Top Entry-Level Cruisers for 2023

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Low seat heights, user-friendly powerbands, and easy handling make for an appealing entry-level ride. (American Honda/)

Entry level. Beginner bike. Those phrases—and the stigma that comes with them—usually describe a lot of low, lightweight, and small-displacement motorcycles, but however you want to view it, new riders have to start somewhere. That means learning to ride on a machine that’s low enough to inspire confidence, light enough to maneuver easily, and most importantly, one with an approachable and user-friendly powerband. Of course, affordability matters too.

With those qualities in mind, it’s easy to see why plenty of cruisers—especially in smaller displacements—often appear on lists of entry-level machines, so we decided to break down which of those actually make good beginner bikes for folks new to the sport. Our recommendations are based on bikes we’ve actually ridden, but we also include a few of the newer models on the market; all are currently available in the US.

More roadster than cruiser, Royal Enfield’s new Hunter 350 makes the list thanks to its newbie-friendly weight and easy manners. (Royal Enfield/)

2023 Royal Enfield Hunter 350 | $3,999

Royal Enfield makes a number of bikes that would qualify for this list, and the Hunter 350 is more roadster than cruiser, but we’re picking it for three reasons: easy operation, low weight, and low price. It’s new to the US market this year too.

The attractive semi-retro styling, quick handling, neutral riding position, and versatile 350cc engine (originally used in the Classic 350 and Meteor 350) are other reasons to give this single a shot; in our review we praised the Hunter’s relatively low 31.1-inch seat height and 399-pound claimed curb weight (22 pounds less than the Meteor), which made it feel “effortless to ride at low to moderate speeds,” plus ABS is standard.

The bike’s peak outputs of 20.2 hp and 19.9 lb.-ft. of torque might seem underwhelming, but for a new rider, those numbers are sure to make the ride enjoyable rather than intimidating. The Hunter’s layout should also fit a wide range of riders, so if you’re in the market for an accessible, stylish runabout with loads of character, this bike warrants your attention.

Royal Enfield’s traditionally styled cruiser, the Meteor 350, has the same engine as the Hunter, but a bigger tank and lower seat. (Royal Enfield/)

2023 Royal Enfield Meteor 350 | $4,699

The Meteor 350 is the more classically styled of the two Enfields on our list, but it uses the same SOHC 349cc air/oiled-cooled engine as the Hunter. The Meteor’s retro vibe hits on the usual cruiser styling cues, with a rounded 4-gallon fuel tank, pullback bars, and deepish fenders covering spokelike wheels. Newbies will love the well-padded seat that sits just about 30 inches high, and while the single-cylinder engine isn’t going to blow anyone away with its 17.4 hp output (as tested on the Cycle World dyno), its immediate torque and flat torque curve make the power accessible, providing an accessible, easy ride. A relaxed rider triangle, standard ABS, LED taillight, and included Tripper navigation system also make for a compelling feature list. Wet weight is listed as 421 pounds.

Given its retro styling, a balanced ride quality, accommodating ergos, and an affordable price point, the Meteor can appeal to a huge range of new riders. If no-frills cruising is your jam, this is a simple and stylish way to get into riding motorcycles.

An air-cooled, carbureted V-twin in this day and age? Yamaha’s long-running V Star 250 should appeal to new riders and old-timers alike. (Yamaha Motor Corp./)

2023 Yamaha V Star 250 | $4,699

The perennial entry-level cruiser? Yamaha has been cranking out the bare-bones V Star 250 for over 15 years now (even longer if you count the Virago 250—essentially the same bike), and at this point it’s a bona fide classic. The air-cooled carbureted V Star 250 has changed relatively little in that time, but that’s what makes it so appealing as a beginner bike as well as a commuter (if you’re not going far and don’t need to go fast). The fairly lightweight cruiser might not break any land speed records, but it is a good option if you are looking for an inexpensive bike with unabashedly cruiser style and easy operation.

Weighing just 326 pounds soaking wet, the Yamaha V Star has an air-cooled 250cc V-twin mill good for around 15 lb.-ft. of torque, while the short 27-inch seat gives it a low center of gravity and should be accommodating to all but the tallest newbs. We’re not gonna lie; the bike has some performance and design limitations, but those on a tight budget and little riding experience will find much to like here.

The Rebel 300 is easy to recommend, thanks to its low seat height, solid build quality, and easy-to-access power. (American Honda/)

2023 Honda Rebel 300 ABS | $5,049

Ever since it was a mere 250, the Honda Rebel has featured prominently in the beginning-bike landscape, due mostly to its ubiquity in MSF riding schools across the country. In its present-day 300/500cc form, it continues to impress with its user-friendly manners, accommodating ergos, neo-retro styling, and affordability.

The Rebel 300 gets its motivation from a 286cc single, but the mill’s quick-revving nature is appealing to all who ride it, even at a horsepower peak of just 25 hp. The mild-mannered nature of the liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine will appeal to riders just starting out, but its snappy acceleration will keep any pilot engaged as they gain confidence. The 300′s (and Rebel 500) super-low 27.2-inch seat height also goes a long way toward boosting the confidence of shorter riders as they learn their way on two wheels.

The Rebel 300′s firm telescopic fork and twin shock setup also gives it a surprisingly sporty quality, and with a light clutch pull, LED lighting, and a light weight (a measured 372 pounds) you’re looking at a great choice for all but the tallest of new riders.

Which Rebel do you want? The 500 is a consistent entry on our entry-level cruiser list, but it can make more experienced pilots grin too. (American Honda/)

2023 Honda Rebel 500 ABS | $6,749

Another perennial, the middle child of the Rebel family is probably our favorite due its impressive balance of power, style, accessibility, and of course, price. As with the 300, the Rebel 500′s styling leans more modern than classical, which is a nice change-up from the usual cruiser cues, and the lean 471cc parallel-twin engine sports a user-friendly powerband, while contemporary features like full LED lighting, a slipper/assist clutch, and optional antilock braking system make for an attractive feature set. The Rebel 500′s parallel-twin engine (compared to the single in the 300) was good for 40.8 hp at 7,900 rpm on our dyno; that’s not earth-shattering, but it makes for a plenty entertaining ride for newbies and vets alike. With a 408-pound wet weight that’s carried low, the bike also feels lighter than it is and handles well.

The low seat height and versatile ergonomics give shorter riders confidence and taller riders a bit more room than you’d expect. The 500′s approachable power, low seat height, and nimble handling earns this Rebel yet another top slot on the entry-level cruiser list.

Kawasaki has brought back the Eliminator nameplate, this time in a cruiser-styled 450cc model. (Kawasaki Motor/)

2024 Kawasaki Eliminator SE ABS | $7,249

The newest bike here was released to the US market a mere month ago; Kawasaki’s all-new Eliminator is a fresh entry in its cruiser lineup. Coming in three trims, the Eliminator features a liquid-cooled 451cc engine derived from the 399cc parallel twin found in the Ninja 400 and Z400. Similar to the Honda Rebels, the Eliminator uses a steel-tube frame with a twin-shock rear end, but it rolls with an 18-inch front and 16-inch rear wheel for a more traditional stance. It’s lightweight too; the base model rings in at a claimed 388 pounds, while the tarted-up SE model (shown), which gets a nose cowl, fork gaiters, and more tech, comes in at 391 pounds. A 3.4-gallon fuel tank helps keep the bike compact, and the seat is a low 28.9 inches (28.1-inch and 30.1-inch versions are also available). Although it’s a cruiser, the Eliminator employs mid-mounted pegs rather than forward controls, which makes for a relaxed, upright riding position. LED lighting, ABS (optional), and an assist/slipper clutch and a digital dash with Bluetooth connectivity also make the list of convenience features that should appeal to riders new or old.

Not your average traditionally styled cruiser, the Vulcan S emphasizes performance over retro looks. (Kawasaki Motor/)

2023 Kawasaki Vulcan S ABS | $7,899

From a performance perspective, it’s hard to find fault with Kawasaki’s versatile light-middleweight cruiser. For under $8,000, you get semi-classic styling hiding a

fun-loving 649cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin motor, trellis frame, and other modern tech that set it apart from the more classically styled bikes on this list.

The Vulcan S comes in three versions—the base S, the S ABS, and the S Cafe—but all get the same parallel twin, and each also employs the very cool Ergo-Fit system, which allows multiple adjustments of the seat, footpegs, and handlebar. The liquid-cooled 649cc engine delivers a linear powerband and a broad torque curve that won’t spook beginners, but you can wick it up with ease when you need to. On the Cycle World dyno, we clocked 53.5 hp at 7,150 rpm and 42.7 lb.-ft. of torque at 5,650 rpm, which provides ample motivation. Add an easy-to-reach 27.8-inch seat and 498-pound wet weight, you can see the Vulcan S’ appeal, especially for a new rider.

Classic cruiser looks, five speeds, and a very, very low seat make the Scout Sixty a nice option for new big twin fans. (Indian Motorcycle/)

2023 Indian Scout Sixty | $11,749

The Indian Scout Sixty’s über-low 25.6-inch seat is probably what new riders will focus on first, but they shouldn’t be intimidated by the bike’s 78 hp, 999cc engine either. While it’s true the Sixty is essentially a five-speed, 1,000cc version of the bigger 1,133cc Scout, it’s much more accessible. You still get the requisite wide seat with forward foot controls, relaxed ergos, attractive retro styling, and solid build quality—and the reduced power output makes for a much less aggressive ride. Don’t get us wrong, the liquid-cooled V-twin still revs up plenty quick and the claimed peak torque of 65 lb.-ft. gives you grunt galore, but achieving highway speeds is a mellower, lower-rev affair.

Despite a heavy 543-pound weight, handling is predictable, and for riders looking for a big twin American cruiser with a low seat height, the Sixty’s $10K+ tag makes it a good entry point between Indian and Harley models. (We feel the less-expensive Bobber Sixty with its lower suspension doesn’t offer the same performance as the Scout.)

Harley’s liquid-cooled Nightster brings a low seat height, easy handling, and a host of safety features like traction control and ABS. (Harley-Davidson/)

2023 Harley-Davidson Nightster | $13,499

You might not expect a 481-pound, 975cc bike to make a list of entry-level cruisers, but the Harley-Davidson Nightster packs a host of features that’ll appeal to newbs and seasoned vets alike. Seat height is an approachable 27.1 inches, but light handling is the chief appeal here, and the Nightster’s Revolution Max 975 engine is easy to manage, delivering strong acceleration and plenty of power through the midrange (horsepower is a claimed 90 hp, more than enough for any newb).

Despite the Nightster’s polarizing styling, it’s objectively better than the outgoing Evolution-powered Iron 883, which somehow seemed to make every entry-level list; and that bike was heavy, down on power, and not known for its handling prowess. The Nightster bests it in suspension travel, weight (it’s 80 pounds lighter), and power (78.5 hp versus 46.7 hp on the CW dyno), plus it adds a host of electronic rider aids like power modes, traction control, and ABS, all while keeping the seat height just half an inch taller than the Iron.

True, the Nightster’s lofty $13,499 MSRP might not be easy to swallow, but then it is also one of the more sophisticated bikes here.

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