10 Powerful Used Cruisers You Can Buy Under $5,000

Modern cruisers are starting to get more high-tech features than ever. While there are a handful of hold-outs, most bikes are getting more complex, efficient, powerful and, naturally, expensive. There are several buyers willing to shell out more money for these fancy new bikes, but it is fair to say pricing has gone beyond what can be described as “reasonable.” With some solo-seated bikes costing as much as $20k, many of us are left out in the cold. But, if you are willing to consider something used, there are some genuinely powerful options. With a budget of just $5k, you can get your hands on one of these bikes, but be warned, you won’t find too many modern features here.

2002 Harley-Davidson VRSCA V-Rod

Price Range: $4,000 – $6,000

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Harley-Davidson collaborated with Porsche to build an all-new halo-model back in the early 00s. The reception was, to say the least, muted. With a relatively awkward rider triangle and over 100 horsepower, this is not a comfortable bike to ride, at any speed. It is quick, though, and these first-generation bikes are now more accessible than ever.

Specifications

2005 Triumph Rocket III

Price Range: $3,000 – $5,000

At the opposite end of the comfort spectrum lies the massive Rocket III. Although it isn’t the prettiest bike, it makes a scarcely believable 144 horsepower. Back when it first came out, it had the biggest engine put in a production bike, a record only broken by the second generation of the Rocket. While cumbersome in traffic, it is very much at home on the highway, munching miles.

Specifications

2005 Yamaha V-Max

Price Range: $4,000 – $6,000

Yamaha 

The first generation V-Max was fitted with carbs, and a complex V-Boost system that would eventually fail. When it works, it adds around 10 percent to top-end power. When it fails, it costs a small fortune to fix or takes forever and a day to do the work yourself. Other than this “wrinkle”, the old V-Max offers incredible bang for the buck, but if the deal seems too good to be true, ask about the V-Boost system.

Specifications

2007 Kawasaki Vulcan 2000

Price Range: $3,000 – $5,000

Kawasaki

This was ever so briefly recognized as the largest displacement production motorcycle, until the aforementioned Rocket III arrived shortly after the Vulcan 2000 made its debut. At 820 pounds, this is an enormous motorcycle that will feel more like a full-dress tourer than a cruiser. It is fair to say that Kawasaki got a little carried away with this, as it was a commercial failure, but represents a bargain buy today.

Specifications

2010 Harley-Davidson XR1200

Price Range: $4,000 – $6,000

Harley-Davidson

Up until recently, you could find a good XR1200 for under $5k. Prices are now on the rise, though, largely down to the relative scarcity of the model. Primarily conceived as a global model, it is closer to a naked bike in terms of design but boasts a classic air-cooled twin. It is, by nature, rather middling. Not quite a cruiser, and not really a naked bike either, but it certainly looks the part and represents a bargain to the right buyer.

Specifications

2011 Ducati Diavel

Price Range: $4,000 – $6,000

Usually, we would advise buyers to steer clear of any bike that was in its very first year of production. We would also caution anyone looking to buy an older V-twin Ducati. This is both. But like moths drawn to the light, this bike will draw us in, promising performance and a riding experience like no other. Unfortunately, at this price point, it is anyone’s guess as to what kind of life the bike lived. Buyer beware here.

Specifications

2011 Triumph Thunderbird Storm

Price Range: $4,000 – $6,000

Triumph Motorcycles

There is something of a theme here with the really huge bikes. In an effort to take the fight to Harley, Triumph added even more displacement to the already massive parallel-twin doing duty here. The upshot was a respectable increase in both torque and horsepower, the latter edging close to the magic 100 mark, but like any big parallel-twin, it will vibrate a fair bit at higher revs.

Specifications

2011 Victory Vegas

Price Range: $4,000 – $6,000

Victory Motorcycles

Like Triumph, Victory were taking a swipe at a market segment dominated by Harley-Davidson, but it ended up being more of a fight for survival among the competitors as Harley sales remained largely unaffected. Victory, well, lost. Prices are all over the spectrum for the Vegas. A good bike might cost closer to $6k, but you will certainly find some decent runners for less than $5k.

Specifications

2013 Moto Guzzi California 1400 Custom

Price Range: $4,000 – $6,000

Moto Guzzi

The California Custom remains a little underrated. Back when it was new, the bike was praised for its neutral handling, something contemporary competitors simply didn’t offer. It is simple by modern standards, but when it comes to anything made in Italy, the less wiring, the better. At present, it is a bit of a steal. Just be sure to check that all the electronics that are there actually work as they should.

Specifications

2015 Indian Scout

Price Range: $4,000 – $6,000

Wikimedia Commons

Once more, the only way you get it for a price this low is by choosing the first-year model. The Scout truly announced Indian’s return. After so many false-dawns, the brand was well and truly back, and this would be the bread and butter model. It remains a top choice, but is not without fault. If you are over 6 feet tall, this bike is going to feel pretty cramped.

Specifications