The list of modern urban cruisers. The list goes from smaller capacity engines to largest.
Contents
- #1 Kawasaki Eliminator
- #2 Honda Rebel 500 (CMX500)
- #3 Royal Enfield Super Meteor
- #4 Kawasaki Vulcan S
- #5 Honda Shadow Phantom
- #6 Suzuki Boulevard C50
- #7 Moto Guzzi V7 / V9
- #8 Harley Davidson iron 883
- #9 Kawasaki VN900 Custom
- #10 Yamaha Bolt R-Spec 900
- #11 Indian Scout Sixty
- #12 Honda Rebel 1100 (CMX1100)
- #13 Triumph Bonneville Bobber
- Bottom Line
#1 Kawasaki Eliminator
Specs
- Engine: 451cc, Liquid-Cooled, DOHC, 180° crank, 70 mm x 58.6mm
- Compression ratio: 11.3:1
- Power: 45 HP @ 9000 rpm / 42.6 nm @ 6000 rpm
- Cruise Control: No
- Wet Weight: 176 kg
- Fuel Consumption: 3.8 l/100km / 13 L Tank
- Gearbox: 6-speed manual
- Final Drive: Chain
- Wheels (rear/front): 150/80-16 / 130/80-18
- Seat Height: 735 mm
- MSRP: $6700
- RPM @ 100 km/h in 6 gear: 5300 rpm
Unique Features
Kawasaki Comes with its standard positive neutral finder that does not allow you to shift into second gear when a motorcycle is standing still. So while the motorcycle is not moving, pushing the gear lever from the first gear up will always shift the gearbox into neutral.
While 180° parallel twin engines are known for having unpleasant high-frequency vibrations; Eliminator 500 has significantly fewer vibrations at 90-120 km/h in top gear compared to its main competitor Honda Rebel 500, making it significantly better for longer rides or even touring.
#2 Honda Rebel 500 (CMX500)
Specs
- Engine: 471cc, Liquid Cooled, SOHC, 180° crank, 67 mm x 66.8 mm
- Compression ratio: 10.7:1
- Power: 47 HP @ 8500 rpm / 45 nm @ 6000 rpm
- Cruise Control: No
- Wet Weight: 190 kg
- Fuel Consumption: 3.5 l/100km / 11.2 L Tank
- Gearbox: 6-speed manual
- Final Drive: Chain
- Wheels (rear/front): 150/80-16 / 130/90-16
- Seat Height: 690 mm
- MSRP: $6900
- RPM @ 100 km/h in 6 gear: 4630 rpm
Unique Features
The Piston Bore and Stroke are the same giving this engine more low-end torque compared to the Kawasaki Eliminator 500. Unfortunately, it is still a small-capacity engine and it starts to vibrate around 5000 rpm which is approximately 100 km/h in 6th gear. Owners often replace the front sprocket and install 1 tooth larger sprocket to lower cruising rpm. kawasaki Eliminator 500 is more comfortable at 90-120 km/h as it is less viby.
#3 Royal Enfield Super Meteor
Specs
- Engine: 648cc, Air-Oil Cooled, SOHC, 270° crank, 78 mm x 67.8mm
- Compression ratio: 9.5:1
- Power: 47 HP @ 7250 rpm / 52 nm @ 5650 rpm
- Cruise Control: No
- Wet Weight: 241 kg
- Fuel Consumption: 4.1 l/100km / 15.7 L Tank
- Gearbox: 6-speed manual
- Final Drive: Chain
- Wheels (rear/front): 150/80-16 / 100/90-19
- Seat Height: 740 mm
- MSRP: $7000
- RPM @ 100 km/h in 6 gear: 4100 rpm
Unique Features
RE offers the best value for money at that price point. The price is similar to the Eliminator and Rebel 500, yet the engine has a 270° crank that is significantly more expensive to manufacture. This engine configuration is more suitable for cruisers as it allows for more torque at lower rpm and more usable engine power. In other words, you can use more of the engine without unpleasant vibrations. RE Super Meteor is significantly better at 90-120 km/h speeds.
Also, the engine has a bigger capacity while producing the same horsepower as the Rebel 500, yet has more peak torque at lower rpm. I can see this engine easily going 200k kilometers without rebuilding.
#4 Kawasaki Vulcan S
Specs
- Engine: 649cc, Liquid-Cooled, DOHC, 180° crank, 83 mm x 60 mm
- Compression ratio: 10.8:1
- Power: 61 HP @ 7500 rpm / 63 nm @ 6600 rpm
- Cruise Control: No
- Wet Weight: 228 kg
- Fuel Consumption: 4.5 l/100km / 14L Tank
- Gearbox: 6-speed manual
- Final Drive: Chain
- Wheels (rear/front): 160/60-17 / 120/70-18
- Seat Height: 705 mm
- MSRP: $7300
- RPM @ 100 km/h in 6 gear: 4650 rpm
Unique Features
Kawasaki is the only bike that offers custom ergo fit. You can select adjust seat padding, footpeg position, and handlebar position to fit your height and body proportions.
I personally don’t like the engine as it is a Ninja 650 engine that revs high, has high-frequency vibrations, and is completely unsuitable for cruisers.
#5 Honda Shadow Phantom
Specs
- Engine: 745cc, Liquid-Cooled, SOHC, 52° V-twin, 79 mm x 76mm
- Compression ratio: 9.6:1
- Power: 45 HP @ 5500 rpm / 65 nm @ 3500 rpm
- Cruise Control: No
- Wet Weight: 251 kg
- Fuel Consumption: 4.2 l/100km / 14L Tank
- Gearbox: 5-speed manual
- Final Drive: Shaft
- Wheels (rear/front): 160/80-15 / 120/90-17
- Seat Height: 655 mm
- MSRP: $8400
- RPM @ 100 km/h in 5 gear: 3400 rpm
Unique Features
Nothing special about the Honda Shadow. Just a good and reliable cruiser with a shaft drive. It is definitely a better cruiser than the Kawasaki Vulcan S. However, I would get RE Super Meteor instead, unless you really want a shaft drive.
#6 Suzuki Boulevard C50
Specs
- Engine: 805cc, Liquid-Cooled, SOHC, 45° V-twin, 83 mm x 74.4 mm
- Compression ratio: 9.4:1
- Power: 45 HP @ 4000 rpm / 62 nm @ 4000 rpm
- Cruise Control: No
- Wet Weight: 277 kg
- Fuel Consumption: 5.0 l/100km / 15.5 L Tank
- Gearbox: 5-speed manual
- Final Drive: Shaft
- Wheels (rear/front): 170/80-15 / 130/90-16
- Seat Height: 700 mm
- MSRP: $8900
- RPM @ 100 km/h in 5 gear: 4200 rpm
Unique Features
Similar to the Honda Shadow, the Boulevard C50 is a simple midweight cruiser with a shaft drive. Engine specs and power delivery is similar to Honda Shadow.
#7 Moto Guzzi V7 / V9
Specs
- Engine: 853cc, Air-Oil Cooled, Pushrod rockers, 90° V-twin, 84 mm x 77 mm
- Compression ratio: 9.6:1
- Power: 65 HP @ 6800 rpm / 73 nm @ 5000 rpm
- Cruise Control: No
- Wet Weight: 223 kg
- Fuel Consumption: 4.9 l/100km / 21L Tank
- Gearbox: 6-speed manual
- Final Drive: Shaft
- Wheels (rear/front): 150/70-17 / 100/90-18
- Seat Height: 780 mm
- MSRP: $9200
- RPM @ 100 km/h in 6 gear: 3700 rpm
Unique Features
What is the difference between Moto Guzzi V7 and V9? The Moto Guzzi V9 models have a more cruiser-like appearance, featuring a distinct gas tank, slightly more angled forks, and a wide front tire. Mechanically, they are identical; it ultimately depends on your personal preference.
Guzzi is the only motorcycle with a transverse 90° twin. Cylinders stick on sides at a 45° angle. This configuration is beneficial for air cooling. Secondly, shaft drive makes more sense on this engine as shaft rotation is parallel to crankshaft rotation requiring only one bevel gear at the rear wheel.
#8 Harley Davidson iron 883
Specs
- Engine: 883cc, Air Cooled, Pushrod rockers, 45° V-twin, 76.2 mm x 96.8 mm
- Compression ratio: 9:1
- Power: 51 HP @ 6000 rpm / 68 nm @ 4750 rpm
- Cruise Control: No
- Wet Weight: 256 kg
- Fuel Consumption: 4.8 l/100km / 12.5 L Tank
- Gearbox: 5-speed manual
- Final Drive: Belt
- Wheels (rear/front): 150/80-16 / 100/90-19
- Seat Height: 650 mm
- MSRP: $10700
- RPM @ 100 km/h in 5 gear: 3450 rpm
Unique Features
Cheapest available HD. As of 2024 it is no longer manufactured. Some say that Harley Davidson is the most efficient way to convert fuel into noise without the side effect of horsepower.
#9 Kawasaki VN900 Custom
Specs
- Engine: 903cc, Liquid-Cooled, DOHC, 55° V-twin, 88 mm x 74.2 mm
- Compression ratio: 9.5:1
- Power: 50 HP @ 5700 rpm / 79 nm @ 3500 rpm
- Cruise Control: No
- Wet Weight: 277 kg
- Fuel Consumption: 5.2 l/100km / 20L Tank
- Gearbox: 5-speed manual
- Final Drive: Belt
- Wheels (rear/front): 180/70-15 / 80/90-21
- Seat Height: 685 mm
- MSRP: $9500
- RPM @ 100 km/h in 5 gear: 3600 rpm
Unique Features
Vulcan 900 is Kawasaki’s answer to Honda Shadow and Suzuki Boulevard. In my opinion, it is the best looking out of three.
Owners often complain about the lack of a 6th gear. The engine has 79Nm of torque at 3500 rpm which is more compared to the Honda Shadow and Suzuki Boulevard. Therefore, it would make sense to have an overdrive gear to decrease rpm at 100-120 km/h cruising speeds.
#10 Yamaha Bolt R-Spec 900
Specs
- Engine: 942cc, Air Cooled, SOHC, 60° V-twin, 85 mm x 83 mm
- Compression ratio: 9.0:1
- Power: 54 HP @ 5500 rpm / 79.5 nm @ 3000 rpm
- Cruise Control: No
- Wet Weight: 245 kg
- Fuel Consumption: 4.6 l/100km / 12.1 L Tank
- Gearbox: 5-speed manual
- Final Drive: Belt
- Wheels (rear/front): 150/80-16 / 100/90-19
- Seat Height: 690 mm
- MSRP: $8900
- RPM @ 100 km/h in 5 gear: 3340 rpm
Unique Features
Bolt is Yamaha’s answer to HD Sportster. Bolt features a compact and stylized design that is highly customizable. Belt Drive complements reliability, simplicity and low maintenance.
#11 Indian Scout Sixty
Specs
- Engine: 999cc, Liquid-Cooled, SOHC, 60° V-twin, 93 mm x 73.6 mm
- Compression ratio: 11:1
- Power: 78 HP @ 8500 rpm / 88 nm @ 5800 rpm
- Cruise Control: No
- Wet Weight: 254 kg
- Fuel Consumption: 5.1 l/100km / 12.5L Tank
- Gearbox: 5-speed manual
- Final Drive: Belt
- Wheels (rear/front): 150/80-16 / 130/90-16
- Seat Height: 649 mm
- MSRP: $11700
- RPM @ 100 km/h in 5 gear: 3350 rpm
Unique Features
Indian scout is the lowest cruiser in the industry with a comparatively modern liquid-cooled engine. Check Brian F9’s review if you haven’t seen it yet.
#12 Honda Rebel 1100 (CMX1100)
Specs
- Engine: 1084cc, Liquid Cooled, SOHC, 270° crank, 92 mm x 81 mm
- Compression ratio: 10.1:1
- Power: 87 HP @ 7000 rpm / 98 nm @ 4750 rpm
- Cruise Control: Yes
- Wet Weight: 233 kg DCT / 223 kg manual
- Fuel Consumption: 5.2 l/100km / 13.6 L Tank
- Gearbox: 6-speed manual / 6-speed DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission)
- Final Drive: Chain
- Wheels (rear/front): 180/65-16 / 130/70-18
- Seat Height: 700 mm
- MSRP: $9900
- RPM @ 100 km/h in 6 gear: 3630 rpm
Unique Features
Insanely good package for money. Rebel 1100 has modern electronics including cruise control, riding modes, and traction control. Secondly, it is available with a DCT (dual-clutch transmission) option which I would choose over the manual all day long. The engine is taken from the Africa Twin and returned for lower revs. It has a heavier flywheel. Take into account the price and you are getting the best deal for this engine displacement.
#13 Triumph Bonneville Bobber
Specs
- Engine: 1200cc, Liquid-Cooled, SOHC, 270° crank, 97.6 mm x 80 mm
- Compression ratio: 10:1
- Power: 76.9 HP @ 6100 rpm / 106 nm @ 4000 rpm
- Cruise Control: Yes
- Wet Weight: 251 kg
- Fuel Consumption: 4.9 l/100km / 12 L Tank
- Gearbox: 6-speed manual
- Final Drive: Chain
- Wheels (rear/front): 150/80-16 / MT90B16
- Seat Height: 690 mm
- MSRP: $13000
- RPM @ 100 km/h in 6 gear: 2650 rpm
Unique Features
Best looking cruiser of the 21st century in my opinion. The engine has loads of torque making it a true power cruiser. It is loaded with electronics including cruise control and ride-by-wire. The rear suspension features a modern mono shock that is hidden under the seat to complement retro looks.
Bottom Line
There are more high market cruisers but I decided to keep that list short and simple without including the $15000+ cruisers from HD, BMW and others.
