10 New Cruisers That Redefine Muscle On Two Wheels

Traditionally, cruisers have packed some of the biggest engines on production motorcycles. But unlike sports bikes, these large-displacement engines are focused on delivering strong low-end torque for effortless overtaking and cruising on a freeway. This suits the overall character of a cruiser motorcycle, which is designed to offer a comfortable and laid-back riding experience. Having said that, manufacturers haven’t shied away from going off-script and developing some powerful cruisers that deliver some grin-inducing power on tap.

Every manufacturer has a different take on a cruiser motorcycle. American manufacturers like Harley-Davidson and Indian like to keep things old-school. Meanwhile, the European and Japanese cruisers in the list have a modern design. In fact, some of them are essentially sports bikes dressed up as cruiser motorcycles. They may not be the quickest or most agile machines on the planet, but one thing they are excellent at is providing outright acceleration and the thrill that follows.

Ducati XDiavel V4

Starting Price: $28,995

Ducati

There’s a reason why a certain billionaire playboy by day and a superhero by night, who is crazy proficient with bows and arrows, likes to ride a Ducati Diavel. It is fast, looks menacing, yet manages to provide decent comfort when spending long hours in the saddle. The Diavel earned its tag of a power cruiser thanks to its V4 Granturismo engine, which produces close to 170 horsepower. Power is available from the get-go, but the engine is happiest at high revs. Being a Ducati, the XDiavel V4 features goodies like adjustable suspension, aluminum monocoque chassis, a comprehensive suite of electronics, and Pirelli Diablo Rosso tires.

Performance Specs

Buell Super Cruiser

Starting Price: $25,900

Buell Motorcycle

The Buell Super Cruiser has everything its name suggests. With a peak power output of 175 horsepower from its 1,190cc V-twin, it is the most powerful American cruiser currently on sale in the country. The underpinnings are equally impressive, with a bespoke steel chassis, suspended on adjustable inverted forks and a monoshock. Another factor that works in this motorcycle’s favor is its low curb weight of 450 pounds, which gives it an excellent power-to-weight ratio compared to other American and European cruisers. Unlike a traditional cruiser, the footpegs are slightly rear-set, but the upper body remains upright thanks to a tall handlebar.

Performance Specs

Triumph Rocket 3 Storm R

Starting Price: $25,295

Triumph Motorcycles

The Triumph Rocket 3 Storm is pretty much the poster child of the power cruiser segment. With the largest displacement engine on a production motorcycle at its heart, the Rocket 3 Storm R boasts peak outputs of 182 horsepower and 166 pound-feet of torque. It may not cut through the air as efficiently, but you can certainly surprise a few sports bike riders on a freeway. To help put down all the power more efficiently, Triumph has equipped the motorcycle with a whole suite of electronic features, making it friendly to ride. Under the skin, the Rocket 3 Storm R uses an aluminum frame suspended on chunky 47mm inverted forks up top and monoshock at the rear, both sourced from Showa. The styling screams power and performance, and the massive 240-section rear wheel contributes to the road presence of the motorcycle.

Performance Specs

Indian Springfield

Starting Price: $22,999

Indian Motorcycle

Old-school cruiser fans will love the styling of the Indian Springfield. The motorcycle is full of character, thanks to its classic styling. With a large windscreen and standard saddlebags, this is essentially a touring bagger. Having said that, there is a downside to all the flair, and that is the curb weight. The Indian Springfield uses a Thunderstroke 111 V-twin engine, which is tuned for touring. Don’t be fooled by its old-school looks, though, as it is a thoroughly modern motorcycle in terms of technology on board. For starters, the engine comes with re-cylinder deactivation technology, which helps in terms of heat management. Additionally, the cruiser comes with tech like keyless ignition, cruise control, and a USB charging port.

Performance Specs

Harley-Davidson Fat Boy

Starting Price: $22,599

Harley-Davidson

The Fat Boy has been on sale for more than 30 years. There are multiple factors that have worked in making the Fat Boy an iconic motorcycle. Its popularity among pop culture is just one of them. While Harley-Davidson has managed to keep the model selling without major design changes, the Fat Boy has received multiple updates over the years to keep competitive in modern times. The current generation model is powered by the Milwaukee Eight 117 Custom engine. The air-cooled V-twin delivers 104 horsepower and 126 pound-feet, and they arrive at a low 4,800 RPM and 3,000 RPM, respectively. In terms of electronics, the Fat Boy features ride-by-wire throttle with multiple ride modes, and a six-axis IMU which offers cornering traction control and back-torque limiting.

Performance Specs

Indian Sport Chief RT

Starting Price: $22,499

Indian Motorcycle

As its name suggests, the Sport Chief RT is all about sporty performance. The styling looks attractive with a round LED headlamp, teardrop fuel tank, and low-slung seat, giving it the old-school charm. The Sport Chief RT is powered by the Thunderstroke 116 air-cooled V-twin. At 92 horsepower, it may not be as powerful as some other cruisers on this list, but it has 120 pound-feet of torque from as low as 2,900 RPM. This means it will be one of the quickest motorcycles off the line, and overtaking will feel effortless even if you ride it one gear higher than required. As for features, the Sport Chief RT comes equipped with a four-inch TFT, ride-by-wire throttle, keyless ignition, 90-Watt audio system, and rear-cylinder deactivation technology.

Performance Specs

Harley-Davidson Low Rider S

Starting Price: $19,999

Harley-Davidson

The Low Rider S is cheaper and a more powerful alternative to the Indian Sport Chief RT. In fact, it is the best Harley-Davidson cruiser you can buy for under $20,000. Why, you ask? Firstly, the Low Rider S looks quintessentially Harley with a softail frame, and a low-slung design. Secondly, there’s a large 1,917cc liquid-cooled V-twin that powers the cruiser. With 114 horsepower available on tap, highway cruising should feel effortless. Finally, it offers a comfortable cruising experience thanks to its scooped-out seat. Keeping in touch with time, the cruiser is equipped with modern features like ride-by-wire throttle, cruise control, cornering enhanced traction control, and cornering drag-torque slip control as standard.

Performance Specs

Indian Super Scout

Starting Price: $16,499

Indian Motorcycle

Indian Motorcycles introduced a bunch of upgrades to the MY25 Scout models to take on the modern competition. For 2025, the Super Scout uses a new SpeedPlus engine that is liquid-cooled and delivers over 100 ponies. Also, the tubular-steel frame that underpins the cruiser is new. It retains the Scout lines but offers better handling capabilities. There are top-shelf electronics on offer, including ride modes, cruise control, and traction control. As for features, it comes with a windscreen and soft saddlebags as standard, which kind of makes it a bagger-lite. Overall, the Indian Super Scout is a great option for someone looking for a classic cruiser with modern performance and tech for under $17,000.

Performance Specs

Harley-Davidson Sportster S

Starting Price: $15,999

Harley-Davidson

This Harley-Davidson feels more European than American. The styling is modern and quirky, and hints towards it being a powerful cruiser. To save weight, the Sportster S makes use of a steel-trellis frame with the engine acting as a stressed member. Speaking of the latter, the cruiser is powered by Harley’s Revolution Max 1250T engine that delivers more than 120 horsepower, making it more powerful than some of the more expensive Harley-Davidson cruisers. The modern theme continues in the feature department with a circular TFT with Bluetooth smartphone connectivity, ride-by-wire throttle, multiple ride modes, traction control, and cruise control.

Performance Specs

Suzuki Boulevard M109R

Starting Price: $15,599

Suzuki

The Suzuki Boulevard M109R might feel ancient compared to all the cruisers on this list. But don’t let that stop you from checking out this cruiser. Despite being introduced in 2006, this Suzuki packs in a big-twin with liquid cooling and high compression. In fact, it is the most powerful new cruiser you can buy for under $20,000. The suspension and braking hardware are actually derived from the 2000s GSX-R sports bike, making it a great value-for-money option, considering its price tag. The only area where the Suzuki Boulevard M109R falls behind modern cruisers is in terms of electronics, and it also lacks a six-speed gearbox.

Performance Specs