Kawasaki Mean Streak -- 74 horsepowerKawasaki embarked on a bold venture into big-displacement cruisers around the mid-2000s, creating along the way some of the most powerful machines in its history. While some companies squeeze every bit of power they can out of mid- or low- displacement bikes, Kawasaki was an adherent to the bigger is better ethos. Out of that philosophy was born the Mean Streak. Japan clearly understood Harley-Davidson's appeal. While the American company has had its ups and downs, there is something people love about its V-twin-powered cruising style. In an attempt to break into that segment of the market, Kawasaki introduced its Vulcan line in the mid-1980s. Initially a mid-sized cruiser, over the years Kawasaki kept building on the line with added displacement, generating some very competent cruisers in the meantime.The Mean Streak 1500 cc edition appeared in 2002. Its 1,552 cc V-twin four-stroke engine made 73 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 93 lb-ft of torque at 2,500 rpm. It might not dazzle in terms of horsepower compared to super sport bikes, but it was low, lean, and as mean as advertised. Besides that, the joy of a twin is in the torque.Kawasaki kept the Mean Streak going until 2009 when it dropped it from its lineup. If a big, mean V-twin with a low rumble, plenty of pull, and an MSRP well below its Harley competition is in your future, the used market has plenty to choose from. Yamaha Raider 1900 – 100 horsepowerIn recent years, Yamaha has largely bowed out of the cruiser-style bike in favor of half-naked streetfighters and a shifting sportbike strategy. While the 942 cc Bolt R-Spec presents some respectable performance statistics, we reach back a few years to its Star line to find enough power to make this list.The Raider undoubtedly pulls inspiration from the heyday of the American chopper motorcycle. In the words of the author's father, it's a "wannabe" –- as in it aspires to be a Harley-Davidson. Despite that, there's plenty to appreciate the attitude of the Raider — even for dedicated Harley enthusiasts. If wanting to be a Harley-Davidson truly was behind the design ethos of the Raider, it does an admirable job. A six-degree raked front end, chrome everywhere, a devilishly curved exhaust, and a big, loud V-twin engine check most of the Harley boxes. The Raider was no slouch in the power department either. The 1,854 cc pushrod V-twin is something any Harley fan would enjoy as long as it had the right brand name emblazoned on the side. A five-speed transmission, wet clutch, and 46 mm front forks with over 5 inches of travel give it all the ingredients for a smooth, powerful cruising experience. The 2015 Yamaha XV 1900 Raider SE put out 100 fuel-injected horsepower at 4,250 rpm and 124 lb-ft of torque at 2,500 rpm.Honda Gold Wing -- 120 horsepowerSpeaking of Honda's flat-six engines, the year 2025 marked the 50th anniversary of Honda's venerable Gold Wing. More than just a cruiser, the Gold Wing has been the gold standard of long-distance touring for decades. But you sure can cruise on it, too. Just set the cruise control, settle back on the plush leather seating, and enjoy the ride blasting your favorite tunes. It is the old Cadillac of the motorcycle world, big, luxurious, and the gold standard for touring. Unlike many of the cruisers on this list, the Gold Wing eschews the V-engine configuration in favor of the low center of gravity and balanced power delivery of a flat-six. The 1,833 cc horizontally-opposed six-cylinder makes 120 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 126 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm. That's plenty of power, even for a bike that weighs 856 pounds in the top-tier Tour Airbag DCT trim.The Gold Wing is all about being manageable and comfortable to ride, which sets it apart from some of the more visceral motorcycles dotting this list. It incorporates a slew of life- and ride-enhancing widgets, including a reverse gear, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wireless integration, a full fairing, and (shudder) an available automatic transmission. Wherever you land on the cruising spectrum, the Gold Wing offers the top cruising experience for those who want to rack up the miles on multi-day road trips.