Australia has thousands of kilometres of windy mountain roads, scenic ocean routes, open country roads and endless highways. A verifiable tourer’s dream.
Whether you’re going for a weekend ride or you’re looking to set out on a long motorbike holiday, a good cruiser bike will make the ride all the better.
If you’re new to motorcycle riding, finding the perfect cruiser bike might be a challenge. We’ve put together this quick and easy guide to help you find the right cruiser bike for you.
Top 6 cruiser motorcycles in Australia
Check out the top cruiser motorcycles available in Australia:
1. Kawasaki Vulcan S
Estimated price: $11,432
The Kawasaki Vulcan S was built with speed, style, and comfort in mind. It has a sporty yet vintage styling that gives you that added edge on the road. Equipped with a powerful 649cc engine, this cruiser bike is built for long rides on the open road.
What makes the Vulcan S a popular choice for many beginners is its smart ergonomics. It has adjustable riding positions so the bike can adapt to your needs. The low seat and forward controls allow riders to cruise comfortably with everything they need within reach. It’s great for riders of all shapes, sizes, and heights. Another great thing about the Vulcan S is that it’s a learner approved model.
2. Honda Rebel 500
Estimated price: $6,449
Power, precision, and style—these are the qualities that the Honda Rebel 500 exemplifies. It’s equipped with a lean twin-cylinder 471cc liquid-cooled, four stroke engine, that’s powerful enough to give you an exquisite cruising experience without being overpowering to a new rider. With its classic cruiser style and user-friendly powerband, beginners can comfortably ride this cruiser bike.
To make it easier for novice riders to maneuver, the Honda Rebel 500 has modern features like the slipper assist clutch and optional anti-lock braking system. The Rebel 500 is a great beginner cruiser bike because of its simplicity while offering exceptional performance. Take it out on the road and enjoy an unbeatable experience.
3. Harley-Davidson Street Bob
Estimated price: $27,495
A fan favourite among new and veteran motorcycle enthusiasts, the Harley-Davidson Street Bob is a great first cruiser bike. The Street Bob is easy to handle with a comfortable ergonomic design. It’s got everything you’d expect from a Harley but adds simplicity and easy manoeuvrability. Plus, the Street Bob is perfect for customisation so you can modify as you go.
Although it’s not the fastest on the market, it’s still a good way for budding cruiser bikers to get their first taste of cruiser riding. Although, it’s light enough to be used for everyday commuting to the city, it’s best for the more advanced beginners or experienced riders who can handle heavier bikes.
4. Indian Scout Bobber
Estimated price: $23,995
If you’re looking for a cruiser bike that’s simple, functional, while still being elegant and elevated, the Indian Scout Bobber is definitely worth checking out. The seat is low slung but provides the best comfort too. It has everything you need for a smooth and easy cruiser bike experience.
The handling is user-friendly so learners won’t have a hard time learning the ropes. The engine is a powerful liquid-cooled, 1,133cc, 95-horsepower V-twin to give you that much-needed acceleration. The cruiser bike is also fitted with a responsive six-speed transmission so it can adapt to your style of riding.
5. Yamaha V-Star
Estimated price: $4,699
The Yamaha V-Star is built for short to moderate cruiser riding. It’s light, nimble, and provides riders with smooth handling. Although it’s not the fastest cruiser bike out there, it’s certainly great for riders who want to get a feel for the cruiser riding experience.
The V-Star is nimble and agile which makes it easy for riders to maneuver. The low seat is only 27 inches from the pavement so you can build confidence as you learn to ride. Even though the bike is compact it boasts a big bike style with its extensive chrome details that accent the engine and stylish fenders.
Additional features include forward mount controls for more legroom, generous fuel range that has a 2.5-gallon capacity, and an open, comfortable riding position.
6. Triumph Bonneville T100
Estimated price: $18,790
The best thing about the Triumph Bonneville T100 is that it’s fun! It’s where easy manoeuvrability meets modern capabilities. It has enhanced handling, real-world practicality, and premium style and finish. It’s the complete package of iconic style and top-notch features.
Promising a thrilling performance with its torque-rich 900cc engine, it delivers a sharp throttle response. The latest version is now Euro 5 compliant so it has reduced emissions as well. The T100 is lighter and designed with higher specification suspension and brakes. It gives riders more power that even beginners can appreciate.
Tips for choosing the perfect cruiser bike for you
When shopping around for the perfect cruiser motorcycle, keep these in mind:
- Prioritise style and comfort. Consider the cruiser bike’s build, size, and weight. A cruiser bike should be comfortable because you’ll be riding it for long periods of time. See if the height and weight match your physique and if you can sit comfortably on the seat.
- Look at the engine. Not all cruiser bikes are built the same. Some bikes are built for short cruiser rides while others are made for long winding road adventures. Find an engine that matches your need. If you just want to test the waters when it comes to cruiser riding, for instance, something with a powerful engine might not be a match.
- Start small and work your way up. It’s common for new riders to feel a lot of excitement when buying their cruiser bike. However, don’t go too big too fast. Getting a big cruiser bike without the necessary experience could lead to disaster or the very least be an expensive mistake. Find a cruiser motorcycle that matches your experience and build from there.
- Do your research. Do some cursory research on cruiser bikes and the different types out there. Watch a video online, read some reviews, or talk with other more experienced cruiser motorcycle enthusiasts.
- Know your budget. Look at your finances and see how much you can afford. Check out different lenders and review their rates to see which one is best for you. Getting a solid budget in place saves you time—no need to look at cruiser bikes that don’t fit your budget. Use this handy motorcycle loan calculator to help you figure out your budget.
Finding the best cruiser motorcycle finance option
Getting a motorbike loan is fairly simple. Once you know which motorbike you can afford, start polishing your loan application by improving your credit score and saving up for a deposit. To get the best deal possible, make sure to research different lenders and loans. Talk with different lending specialists and discuss what they can offer you.
If that sounds like a lot of work, don’t worry! Here at Aussie Bike Loans, we’ve helped countless of motorcycle enthusiasts find the right motorcycle finance for them. Get in touch with us today or you can get a quick quote and we’ll reach out to you as soon as possible!
FAQs
What is a cruiser motorcycle?
A cruiser motorcycle is a motorbike designed for short to moderate rides around the city or light trails. Cruiser motorbikes generally have a low seat height and a powerful engine. Cruiser motorcycles can also be used for longer rides depending on the model of the motorcycle you choose.
What are some popular cruiser motorcycle brands in Australia?
Popular cruiser motorcycle brands in Australia include Yamaha, Suzuki, Honda, Harley-Davidson, and Kawasaki. Each brand offers a variety of makes, models, and price ranges. You’ll be spoilt for choice with so many cruiser motorcycles available.
Do I need a special licence to ride a cruiser motorcycle in Australia?
You need to have a motorcycle licence to ride a cruiser motorcycle in Australia. Check your state’s or territory’s local road authority to see what the requirements are so you can get your motorcycle license.
What are some important features to look for when buying a cruiser motorcycle?
When looking at cruiser motorcycles, buyers need to look at the size, weight, design, and engine. The ideal cruiser motorbike should match your body type. It should also let you sit comfortably as you’ll be on your cruiser bike for long periods of time. The engine must be fit for the type of cruiser riding you’ll be doing, as well.
How much does a cruiser motorcycle cost in Australia?
A brand-new cruiser motorcycle could cost anywhere between $4,000 to $30,000 depending on the manufacturer, make, and model.
What kind of maintenance is required for a cruiser motorcycle?
Regularly keep your cruiser bike clean. Ideally, you should wash your cruiser motorbike every 25 rides. In addition to that, you also need to do regular maintenance checks on the engine, oil, battery, fluids, cables, and tires. Make sure you take to service centres for regularly scheduled upkeep.
What are some popular riding routes for cruiser motorcycles in Australia?
Some of the most scenic routes for cruiser motorcycles in Australia are:
- Far Noth Coast, Kangaroo Valley Ride, Oxley Highway, and the Putty Road in New South Wales
- Mount Nebo, Mount Glorious, and the Lions Road in Queensland
- Strahan to Derwent Bridge in Tasmania
- Yallingup to Augusta in Western Australia
- The Great Ocean Road in Victoria
- Mount Pleasant and Adelaide Hills in South Australia
