10 Best Used Cruisers Money Can Buy

Although the market is packed with great new motorcycles, if you are after the best value it is best to turn your attention to the used market

Long hours at work have earned you a new summer ride. Everyone is looking for the newest, greatest thing on the market. New ABS systems, slick paint jobs, awesome infotainment centers, and roaring engines all line the isles of the dealership. So, you are going through the dealership testing all the new motorcycles, asking all and every question about specs, financing, and deals. There are so many colors and options to choose from.

On the other hand, there are some beautiful, used motorcycles that caught your eye. Just because they are used doesn't mean they aren't great machines. The used motorcycle option might afford you to get some better modifications, or some new riding gear to go with your new motorcycle. Here are some of the best used motorcycles to choose from.

Related: 5 Reasons Why You Should Buy A New Motorcycle (And 5 Why Buying Used Is Better)

The classic Kawasaki Vulcan was one of the original metric cruisers on the market. Depending on the model, a new Kawasaki Vulcan will cost you between $7,349 - $19,299 (€6,760 - €17753). A used model costs on average between $5,000 - $8,000 (€4,600 - €7,400). That is a great value for someone working on a budget, and still looking for a decent cruiser. The approachable price tag opens the door for a wide range of riders. It is very comfortable with a suspension that is adjustable.

The Honda name is synonymous with reliability, and that is exactly what you will get in the Honda Shadow. Already at an affordable price of $7,900 (€7,200) brand new, you can get your hands on a used version for about $4,000 (€3,679). The costs and the reliability really give the US manufacturers a run for their money.

A used Honda Shadow is especially great for beginners. The low price point, easy maneuverability, and smaller engine really allow beginners to fine-tune their riding skills. The classic bobber look is something lovers of the classics will admire. The price point and modern look will have bystanders surprised at how much you paid.

Of course, there is another Honda on the list. This time we are highlighting the Rebel. A fresh out-the-box Rebel will set you back an easy $6,449 (€5,974). A used one is only $2,800 (€2,593). It is expertly balanced with a long wheelbase and low seat making it a great bike for beginners. We cannot forget to mention Honda's bulletproof reliability. There have not been many recalls that would raise alarms with its reliability or safety. It's not the biggest or strongest bike on this list, but it still offers a quality ride, especially if you’re new to the motorcycle scene.

They are no longer producing the S40 so if you can get your hands on one consider it a blessing. The lowest price you can find on the internet for it is mind-boggling low $1,995 (€1,848). The low center of gravity and low weight make it an awesome ride for the city. Its high torque makes it great at picking up speed and seamlessly merging with traffic in a busy city. It does not have any unnecessary gadgets or information on its dash, so it is just you, the road, and the bike. It is on the lower side, so it is ideal for smaller riders.

Related: 2022 Suzuki Boulevard C50: Performance, Price, And Photos

We cannot have a list of the best cruisers new or used without including a Harley. It has recently been replaced by the Sportster S model, so, grab the 1200s while you can. In the used market you can buy one for a surprisingly low $3,500 (€3,240). This stylish beauty carries a beefy 1200cc engine. It makes it a fun machine to ride when riding out of corners. The engine is made to last, built with the highest quality parts. They come stock with mini-ape bars and a café style seat, but seeing as we are talking about Harley here, you can rest assured there will be a huge selection of modifications you can choose from.

The C109R has been upgraded to the M109R, but that doesn't mean it wasn't a great bike in its own right. It is a heavy monster designed for the longest and most comfortable long-distance rides. The suspension and weight of the bike make you feel safe and stable on those long, winding roads. It has a great engine with even better ergonomics, which puts the C109R on anyone's top ten list. You will be turning heads when you're revving through the streets. It has been gorgeously designed, without sacrificing power or handling. You are going to have a hard time hunting one down though, because most owners do not sell them.

In 2016, we waved farewell to this beautiful classic. The craftsmanship of the Thunderbird is unparalleled. Riders reported having little to no problems with it after years and years of riding. You can still buy it for a cool $6,499 (€6,020). It is on the higher end, but you are getting a whole lot of bike for the money. It has a massive 1600+ cc engine, depending on the model you get, and there have also not been any issues with reliability reported by its owners. The design and ergonomics of it feel extremely natural, if you manage to get your hands on this beauty, hold on to it.

An underrated bobber in the motorcycle world. Yamaha has been producing reliable machines for a long time. A 2023 Bolt is $8,899 (€8,244) while a used one, at its lowest, is about $3,980 (€3,687). You cannot beat that price of a quality machine. It is not a lightweight bike, but it is also not as heavy as some of the other cruisers on this list, so it is great for most riders. There are plenty of other cruisers that are cheaper (not by much), but they lack in power. It is a lot simpler than most bikes, but it makes up for it with its customizability.

Related: 2023 Yamaha Bolt R-Spec: Performance, Price, And Photos

America's first motorcycle company has obviously created one of the best cruisers on the market. A brand-new Indian Scout is between $10,749 - $13,249 (€9,948 - €12,274). A used one could be yours for as low as $5,699 (€5,280). From 2014 Indian Scouts come equipped with a liquid-cooled V-twin engine to hit its performance targets. Its components err on the side of basic, but that doesn't mean it wasn't expertly built. Its shocks are better than their competitors of a similar year. Since its inception, there have been very minimal recalls or issues with the Scout, at least compared to its competitors, so, you can rest assured you have a ride that will last a long time even if you aren't the first owner.

In its first year of production, 2004, it won motorcycle of the year Motorcyclists, Motorcycle Cruiser, and Cruising Rider magazines. The 2023 Triumph Rocket III is a monster of a cruiser, sporting a 2,500cc engine. Its peak horsepower is 165 with 6,000 rpm. This beauty will set you back about $24,000 (€22,000). A used 2020 Triumph Rocket III on average costs between $14,000 - $19,000 (€13,000 - €17,000), depending on the model. It has the best of both worlds, in terms of tried-and-true motorcycle design and modern technology.

Victor started riding and learning about motorcycles later in life. At the age of 28 he bought his first Harley-Davidson Sportster and hasn't put it down since. He rides in rain or shine. The only thing that would stop is Chicago's unforgiving winters. The excitement of riding daily led him to learning everything he could to maintain and upgrade his bike with his own two hands. He worked the office jobs and retail ones, but that did not satisfy his need to travel and adventure on his motorcycle. So he went to school for Marketing, so he can begin writing and riding full-time. He primarily rides the Sportster but doesn't shy away from sport bikes or scooters. He currently holds an Associates degree in Marketing and is attending college online to earn his Bachelors.