10 Most Overlooked Cruiser Motorcycles That Will Last A Lifetime

With so many great cruisers on the market today, it is pretty easy to overlook a couple of the less fancied bikes. Some have been in production for a long time, and others just don’t get much of the marketing budget anymore. One way or another, they continue to get overlooked. Although cruisers are generally reliable – with an emphasis on style as opposed to performance – some have proven to be significantly more reliable than others.

The key ingredients are build quality and under-stressed engines. While there is no defining reliability rating for motorcycles, a combination of staying power and minimal owner complaints give us a pretty good idea about which bikes currently on the market have the potential to last a lifetime. So with that in mind, we've shortlisted these 10 offerings that hit the mark.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites, including Honda and Kawasaki, as well as other authoritative sources. The motorcycles on this list are rated according to MSRP.

2025 Harley-Davidson Low Rider S Front Action

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Triumph Bonneville Bobber

MSRP: $13,995

Triumph Motorcycles

Triumph’s tried and tested big bore parallel-twin has proven to be one of the most reliable engines the brand has ever produced. It is relatively under-stressed, tuned for low-end torque as opposed to horsepower. The Bobber still has more than enough power for what is a relatively light frame by cruiser standards. Build quality is arguably the best in the industry at the moment, too.

Specifications

Engine Type	Parallel-Twin, liquid-cooled
Displacement	1200cc
Max Torque	78 LB-FT
Transmission	6-speed
Weight	553 lbs

Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom

MSRP: $9,899

Kawasaki

The Kawasaki Vulcan range has been around for decades, and the 900 has now been a mainstay in the lineup since 2006. The styling has received a few updates here and there, but the engine has remained largely unchanged. It is a motorcycle with immense staying power. The Custom comes with a 21-inch front wheel, drag bars, and blacked-out finish to differentiate itself from its chrome-clad siblings.

Specifications

Engine Type	V-Twin, liquid-cooled
Displacement	903cc
Max Torque	58 LB-FT
Transmission	5-speed
Weight	611 lbs

Honda Rebel 1100

MSRP: $9,599

Honda

Honda launched the Rebel 1100 fairly recently compared to some of the other bikes on this list. But its big bore parallel-twin has been in production for quite some time. It certainly isn’t going to “melt your face” with its torque delivery, although there is more than enough power to get a move along. Naturally, being a Honda, it offers an impeccable reliability record.

Specifications

Engine Type	Parallel-Twin, liquid-cooled
Displacement	1084cc
Max Torque	72 LB-FT
Transmission	6-speed
Weight	542 lbs

Rider on a 2025 Honda Rebel 1100 SE

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Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic

MSRP: $9,399

Kawasaki

While the Custom offers buyers a more modern cruiser, those after something a little more traditional can opt for the Classic. Unlike other manufacturers that charge more for bikes with retro appeal, Kawasaki went the other way here with the Classic, which comes in at $500 cheaper than the Custom. This year, it also gets a particularly attractive Phantom Blue paint job.

Specifications

Engine Type	V-Twin, liquid-cooled
Displacement	903cc
Max Torque	58 LB-FT
Transmission	5-speed
Weight	620 lbs

Yamaha Bolt R-Spec

MSRP: $8,999

Yamaha

If you were to ask any old Sportster owner what the key to reliability might be, the answer would almost certainly be simplicity. It doesn’t get much more simple than an authentic air-cooled V-twin. Yamaha essentially made its version of a Sportster, which is also in a fairly low state of tune, and just a fraction more reliable. It is often criticized for its lack of personality compared to those older air-cooled Sportsters, but it will certainly appeal to a certain kind of rider.

Specifications

Engine Type	V-Twin, air-cooled
Displacement	942cc
Max Torque	59 LB-FT
Transmission	5-speed
Weight	542 lbs

Honda Shadow Phantom

MSRP: $8,699

Honda

The Shadow boasts a timeless design, an authentic V-twin, and Honda build quality. While there is a lot to like about the bike, many still dismiss it because it will never win any spec sheet war. Even the air-cooled Bolt makes more torque. But, if you are willing to do things a little slower (which is to say “cruise”), then the Shadow Phantom should be on your radar. It offers fantastic value, and finally got ABS last year.

Specification

Engine Type	V-Twin, liquid-cooled
Displacement	745cc
Max Torque	48 LB-FT
Transmission	5-speed
Weight	553 lbs

Kawasaki Vulcan S

MSRP: $7,399

Kawasaki

Kawasaki's simple but effective Ergo Fit system makes this an attractive option for new riders, but in truth, it is way more than just a beginner-friendly motorcycle. The Ninja-derived 650 engine has been around forever and has proven itself near indestructible in that application. So in this marginally lower state of tune, it will almost certainly last forever. Naturally, this is on the sporty side, but if you are after a modern cruiser on a budget, you can’t really go wrong with the Vulcan S.

Specifications

Engine Type	Parallel-Twin, liquid-cooled
Displacement	649cc
Max Torque	46 LB-FT
Transmission	6-speed
Weight	492 lbs

2023 Kawasaki Vulcan S

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Honda Rebel 500

MSRP: $6,499

Honda

Honda’s 500cc parallel twin finds a home in every type of motorcycle, from the CBR500R sports bike all the way to the NX500 adventure bike. As is the case with the other Honda cruisers on this list, reliability isn’t even a debate, but it is the build quality of the Rebel that really makes a difference. It is down on power compared to most of the direct competition, but that is very much the Honda way, willing to let go of a few horses in the name of reliability.

Specifications

Engine Type	Parallel-Twin, liquid-cooled
Displacement	471cc
Max Torque	32 LB-FT
Transmission	6-speed
Weight	408 lbs

Kawasaki Eliminator

MSRP: $6,499

Kawasaki

Much like the Vulcan S, this will be on the sporty side. While Kawasaki will profess the fact that it has an “all-new” engine, it is just an old Ninja 400 engine with a little more displacement. Suffice to say it will not please those looking for a more traditional cruiser, but for anyone after a lightweight, reliable cruiser, it will not disappoint.

Specifications

Engine Type	Parallel-Twin, liquid-cooled
Displacement	451cc
Max Torque	32 LB-FT
Transmission	6-speed
Weight	388 lbs

Yamaha V Star 250

MSRP: $4,799

Yamaha

Frankly speaking, you will never find a V Star 250 with a ton of miles on the clock. This is a fun learner bike that simply gets handed down from one generation to the next. Its simple air-cooled engine is also great for those interested in learning how to work on a bike, or at least do their own maintenance, and if you look after it, your grandchildren will be able to learn how to ride on it too.