10 used cruisers under $6,000 perfect for leisurely driving

New cruisers are becoming quite expensive and, due to the need to meet modern emissions regulations, also more complex. If you’re longing for a simpler time, it might be time to consider buying used, which is technically a much more sustainable purchase than even the cleanest and greenest new cruisers. It also happens to be a much cheaper approach.

The only small caveat here is that if you want to keep one of these used bikes, you’ll need to be willing to do some basic maintenance yourself. Old bikes, like all other old things, need a little more love and if you keep taking them back to a mechanic, that love will add up. That said, there is a wide selection of great used cruisers for leisurely driving on the used market, all selling for under $6,000.

10

Triumph Adventurer 900 from 1996

Price range: $2,000 – $4,000

The Adventurer has a somewhat misleading name, because it actually fits the cruiser aesthetic a little more – it’s certainly not an ADV – than the equally good Thunderbird. Even though these bikes are mechanically identical, the Adventurer remains unloved and is therefore quite cheap. Triumph has come a long way in terms of reliability, but that wasn’t necessarily the case when these bikes were made. So you should give it a proper test drive before placing a bid.

Specifications

9

Kawasaki Vulcan 750 from 1996

Price range: $2,000 – $4,000

This relic of the 80’s was still active in the mid 90’s. The power delivery is, in a word, disappointing, but the underpowered nature of its V-twin means it remains reliable as long as you take care of basic maintenance. For those looking for a reliable little runabout, this is a fantastic option. It’s also comfortable enough for some light touring if necessary.

Specifications

8

1996 Harley Davidson Fatboy

Price range: $4,000 – $6,000

This 90s icon is now quite affordable, but unlike Japanese bikes, mechanical reliability is no guarantee at this price. Paying more for an example that has clearly been well cared for is your best bet, but if you’re willing to get your hands dirty, the risk may be worth the reward. On paper, horsepower is only about equal to the metric bikes, but with about twice the torque, the old Fat Boy certainly isn’t lazy.

Specifications

7

Yamaha Virago 750 from 1997

Price range: $1,000 – $3,000

Shannon’s Club

Like the Vulcan 750, this is the quintessential metric bike of the 90s, only cheaper. Its air-cooled twin is even less powerful, though, so you’ll have to embrace a slower pace. The reward is a bike that won’t let you down, is easy to maintain, powerful enough to get to highway speeds and comfortable enough to ride just about anywhere.

Specifications

6

1999 Yamaha Roadster

Price range: $2,000 – $4,000

Yamaha

With cruiser sales at an all-time high, Yamaha invested heavily in the Star Motorcycles sub-brand. It was supposed to be the ‘Lexus’ of the motorcycle world, but consumers were slowly moving away from cruisers, especially metric motorcycles. Yamaha was eventually forced to abandon the experiment altogether, but not before creating several premium cruisers. The Road Star was one of these ‘premium’ cruisers, pushing out 70 pound-feet of torque from its massive air-cooled V-twin. Today, the Road Star simply represents great value for the right buyer.

Specifications

5

2005 Triumph Rocket III

Price range: $3,000 – $5,000

Triumph

While this may seem like an odd choice for leisurely cruising, it is both inexpensive and extremely comfortable. With over 140 horsepower at your disposal, you also always reserve the right to have a little fun with a simple flick of the wrist. This is certainly not a good option for commuting, but it is huge and can be a handful at low speeds, and anything but ‘relaxed’.

Specifications

4

Yamaha V Max from 2005

Price range: $4,000 – $6,000

Yamaha

The only thing that keeps these old muscle bikes affordable is their V-Boost system. It adds top end power, but things deteriorate over time, and 20 years is a lot of time. Furthermore, this is just a fast, comfortable motorcycle that will give many sports bikes a real fright. At this price point, the potential reward is well worth the risk, but if the seller doesn’t know about “V-Boost,” then it may be time to consider another option.

Specifications

3

2007 Kawasaki Vulcan 2000

Price range: $3,000 – $5,000

Kawasaki

Like the aforementioned Rocket III, at over 800 pounds, this is a huge bike that won’t work particularly well within the confines of a city. Kawasaki was a bit optimistic when this was conceived, and it’s fair to say that the market for chrome sailboats like this had shrunk once it came out. Even today, this isn’t a desirable motorcycle, but it is very comfortable and won’t leave you wanting for more power while cruising on the highway.

Specifications

2

2011 Triumph Thunderbird Storm

Price range: $4,000 – $6,000

Triumph motorcycles

For the Storm, Triumph further expanded the displacement of the already oversized parallel twin. This resulted in an increase in both torque and horsepower. Unfortunately, large parallel twins tend to vibrate quite a bit at higher speeds. As long as you’re willing to keep it away from the upper reaches – which you don’t really need for relaxed riding – this is a comfortable, reliable motorcycle.

Specifications

1

Moto Guzzi California 1400 Custom from 2013

Price range: $4,000 – $6,000

Moto Guzzi

The only negative against the California 1400 use is the fact that it is a fairly obvious “copy-and-paste” design. There’s a pretty decent chassis underneath. When it was new, testers praised it for its neutral handling, which may not seem like much of a compliment, but none of the other bikes on this list can offer that one simple thing. They all get a little unpredictable at speed. It remains affordable largely because it’s Italian, and Italian wiring ages like milk.

Specifications