The cruiser bike attracts a particular type of rider; one who rates style and poise extremely highly. Originating from the classic American bikes of the 1930s, such as the glorious Harley Davidson and Indian machines that have inspired the retro look we see today, the cruiser type of bike makes up more than 50% of the US market. Not surprisingly, Japanese motorbike producers have latched onto the genre.
We’ve compiled a list of the top five Japanese cruiser bikes based on extensive research and rider reviews. Read on to find out what they are.
Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom
The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom is a stunning lounge cruiser; it lends itself perfectly to the drag strip, where it will easily make its mark. The 903cc four-stroke liquid-cooled engine delivers a torque of 58.2 lb-ft and has a five speed transmission. Reviews mark this middleweight bike as a true contender for the best of the modern breed of Japanese cruisers, and because of this it has a strong following of devoted owners.
Honda Shadow Spirit 750 C2
Honda’s entry into the middleweight cruiser market is a classic take on the genre. The Honda Shadow Spirit 750 CZ is a great looking bike that appears bigger and heavier than it actually is. It’s a V-twin cruiser motorcycle with a great reputation and a huge fan base. It is reliable, powerful, and a great performer.
Suzuki Boulevard M50
The name of this Suzuki says it all: this bike is a classic Boulevard Cruiser with an 850cc V-twin engine. One of the best looking bikes on the market, reviews mark it as a bargain muscle bike that is comfortable and easy to ride. It is a bike designed to emulate the classic look and feel of a fifties cruiser – and it does so with some style.
Yamaha V-Star Custom
The Yamaha V-Star 650 Custom is a great bike for the smaller rider. All too often cruisers are configured for riders with longer legs, but this one is not. The machine is fitted with a sculpted seat, an angled handlebar and an ergonomically designed fuel tank. This is a perfect first bike as it has a slightly smaller engine than the others but compensates on that with its great looks, easy handling and smooth ride.
Kawasaki Vulcan 2000
The super-sized V-twin Kawasaki Vulcan 2000 is a beast of a machine. It’s well engineered with an exemplary finish, great suspension, and a mind blowing 196 Newton Metres of torque. The belt rear drive means the Vulcan is lighter, smoother and easy for the rider to handle. With its huge engine, the bike is a powerful machine with a similar appearance to a Harley Davidson.
Riding a cruiser is about many things, including enjoying the road and looking the part. Insurance is a necessary requirement. Bennetts Insurance is the top-rated provider of insurance by UK bikers; click here to find all the information you need on a wide variety of insurance deals and packages.