Middleweight cruisers strike a perfect balance between comfort, style, and performance. They provide the laid-back ride cruisers are known for, but in a size and weight that’s more manageable for everyday riding. Whether you’re navigating city streets or taking on a weekend road trip, these machines have you covered. Below are five of the best middleweight cruiser motorcycles that deliver power, style, and character in spades.
The Best Middleweight Cruisers: My Top Picks
1. Honda Shadow Phantom: The Dark Horse
The Honda Shadow Phantom is a cruiser that gets straight to the point: timeless looks with a dependable heart. Its matte black finish gives it an undeniably sleek, stealthy appearance. Underneath its subdued exterior is a 745cc V-twin engine that purrs with enough power for most riders. Honda’s reputation for reliability shines through here, ensuring that the Shadow Phantom doesn’t just look good—it performs when it counts.
With a low seat height of 25.8 inches, the Shadow Phantom is welcoming for both new and experienced riders. Its broad handlebars and mid-forward foot controls provide a comfortable, upright riding position, ideal for longer rides. What really sets this bike apart is its predictability. There are no surprises—just smooth, consistent power delivery and a suspension setup that handles city streets with ease. If you’re looking for a no-nonsense cruiser that blends classic style with modern engineering, the Honda Shadow Phantom is hard to beat.
Price: $8,399
Honda’s Website
2. Suzuki Boulevard C50: The Segment Stalwart
The Suzuki Boulevard C50 adds a touch of elegance to the middleweight cruiser category. With a retro-inspired design, whitewall tires, and plenty of chrome, this bike harkens back to cruisers of the past. Its styling is matched by an 805cc V-twin engine that delivers ample torque, making it a solid performer whether you’re cruising the boulevard or hitting the highway.
One of the Boulevard C50’s standout features is its smooth ride. The bike comes equipped with an advanced suspension system that soaks up bumps with ease. Combined with its wide seat and floorboards, you’ll feel like you’re floating down the road. Suzuki’s engineers also designed this bike with ease of use in mind—the power comes on smoothly, making it a great choice for riders of all skill levels. The Boulevard C50 is a cruiser that delivers both in the looks department and on the road, making it a strong contender in the middleweight segment.
Price: $9,299
Suzuki’s Website
3. Kawasaki Vulcan S: The Comfort Fit
When it comes to versatility, the Kawasaki Vulcan S leads the middleweight cruiser pack. With its 649cc parallel-twin engine borrowed from Kawasaki’s sportbike lineup, the Vulcan S is a cruiser that knows how to get moving. But what really sets the Vulcan S apart from the competition is its customizable ergonomics, thanks to Kawasaki’s “Ergo-Fit” system. Riders can adjust the seat, foot pegs, and handlebars to suit their body type, making this bike incredibly comfortable no matter your height or riding style.
The Vulcan S is also one of the more performance-oriented bikes in this segment. Its engine delivers a sporty punch, especially in the mid-range, allowing you to overtake traffic with ease. It handles twisty roads better than most cruisers, thanks to its agile chassis and nimble steering. If you’re looking for a middleweight cruiser that can do a bit of everything—from daily commuting to weekend joyrides—the Kawasaki Vulcan S is a top choice.
Price: $7,399
Kawasaki’s Website
4. Yamaha Bolt R-Spec: The Baddass
The Yamaha Bolt R-Spec takes the minimalist approach to cruiser design, offering a stripped-down look that’s all about the ride. With its 942cc V-twin engine, the Bolt R-Spec provides plenty of low-end torque, making it a joy to ride in stop-and-go traffic or on long stretches of open road. The bike’s “bobber” styling—characterized by a low profile and solo seat—gives it an aggressive, streetwise appearance that appeals to modern riders.
But it’s not just about the looks. The Bolt R-Spec is built to perform. Its dual rear shocks with piggyback reservoirs provide a surprisingly smooth ride, even on rough surfaces. The upright seating position, combined with mid-mounted controls, ensures that you stay comfortable during long hauls. Yamaha has managed to strike a fine balance between form and function, delivering a cruiser that not only looks cool but also rides like a dream.
Price: $8,899
Yamaha’s Website
5. Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650: The Budget-Friendly Style Icon
Royal Enfield has long been known for its classic motorcycles, and the Super Meteor 650 brings that heritage into the middleweight cruiser world with modern flair. At the heart of this machine is a 648cc parallel-twin engine, which offers a smooth and refined ride. It’s not about brute power here; instead, the Super Meteor 650 focuses on delivering a relaxed, easy-going ride that’s perfect for cruising through town or taking a scenic route on the open road.
What sets the Super Meteor 650 apart is its retro-inspired design. The round headlight, teardrop fuel tank, and wide handlebars evoke memories of classic cruisers from decades past. But beneath that nostalgic exterior is a thoroughly modern machine, with fuel injection, disc brakes, and ABS as standard features. The ride quality is plush, thanks to its well-tuned suspension, and the low seat height makes it accessible for a wide range of riders. For those looking for a cruiser with old-school charm and new-school reliability, the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 is a must-see.
Price: $6,999
Royal Enfield’s Website
How to Choose the Right Middleweight Cruiser
Choosing the right middleweight cruiser ultimately comes down to what you prioritize in a bike. Here are a few factors to consider when making your decision:
Engine Size and Power
Middleweight cruisers typically come with engines ranging from 600cc to 900cc. If you’re a newer rider, a bike like the Kawasaki Vulcan S, with its manageable 649cc engine, might be ideal. More experienced riders might prefer the added power of a larger engine, such as the 942cc Yamaha Bolt R-Spec.
Comfort and Ergonomics
Comfort is key when it comes to cruisers. Look for bikes with adjustable ergonomics, like the Kawasaki Vulcan S, or a low seat height, like the Honda Shadow Phantom, which provides confidence-inspiring control. Floorboards, wide seats, and upright handlebars can also enhance your riding experience, especially on longer trips.
Style and Aesthetic
Middleweight cruisers come in a variety of styles, from the minimalist Yamaha Bolt R-Spec to the retro-inspired Suzuki Boulevard C50. Think about what appeals to you visually—after all, a big part of owning a cruiser is enjoying how it looks as much as how it rides.
Performance and Handling
Not all cruisers are built the same when it comes to performance. The Kawasaki Vulcan S and Yamaha Bolt R-Spec offer sportier handling, while bikes like the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 and Honda Shadow Phantom focus more on a relaxed, smooth ride.
Find The Right Middleweight Cruiser for You
Middleweight cruisers provide a perfect blend of performance, style, and comfort, making them ideal for a wide range of riders.
Whether you’re drawn to the timeless design of the Honda Shadow Phantom or the sporty feel of the Kawasaki Vulcan S, there’s a middleweight cruiser out there that will suit your style and riding needs.
Each of the bikes on this list brings something unique to the table, but they all share one thing in common: they’re built to give you an unforgettable riding experience.
