This guide is regularly updated to reflect the latest models. Last updated April 2026.
Cruiser-style motorcycles are based, for the most part, on the designs of American-made machines from the 1930s. These were the big Harley-Davidson and Indian motorcycles with low saddles, fat tires, and gracefully sculpted fenders and gas tanks.
Today, the beginner-friendly cruiser market offers a number of good choices, from lightweight singles to approachable middleweights with enough performance for commuting, weekend rides, and building real confidence. Here, we pick five cruiser models that still make excellent first motorcycles today, followed by a look at a few older machines that remain worth considering on the used market.
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Two Quick Tips When Buying a Beginner Cruiser
Choosing one for a beginner rider depends on a number of factors, including overall stature; being able to comfortably put feet flat on the ground to support the bike is important.
Seat height and weight matter more than you might think
Engine size is always part of the conversation, but cruisers can be deceptive motorcycles. A bike with a low seat can feel reassuring at a stop, yet a heavier cruiser may still be difficult to manage when pushing it around a driveway or maneuvering in a parking lot. For that reason, beginners should pay close attention not only to power, but to overall weight and how the motorcycle feels beneath them at low speed.
Benefits of buying used the first time out
Here are several machines for a beginner to consider, with a mix of new and old. Why a mix? While a brand-new motorcycle might seem like a good idea, purchasing a used bike can be a much less expensive proposition. Plus, adding a scratch or a dent won’t be a heartbreaker – and that will eventually happen. As well, an older machine provides an opportunity for a neophyte motorcyclist to learn some basics of motorcycle maintenance.
Honda Rebel 300 / Rebel 500
- Low, confidence-inspiring seat height
- Light, easy-to-manage feel
- Smooth, predictable power delivery
Few motorcycles have done more to welcome new riders into the cruiser fold than the Honda Rebel. The original Rebel earned its place decades ago by being simple, light, and unintimidating, and the modern Rebel 300 and Rebel 500 continue that tradition with a much more contemporary look and a more refined ride.
The smaller Rebel 300 is especially appealing for beginners who want a low seat height, manageable power delivery, and a motorcycle that feels easy to handle at parking-lot speeds. The larger Rebel 500 brings added highway comfort and more relaxed passing power without becoming an overly demanding first bike. Both models keep the stripped-down cruiser stance intact, and both are easy machines to live with day to day.
For riders just starting out, that combination of approachable ergonomics, predictable power, and Honda reliability is difficult to argue with. Whether one starts on the 300 or chooses the more versatile 500, the Rebel remains one of the safest bets in the category.
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Yamaha V-Star 250
- Very lightweight and easy to handle
- Classic cruiser ergonomics
- Simple, unintimidating power
Small-displacement cruisers are not as common as they once were, which makes the Yamaha V-Star 250 something of an outlier in today’s market. But for a new rider who values light weight, a low seat, and friendly road manners over outright speed, this little Yamaha still makes a very strong case for itself.
Its 249cc v-twin engine gives it a more traditional cruiser character than many entry-level motorcycles, and its styling still looks properly custom-inspired rather than merely basic. The V-Star 250 will not overwhelm a rider with power, but that is precisely the point. It offers enough performance for learning, commuting, and short weekend rides while keeping the overall experience unintimidating.
There is also something to be said for a straightforward motorcycle that does exactly what it promises. The V-Star 250 remains one of the lightest and most approachable cruisers available, and for some beginners that simplicity is its greatest strength.
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Kawasaki Vulcan S
- Adjustable fit for different riders
- Strong but manageable engine
- Comfortable for longer rides
Not every beginner rider wants the smallest bike available, and that is where the Kawasaki Vulcan S fits in so well. Though it is a larger and more powerful machine than the smallest cruisers on this list, it remains one of the more sensible step-up options for a new rider who wants something they can grow into rather quickly.
The Vulcan S uses a 649cc parallel-twin engine and pairs it with a low seat height and a riding position that feels more manageable than the numbers alone might suggest. Its real advantage, however, is flexibility. With Kawasaki’s Ergo-Fit setup, different riders can tailor the bike more closely to their stature, which is no small benefit when comfort and confidence are still being developed.
It is not the lightest or most traditional cruiser here, but it has enough performance to stay satisfying well beyond the beginner phase. For riders who know they will spend time on faster roads or simply want a cruiser that feels a little less limiting as skills improve, the Vulcan S is one of the strongest choices in the segment.
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Royal Enfield Meteor 350
- Low seat and relaxed riding position
- Easygoing, forgiving power delivery
- Approachable size with classic feel
Royal Enfield has become increasingly difficult to ignore in conversations about beginner motorcycles, and the Meteor 350 is a large reason why. It does not chase maximum power or flashy numbers. Instead, it leans into the traditional virtues of motorcycling: an easygoing engine, an unintimidating demeanor, and styling that looks handsome without trying too hard.
Powered by a 349cc single-cylinder engine, the Meteor 350 is the sort of machine that encourages a rider to slow down and enjoy the experience rather than fixate on outright pace. Its low seat height and manageable proportions help make it welcoming for novices, and its classic cruiser silhouette gives it an authenticity that many modern entry-level bikes lack.
For the new motorcyclist who wants a first cruiser with genuine character and an easy manner about it, the Meteor 350 is a very appealing modern option. It feels old-school in the right ways while still being a current, accessible motorcycle.
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Honda Shadow Phantom
- Low seat height with stable feel
- Smooth V-twin power delivery
- More substantial cruiser presence
For riders who want a more traditional midsize cruiser from the outset, the Honda Shadow Phantom deserves a spot on the shortlist. It is a larger motorcycle than the Rebel 300, V-Star 250, or Meteor 350, but it offers a classic V-twin cruiser feel without straying into heavyweight territory.
The Shadow Phantom’s low seat and easygoing nature make it more approachable than some newcomers might expect, and its blacked-out styling gives it a cleaner, more modern look than many old-school cruisers in this class. It is the sort of motorcycle that feels substantial, planted, and grown-up, yet it does not demand the same level of commitment as a larger-displacement American V-twin.
That said, this is a cruiser better suited to the beginner who already knows they want a full-sized motorcycle and is comfortable handling a bit more weight. For that rider, the Shadow Phantom can be an excellent first long-term buy rather than merely a stepping stone.
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Past Picks Still Worth Considering Used
Not every worthwhile beginner cruiser is still in production. Some of these were among our past picks, and while they’ve disappeared from current lineups, they remain attractive choices on the used market thanks to low seat heights, friendly power delivery, broad parts support, or simply years of proven service. If you are shopping used, the following motorcycles are still worth a look.
Suzuki Savage / Boulevard S40
Used prices today:
USD: ~$2,000 – $4,000
CAD: ~$2,700 – $5,500
- Lower end = older/high mileage
- Clean later models (2015–2019) can push upper range
- Still one of the cheapest “real cruiser” entries
Much like the Honda Rebel, the Suzuki S40 traced its roots back to the mid-1980s and built a loyal following by being uncomplicated, compact, and easy to manage. Powered by a 652cc single-cylinder engine, it delivered a relaxed riding experience with enough torque to feel like a proper cruiser without becoming an overly serious motorcycle.
The S40 is no longer a current showroom staple, but used parts remain easy to find and the bike’s straightforward design still appeals to riders who want a simple first cruiser. A good used example can still make a sensible buy, particularly for someone who values low purchase cost and mechanical simplicity over modern features.
Yamaha Virago 535
Used prices today:
USD: ~$1,500 – $3,500
CAD: ~$2,000 – $4,700
- Lower end = rough condition or needing maintenance
- Well-kept examples are getting harder to find
- Budget for tires, fluids, and general upkeep
Perhaps no other machine influenced the Japanese cruiser market more than the Yamaha Virago. Introduced in the early 1980s, it helped define the category with its low stance, v-twin engine, and custom-inspired silhouette. Of the various displacements offered over the years, the Virago 535 remains one of the more interesting used-bike options for a novice rider.
Its 535cc v-twin engine and shaft drive made it a durable and distinctive motorcycle, and used examples still turn up for reasonable money. As always, condition matters. An older motorcycle may appear inexpensive at first, but replacing tires, fluids, batteries, and neglected wear items can quickly change the math. Still, a well-kept Virago 535 remains a charming first cruiser with genuine period character.
Kawasaki Vulcan 500
Used prices today:
USD: ~$2,000 – $4,000
CAD: ~$2,700 – $5,500
- Lower end = higher mileage or cosmetic wear
- Clean examples hold value and sell quickly
- A strong all-around used option with highway capability
The Kawasaki Vulcan 500 was long regarded as one of the more practical used beginner cruisers, and that reputation was well earned. Produced for many years, it paired a 498cc parallel-twin engine with comfortable proportions and enough performance to handle everyday riding with ease.
Compared with some small-displacement beginner bikes, the Vulcan 500 always offered a little more substance and a little more versatility, especially for riders who expected to spend time on faster roads. It is no longer a current model, of course, but it remains a very reasonable used option for the new rider who wants an older cruiser that can still do a bit of everything.
Harley-Davidson Iron 883
Used prices today:
USD: ~$4,500 – $9,000
CAD: ~$6,000 – $12,000
- Lower end = older (pre-2014) or higher mileage bikes
- Newer, clean models (2016–2022) command premium pricing
- Strong resale value driven by brand and customization appeal
The Harley-Davidson Iron 883 was, for many years, one of the most recognizable entry points into the Harley brand. Its low seat, compact proportions, and enormous aftermarket support made it a frequent recommendation for riders who wanted a genuine American cruiser with strong visual appeal and a broad support network behind it.
It is no longer part of the current Harley-Davidson lineup, but that does not mean it should be ignored. Used Iron 883 models remain plentiful, parts support is excellent, and there are few motorcycles with a deeper customization culture attached to them. New riders should simply bear in mind that, while approachable in some ways, the 883 is still a relatively heavy motorcycle and may feel more substantial than the smallest bikes in this guide.
There you have it, five good current options to get you started, plus a few older machines that still make sense if you are shopping the used market. But before buying your first cruiser, keep these tips below in mind.
