Top 10 Muscle Motorcycles and Power Cruisers with the Highest Speed Capabilities

Cruisers are often associated with imposing but rather conservative performance characteristics, because hey, who wouldn’t like to just relax on a cruise, right? However, within this motorcycle class there is a special breed of bikes that incorporate sports characteristics to be turned into true muscle machines.

This subfamily of two wheelers takes the cruiser style of riding to a whole new level bringing hands ripping acceleration, excessive top speeds and improved dynamics. In this episode we will be presenting to you the most remarkable members of the muscle bike family!

Other episodes on #AutomotiveTerritory that you should check out:

All of the models shown in this #ATmotorcycles video:

The bikes from Arch motorcycles, owned by Keanu Reeves and Gard Hollinger, are arguably the leaders in the class of power cruisers. With the prices which kick off from $80,000 they get the most advanced tech and extremely powerful engines.

The Rocket III has always had one of the largest and most powerful engines among production motorcycles, but it appears that the new limited-edition range, Triumph Factory Customs, will be going even further.

Yamaha VMAX was introduced back in 1985. It was fully redesigned in 2009, so the current 2019 model looks almost nothing like the original. The bike’s major advantage is its 1679 cc liquid-cooled 65-degree V-four engine, that produces 200 horses and 123 lb-ft of torque.

Just like many of today’s bikes the new Diavel 1260 doesn’t fall within a particular motorcycle class, but rather creates a niche of its own. The manufacturer labels it as a maxi-naked bike with the ergonomics of a muscle cruiser.

The Ducati XDiavel is a true synergy of a sports bike and a cruiser with immense horsepower output and a comfortable riding position. With the 40 degree lean angle it is capable of impressive cornering and riding dynamics.

2019 Suzuki Boulevard M109R B.O.S.S. has most of its parts blacked-out, including exhaust system, handlebars, clutch and brakes, which make it stealthy and elegant at the same time. Powered by the 1983cc V-twin engine, it has the total output of 128 horses and 118 lb-ft of torque.

Previously a part of Yamaha’s Star Motorcycles sub-brand, the Raider entered the company’s line-up in 2008. In 2017, the motorcycle started selling under Yamaha’s name, receiving an all-black color scheme to go with its chopper-like design.

2019 Harley Davidson FXDR is the 10th Softail model in the company’s lineup. It boasts a 1868cc Milwaukee-Eight® 114 engine with 90 horses, 32.6 degrees of lean angle on each side and superb cornering capability.

Confederate Motorcycles is an American manufacturer that has been on the market since 1991 and has been recently renamed Curtiss Motorcycles. The brand currently has 3 models in its lineup, plus a 35-units limited edition Warhawk is released under the Curtiss brand.

Kawasaki Vulcan S is among the lightest cruiser is the brand’s lineup that offers easy handling and ample torque. Though it does lack power to be labeled a classic power cruiser, it deserves a place among the best representatives of the class due to its moderate pricing and fast performance.

[josephtovar]

I owned mostly sport bikes then later in life a VRod and a VMax. Sure do miss riding unfortunately a DUI driver put me in a coma and ended my 26 years of riding. Of the nine bikes I’ve owned over all the years the VMax was by far my favorite.

[alexniazy]

i love my indian scout bobber . it has good enough power and love the look of it especially the front tire, none of these bike will beat that .

[atlason]

I think the V Rod deserves an honorable mention

[syzygy]

I'm still riding my 2008 Yamaha Raider S as my main bike. It's no longer the biggest beast in its class nor the fastest, but it's still torquey as hell and handles great due to low center of gravity and perfect balance. Yamaha's solid 1854 cc engine is still the smoothest, most reliable big V-twin out there. The factory fit and finish are exceptional throughout. This bike is just plain fun to ride if you're not looking for sport bike performance. For comfortable all-day cruising you can't beat the Raider in this class of bikes, especially at $15K spanking new. Production ended in 2017 so if you find one, grab it. The Vulcan 650 S is the best cruiser made today for smaller or new riders. The engine doesn't get quite the same performance it produces on the Ninja 650 but the Vulcan's speed and acceleration are more than sufficient to satisfy most cruiser riders and the ergonomics are both excellent and adjustable. Power delivery is smooth and lively at all speeds, and cruising along the highway at 75 mph in 6th gear is effortless. The handling is light, nimble and fun. The price is a no-brainer and leaves room in your wallet for plenty of accessories.

[sharilintner]

Arch bikes have elegant beauty and unparalleled engineering by a brilliant team! Congratulations! Incredible detail to be the best at what you do! The ultimate ride!

[ironsteed]

HD 114 only pushing 90hp? For that price point it should be over 100hp to be competitive. The rocket 3 is a beast!

[LamonsterGarage]

I've owned a lot of Power Cruisers and the M109R turned out to be one of the best bikes I've owned. I have a TFC R3 on order. I love everything about that bike including the handling ride reports. I should have it Jan. 16th 2020

[RCREVIEWS]

I have a VMAX 1700, if i had to choose between all of definitely be the VMAX (197 HP) hands down, and is beautiful

[douglynn]

Nothing beats my vmax for me love the sound and feel of it

[Ludonauta]

I used to think a 650cc, 61hp bike could never be a power cruiser. Then I sat on a Vulcan S and gave it full throttle... My underwear wasn't ready for that.

[daviddaniel]

I want all of these if money wasn’t a problem, I would have all of

[musicforhealing.]

Brother.. I always love the way you explain about these machines.. ❤ You give everything you have in the videos. Why don't you try actually in person reviewing these bikes ?? 😅

[diningroomfish]

M109R 1800cc 125HP that's a motor #1 also looks awesome

[gregorytimmons]

Latest acquisition : 1980 Yamaha XS1100 and what I've been riding lately. This was Yamaha's first 4 cycle 4 cylinder inline and I'm sure they considered it an early muscle cruiser. It's geared on the low side except for 1st gear which is a bit high. Then you shift thru quite a close ratio 5 speed. With 95hp and 129mph as the top speed it's built to flex it's muscles from 0 to over 100 or something a little shy of that. With an 8500rpm red line it runs the quarter mile in about 11:50 at 114mph. 11:47 seconds was actually the fastest I have read it tested among the magazine's of the day. Of course there are big bore kits, aftermarket exhaust and hotter cams and racing carburation that can bump the performance a bit closer to contemporary figures. A good balance job on the lower end and those cams just might have it screaming to a more modern rev range too.

[wajahatali]

You should still add the Gen 1 Vmax in the list... It still makes 145 hp... More than most latest cruisers on your list ....

[gigamix]

Really really sad the Honda Magna wasn’t on this list. It doesn’t have as much power as some of the other bikes around but its handling is one of the best for cruisers.

[automotiveterritory]

Muscle bikes and big cruisers seem to have a fan base of their own. Would you like to own a motorcycle that powerful? If so, which one would you pick?

[SAVAGEable]

The Xdiavel is a weapon with its horse power to weight ratio, I’m very curious to see how the updated Rocket III performs.

[darayneneufville]

This class of bikes are my favorite i just didnt know what they were called but if i were buying a bike it would be one of those

[sathishrao]

Glad to see my Vulcan S being considered a Muscle Cruiser !!