5 Best Cruiser Motorcycles Under $5,000 in 2023

Cruisers are excellent rides for beginners and experienced motorcyclists. With powerful engines, large fuel tanks, excellent mileage, and superior ergonomics, cruisers are best experienced on open roads. Though cruisers are neither the fastest two-wheelers nor dual-purpose all-terrain vehicles, most riders prefer cruisers because they are easy to handle, relaxing, and suited for long-distance travel.

Every year, motorcycle companies add to or upgrade their cruiser series, equipping them with bigger engines and the latest technology. Moreover, many modern cruisers feature new stock features, including tall windshields, saddlebags, and comfortable passenger seats. While additional features are a positive development, they tend to increase the price of cruisers. Many riders cannot afford the latest cruisers and end up purchasing a second-hand motorcycle instead.

This year, the prices of cruisers have increased regardless of whether the new model received any new features or upgrades. The number of 2023 cruisers under $5,000 is limited, but there are some good deals you can find. Here is a list of 2023 cruisers you can buy.

The 2023 Royal Enfield Meteor 350 is a reliable beginner-friendly cruiser with a simple frame and a small robust engine. The 2023 Royal Enfield Meteor 350 is slightly heavier than other lightweight cruisers, ensuring better stability in windy and wet conditions.

The Royal Enfield Meteor 350 is powered by a fuel-injected 349 cc four-stroke oil-air-cooled engine with smooth power delivery, ample low-end torque, and a distinct exhaust note. This vehicle is capable of a horsepower of 20.2 bhp and a torque of 19.9 lb-ft. Notable features include the five-speed transmission, dual-channel ABS, and 3.96-gallon fuel tank. The Royal Enfield Meteor 350 can handle city travel, commutes, and country cruising. The well-padded 30.12” seat and the built-in navigation system make it easier to reach your destination. This bike can only reach a maximum speed of 75 mph, so it might not be able to keep up with faster highway traffic. The balance shaft reduces vibrations at high speed, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride. The manual clutch is easy to operate and the heel-toe shifter allows you to adjust the position of your feet.

The Royal Enfield Meteor 350’s ergonomic triangle ensures a relaxed handlebar position, neutral footpeg positions, and a 29.7” seat height that makes it suited for short riders. The twin downtube spine frame is rigid, ensuring control and stability when riding in stop-and-go traffic. The suspension system works best on well-paved roads and might not absorb the impacts of every bump in the road. It features a 300 mm front disc brake with two-piston calipers, a 27 mm rear disc brake with a single floating caliper, and ABS to ensure adequate stopping power. When taking this bike for a test ride, make sure you test the responsiveness of the brakes. The Meteor 350 has a fuel mileage of 60.1 mpg. The halogen bulb and LED tail light ensure adequate road visibility. The three-year warranty ensures that you can get service done on the Meteor 350 if it experiences issues.

This cruiser comes in 10 distinct paint jobs. The price varies depending on which of the 10 colors you choose. But no matter which paint job you choose, all of the prices are below $5,000.

The 2023 Yamaha 250 V-Star cruiser is powered by a 250 cc V-twin engine with a fuel mileage of 78 mpg. This well-designed two-wheeler can handle multiple riding styles and road conditions. With a base price of just under $5,000, the 2023 V-Star 250 is a budget-friendly option that will save you a great deal on fuel and maintenance costs. Moreover, this bike also retains most of its resale value, so you can get a reasonable deal if you ever decide to sell it. Though the V-Star 250 can be considered a beginner-friendly bike, it is also suited for experienced riders. Whether to work, grocery store, or campsites, the Yamaha V-Star 250 can take you anywhere in comfort and style. If you are a fan of chrome parts and black paint, then the 250 V-Star’s minimal styling is suited for you. Though the engine is air-cooled and carbureted, the SOHC layout produces low-end torque, ensures a low overall weight, and has impressive mileage.

The 2023 V-Star 250 does not have an upgraded frame or ergonomics, but that hardly matters since the bike has never lacked in comfort, maneuverability, and handling before. Its easy-to-reach controls, low-slung saddle, plush suspension, and  low center of gravity makes the Yamaha 250 V-Star suited for all riders. Moreover, it is possible to customize this vehicle into a chopper, bobber, raked-out cruiser, or touring bike by adding performance upgrades, aftermarket parts, custom airbrush designs and paint jobs, or rebuilding the bike completely.

The custom-style handlebars and forward-mounted foot pegs ensure a natural seating position that puts all the controls within easy reach. Though the bike is equipped with a small 2.5-gallon fuel tank, it has excellent mileage for daily commutes and long trips. You can easily cover up to 200 miles before you need to get a refill.

The 282 mm hydraulic front disc brake and 130 mm drum rear brake offers adequate stopping power for city commutes and leisurely rides. The 33 mm front fork and dual rear shocks with adjustable preload is a basic suspension setup that offers comfortable travel if traveling on smooth roads. Unfortunately, this suspension does not perform as well on bumpy roads.

Available in a raven black color scheme, the Yamaha V-Star 250 has a classic cruiser styling with chrome accents, color-matched fuel tank and fenders, round headlight, and spoked wheels.

The 2023 Honda Rebel 300 has a base price of $4,749 without the ABS. If you choose the ABS trim version, the price will be $5,049.

The 2023 Honda Rebel 300 features a bobber styling, a low-slung seat, a blacked-out look, a color-matched steel rear fender, a round headlight, bold paint jobs, wide forks with fat tubes, and a classic instrument assembly. This Honda Rebel has minimalist styling that leaves room for customization. The bike features LED lighting, including the headlight, tail light, turn signals, and license plate lights. The blacked-out exhaust muffler blends in with the rest of the blacked-out frame.

The Honda Rebel 300 has a laid-back cruiser style and easy maneuverability. The 286 cc fuel-injected engine delivers a manageable power output and high torque. The recorded top speed of the Honda Rebel 300 ranges from 60 to 95 mph. Despite the engine’s small size, riders can push its limits while honing their riding skills. The Rebel 300 is known for its mid-range power output compatible with almost all riding styles. The robust engine is narrow and features a single cylinder to reduce overall weight. The counterbalancers reduce harsh vibrations at top speeds, ensuring a smooth riding experience.

The front and rear suspensions help with comfort and steering. The 2023 Honda Rebel 300 features the same front forks from last year that were tuned for better performance and comfort. The thick front and rear tires offer plenty of traction, control, stability, and stopping power. Plus, they also have an adjustable seat that can have its height lowered. The 2023 Honda Rebel 300 has the lowest seat height in the cruiser market. The ergonomic triangle offers a relaxed riding position as the handlebars and footpegs are within comfortable reach.

The assist-slipper clutch makes it easier to shift through the six-speed gearbox. The small 3-gallon peanut tank may not be sufficient for long-distance travel, but has an impressive estimated fuel economy of 95 mpg suited for freeway travel.

The 2023 Royal Enfield Classic 350’s most prominent feature is its 349 cc single-cylinder four-stroke engine that ensures smooth and manageable power delivery and reduces the bike’s overall weight. The fuel-injection system supplies a balanced air/fuel mixture for efficient combustion and improved fuel economy. The engine is capable of producing a horsepower of 20 hp and a torque of 19.9 lb-ft. Riders of all skill levels can handle the Royal Enfield Classic 350 engine as it revs at a moderate pace, producing a cautious acceleration to ensure a safe ride in a hurried urban environment. However, the motorcycle is capable of achieving a top speed of 75 mph on open roads.

The twin downtube spine frame ensures stable handling.The dual-channel ABS ensures quick and reliable braking. The 3.43-gallon fuel tank is suited for weekend getaways, long-distance trips, or country cruising. The three-year warranty ensures you can ask for assistance if you experience any issues.

The 41 mm telescopic front fork and twin-tube rear shock absorbers with six-step preload adjustability ensures a smooth ride. For some riders the basic the suspension setup is too soft for bumpy roads and gravel paths. On the other hand, some riders find the suspension capable of handling rough roads.  When riding the Royal Enfield Classic 350, it is best to stick to well-paved roads, especially if you enjoy smooth rides. In other words, the suspension offers a good ride quality, but it still leaves much to be desired. The modest braking setup offers predictable stopping power and ensures safe urban and highway rides.

The 31.69” seat is wide and comfortable with a low seat height that allows you to flatfoot whether at slow speeds or when stopped. The natural seating position is designed to accommodate all riders, allowing them to sit for long hours on bikes without becoming tired. Whether you want to practice riding, commute to work, or travel the highways, the superior ergonomics guarantee a quality riding experience. Plus, the bike comes with roadside assistance and unlimited mileage warranty so riders can enjoy a relaxing ride without worrying about breakdowns en route.

The blacked-out look along with the striking paint jobs makes it look aesthetically appealing. Available in nine distinct colors, the Royal Enfield Classic 350 will vary in cost depending on the color you choose.

The 2023 Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is the most economical cruiser on this list. Though the bike has basic specifications and lacks high-tech features, its mileage, engine, rake angle, comfort, low-slung seat, sleek chassis, crisp throttle response, paint jobs, maneuverability, and dual-channel ABS make it a worthwhile investment.

The 2023 Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is powered by a 349 cc fuel-injected engine capable of a horsepower of 20 hp and a torque of 19.9 lb-ft torque, making it a beginner-friendly vehicle. Considering the engine outputs, it is clear that the bike is tuned for comfortable urban cruising. But the Royal Enfield Hunter’s unique chassis geometry, consisting of a shorter wheelbase, lesser curb weight, and a sharper rake angle, distinguishes it from other Royal Enfield cruisers mentioned above. The Royal Enfield Hunter 350’s chassis ensures a nimble riding experience that many riders don’t find on the Royal Enfield Meteor 350, and Classic 350. When it comes to practicing slow-speed turns on busy city streets, the Hunter 350 is the best ride for riders.

The ABS along with the 300 mm front disc and 270 mm rear disc brakes ensure optimal braking that brings you to a stop quickly. The Royal Enfield Hunter 350’s superior ergonomics make it suited for short and average riders. The upright riding position coupled with a wide contoured seat with a height of 790 mm will ensure you don't feel cramped, even for taller riders. The ergonomics makes it easier to safely navigate heavy traffic in cities. 

The tubeless alloy wheels are aesthetically appealing, have good traction and control, and reduce the risk of punctures.

The USB port allows you to charge your cell phone on the go. The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 can come in six paint schemes, with the cost of the bike varying between color schemes.

The range of bold paint schemes offers a sense of individuality that most young riders look for in their new rides. Apart from attractive paint jobs, the styling is kept simple and clean with no extra accessories or graphics cluttering the fuel tank. A handle-bar mounted analog instrument cluster is added to the bike that is easy to read and does not distract the rider.

There are 2023 cruisers with base prices under $5,000 available, but not every brand may have one, including Harley Davidson, BMW, Indian, Kawasaki, or Suzuki. While the motorcycles listed in this article are cheaper than other cruiser lineups, they still may require a significant budget to afford. Moreover, many riders spend a hefty sum trying to modify these bikes by installing aftermarket parts, getting performance upgrades, and changing the factory paint job. But if you would like to own one of the bikes listed above, go visit local dealerships in your neighborhood. Go on test rides, check the ergonomics and engine performance, and consider your riding needs before purchasing a brand-new bike.