound far-fetched, but their racing endeavours in the States tell a different story.

Indian have won three national championships in 2022: American Flat Track (factory FTR750), Super Hooligan (modded FTR road bike) and the King of the Baggers on the mighty Challenger RR. It’s no surprise then, that the new Sport Chief handles superbly.

• Highlights: A sporty take on the Indian Chief / Racier suspension and brakes / Rival to the Harley-Davidson Low Rider S
• Specs: Engine size: 1890cc Power: 89bhp Weight: 311kg Seat height: 686mm
• Price: N/A (used) – £19,995 (new) | buy from here
• Read MCN’s in-depth, expert review of the Indian Sport Chief

Interested in this bike? Find Indian Sport Chief for sale.

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2018-on Harley Davidson Fat Bob FXFB

• Related: Check out MCN’s list of tried and tested retro motorcycle kit

A bike that certainly turns heads, the Harley-Davidson Fat Bob is a machine that you will either love or hate and is best thought of as Harley’s take on a naked bike. And a very big one at that!

A bit Marmite for some, it’s designed to appeal to European riders who view a bike’s ability to go around corners with equal importance to straight line cruising. The Fat Bob is the sportiest model in the firm’s petrol-powered range and yet still has more than a hint of the cruiser about it, with its 16-inch wheels shod in fat balloon tyres. It was originally available in two formats – 107 and 114 – which refer to the Milwaukee-Eight engine’s size in cubic inches (1745cc, making 86bhp or 1868cc making 94bhp respectively) however nowadays only the bigger 114 is available.

• Highlights: Less vibey than previous Harley-Davidson models / Hardtail style hides preload adjustable shock / Strong aftermarket parts availability
• Specs: Engine size:  1746cc Power: 86bhp Weight: 296kg Seat height:  710mm
• Price: £11,500 – £14,300 (used) – £14,295 (new) | buy from here
• Read MCN’s in-depth, expert review of the Harley-Davidson Fat Bob FXFB

Interested in this bike? Find Harley Davidson Fat Bob FXFB for sale.

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2022-on Harley Davidson Nightster

A bike heralded as the replacement to Harley’s 883 sportster range, the Nightster succeeds in some areas yet lacks in others where it could be a definitive 883 successor.

Using a new liquid-cooled Revolution Max 975T engine, it was always going to be a big step away from the 883’s air cooled traditional Harley vibe.

Whilst it may not tick some aficionados and purists’ boxes, it does perform well and is certainly a lot of fun. Lighter and more agile it can be thrown into corners, and the new engine likes to be revved with the power located high up in the rev range. However it suffers from stiff competition from the likes of Inidan’s Scout and Triumph’s Bobber offering a little more attitude at a cheaper price point.

• Highlights: Liquid-cooled Revolution Max 975T engine/ 70.1ftlb of torque/ Variable valve timing
• Specs: Engine size:  975cc Power: 88.7bhp Weight: 218kg Seat height: 705mm
• Price: £8000 – £11,000 (used) – £14,495(new) | buy from here
• Read MCN’s in-depth, expert review of the Harley-Davidson Nightster

Interested in this bike? Find Harley Davidson Nightster for sale.

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2023-on Ducati Diavel V4

Unquestionably niche and unapologetically expensive, the Diavel V4 won’t be for everyone, but it’s more than just a shiny red cruiser. It demolishes 60mph in less than three seconds, stops with the ferocity of a racer and flows through corners like a supersport bike.

Its new engine is as happy plodding along on two cylinders as it is delivering brutal acceleration in full V4 mode. It’s beautifully equipped and well finished, but best of all, thanks to clever use of tech and substantial weight loss, it’s nimbler, sportier and a whole lot more fun than it has any right to be.

Recently Ducati have released the new XDiavel V4, come back here later this year to see how well received it is when MCN put it through its paces.

• Highlights: Granturismo V4 engine / Rear cylinder cut below 4000rpm / Lighter and more nimble
• Specs: Engine size: 1158cc Power: 166bhp Weight: 236kg Seat height: 790mm
• Price: £18,500 (used) – £23,585 (new) | buy from here
• Read MCN’s in-depth, expert review of the Ducati Diavel V4

Interested in this bike? Find Ducati Diavel V4 for sale.

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2024-on Triumph Rocket 3 Storm

Boosting the power by around 15bhp to a massive 180 horses, Triumph have created a surging engine that rushes the bike forward in any gear. It’s got a soundtrack like no other cruiser on the market.

Triumph don’t make bad handling bikes and the Rocket 3 is no exception. It’s a weighty beast tipping the scales at 320kg but is surprisingly nimble and agile in the corners sticking to the road like glue. Even at low speed this big cruiser is a doddle to handle with the centre of gravity being so low, a light clutch and gentle throttle makes even riding through town a breeze.

Listen to MCN’s News Editor Dan Sutherlands review of the bike, as he took it for a spin in the south of France on its launch.

• Highlights: 2.5-litre engine producing 180bhp / 166lb.ft / Most torque of any mass production bike in history / Two versions; sportier R and laid back GT
• Specs: Engine size: 2458cc Power: 180bhp Weight: 320kg Seat height:  773mm
• Price: £18,800 – £20,000 (used) – £23,195 (new) | buy from here
• Read MCN’s in-depth, expert review of the Triumph Rocket 3 Storm

Interested in this bike? Find Triumph Rocket 3 Storm for sale.

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2018-2020 Triumph Bonneville Bobber Black

Along with its Street and Speed Triple roadsters and Tiger adventure bikes, British firm Triumph have focussed on more and more retro bikes in recent years while previous cruisers such as the America and Thunderbird were quietly dropped due to lack of success.

The Bonneville Bobber, however, introduced as a US-style ‘bobber’ take on the Bonneville roadster, complete with chopped down, post-WW2 styling, proved inspired and was an immediate hit. By combining the Bonnie’s eager powertrain and sweet handling with semi-custom styling the result, if not exactly a cruiser, is certainly a bobber –but with its own great style and all round accessible performance.

A year later, this Bobber Black, with extra front disc and balloon front tyre proved even better in every single respect. No pillion accommodation, maybe (for that you need the Speedmaster version), but great Anglo/American style, irresistible dynamics plus manageability and value. There’s no better British cruiser.

• Highlights: Like standard Bobber, but better / Retro cruiser charm / Excellent performance and handling
• Specs: Engine size:  1200cc Power: 77bhp Weight: 228kg Seat height:  690mm
• Price: £8000 (used) – £9500 (used) | buy from here
• Read MCN’s in-depth, expert Triumph Bonneville Bobber Black review

Interested in this bike? Find Triumph Bonneville Bobber Black for sale.

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2020-on BMW R18

In a time where emissions are getting tighter and smaller displacement engines are taking over whilst being pushed to crank out competitive power figures, BMW’s 2020 R18 was finally revealed and true to its concept, the Bavarian team incorporated the ‘there’s no replacement for displacement’ approach and brought to market their biggest engine to date: the 1802cc boxer.

The engine puts down its 89bhp and 117lbs.ft torque via an exposed shaft drive and bevel box, with an incorporated softail set up. Our former News Editor Jordan Gibbons was first to review the bike on UK shores and he concluded that much like BMW’s R nine T, the R18 liked to be hustled along, producing ear-to-ear grins along the way. However, it is a purer ride with little tech that comes with the bike, no cruise control, or range indicator to name a few missing bits, but it does have a reverse gear to help you haul its 345kg mass out of any tight spots.

• Highlights: BMW’s largest ever engine / Limited run First Edition / Incredibly stylish cruiser
• Specs: Engine size:  1802cc Power: 90bhp Weight: 345kg Seat height:  690mm
• Price: £10,200 – £14,300 (used) – £19,000 (new) | buy from here
• Read MCN’s in-depth, expert BMW R18 review

Interested in this bike? Find BMW R18 for sale.

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2021-on Honda CMX1100

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A relative underdog to the cruiser world, spawned from its smaller sibling the Honda Rebel 500, the new 1100 incorporates the engine from the Africa Twin and NT1100, bringing with it that characterful 270 degree twin sound track and wealth of riding aids, including Honda’s DCT box.

Worthy of a second look, its playful chassis will see you cruising down the seafront roads, to tipping into corners on a mountain run, being careful not to grind your boots away as the Rebel soaks up what you throw at it.

• Highlights: Characterful parallel-twin engine / Great handling for a cruiser / Relaxed riding position not too extreme
• Specs: Engine size:  1084cc Power: 86bhp Weight: 223kg Seat height:  700mm
• Price: £5700 – £9000 (used) –  £8999 (new) | buy from here
• Read MCN’s in-depth, expert Honda CMX1100 Rebel review 

Interested in this bike? Find Honda CMX1100 for sale.

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2023-on Royal Enfield Super Meteor

Based on the ever popular Royal Enfield 650 platform, the Super Meteor comes in a standard and touring trim. Probably the best value cruiser here, it’s the middleweight that thinks it’s bigger. The Super Meteor invites you to work for your speed, but cruising along a winding country road is where its more suited. The middleweight motor, produces an abundant amount of torque which is ideally spread throughout the rev range, providing a surge of acceleration as soon as you twist your wrist to exit a turn.

Fit and finish is high. We found it only lacking in its braking performance, which is not abysmal, but perhaps a little extra bite at the front end would make for a more efficient stop. Dan Sutherland MCN’s News editor tested the Super Meteor against a Honda CMX500 and Vulcan S, concluding that the Super Meteor was his choice of middle weight cruiser – “Out of the three mini cruisers I tested the Enfield is the clear winner. Not only is it the best value, it also delivers the full cruiser experience without feeling like ‘just’ an A2-bike”.

Its also worth considering the Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 for a more striped back cruiser variant. A blank canvas of a bike, design specifically with that in mind, with each bike waiting for its buyers touch and custom ideas.

• Highlights: Cruiser variant built on Royal Enfield’s popular 650 platform / Excellent 648cc oil/air cooled SOHC engine / Standard and Touring variants available
• Specs: Engine size: 648cc Power: 46bhp Weight: 241kg Seat height: 740mm
• Price: £4200 – £6000 (used) – £6799 (new) | buy from here
• Read MCN’s in-depth, expert Royal Enfield Super Meteor review

Interested in this bike? Find Royal Enfield Super Meteor for sale.

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2015-on Kawasaki Vulcan S

A fun cruiser middleweight that’s lightweight and houses an ex-commuter ER-6 engine, subsequently providing a certain reliability reassurance. In the flesh, the Vulcan S is the real deal; yes there maybe more plastic than metal parts compared to the others, but it will deliver that cruiser ride with enough substance to aid your adventures.

Its semi-traditional in the way it is styled, less chrome with more blacked out features, some of its lines and angles are more sweeping, rather than opting to classically showcase a mighty V-twin like its rivals. The parallel twin it has makes for a great package and at such a low price its hard to ignore it.

• Highlights: Easy-to-ride, cheerful, mid-size cruiser / Far more usable than image suggests / Same name as a V-bomber, so must be cool
• Specs: Engine size:  649cc Power: 60bhp Weight: 228kg Seat height:  705mm
• Price: £4300 – £6000 (used) – £6699 (new) | buy from here
• Read MCN’s in-depth, expert review of the Kawasaki Vulcan S

Interested in this bike? Find Kawasaki Vulcan S for sale.

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New contenders that have hit the news. Are they worthy of making the cruiser list?

Recently, several emerging motorcycle manufacturers have introduced innovative cruisers to their line-ups, challenging established brands and expanding the market, so the choice is now even bigger.

Morbidelli C1002V

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Reviving the historic Italian brand, the Morbidelli C1002V is a 997cc V-twin cruiser producing approximately 93.9bhp. It boasts a 5-inch TFT display with mobile connectivity, KYB suspension components, and is competitively priced at £9499.

Great Wall S2000

Marking Great Wall Motor’s entry into the motorcycle market, the Souo S2000 is more luxury tourer rather than out right cruiser, powered by a 1999cc flat-eight engine delivering 151.5bhp. Designed to rival models like the Honda Gold Wing, it features an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, a 12.3-inch TFT touchscreen, and a host of premium amenities, making them competitive and a brand to watch out for.

Benda LFC700

This striking cruiser from Chinese manufacturer Benda Moto is equipped with a 676cc inline-four engine, producing 77.8bhp. An aggressive modern take on the cruiser design, the LFC700 includes features like Brembo brakes, KYB suspension, siting at 287kg in weight. It’s expected to be available in the UK under the ‘BD Moto’ brand soon.

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Be sure to check back throughout 2025 as MCN get the chance to put the new cruisers to the test as we work out which will come out on top in this years awards.

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