10 Powerful V-twin Cruisers That Aren’t Harleys

Powerful V-twin cruisers; hearing this, the first name that shoots up in our heads is Harley-Davidson. And rightfully so. For decades, Harley has produced some incredible cruisers; even its present lineup is crowded with a number of beautiful beasts with robust Milwaukee power figures.

But Harley’s competitors are not far behind. And by competitors, we are not talking about only the home players, like Indian motorcycles. Major brands from Europe and Japan have also launched their brilliant offerings with incredible power outputs as well as other features that can go head-to-head with Harley machines.

In fact, with the increasing popularity of cruisers among riders, manufacturers have pushed up their R&D game and are coming up with unforeseen results. For example, the Ducati Diavel. However, to make this discussion fair and square, we will limit our examples to V-twin-powered cruisers only. Because all the bikes in Harley’s ‘cruiser’ lineup are powered by a V-twin engine. So, let’s dig it up and see what gems are hidden there.

Looking at the data from OEM websites, as well as authoritative websites like motorcycle.com and cycleworld.com, we have put together this list with the most accurate and relevant information. The motorcycles on this list were rated from the lowest horsepower to the highest. The baseline power output considered was from the good old H-D Sportster 883, a cruiser now discontinued, but that had just enough low-end grunt to be a fun and nimble v-twin motorcycle.

10 Honda Shadow Phantom

44.9 Horsepower

The Honda Shadow Phantom is a blacked-out bobber with a mean stance and a powerful V-twin engine. Featured with a pullback handlebar and a low-slung seat, this bike elevates your daily style statement by several degrees.

The 2024 model is upgraded with all LED lighting which elevates its modern cruiser stance. However, in terms of instrumentation, it is still a simple and easy cruiser with analog gauges housed inside a pod on the fuel tank. The powerful engine is equipped with programmed fuel injection that ensures hassle-free cold starting and responsive power delivery.

Engine Specification

(Sourced from Honda)

Power goes to the rear wheel through a shaft final drive, which provides smooth, efficient power delivery and low maintenance. The latest Phantom comes with disc brakes on both wheels, but ABS is an optional extra.

9 Kawasaki Vulcan 900

50 Horsepower

The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 is a classic cruiser with a detailed paint job and a premium fit and finish. This model is available in three variants: Classic, Custom, and Classic LT. Chrome finish to blacked design, all are there, depending on the variant you choose.

Looking at the design, you may feel the shadow of the H-D Softail because this bike was launched as a competition to the latter and gained popularity because of its low price tag. But there are other factors behind its popularity. The first is obviously its attractive design with a low seat and extra-wide rear tire.

Engine Specification

(Sourced from Kawasaki)

The 903 cc V-twin at its heart delivers tractable power, and the full torque is available at only 3,500 RPM, which ensures smooth low-speed cruising. The more you go up the trim ladder, the Vulcan 900 will keep getting better with custom styling, a windshield, saddlebags, and a passenger backrest.

Model Highlights

• A 7-way adjustable spring preload ensures comfortable travel.
• The Kevlar-reinforced belt final drive gives the bike a clean look and also saves on maintenance.
• The 26.8-inch seat height makes this bike approachable and easy to handle.

8 Honda Fury

53.7 Horsepower

At first glance, the Honda Fury seems like an unlikely Japanese cruiser. Its radical custom styling, complete with a teardrop tank, stretched rake, extended wheelbase, and hardtail rear, looks like something crafted in an American chopper workshop, not a Honda factory.

Yet peek beneath the glossy facade, and the Fury’s Japanese heritage appears. Nestled inside is Honda’s largest displacement V-twin ever offered on a production cruiser, pumping out palpable power and massive torque, now harnessed by modern fuel injection.

Engine Specification

(Sourced from Honda)

Transferring power to the rear wheel is a low-maintenance shaft drive, good for trouble-free cruising. Handling remains responsive thanks to the high-tensile steel frame, while the extremely low seat height provides both maneuverability around town and easy flat-footing at stops.

Model Highlights

• Well-engineered functional design, one of a kind on the market.
• Sufficiently powerful engine for a chopper.
• Impeccable attention to detail.

7 Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber

64 Horsepower

V-twin cruisers from European manufacturers are not very common compared to their American and Japanese counterparts. However, we have found one, and it’s from an Italian Moto Guzzi. Following the Italian tradition, the V9 is crafted with minimalist design language, and the major attraction of its look is the gigantic 16-inch front and rear wheels with complementing spokes.

The complete matte black paint job on the body, engine, and exhausts gives it a stealthy look. Moto Guzzi did justice to much-acclaimed Italian artistry by mindfully placing the eagle-shaped DRL in the middle of the round headlamp. The passenger saddle is removable, and the use of lightweight steel and aluminum makes this bike easy to handle.

Engine Specification

(Sourced from Moto Guzzi)

The transversely placed V-twin engine produces responsive power and torque with a fuel economy of 48 MPG. The full LED light package, LCD dashboard, MGCT Moto Guzzi Traction Control, and double-channel ABS are some other attractive features of this bike.

Model Highlights

• All LED lighting (LED turn signals are not included in the US model).
• 462.9 pounds of curb weight is pretty lightweight in the V-twin cruiser segment.

6 Yamaha Bolt-R Spec

65 Horsepower

In a world of hi-tech cruisers, the Yamaha Bolt R-Spec reminds us of the primal joy of a classic cruiser powered by a muscular motor, wearing an iconic style, and not much else. One look at its iconic teardrop tank, solo saddle, and overall retro styling transports you back to cruising’s glory days.

The centerpiece V-twin hides modern performance behind its old-fashioned facade, churning out torque-rich power from basement revs; max torque hits at just 3,000 RPM for unruffled around-town rideability. The engine pulls hard through the 5-speed box all the way up to a 106 MPH top speed. Approachable and affordable, yet packing a serious attitude, the Bolt R-Spec sticks to simplicity as cruising’s core virtue.

Engine Specification

(Sourced from Yamaha)

Unencumbered by elaborate electronics, the only concession to modernity is ABS-augmented disc brakes. It’s just you, the road, and the throttle; the essence of what makes motorcycling so fun.

Model Highlights

• A lightweight design and low seat height make it approachable for riders of all sizes.
• Large twin rear shocks ensure a comfortable ride.
• Sleek and modern design with classic cruiser looks.

5 Indian Super Chief Limited

79 Horsepower

The American motorcycle manufacturer and closest competitor of H-D, Indian Motorcycles, has some incredibly powerful cruisers in its repository. The Super Chief Limited is one such example. Powered by the manufacturer’s renowned Thunderstroke engine, this beast pushes out enormous torque at every gear level.

With incredible power, this cruiser is also ready for longer rides with standard high windscreens, saddlebags, and floorboards. Designed for a laid-back riding posture, standard two-up seating, and forward-mounted foot position, this is one of the complete cruisers available on the market. The traditional design language also gives space for modern essentials.

Engine Specification

(Sourced from Indian)

The classic round gauge on the dash houses a 4-inch full-color touch screen powered by Ride Command. Apart from vehicle information, this screen gives you access to navigation, ride modes, and managing your Bluetooth-connected devices.

Model Highlights

• The bike comes with standard saddlebags.
• Keyless ignition and LED lighting are also standard features.

4 Kawasaki Vulcan Vaquero

81 Horsepower

The Kawasaki Vulcan Vaquero is a full-scale bagger cruiser with a performance-oriented design and equipment. This cruiser is intended for long-distance, comfortable riding with every convenience provided for the rider.

The large frame-mounted fairing provides excellent wind protection, and the standard cruise control offers comfort on long stints of highway riding. Kawasaki’s advanced co-active braking technology is also a standard feature on this bike, along with standard ABS, to provide excellent stopping power.

Engine Specification

(Sourced from Kawasaki)

Power comes from a big V-twin engine, which rolls the rear wheel with a carbon fiber-reinforced belt. This bike also excels in the entertainment part; the dash is garnished with 40-watt speakers with SiriusXM radio compatibility.

Model Highlights

• Ideal brake force distribution (K-ACT) evokes confidence while riding.
• 20 gallons of storage space is super convenient for long tours.

3 Indian Scout

95 Horsepower

The iconic Scout definitely deserves a mention on this list. One of the longest-standing models in the Indians’ lineup, the Scout is incredibly stylish, with lots of chrome shine, fat tires, and dual exhausts. Because of its low seat height and comparatively lightweight design, this cruiser appeals to a wide range of riders.

The V-twin engine at its heart delivers superb power whenever you twist the throttle with a range-wide grunt. Like the Super Chief, the Scout also comes with a two-up riding seat with standard passenger footpegs. The Scout retains its classic charm with an analog dash but carries the essentials for modern riding.

Engine Specification

(Sourced from Indian)

For example, there is a hidden USB to not harm the traditional feeling while addressing the requirement of a charged smartphone for navigation. Similarly, ABS is a standard feature on this bike.

Model Highlights

• Auto-canceling turn signals is a standard feature.
• Premium Pirelli tires on both wheels.
• Lots of accessories are available for customization.

2 Suzuki Boulevard M109R

128 Horsepower

Reigning as the alpha boss of Japanese V-twin cruisers, the Suzuki Boulevard M109R oozes muscular character. Its rakish lines terminate in slash-cut pipes that flaunt the M109R’s performance chops. Sporting a glass-sparkled black skin with contrasting chrome details on the engine and exhaust, the M109R is a sight to behold.

Available standard as a single-seater, a dual saddle is optionally available for two-up touring. Underneath the menacing facade pulses a V-twin with 4.4-inch forged cylinders, which are among the biggest ever put into production. Fed by Suzuki’s advanced fuel injection and engine control systems, the monumental motor churns out massive torque across the rev range.

Engine Specification

Yet a surprisingly smooth ride remains, thanks to finely engineered features like the Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve system for optimized inlet pressure and the Suzuki Advanced Sump system to ensure consistent oil supply during hard acceleration or braking.

1 Buell Super Cruiser

175 Horsepower

The Super Cruiser from Buell is set to launch in the 2025 model year, but it is already creating buzz in the cruiser town because of its claimed horsepower. The Super Cruiser will be the first cruiser-type motorcycle by Buell with a minimalist, stripped-down design.

Buell has also claimed that it will be the fastest cruiser powered by a V-twin. If all these claims come true, then this bike is going to disrupt the cruiser status quo and will be in direct competition with Harley’s Breakout and Sportster S.

Engine Specification

Buell has not revealed much information about their first cruiser, but the manufacturer has hinted that this bike will have an ideal rider triangle. The Super Cruiser will run on 17-inch wheels wrapped with Dunlop tires.

Model Highlights

• A scooped seat design with a low seat height will ensure comfy riding.
• A TFT instrument cluster and electronic rider aids are expected.