5 Budget Friendly Cruiser Motorcycles for 2024

If you are in the market for a budget friendly motorcycle for 2024, I have a list of 5 budget friendly motorcycles to compare. All of the motorcycles are under $15,000 MSRP in the U.S., some are even under $10,000 brand new.

Check out my list and leave a comment to tell me what should have been here.

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[tomyoung]

I just bought a Kawasaki Vulcan S, 2023 model, wanted something lighter and more agile than the bigger cruisers I used to ride, low seat, ninja 650 engine, liquid cooled, 6 speed, affordable, can easily add accessories for touring without breaking the bank. Love it.

[stephenmundane]

Royal Enfield Super Meter 650 -- a middle weight cruiser well under $10K.

[chevyons]

I’d bump the C50 off the list and replace it with the Honda Shadow aero 750. Under $8k msrp, a little less power BUT weighs less than the C50. Shaft drive too, easy and cheap to maintain, plus it’s a HONDA which at least in my area has far better dealer support and resale value than Suzuki. And a fair bit of aftermarket support as well for the aero.

I put over 18k miles on a shadow 750 (older carb’d model) and it was a real joy to get started on. Super easy to ride and forgiving, good MPG, and decently comfortable on longer rides.

[dcstrng]

Pretty good summation... Not sure what all the fascination is with eighty-two gazillion horsepower on something called a cruiser, but was nice to see reasonable numbers in this list. I think many "cruiser" riders see bikes that are closer to what we used to call bar-hoppers, but that's life... I'm more in the extended distance riding, so 50-60 hp is plenty -- no tire-shredding burn-outs for me... The Suzuki and the Honda have both earned their stripes... Had both a Kawa-Nomad and Harley-Evo cruiser and put 100K+ miles on both of them, so really enjoy the large, slow-turning genre... current bike is a TC Softail, so far so good -- never have paid over $10K for a bike, from the late 60s, so you know I'm a bottom-feeder, but there is a lot to like in the reasonable end of things... Enjoyed your vid...

[stevena]

I sold my HD Road King and bought a Rebel 1100T DCT last year. I love the Rebel. A lot of power and 300+ lbs. lighter than the HD. The Rebel also gives me the option to shift manually which is a plus. I liked the Road King while I had it, but they’re kind of like riding an overstuffed recliner.

[will.I.AmonYT]

IMHO, the DCT is a game changer. I almost passed on my Goldwing because I wanted the 6 speed…but I’m glad to decided to give it a try. At my age, and after switching gears for over 30 years, letting the bike take care of that for me is a pleasure!!!

[rickseiden]

I love my 2003 Honda Shadow Spirit. It's "only" a 750, but even when I was almost 300lbs, there was enough power for me. The current Shadow Aero with ABS is a 745 V-Twin is $8, 249.

[kornklone]

Man...the Boulevard is so underrated. Can find them used at a steal and I have never ridden a more reliable bike. You just cant go wrong. I have my Harley and I still enjoy my Bully to this day. It's awesome.

[JeffMackay]

I bought a Rebel 1100DCT last May--first bike I've owned in a bit over 40 years. I'm more than happy with the performance and especially the handling. I made a few mods so far: handlebar risers, Mustang seat, Memphis fairing, and bigger foot pegs. Because it's a DCT, I've never stalled. Ever. But learning how to maneuver it at low speeds was a learning experience. That learning experience made riding so much more enjoyable for me. I did, however, have to learn the hard way that it's a bad idea to forget you have it in Drive, and rev the engine.

[billb]

I have a scout 60 and the horsepower and torque are comparable to the cheaper bikes reviewed here. Its cheaper than the Scout by a couple thousand dollars and is a better comparison to the others listed and still looks great. Loving it too. Great low cost cruiser.

[johnnylightning]

I probably have my last motorcycle at 69 years young but I will say I am not sorry I bought a Harley-Davidson Ultra in 2007. As you said the service at the dealership has always been excellent, the parts are easy to come by and probably the most important thing for me as someone who's main thing is touring there are dealers everywhere. And one more thing the fit and finish is second to none. Keep the good stuff coming buddy.

[robertmann]

I’m one of those Harley guys you’re talking about. I have a soft tail Heritage Classic. It’s a step up from the Standard and I do love the sound of the Milliwalkee 8. I also agree that my local Harley has created a culture. Hosting events every weekend. I’m also a part of the H.O.G. Chapter. Been on a lot of great rides with that group and made a lot a long time friends. I still like the other bikes on the list but for me Harley.

[ErickNagy]

HD owner here. I would say that the HD has the worst cost x benefit of the list. The Honda Rebel 1100 is the best one, followed by the Indian Scout. The HD MSRP can be around 15K, but when you add all the dealership BS fees it will be 2-3K more, either buy used or go for the other bikes. My 2 cents.

[ezpoppy]

I love my 2020 Scout ABS! It’s a phenomenal ride, and the classic lines never fail to turn heads and draw compliments.

I’ve modified it from stem to stern. Headlight, floorboards, grips, fly screen, Stage 1 airbox, 2-into-1 exhaust and reflashing, shift/brake controls, saddlebags, sissy bar and luggage rack… Looks great and rides even better! And a shout out to C&E Indian in Auburn, CA. Great dealership!

Nice review of all the options for those looking for affordable rides, Kevin (and i agree on your top choice!).

Ride safe, all.

[jimroach]

Well, I feel honored. I own an Indian Scout for all the same reasons you mentioned. Mine is gray with the tan saddle. You are correct about the options both from Indian and the after market. I have had a number of bikes over the years and the scout is by far my favorite. Thanks for validating my decision.

[quebird]

I notice you didn't mention the Kawasaki 900 Vulcan. I think it should sit right next to or included with the Suzuki C50. You also didn't mention that staying under 1000cc gets lower insurance rates.

[tomhepple]

I think best bang for the buck is used.. most have little miles but great prices. I got a 2005 Yamaha Roadstar 1700 for only $3500 only had 20k. Many people I know are over 100k miles some close to 200k miles still going strong

[edwardsenesac]

That Scout looks amazing and solid! It is good that you are pointing-out that one does not need to purchase a large cc bike to be "cool." There is a trend at present towards lower cc and more maneuverable bikes for an urban environment as the country becomes more urban and the younger generations are trending moving urban.

I have a SuperCub 125 in Japan and it is fantastic! I am able to park with bicycles in many cases and on the road in Osaka I can pass taxis while fitting in anywhere with no stress. When parking, just get off and even pick up the rear wheel to scoot it over a little. So much basic fun!

In Miami I just purchased a Moto Guzzi V7 Stone 853cc. It is ideal all-round and even some highway. There are many accessories available anywhere as the model has been around since 1967. $9, 000 for a hand-built Italian motorcycle with a long heritage (without chain maintenance!).

My big BMW 1650cc sits with a cover on it as it is a hassle to jump on to go to the store or a cafe. I find I have nowhere to go long distance these days.

So, these small, affordable, basic bikes I think are the most fun. Much of that is less fear from heavy weight and less fear if stolen or damaged as they are under $10k. Great strides have been made in a few short years in the industry with low cost bikes that are a tremendous value and look good too.

[martinrichard]

Hello Kevin. Merry Christmas 🎁. I will be taking my Triumph Thunderbird and Honda CB 1100 RS, probably for a last ride this weekend as the weather in the UK is not so good and the roads are being salted. My all year round riding days are in the past. Thanks for your content this year and God bless as you ride into 2024. 🏍️ and I'll see you down the 🛣️

[mikeskidmore]

There is quite a difference between Retail Price and the Price to ride a bike off from the show room floor with Sales Tax, Registration, Destination fee, and set up fee in all Brands.
I would suggest looking for a late model low milage used bike as a good starting point before you get the shock of the ready to ride home price from a Stealership. Granted most of them have a lot of overhead.