Most Approachable Cruiser Bikes for First-Time Buyers

Many individuals purchasing their first motorcycle decide to buy a cruiser. They love the sleek look of these machines and the rugged vibe. A person can climb on the back of one of these machines and take off for a long ride without hesitation. If you are ready to buy your first bike, a cruiser is the right way to go.

Choosing a Cruiser for a Beginner

When purchasing your first motorcycle, consider its weight and power ratio. People often head to the dealership to look for the biggest machine they can find, but you should opt for a small or mid-size bike that is easy to handle. Going with a smaller size allows you to build your skills and experience over time.

Nobody wants to have an accident within days or weeks when starting to ride. This accident could scare you into never wanting to get on a motorcycle again, and nobody wants that. Find the right balance between power and weight to create a machine that's both fun to ride and easy to handle.

Reliability is essential when choosing a cruiser if you are new to riding. Very few things can ruin your enjoyment of motorcycles as a first bike that continuously breaks down. If the bike is too expensive to maintain, this hobby might quickly become a thing of the past. Purchase a motorcycle made by a reputable brand and one that requires minimal maintenance. Confirm that parts are readily available and the bike can be customized if you desire.

Wouldn’t it be nice to walk into a dealership and choose a bike without worrying about the price? Sadly, most people can’t afford to do so. They need a bike that is budget-friendly at the time of purchase and throughout its lifespan. A reputable dealer can help you find this bike.

Seat height is important, particularly for new riders. A lower seat height will make the bike feel more stable during a ride and make it easy to put your feet on the ground. The average seat height of a cruiser is 27 inches. You’ll appreciate this added stability as you learn to ride the bike.

Power output is another thing to consider when purchasing your first bike. Beginners typically choose bikes with a 500cc engine or smaller. This engine size allows them to become comfortable riding the bike before increasing the power output. The bike will be

easy to control and ideal for urban environments. You won’t accidentally overdo it with the acceleration and take off suddenly if a cruiser with a smaller engine is selected.

Cruisers have a low center of gravity because they are heavier machines. They are easier to control and offer better handling. New riders also love the relaxed riding position thanks to the low-slung seat.

Regardless of which cruiser you choose, you will be riding in style. These bikes look incredible when parked or on the open road. Your biggest challenge upon arriving at the dealership may be choosing one bike to call your own. Many new riders find they want to take every bike home. Which models should you consider when making this choice, and why?

The Honda Rebel 300

Many new bikers choose to purchase the Honda Rebel 300, and you might wish to do the same. This timeless classic was introduced in 1985, and countless riders have enjoyed it since then. If you ask a middle-aged biker what their first bike was, quite a few will name this one, and it remains popular today. What makes this model such an excellent choice for those new to riding?

Beginners find this well-balanced bike easy to handle. They can quickly gain confidence in their riding skills if they choose the Rebel 300. When you take this bike out for a test ride, you’ll come to appreciate its light weight and lively engine. This motorcycle weighs approximately 320 pounds and comes equipped with a 234 cc engine. Before you know it, you’ll be taking windy mountain roads and crowded city streets with ease.

Beginners love the low seat and improved ergonomics on this model and appreciate the reliability of their ride. They know they won’t be left behind while their friends are out having fun because their bike is ready to go whenever they are. If something does go wrong, parts are easy to come by. You’ll appreciate the low price of this model, as you can buy the bike and then accessorize it to meet your needs.

The Honda Rebel 500

For those who would like an upgrade from the Rebel 300, Honda offers an older sibling. The Rebel 500 provides everything found in the 300, but it comes with a bigger engine. This model is equipped with a 471 cc parallel twin engine. You will find it strikes the right balance between ease of use and performance.

One difference buyers should be aware of is the weight of this machine. It comes in at 408 pounds, making it heavier than the 300. Take both models for a test ride at the dealership to determine which feels more comfortable. This added weight doesn’t impact the stability or agility of the motorcycle, so beginners won’t need to be concerned that they can’t handle it.

What draws many bikers to the Rebel models is their iconic looks. They love the attitude of these bikes and the many color choices. However, expect to pay more for the Rebel 500. The 300 comes in at less than $5,000, but you will shell out almost $7,000 to own one of these machines.

The Kawasaki Vulcan S

Before purchasing a Rebel 300 or 500, take the Vulcan S for a test ride. You may find that this bike better meets your needs. People often say it is the Swiss Army Knife of beginner motorcycles because it is versatile and adaptable. Thanks to the Ergo-Fit system, you can adjust the bike to fit you perfectly. This system allows you to be comfortable on each ride and makes the bike easy to handle, even for a brand-new rider.

The Vulcan S comes with a parallel twin engine with 649 cc displacement. It offers ample power, but remains manageable thanks to the low seat position. The driver remains in an upright position but low to the ground for added control. However, there is one drawback you should be aware of when test-driving this model. It weighs significantly more than the Rebel models, coming in at around 500 pounds. The design is also rather conservative, which you might not find appealing.

Nevertheless, this model should never be overlooked. Kawasaki is known for making extremely reliable motorcycles that last for years. They require little maintenance and will remain an excellent choice even as your skills improve. You won’t find the need to upgrade in a year or two if you purchase this ride.

Expect to pay more for the Kawasaki Vulcan S than you would for either the Rebel 300 or 500. This motorcycle comes in at just over $8,000. However, keep in mind that it is a ride you can keep for several years without feeling the need to upgrade. This element alone may be enough to convince you to purchase this model and make it your own. Beginners find it easy to ride while experienced bikers discover there is plenty to love as their skills expand.

The Indian Scout Sixty

When visiting a dealership, be sure to check out the Indian Scout Sixty, a bike many people say is perfect for beginners. This model comes with a 999 cc, 60 cubic-inch V-twin engine that is liquid-cooled. The tuning is less aggressive than that seen on the base model Indian Scout, making it perfect for new riders.

This model comes with a gear-driven, five-speed transmission, allowing users to adjust to manual foot shifting with fewer gears to worry about. Those who purchase the full-size Scout find they have six speeds to deal with. The new rider won’t be intimidated by the number of gears while still benefiting from high-performance riding.

The black metallic and storm blue color options appeal to most riders, but this model lacks an infotainment system. It features several gauges, including a digital tachometer and a low fuel lamp. You can also monitor the engine temperature with the help of a gauge. This model comes with standard items such as a license plate lamp and indicator lights to ensure your safety on each ride.

The Yamaha V Star 250

The Yamaha V Star 250 has been around for a few decades, and it is easy to see why. This model is the perfect retro cruiser for a beginner. It comes with an air-cooled V-twin engine and five-speed transmission. Riders love the vintage look of this model and the chrome accents. It’s a classic cruiser in terms of its style, and it’s the only small-bore V-twin engine under 300cc made by a major manufacturer and still sold in the United States.

Beginners appreciate the 27-inch seat height, wide handlebars, and controls that are slightly forward. This design makes it easy for you to learn how to operate a bike and put your feet down when the motorcycle comes to a stop.

Although this bike may not be ideal for taller riders due to its compact size, its low curb weight makes it easy to control, even for beginners. The seat height is very low on this model, and the price tag is affordable for most. The Scout Sixty comes in at under $10,000.

Before taking this bike for a test ride, thoroughly check out the machine, as it isn’t known for its modern technology. The fork is not adjustable, and you will see the dual shocks, as they are exposed. This bike comes with a single analog gauge. If you are a big fan of technology, this bike might not be for you. Several Scout Sixty models are offered, so take time to check them out before deciding which one best meets your needs.

Harley-Davidson Nightster

Every new rider wants a bike that is easy to ride and comes equipped with the latest technology. This bike will make their everyday commute effortless while allowing them to get out and explore this beautiful country during their free time. The Harley-Davidson Nightster is ideal for both purposes.

In 2021, this manufacturer discontinued the air-cooled Sportster 1200 and 883 models. It quickly realized its customers weren’t happy and decided to launch the Nightster. This model comes with classic features but has the latest innovations when it comes to the engine and chassis. New riders find this bike is friendlier than the discontinued models and offers more performance. The lightweight frame ensures you can control the bike even when you are cruising down the highway at a high speed.

This model features a 27.8-inch seat and a low-rise handlebar. It comes with a 1200 cc V-twin engine ideal for country roads and city streets. You will love the adjustable suspension, which lets you customize the ride for comfort, no matter the journey length. Plus, this bike looks fantastic on the road or parked, and it offers plenty of cargo space to hold all your gear. Speaking of gear, be sure to check out the accessories offered for this model.

One of the things new riders love about the Nighster is the wide range of accessories available. You can customize the bike and make it the perfect ride for your needs. Check out these accessories when visiting the dealership to see how they can enhance your new motorcycle.

These models are only a few of the many cruisers designed with beginners in mind. Spend time exploring the options to find the right bike for your lifestyle and budget. When this bike is found, you will have a machine that you love and want to ride for years to come. You may even choose to keep it when you upgrade to a new model to accommodate your expanding skills. It will be fun to pull this bike out at times and take it for a spin to see how far you have come.