Top Cruiser Bike Brands for a Smooth Ride

Cruiser bikes are renowned for their distinctive style and comfortable ride, making them a popular choice for leisurely rides and long-distance journeys. Several brands stand out in the market, each offering unique features and superior craftsmanship. Harley-Davidson, often considered the quintessential cruiser brand, epitomizes classic American design and robust performance. Meanwhile, Indian Motorcycle and Triumph offer a blend of vintage allure and modern innovation that appeals to both traditionalists and new riders alike. Continue reading below to discover more about these top cruiser bike brands and explore their standout models.

Illustration of cruiser bikes

Best brands of cruiser bikes in 2025

Harley-Davidson

Harley-Davidson is a renowned American motorcycle manufacturer, particularly celebrated for its iconic cruiser bikes. As of 2024, Harley-Davidson holds a significant market share in the U.S., with around 19.9% of the motorcycle market, making it the second-largest player after Honda. Founded in 1903, the company boasts a rich history and a loyal following, known for its heavyweight, air-cooled cruiser motorcycles with engine displacements greater than 700 cc. Despite facing challenges in recent years, Harley-Davidson has seen a double-digit growth in sales in 2024, with Year to Date August figures at 134,597 units, indicating a strong recovery. The brand's global sales have also been bolstered by strategic partnerships, such as the one with Hero Motocorp in India, contributing to its resurgence.

Indian Motorcycle

Indian Motorcycle, founded in 1901, is a legendary brand that has fine-tuned its craft over the years, offering a unique riding experience with its cruiser bikes. Known for their excellent craftsmanship, Indian motorcycles, such as the Chief, Roadmaster, and Elite, are designed for optimal performance and feature premium technologies like Smart Lean Technology and cruise control. As America's first motorcycle brand, Indian has a rich history and continues to push boundaries in the industry. Despite the dominance of Asian brands in the global market, Indian Motorcycle remains a significant player, especially in the U.S. where it competes closely with brands like Harley-Davidson. Indian's commitment to quality and innovation ensures a thrilling ride for every enthusiast.

Yamaha

Yamaha is renowned as one of the top producers of cruiser bikes, known for its commitment to innovation, quality, and performance. The brand has been recovering its global sales, with a 5% increase in the first eight months of 2024, projecting close to 5 million sales for the year, marking the fourth consecutive increase. Yamaha's cruiser models, such as those in the Star series, are celebrated for their cutting-edge technology and reliability. The brand's strong sales growth in regions like Latin America (+8.4%) and East Europe (+60.3%) further solidify its position in the market. With a rich history dating back to 1955, Yamaha continues to push boundaries in the motorcycle industry. For more detailed sales statistics and insights, visit the Yamaha Motorcycles sales report.

Honda

Honda stands as a global leader in the motorcycle industry, particularly excelling in the production of cruiser bikes among its diverse range of vehicles. In 2023, Honda sold an impressive 18.4 million motorcycles worldwide, capturing one-third of the global market share. The brand's dominance is especially pronounced in Asia, where it holds a market share of approximately 30% in the motorcycle segment. Honda's popularity is driven by its affordable and reliable models, such as the iconic Super Cub, which has been a huge success since its introduction in 1958. With a strong presence in various regions, including North America where it holds around 15% of the motorcycle market share, Honda continues to be a top choice for motorcycle enthusiasts. For more insights on Honda's global sales and market leadership, visit the Honda sales data report.

Kawasaki

Kawasaki is renowned as one of the best producers of cruiser bikes, known for their high-performance and innovative technologies. In 2022, Kawasaki delivered 555,000 motorcycles worldwide, with the Philippines being the largest market at 209,000 units. The company's Powersports and Engine division reported significant profits, accounting for 70% of total corporate profit in fiscal 2022. Kawasaki's motorcycles are equipped with advanced technologies such as KIBS (Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Braking System) and Electronic Throttle Valves, enhancing rider experience and safety. By 2024, Kawasaki is expected to sell around 0.41 million motorcycle units globally, with a revenue of approximately USD 3.41 billion.

Suzuki

Suzuki has emerged as a significant player in the motorcycle market, particularly notable for its cruiser bikes, with a remarkable rebound in sales from 1.2 million in 2020 to 1.7 million in 2021, a 39% increase. This growth is partly attributed to its strong performance in the Chinese market, where sales doubled, and its strategic repositioning as a value-oriented brand. In 2024, Suzuki's global sales are projected to exceed 2 million, the best in the last 15 years, with an 8.3% increase in the first eight months. The brand's success in India, with a 21.1% sales increase, and its growing presence in Latin America and Europe, contribute to its robust market position. Suzuki aims to have at least 30% of its global sales come from hybrid and electric vehicles by 2024. For more detailed insights, visit the Suzuki Motorcycles data page.

Triumph

Triumph is a renowned brand in the motorcycle industry, particularly esteemed for its premium cruiser bikes. In 2022, Triumph achieved record-breaking global sales with 83,389 motorcycles sold, marking a 31% increase since 2020. The company is projected to hold a 6.5% market share in the global motorcycle industry and expects to sell around 70,000 motorcycles worldwide in 2024, a 5% increase from the previous year. Triumph also dominates the European premium motorcycle segment with a 10% market share. The brand's revenue is estimated to reach USD 0.69 billion in 2024, with a CAGR of 4.75% from 2024 to 2029. For a more detailed analysis, check out the Triumph statistics.

BMW Motorrad

BMW Motorrad, a renowned division of the German automotive manufacturer BMW, has established itself as a leading producer of cruiser bikes, boasting a rich history since 1923. In 2022, BMW Motorrad achieved a record sales figure of 202,895 motorcycles and scooters, marking a 4.4% increase from the previous year. The brand's success is underscored by its strong presence in global markets, with Asia being the largest market, receiving 46,332 units, followed by North America with 20,295 units. BMW Motorrad's R1200GS model remains one of its most successful products, accounting for a significant portion of annual sales. The company continues to expand its dealership network and product range, solidifying its position in the premium motorcycle segment. For more information, visit the BMW Motorrad official website.

Moto Guzzi

Moto Guzzi is renowned as one of the best producers of cruiser bikes, with a rich history dating back to its founding in 1921. The brand has seen significant sales growth, such as an 11.2% increase in global sales in the first half of 2013, and a 15.3% increase in 2012, defying European market trends. Moto Guzzi's models, like the California 1400 Custom, have received prestigious awards, including first place in the Cruiser category from Cycle World in 2013. The company's V85 TT model has also contributed substantially to sales, leading to a close to 25% sales increase for Piaggio's motorcycle segment in 2019. With its iconic air-cooled 90° V-twin engines and innovative features like traction control and LED Daylight Running Lights, Moto Guzzi continues to appeal to enthusiasts worldwide.

Victory Motorcycles

Victory Motorcycles, an American brand based in Spirit Lake, Iowa, was a notable producer of cruiser bikes, directly competing with Harley-Davidson. Established in 1998, Victory motorcycles gained a reputation for their V-twin engines and traditional American style, with models like the V92C and Hammer becoming popular choices among enthusiasts. Despite initial success, including achieving profitability from 2002, the brand struggled in its later years, capturing only a 2% market share by 2016. Polaris Industries, the parent company, decided to wind down Victory operations in 2017 to concentrate on the Indian Motorcycle brand. Throughout its tenure, Victory produced nearly 60 models that garnered 25 industry awards. For more comprehensive information about Victory Motorcycles, visit their Wikipedia page.