10 Most Powerful Cruisers Under $20,000

Recently, the cruiser motorcycle segment has been spicing up to keep pace with the evolving demands of modern riders. Innovations and developments have been observed in almost all the sections, be it design, technology, electronics, or last but not least, power. The days are gone when cruisers were supposed to be low-powered machines for leisurely riding. Today, most manufacturers are increasingly equipping their machines with powerful engines to get onto the sporty and performance-oriented power cruiser bandwagon.

Typically, these powerful cruisers are characterized by a robust engine producing ample horsepower for quick acceleration. However, depending on the manufacturer, every one of these has some unique features. Now, a thought may pop up in your mind – “more power means more expensive”. You are right if you are eyeing the Ducati Diavel, but there are lots of options from top manufacturers within $20K too. If you’re wondering which ones, then this article is for you.

Looking at the data from OEM websites, and authoritative websites like Cycleworld.com and Motorcycle.com, we have created this list with the most accurate information. We have set the maximum price limit to $20K and cruisers on this list are arranged in ascending order of price.

10 Honda Rebel 1100T DCT

Base MSRP: $10,699

The Honda Rebel 1100T has a commanding presence because of its all-blacked-out styling, unique fuel tank design, and front fairing. Featured with two hard saddlebags as standard, the 1100T is a great choice when it comes to a usable cruiser that’s also fast. While the 27.5-inch seat height makes this bike approachable, the narrow tank/seat junction allows the rider to get on and off easily and have a firm footing at stops.

Adhering to the nature of Japanese engineering, the Rebel 1100T is equipped with an array of electronic rider assistance features. For example, to facilitate fatigue-less longer rides, cruise control is a standard feature. Additionally, the DCT takes care of gear shifting for you when set on automatic mode. A throttle-by-wire system with four levels of torque control and four engine power modes is also part of the package.

Engine Specification

(Sourced from Honda)

Power comes from a twin-cylinder engine with a Unicam design. This engine has proven its worth in the Africa Twin and offers plenty of low-end torque. The two cylinders of the engine are featured with different camshaft profiles and ignition timing to enable more power production. As per Honda, it’s 50 percent higher than some cruisers of its class.

9 Harley-Davidson Nightster

Base MSRP: $11,999

The Harley-Davidson Nightster marks a new chapter for the iconic Sportster line, embracing a more modern and performance-oriented approach. This new design maintains the traditional cruiser silhouette with a round headlamp, dual rear shocks, and a low-slung seat. The slim teardrop-shaped fuel tank in front of the seat reminds us of the old Sportster model, but it’s not a fuel tank, it’s an air-box cover. The real fuel tank is under the seat.

Comfort hasn’t been sacrificed in the pursuit of performance. The Nightster boasts a 27.1-inch seat height, making it accessible to riders of various statures. Mid-mounted foot controls provide a comfortable riding position for both cruising and aggressive riding styles. Standard safety features like ABS and traction control ensure a confident ride.

Engine Specification

(Sourced from Harley-Davidson)

At heart lies a potent Revolution Max 975T engine. With a compression ratio of 12:1 and electronic fuel injection, the engine offers optimal power delivery across the rev range. Selectable ride modes let you adjust the throttle response as per the riding conditions.

8 Indian Scout

Base MSRP: $13,249

The Scout is one of the most popular models of the American brand. A true timeless champion, the Scout debuted in 1919 and was designed by Isle of Man TT racer/engineer Charles B Franklin. The slim design and incredible durability of the Scout captured riders’ hearts instantly, which continues to this date.

The present Scout features a heritage-inspired design with touches of modernity. Draped in chrome at the right places, the look is completed with a teardrop tank, high handlebars, and fat tires at both ends. The plush two-up riding seat is only 25.6 inches high. This, together with a lightweight frame, allows for confident and easy riding. Standard ABS and a hidden USB charging port in the instrument cluster are the modern essentials this bike offers.

Engine Specification

(Sourced from Indian)

Other than the look, the Scout is also a standout cruiser when it comes to performance. The V-twin at its heart delivers punchy acceleration and impressive power, the latter being higher than any other cruiser in the 1,200cc category. The engine runs smoothly, and the peak torque comes in at just 5,900 RPM, so no matter which gear you are in, punchy acceleration follows the moment you twist the throttle.

7 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster

Base MSRP: $13,995

Let’s taste the authentic British cruiser recipe. Visually, the Bonneville Speedmaster is nothing like American and Japanese cruisers. Rather, it is carrying its own identity of British custom style inspired by the Triumph cruisers of the 1960s. However, the Speedmaster is equipped with modern abilities and a premium finish, which makes it an attractive choice to consider.

The Speedmaster model has likable handling characteristics and comfort. It comes with large-diameter Showa forks along with a high-spec monoshock. This results in superb performance, complemented by excellent braking powered by Brembo dual discs at the front and a single disc at the rear. Last but not least, the rider seat is featured with lumbar support and thick foam. A laid-back rider triangle and forward-placed footpegs further enhance the comfort quotient.

​Engine Specification

(Sourced from Triumph)

The 1200cc engine at its heart offers a faster response than the previous model, because of the significant weight reduction of key components. The engine has effortless acceleration at any gear with a smooth linear power curve. A 270-degree firing interval offers incredible low-to-mid-range torque and the maximum horsepower arrives at just 6,100 RPM. Cruise control, ride modes, and traction control are the standard rider assistance features.

6 BMW R18

Bass MSRP: $14,995

The R 18 is the testimony of BMW’s signature inclination towards sophistication. The low and elongated bodywork takes inspiration from the pre-war R5 motorcycle, particularly the round headlamp, fuel tank, and amazing fish-tail mufflers. Additionally, the black paint with chrome details and the horizontally opposed cylinder heads bulging outside elevate the robust look of the bike.

The R18 carries the unique twin-cylinder engine in the cruiser universe. Popularly known as the Boxer engine, the cylinders of this engine are placed horizontally, hence the pistons inside move in the fashion of boxers throwing punches. This 1,800cc engine is the largest displacement and torquiest Boxer ever built by BMW. The 180-degree orientation of the opposing cylinders balanced on either side of the crankshaft lends itself to excellent primary balance and low vibration.

Engine Specification

(Sourced from BMW)

On the tech side, the R18 maintains a classical attitude with minimum tech interference. The most notable one is the standard Automatic Stability Control. This system eliminates rear wheel spin by reducing the amount of engine drive torque transmitted to the rear wheel in critical riding conditions. Other than this, there are three riding modes, namely Rock, Roll, and Rain, to adjust power delivery as per the riding condition.

5 Suzuki Boulevard M109R B.O.S.S

Base MSRP: $15,599

Blacked Out Suzuki Special – this is what the abbreviation B.O.S.S stands for. This abbreviation denotes the blacked-out styling of the engine, mufflers, and wheels. Certainly one of the most stylish cruisers on the market, the M109R is revered for its muscular stance with iconic headlight nacelle and slash-cut mufflers.

Beneath the intimidating exterior beats a V-twin featuring one of the largest forged pistons ever used, measuring 4.4 inches. The engine, powered by Suzuki’s sophisticated fuel injection and engine control technologies, produces enormous torque across the RPM range. Despite this, the ride stays remarkably smooth, thanks to finely crafted features such as the Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve system for optimal inlet pressure and the Suzuki Advanced Sump system for steady oil supply during strong acceleration.

Engine Specification

(Sourced from Suzuki)

To handle the enormous power and offer agile handling, the bike is given a high-tensile steel double cradle frame. This frame works in harmony with the race-proven suspension system to deliver a sporty performance at any speed. The 18-inch wheels are equipped with dual disc brakes at the front and a single disc at the rear to provide excellent stopping power.

4 Harley-Davidson Sportster S

Base MSRP: $16,999

When Harley-Davidson decided to join the sporty cruiser trend, it did it with a bang. Harley breaks all its traditional design stereotypes here, with a slim headlamp instead of the regular round, fat front tire, and flat-track-inspired minimalistic tail; undoubtedly, a fresh slate design. You will feel the power even without twisting the throttle.

At heart, there’s Harley’s performance-oriented Revolution Max engine. It’s the same engine that powers Pan America, but re-tuned to produce 121 horsepower here. Like a true sporty machine, the engine is the structural component of the chassis, which reduces overall weight and helps in easy handling. Embracing modernity, there are three pre-programmed power modes, but giving importance to the rider’s choice, customizable power modes are also there. These allow you to adjust throttle response, traction control, engine map, and engine braking.

Engine Specification

(Sourced from Harley-Davidson)

The touch of the new age design concept can also be seen on the deck, which has a 4-inch TFT dial. You can connect to your smartphone via Bluetooth using the H-D app. A USB-C port is also there for phone charging and system updates. Rider safety features such as a cornering-enhanced anti-lock braking system (C-ABS), cornering-enhanced traction control system (C-TCS), and drag-torque slip control system (DSCS) are also standard.

3 Indian Chief Dark Horse

Base MSRP: $18,499

Like the Scout, Chief is another iconic cruiser from Indian, and the Dark Horse trim elevates the oomph factor with a premium gloss-black finish from fender to fender. The stock design elements consist of bobbed fenders, exposed rear shocks, and machined cast wheels. Powering this beauty is a Thunderstroke 116 engine producing a massive 120 pound-feet of torque. It’s equipped with closed-loop fuel injection and ride-by-wire to offer a quick throttle response and fast acceleration. Elevating the riding experience, cruise control is a standard feature on this bike with ride modes to accommodate your riding preference. And when stopped, the rear cylinder deactivates to save your legs from heat.

Engine Specification

(Sourced from Indian)

This classic-styled cruiser has a pretty modern infotainment system. Featured with a 4-inch touchscreen and Ride Command connectivity, this system seamlessly integrates with your smartphone via Bluetooth. Use your smartphone freely for music and navigation because a USB charging port is also present.

2 Kawasaki Vulcan Vaquero

Base MSRP: $19,099

Kawasaki has the Vulcan Vaquero in its cruiser-bagger lineup. The design amalgamates the comfort and conveniences of a bagger with the size and weight of a standard cruiser. With a full fairing and standard hard saddlebags, this cruiser weighs 844.5 pounds, about a hundred pounds heavier than the Suzuki Boulevard.

The fully-faired front provides excellent wind protection and elevates the luxurious look of the bike. Also, this fairing houses 40-watt speakers with a SiriusXM radio-compatible audio system. Adding more convenience, the side-mounted saddlebags provide ten gallons of storage space each and are lockable and waterproof.

Engine Specification

(Sourced from Kawasaki)

Powering this beauty is a V-twin engine that rolls the rear wheel with a carbon-fiber-reinforced belt. With the help of electronic throttle valves, this engine delivers a high level of torque across the rev range with a distinct V-twin rumble. Plus, the Vaquero comes with standard cruise control, so just listen to your favorite music and don’t care much about the throttle.

1 Harley-Davidson Low Rider S

Base MSRP: $19,999

The H-D Low Rider S is the epitome of classic American cruising style with a modern twist. Its striking blacked-out design with contrast wheels exudes a menacing presence on the road, while the iconic tank graphics once carried by early H-D race bikes pay homage to the brand’s rich heritage. The minimalistic design elements, such as the solo seat and chopped fenders, create a lean and mean silhouette, perfectly complementing the bike’s sporty character.

With this attractive appearance, the Low Rider is packed with features that offer a superb riding experience. Behind the minimalistic fairing, there is a 4-inch analog tachometer and digital speedometer. The LCD also informs about gear level, trip, and estimated range. You also get an LED headlamp and circular turn signals.

Engine Specification

(Sourced from Harley-Davidson)

Powering the Low Rider is a thunderous Milwaukee V-twin engine. It delivers an impressive 125 pound-feet of torque. With the distinct V-twin rumble of Harley motorcycles, this engine ensures exhilarating acceleration and effortless cruising, creating a perfect balance between classic power and modern efficiency.