In the mid-80s, Yamaha launched a particularly unusual motorcycle. Although it was a cruiser by definition, with relaxed ergos and a comfortable seat, it had more power than any of today’s superbikes. The V-Max wasn’t necessarily the first mass-produced muscle bike, but it became the benchmark for almost 20 years.
The muscle bike concept hit the mainstream by the ’00s, and other manufacturers were finally able to match the V-Max’s impressive power figures. During this period we got one incredible muscle bike after another. Although muscle bikes have re-emerged in a niche space, they are still able to turn heads wherever they go.
In order to provide you with the most current and accurate information, the data used to compile this article was collected from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources including KBB. Buying a used motorcycle has always involved an element of risk, so do your research and proceed with caution. The motorcycles on this list go from oldest to newest.
2002 Harley Davidson VRSCA V-ROD
Price range: $3,000 – $5,000
In an effort to add a proper halo model to the lineup, Harley-Davidson enlisted the help of Porsche to build this liquid-cooled V-Twin. Unfortunately, it was not well received at launch. Indeed, it alienated the loyal fanbase that loved air-cooled Harleys so much, and for the most part it failed to resonate with younger buyers who would rather buy a cheaper, more powerful bike from Japan. Today it represents somewhat of a bargain on the used market.
Specifications
Engine type | V-Twin, liquid cooled |
Displacement | 1131cc |
Max Power | 115 hp |
Transfer | 5-speed gearbox |
Weight | £619 |
2005 Triumph Rocket III
Price range: $3,000 – $5,000
As much as looks are always subjective, the first generation Rocket III may be one of the ugliest motorcycles ever built. But that mattered little to those who bought it in the mid-00s, because back then you bought it for the engine. At the time, it was the largest displacement engine ever placed in a production motorcycle. It was also one of the most powerful. It’s also surprisingly heavy and cumbersome in traffic, but works great as a tourer.
Specifications
Engine type | Inline-three, liquid cooled |
Displacement | 2294cc |
Max Power | 144 HP |
Transfer | 5-speed gearbox |
Weight | 807 pounds |
2005 Yamaha V-Max
Price range: $4,000 – $6,000
The first generation was the benchmark muscle bike for literal decades. Although extremely powerful, these bikes are far from perfect. It was equipped with a complex V-Boost system, which will eventually fail. It’s a time-consuming thing to fix if you’re willing to do the work yourself, and very expensive if you’re not. As a rule, if the bike is running a little rough and the seller isn’t willing to allow a test ride, walk away (the same can be said for most bikes).
Specifications
Engine type | V4, liquid cooled |
Displacement | 1198cc |
Max Power | 140 hp |
Transfer | 5-speed gearbox |
Weight | 624 pounds |
2007 Kawasaki Vulcan 2000
Price range: $2,000 – $4,000
The Vulcan 2000 was launched just before the aforementioned Rocket III and ever-so-briefly held the title for largest displacement motorcycle in production. It weighs as much as the average touring bike at full fury and will be equally bad at dealing with city traffic but equally good on the highway. While it is not as powerful as some of the other bikes, it is much less desirable and almost always cheaper.
Specifications
Engine type | V-Twin, liquid cooled |
Displacement | 2053cc |
Max Power | 116 hp |
Transfer | 5-speed gearbox |
Weight | £820 |
2009 Suzuki Boulevard M109R
Price range: $4,000 – $6,000
It’s quite hard to believe the M109R has been around for so long, and at this price it’s quite tempting. But no matter how much these high-performance bikes may tempt you, it’s important to be aware of the fact that they are also known to develop transmission problems over time. A good test drive will be the order of the day, and if it slips out of second gear you already know why it’s for sale.
Specifications
Engine type | V-Twin, liquid cooled |
Displacement | 1783cc |
Max Power | 128 hp |
Transfer | 5-speed gearbox |
Weight | 764 pounds |
2011 Ducati Diavel
Price range: $5,000 – $7,000
Older V-Twin Ducatis aren’t known for being the most reliable, and any bike in its first year of production is always going to have a few issues as well. This happens to have both strikes against it, but that Superbike V-Twin is outrageously powerful and offers tremendous value for the money. Of course, they’re priced that way for a reason, and that’s because pretty much every gremlin in town is in the electrical system. It’s one of those things that doesn’t show up until you least expect it, or most need the bike.
Specifications
Engine type | L-Twin, liquid cooled |
Displacement | 1198cc |
Max Power | 162 HP |
Transfer | 6-speed gearbox |
Weight | 527 pounds |
2012 Yamaha Vmax
Price range: $7,000 – $9,000
The second generation VMAX represents one of the best buys on the used market. In 2009, the VMAX received a pretty thorough update, including fuel injection, which necessitated the infamous V-Boost system. So far these bikes have proven reliable, but more on the muscle bike point, incredibly powerful. These bikes are still more powerful than several new superbikes.
Specifications
Engine type | V4, liquid cooled |
Displacement | 1679cc |
Max Power | 200 hp |
Transfer | 5-speed gearbox |
Weight | 683 pounds |
2014 Harley-Davidson V-ROD Muscle
Price range: $8,000 – $10,000
By 2014, Harley was divisive in its final generation. Until fairly recently, these old muscle bikes sold for as much as $15k, but values ​​have plummeted over the past year or so and now offer a pretty decent value. It’s still an uncomfortable bike to ride, forcing you into the infamous feet-and-arms-forward position, so giving it a little too much throttle will test your grip strength. A set of aftermarket mid controls should help alleviate this problem.
Specifications
Engine type | V-Twin, liquid cooled |
Displacement | 1247cc |
Max Power | 122 hp |
Transfer | 5-speed gearbox |
Weight | 640 lbs (dry) |
2017 Ducati XDiavel S
Price range: $12,000 – $14,000
Oddly enough, some riders complained that the original Diavel looked a bit too much like a naked bike and wasn’t quite “cruiser” enough for them. You’d think that would be the least of their worries, but here we are. Ducati obliged and gave us the xdiavel with more relaxed ergos that make it feel like you’re on a more traditional cruiser. It still gives us over 150 horsepower, so there’s still plenty of muscle to go around.
Specifications
Engine type | L-Twin, liquid cooled |
Displacement | 1262cc |
Max Power | 154 hp |
Transfer | 6-speed gearbox |
Weight | 514 lbs (no fuel) |
2020 Triumph Rocket 3 R
Price range: $12,000 – $14,000
The muscle bike market may have cooled down over the years as buyers gravitate toward more versatile, travel-oriented motorcycles, but the Rocket III is still here. The new bike is quite expensive, but a 5 year old example costs almost half as much these days. Apart from a few minor cosmetic differences, this is more or less the same 180 hp monster.
Specifications
Engine type | Inline-three, liquid cooled |
Displacement | 2458cc |
Max Power | 180 hp |
Transfer | 6-speed gearbox |
Weight | £699 |
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