There are millions of used cruiser-style bikes on the market priced beneath $5,000. Whereas the perfect fashions might present some indicators of use, it is essential to know what to search for when purchasing for a used motorbike on this worth vary. Earlier than beginning your search, make a brief record of options you’d prefer to have on the bike, reminiscent of a spread of engine sizes, a windscreen, a sissy bar/backrest, or saddle luggage. Then spotlight a few of these as must-haves or deal breakers to fine-tune your search.
As soon as you’ve got recognized a particular cruiser as a possible candidate by completely studying the itemizing, zooming in on footage, and questioning something that wants clarification, it is time to see it in particular person. For those who’re not mechanically inclined, deliver alongside somebody who’s or make preparations to take it to a store. You will be making certain every thing works because it ought to and in search of any harm, in fact, but additionally checking for indicators of irregular put on within the engine, driveline, brakes, and suspension.
So far as motorbike manufacturers, sticking with fashionable names is an effective tactic, particularly for a bargain-priced cruiser. Not that among the unique manufacturers are unhealthy, however they’re normally priced larger, and lesser-known manufacturers do not present a confirmed monitor report. Plus, alternative components and repair for manufacturers on each ends of the spectrum may be costly or tough to acquire.
The Yamaha V Star 950 is a good cruiser for beneath $5k
Whereas a model new 2026 Yamaha V Star 250, with its MSRP and vacation spot cost totaling $5,449, is near our finances, the most affordable new Yamaha cruiser you should purchase in the present day is not going to make our record, not even when we discover a used one in our worth vary. Why? As a result of there are higher choices accessible, such because the V Star 950.
Positive, the V Star 250 is nice for smaller novices, however anybody who loves driving bikes will shortly outgrow its dimension and efficiency. The bigger Yamaha V Star variants present sufficient energy and luxury for long-range cruising.
The Yamaha V Star 950 fashions in our worth vary are usually 11 years previous or older and embody base and touring fashions. The V Star 950 Tourer got here with aspect luggage, a passenger backrest, and a tall windscreen, however used base fashions are sometimes retrofitted with comparable gear.
It will not be the perfect newbie bike, however Genevieve Schmitt, of Ladies Riders Now, says, “I can see the V Star 950 being a brand new favourite amongst girls, a motorbike novices will commerce as much as after spending time constructing confidence on a 250cc.”
On the r/bikes subreddit, Eddie5vs1 says they like their 2012 V Star 950 over the 1100 because of its belt drive and gasoline injection. In the identical thread, Flinx98 says they “felt the additional energy of the 1300 was a greater match, in any other case the 950 is a good cruiser.” Happening to say driving a pal’s V Star 950 “a time or two.”
The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 is a good cruiser for novices and seasoned riders
Whereas the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 can function a superb newbie bike for some newbies, it is also an important cruiser for intermediate and superior riders. Redditor TheFlyingBoxcar says the Vulcan 900 was their first bike, and after six years, it is nonetheless their solely bike. In the identical thread, srlane1987 additionally began driving the Vulcan 900, saying the bike is “straightforward to deal with and I get pleasure from driving it. 3 years for me.”
Generally, Kawasaki Vulcan 900s listed on the market on Cycle Dealer in our worth vary had been made within the 2020s. Nonetheless, normally, they will be older, with a lot of them produced within the 2010s or earlier. Vulcan 900 fashions embody the Customized, Basic, and Basic LT. The Customized mannequin contains a sportier look, whereas the Basic displays cruiser-style worthy of its identify. The Basic LT got here from Kawasaki with aspect luggage, a passenger backrest, and a windscreen, however these options are typically lacking from the LT and located on different fashions as earlier homeowners customise their bikes to suit their wants.
The Suzuki Boulevard is an reasonably priced cruiser
Looking out nationwide used cruiser listings for Suzuki Boulevard cruisers, we discover a number of 805cc C50 and M50 variants in our worth vary, but additionally a few 1,462cc C90s and 1,783cc M109R fashions. Like different motorbike cruiser fashions, the Boulevard’s two major variants, C and M, denote fashions with both Basic styling or a extra Trendy method to the cruiser look. There have been additionally touring choices from the manufacturing unit for the smaller fashions, indicated by a T on the finish and the SE Particular Version.
Whereas the bigger Boulevard variants are nice choices for riders with extra expertise, the Suzuki Boulevard C50 is an reasonably priced Suzuki motorbike appropriate for brand new riders. In 2009, Cruiser referred to as the Suzuki Boulevard C50 “the best-selling metric cruiser and ruler of the 800-class.”
On the r/bikes subreddit, sunyjim says Suzuki Boulevard C50s are “Nice dependable bikes, [with] good energy and dealing with.” After all, an even bigger bike is best suited to longer vary freeway cruising, however wRIPPERw says on the identical thread that their 2013 Boulevard C50 was “Tremendous comfortable beneath 65mph.”
A used Honda VTX is an effective cruiser priced beneath $5,000
The Goldwing will be the prime Honda for long-distance cruising, however the VTX is the perfect Honda cruiser. Used Honda VTX fashions beneath $5,000 embody the VTX 1300 and VTX 1800 fashions from the 2000s into the 2010s. Ironmorph shared their expertise with the Honda VTX 1300 after logging 100,000 miles aboard the bike in a assessment posted on the VTXOA discussion board.
Within the assessment, Ironmorph says, “The 1300 VTX has lived as much as my each expectation, and has supplied me [with] quite a lot of enjoyable, and recollections that may final a lifetime.” In addition they in contrast it to the VTX 1800, which additionally they owned, and located the 1300 to be “rather more enjoyable to trip, higher balanced, and throughout higher efficiency and gasoline mileage.”
Variations of the VTX 1300 embody C, R, S, and T trims, with completely different wheel varieties (forged or spoke), fender designs, and foot placement choices reminiscent of floorboards or foot pegs. The T-trim denotes the touring mannequin, which got here with saddlebags, however like different cruisers discovered on the used market, any VTX 1300 might be personalized at this level.
There are a number of used Harley-Davidson fashions priced beneath (or at) $5,000
Used Harley-Davidsons listed on the market in our worth vary embody most of the greatest Harley-Davidson bikes produced within the final decade. With cruiser fashions just like the Dyna, Fats Boy, Nightster, Softail, and Sportster often showing within the used listings, it is exhausting to decide on only one. Nonetheless, the Dyna mannequin exudes that traditional cruiser model. The vast majority of Harley-Davidson Dynas in our worth vary fall into the late Nineties to early 2000s vary.
Whereas a 20-plus-year-old motorbike might seem to be a nasty concept, if it has been correctly cared for over its lifetime, it’s going to be nearly as good as any used bike beneath $5K. Anonymous_2952, on the r/Harley subreddit, says the pre-2004 Dyna’s smaller frames current a bonus over the newer fashions, “making them simpler to deal with.” TwoPUMPnoChump agrees, saying, “00-02 are the go-to years!”
A used Harley-Davidson Softail is one other enticing choice for a sub-$5K cruiser, though it’s going to probably fall into the identical age vary because the Dyna. On Harley-Davidson Boards, spydyr says they really feel “married to the street on a Softail” after stripping their Fats Boy “much more than it comes inventory.”
Finally, your selection ought to rely on what provides you probably the most enjoyment. A stripped-down mannequin delivering the essence of the cruiser’s roots, or a extra snug expertise that’ll permit two-up driving protecting lengthy distances day after day.
