10 budget cruisers that combine style, simplicity and comfort

Imagine you are new to the cruiser motorcycle market. Chances are you’re on a budget, but you still want to check as many boxes as possible. Of these, most of us focus on the three most important things: style, comfort and simplicity. Style means you’ll turn heads, comfort means you’ll enjoy driving, and simplicity means no absurd maintenance bills. With that in mind, we’ve put together this list of 10 cruisers that strike the balance between these things. Keep in mind that neither is “perfect,” so the point here is choosing the best compromise. Let’s dive in.

Yamaha V-Star 250

Price: $4,799

There’s no denying that the V-Star is really dated. And the decades-long lack of updates backs that up quite well. At the same time, it also justifies the title very well, because it is cheap, stylish, simple and comfortable. Sure, it can’t justify the pennies with newer cruisers costing the same, but this might be the simplest and most retro option for this kind of money. There’s no MY26 model listed yet, so Yamaha could pull the plug on it soon.

Engine specifications

Royal Enfield Meteor 350

Price: $4,899

Royal Enfield

The Meteor 350 is Royal Enfield’s premium entry-level cruiser. It has stylish looks, a peppy engine, and all your basic features, all while costing less than $5,000. Sure, the color options and variants are gone for MY26, but the package is still impressive nonetheless. We also recommend this for its comfortable riding position, simple components and the ability to personalize with a handful of official accessories.

Engine specifications

Benda Chinchilla 300

Price: $4,899

Object

The Chinchilla 300 is Benda’s smallest cruiser in the US. Yet it has an impressive V-twin engine with a class-leading 30 hp. What you will also notice is the stunning design. Oversized fat tires, black mechanics and a trio of premium color schemes ensure that the cruiser leaves a lasting mark. We dare say this might be the nicest 300cc cruiser you can buy today. The only question mark here is the overall reliability and service support of such a new brand like Benda.

Engine specifications

Royal Enfield Goan classic

Price: $5,299

Royal Enfield

While the Meteor appeals to the masses, the Goan Classic aims to attract the niche group of cruiser fans. Especially bobber fans. To do that, he bends a monkey hanger on top, a one-piece saddle in the middle, and a big mudguard on the rear. This, together with the shiny color scheme, makes it an eye-catcher in every respect. The mechanical package is very simple though, as it’s all straight from the Classic 350.

Engine specifications

CFMoto 450 CL-C

Price: $5,799

CFMoto

This right here is one of the most affordable 450cc cruisers out there. It’s simple when you look at the basics, but the USP is its features and powerhouse. The former includes a fully digital TFT instrument cluster, standard dual-channel ABS and smartphone connectivity – all under $6,000. While the latter promises a push in the seat with its unique 270-degree crankshaft structure. Furthermore, you don’t have to worry about reliability here either, as CFMoto’s 450cc platform is quite well proven.

Engine specifications

Moto Morini caliber

Price: $5,999

Moto Morini

If you want comfort, style and simplicity on a budget in the middleweight segment, the Calibro is the cruiser for you. Moto Morini has knocked it out of the park with the aggressive MSRP that positions this almost 700cc motorcycle against 450-500cc rivals. You also get middleweight performance with almost 70 horsepower and 50 pound-feet. However, all other parts are simple, so there is very little to break.

Engine specifications

Napoleon Bob 500 thing

Price: $6,399

Keeway America

Style is paramount on the Napoleon Bob 500. Whether it’s the girder-type forks, the bobber saddle or the gold-on-black paint scheme, everything is designed to draw attention to the road. But apart from that, this is a simple cruiser underneath. You get 47 horsepower and 31 pound-feet like its peers here, but the party trick is the V-twin engine. That should mean a distinct driving experience compared to its parallel twin rivals.

Engine specifications

Honda Rebel500

Price: $6,799

Honda

The Rebel 500 is by far the most attractive Honda cruiser at the moment. Part of that is thanks to the highly reliable and proven 471cc parallel-twin engine. The other reason is the strong MSRP of $6,799. You can’t really get such a complete cruiser package for that price in 2025. However, we’d recommend spending $200 more on the SE. That has a few extras, which adds to the swagger.

Engine specifications

Kawasaki Vulcan S

Price: $7,649

Kawasaki

If you want a simple middleweight Japanese cruiser, the Vulcan S is your poison. It has a proven platform, the right cruising dimensions and a powerful engine (for this segment) sourced from the Ninja 650. Add to that the low-slung stance and ErgoFit ergonomics, and you really get the best in comfort and simplicity here. What it does lack a bit is style. The design has been unchanged for quite some time and Kawasaki hasn’t even bothered with basic updates like LED lighting. Yes, the Vulcan S still has a headlight with bulbs. Criminal, right?

Engine specifications

Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650

Price: $7,899

Royal Enfield

The Super Meteor recently received a price revision for MY26. But even with that, it’s a solid prospect for a 650cc cruiser. For the money you get a punchy engine, likeable features and, most importantly, impeccable road presence. The latter also goes hand in hand with a brilliant classic design, complete with lots of chrome everywhere.

Oh, and there are a few variations too. We recommend the top quality Celestial as it offers the most comfort. Extras include a backrest, a touring saddle, a windshield and a two-tone paint job. Since all variants now have the same suggested retail price, just buy the Celestial.

Engine specifications