cruiser motorcycles

6 Cheapest 2024 Cruiser Motorcycles Under $5,000 in the US

6-cheapest-2024-cruiser-motorcycles-under-5000-in-the-us

Motorcycling is becoming an expensive hobby. The rates of new motorcycles continue to go up. Considering the price of new motorcycles, you will only be able to buy used ones in the coming few years, especially for those on a limited budget.


You can always find a good deal if you plan to buy a used motorcycle. However, new motorcycles are always more attractive. The matte black finish, cast aluminum wheels, modern design, and the element of innovation are the perks you can find on new motorcycles.


If you are new to motorcycling and want to just start your career, you may get worried by looking at the price tags of new motorcycles. Particularly, if you are more into cruiser motorcycles, this is to let you know that it has become a premium class.

For those who want to start learning how to ride a motorcycle, cruisers are the best-suited motorcycle type. It is comfortable and easy to ride. We have picked a few of the cheapest 2024 cruiser motorcycles you can buy for under $5,000.


You don’t have to move to China or other Asian countries to afford a new motorcycle. The list below can help you pick an affordable new cruiser bike under $5,000 in the US. However, you have to give up on premium features and top-end power figures.


Continue reading this article to learn about the cheapest cruiser motorcycles available in 2024 that you can buy under $5,000 in the US.

1. 2024 Honda Rebel 300

2024 Honda Rebel 300
Photo Credit: Honda Powersports

It is indeed an accomplishment for Honda to be included in the list of the cheapest 2024 cruiser motorcycles under $5,000. It may be shocking for many motorcycle enthusiasts to see a top motorcycle brand, like Honda, produce a budget-friendly bike.


The Honda Rebel 300 is among the most reliable and cheapest bikes. It is the perfect smallest bike that you can ride without having to compromise on the fun and capabilities. Being built by Honda, the quality is top-notch.


Honda never fails to impress the motorcycling community with its class-dealing durability. Even though it is the cheapest Honda bike, it lasts longer and is also easier to maintain.


The Rebel 300 is a bit sporty modern cruiser. It features a 286 cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine. A peak horsepower of 27.6 hp and a maximum torque of 28.74 Nm can keep a beginner happy.

The Rebel 300 is light, nimble, and capable enough to take you on longer journeys. You can do a bit of light highway cruising on this bike. However, the Rebel 300 is perfectly suited for city traveling and daily commuting.


Being sportier makes you sit slightly forward. The foot controls are mid-mounted; they don’t offer restricted legroom. It not only makes you sit slightly aggressively, but the performance is also a bit on the sportier side.


Above all, if you want to save huge on gas, the Rebel 300 offers an impressive fuel mileage of 78 mpg (claimed).


The Honda Rebel 300 is the most good-looking bike on the list, with a modern Japanese flair. It has a completely blacked-out finish with bobber-styling. It features a small solo rider seat and fat front and rear tires to improve the look.


The standard slipper and assist clutch make clutch operation and gear shifting smooth and easy. However, the ABS is an optional feature. You will have to pay $300 more if you want to buy the ABS model, which is a fair deal.

2024 Honda Rebel 300 Specs

Base Price

Base Model: $4,849

ABS Model: $5,149

Model Year

2024

Motorcycle Type

Sports-Style Cruiser

Engine

286 cc Liquid-Cooled Single-Cylinder Four-Stroke Engine

Peak Horsepower

27.6 hp / 20.3 kW

Peak Torque

28.74 Nm / 21.2 Ib-ft

Top Speed

88 mph

Fuel Induction

Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI); 38 mm Throttle Body

Transmission

Six-Speed Manual

Final Drive

O-Ring-Sealed Chain; 14T/36T

Seat Height

27.2 in

Wet Weight

370 lbs

Fuel Capacity

3 gals

Fuel Economy

78 mpg (Claimed)

ABS

Optional

2. 2024 Yamaha V-Star 250

2024 Yamaha V-Star 250
Photo Credit: Yamaha Motorsports

It is good to see Yamaha still producing one of the best beginner-friendly motorcycles for cruiser lovers. Most 250 cc cruisers are gone. The Yamaha V-Star 250 is most probably the only classic cruiser motorbike you can buy even in 2024.


Despite being the smallest on the list, the 2024 Yamaha V-Star 250 offers an intermediate-level classic cruiser styling. It looks tall and big enough to make you feel good about owning this bike. Above all, this bike doesn’t make you feel like a beginner rider.


The 2024 V-Start 250 is only available for $4,699. The good thing is that this bike still has chrome. The front forks may be thin, but they are decently tall. The wire-spoke wheels make you feel as if you are riding a true old-school cruiser.


The dual rear shock absorbers are external. The round-shaped headlight and the vintage-style protruding tail light make it more classical.


You may not find a more comfortable cruiser than the V-Star 250 under $5,000. The ergonomics are quite spacious, with forward foot controls and pulled-back handlebars. This bike also offers a comfortable reach to handlebars and an upright back position.


The Yamaha V-Star 250 is the only V-Twin-powered cruiser with 249 cc displacement size. The air-cooled 249 cc engine delivers a horsepower of 21 hp and a torque of 20.6 Nm.


The Yamaha V-Star 250 is $150 cheaper than the Honda Rebel 300 non-ABS model. If you are a fan of classic cruiser styling, the V-Star 250 is a better choice.


However, the Rebel 300 is a more practical choice if you prefer modern cruiser styling with programmed fuel injection (PGM-FI) and assist & slipper clutch.

2024 Yamaha V-Star 250 Specs

Base Price

$4,699

Model Year

2024

Motorcycle Type

Classic Cruiser

Engine

5 cubic-inch (249 cc) Air-Cooled, SOHC 60° V-Twin Engine

Peak Horsepower

21 hp / 15.44 kW at 8,000 rpm

Peak Torque

20.6 Nm / 15.2 lb-ft at 6,000 rpm

Top Speed

85 mph

Fuel Induction

Mikuni® 26 mm Carburetor

Transmission

Five-Speed

Final Drive

Chain

Seat Height

27.0 in

Wet Weight

324 lbs

Fuel Capacity

2.5 gal

Fuel Economy

78 mpg (Claimed)

ABS

No

3. 2024 Royal Enfield Meteor 350

2024 Royal Enfield Meteor 350
Photo Credit: Royal Enfield

Royal Enfield is a specialist entry-level motorcycle manufacturer. The company focuses more on producing beginner-friendly bikes. However, it is slowly progressing towards versatile options.


The Royal Enfield has one thing in common with Harley-Davidson, Indian, and Triumph, and that is a rich history. However, unlike premium American brands, it is affordable and has true classic styling.

This bike started selling in the U.S. in 2021. The fact that it is the cheapest beginner-friendly classic cruiser with a 350 cc engine makes it very special.


The Meteor 350 is a full-sized cruiser for two-up riding. It features bulbous parts that make it noticeable on the road. The bulbous round headlamp, teardrop-shaped gas tank, neatly integrated battery covers, and low and wide saddle make it a great overall package.


Despite being the cheapest, the RE Meteor 350 has electronic fuel injection and dual-channel ABS as standard features. The fit and finish of this bike is perfect overall.


The Royal Enfield Meteor 350 is a straightforward, simple motorbike, ideal for new riders. There is nothing complicated about this bike. The company specializes in producing the 349 cc single-cylinder engine as it has been producing for a very long time.


The Meteor 350’s 349 cc air/oil-cooled, single-cylinder engine produces a sophisticated 20.2 hp of horsepower and 19.9 lb-ft of torque. With 3.96 gals of fuel capacity and approximately 76 mpg of fuel economy, it serves as an ideal ride partner for beginners.


The Meteor 350 also features a tripper navigation system as a standard feature. The relaxed riding stance allows for better and more comfortable commuting. You can sit in a laid-back manner thanks to forward foot controls and pulled-back handlebars.


2024 Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Specs

Base Price

$4,699

Model Year

2024

Motorcycle Type

Cruiser

Engine

349 cc Air/Oiled-Cooled, Single-Cylinder Engine

Peak Horsepower

20.2 bhp at 6,100 rpm

Peak Torque

19.9 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm

Fuel Induction

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Transmission

5 Speed Constant Mesh

Final Drive

Chain Drive

Seat Height

30.12 in

Wet Weight

421 lbs

Fuel Capacity

3.96 gal

Fuel Economy

Approximately 76 mpg

ABS

Dual-Channel ABS

4. 2024 Royal Enfield Bullet 350

2024 Royal Enfield Bullet 350
Photo Credit: Royal Enfield

Besides motorcycle manufacturers, if there is a particular motorcycle with one of the richest histories alongside the Honda Cub, it is the Royal Enfield Bullet 350. The Bullet 350 has been in production for the longest time.


It is an all-time favorite and best-selling motorcycle in India. It is considered a symbol of class and culture in the Asian market.


The Royal Enfield Bullet 350 also has the potential to succeed in the American motorcycle market. For those looking for a classic motorcycle with a rich heritage at an affordable price, the RE Bullet 350 is the best option.


It is a pure classic bike from the 1990s with minimum basic features to let you enjoy the pure form of riding a motorcycle. The motorcycle’s design, paint job, headlight design, instrumentation, wheels, and everything ensures a pure classic touch.


The RE Bullet 350 has the same 349 cc single-cylinder air/oil-cooled engine that powers most Royal Enfield models. The engine delivers only 20.2 bhp of horsepower and 27 Nm of torque, sufficient for standard riding.


This bike is not built for extreme fun and fast rides. It is designed to enjoy and cherish the essence of riding a basic motorcycle.


Above all, it is one of the cheapest offerings in the Royal Enfield lineup and on this list as well. With a price tag of only $4,499, the RE Bullet 350 offers the best deal. You also get the electronic fuel injection system and ABS as standard features.


Royal Enfield has the capability to go big and produce something more powerful. However, it has made a specific place in the market with its low-powered and affordable classic retro cruisers. This is the segment that Harley-Davidson and Indian Motorcycles neglected, and Royal Enfield has taken a huge advantage of this.

2024 Royal Enfield Bullet 350 Specs

Base Price

$4,499

Model Year

2024

Motorcycle Type

Cruiser

Engine

349 cc Single Cylinder, Four-Stroke, Air/Oil-Cooled Engine

Peak Horsepower

20.2 bhp / 14.87 kW at 6,100 rpm

Peak Torque

27 Nm at 4,000 rpm

Fuel Induction

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Transmission

Five-Speed Constant Mesh

Final Drive

Chain Drive

Seat Height

805 mm / 31.69 in

Wet Weight

195 kg / 429.9 lbs

Fuel Capacity

3.43 gal

Fuel Economy

Approximately 84.67 mpg (City)

96.44 mpg (Highway)

ABS

Dual-Channel ABS

5. 2024 Royal Enfield Hunter 350

2024 Royal Enfield Hunter 350
Photo Credit: Royal Enfield

The third Royal Enfield bike on our list is the RE Hunter 350. It is a modern version of the Bullet and Classic 350 with the same 349 cc engine platform. This bike starts at only $3,999, making it the cheapest bike on our list. However, it is not a pure cruiser.


The RE Hunter 350 is ideally designed as a lightweight and nimble street bike. It falls under the roadster category. It has both the cruiser and sporty characteristics.

The handlebars and seat position allow you to sit in an upright posture. You can also ride this bike aggressively by leaning a bit forward. The foot controls are also mid-mounted, offering a bit of restricted legroom for a sportier riding style.


The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 has a single-piece saddle for two-up riding. For a modern-day look, this bike has received a completely blacked-out finish with alloy wheels. The rider also gets the electronic fuel injection, ABS, and USB charging port as standard features.


If you are looking for a perfect beginner-friendly city commuter, the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is the best and most affordable option.

2024 Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Specs

Base Price

$3,999

Model Year

2024

Motorcycle Type

Roadster-Style Cruiser

Engine

349 cc Single-Cylinder, Four-Stroke, Air/Oil-Cooled Engine

Peak Horsepower

20.2 bhp at 6,100 rpm

Peak Torque

19.9 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm

Fuel Induction

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Transmission

Five-Speed, Constant Mesh

Final Drive

Chain Drive

Seat Height

31.1 in

Wet Weight

399 lbs (With 90% Fuel & Oil)

Fuel Capacity

3.43 gal

Fuel Economy

Approximately 85 mpg

ABS

Dual-Channel ABS

6. 2024 Benelli Imperiale 400

2024 Benelli Imperiale 400
Photo Credit: Benelli

Like the Royal Enfield, Benelli is another affordable motorcycle brand. It is an Italian brand. Later, in 2005, it was taken over by a Chinese Group, Qianjiang Motorcycle. The production of Benelli motorcycles has also moved to China.


Because they are made in China, you can expect them to be budget-friendly. In the entry-level cruiser segment, Benelli produces the Imperiale 400, which is an old-school cruiser, like the Royal Enfield Classic.


It is a pure classic with somehow similar styling to a Royal Enfield bike. It has the same long and curvy fenders, single-cylinder engine, round-shaped bulky headlamps, wire-spoked wheels, and a rough look. This bike may not have the best fit and finish, but this is what is best about it. The rough look makes it more unique and classic.


The Benelli Imperiale 400 has a 374 cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine. The displacement size is slightly bigger than the Royal Enfield’s 349 cc single-cylinder engine, but it produces almost similar power figures. The 374 cc engine delivers 20.78 hp of horsepower and 29 Nm of torque.


Due to its basic design and features, the 2024 Benelli Imperiale 400 costs only $4,899. It also comes with a standard electronic fuel injection and ABS.


2024 Benelli Imperiale 400 Specs

Base Price

$4,899

Model Year

2024

Motorcycle Type

Classic Cruiser

Engine

374 cc Air-Cooled, Single-Cylinder Engine

Peak Horsepower

20.78 hp / 15.5 kW at 5,500 rpm

Peak Torque

29 Nm at 4,500 rpm

Fuel Induction

Electronic Fuel Injection with 37 mm Throttle Body

Transmission

Five-Speed

Final Drive

Chain Drive

Seat Height

30.7 in

Wet Weight

205 kg

Fuel Capacity

3.2 gal

Fuel Economy

Approximately 75.87 mpg

ABS

Standard

7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

7.1 How Much Is a Cruiser Motorcycle in the US?

Cruiser motorcycles are among the premium category bikes. They offer more comfort and are geared towards better riding experience on highways and open roads. Alongside American motorcycle manufacturers, there are many metric cruiser manufacturers that are successful in the American market.


Thanks to the Japanese, Indian, and Chinese motorcycle brands, you can also find budget-friendly cruisers in the US. Cruisers in the US can range between $4,400 to $24,000, depending on the brand, displacement size, and features.

7.2 What Motorcycles Are Millennials Buying?

Despite being criticized for prioritizing only the older generation, Harley-Davidson is still the most popular motorcycle brand among millennials. In the second place, we have Honda, which is also quite popular among millennials. However, Harley-Davidson is leading by a great margin.


The focus must be shifted towards the younger generation and new riders. It can become really tough for Harley to continue selling bikes when the existing users will stop riding. The current H-D’s clientele is getting older. Harley must opt for a better modern approach. Motorcycles must be made practical and affordable.

7.3 Which Motorcycle Brand Is the Most Reliable?

Without a doubt, Honda is the largest and most reliable motorcycle brand in the world. This Japanese marque makes one of the most budget-friendly, easy-to-use, and durable bikes. Honda motorcycles last much longer than any other brand.


Other motorcycle manufacturers in the Japanese Big Four, including Yamaha, Kawasaki, and Suzuki, are among the most reliable brands, particularly Yamaha.

8. The Bottom Line

Generation Z or young riders are more practical and have specific preferences. They are not settling in for specific brand images and names. Charging thousands of dollars for the brand logo or moniker will probably become a failed business tactic, thanks to affordable motorcycle brands.


The entry of Honda, Royal Enfield, and other notable brands in the US market has proved to be advantageous for budget-conscious riders. If you live in the US with no more than a $5,000 budget to buy a cruiser, this article brings you the list of the most eligible and cheapest cruiser motorcycles.

8.1 Which One You Should Pick?

You can fulfill your dream of riding a cruiser bike in the US for under $5,000. If you want a modern-day cruiser that is practical and looks cool, there is no better option than the Honda Rebel 300.


Meanwhile, if you want a pure cruiser design with a bigger bike look and roomy ergonomics, you should go with the Yamaha V-Star 250. It is the only cheapest cruiser motorcycle under $5,000 with a V-Twin engine. You get the V-twin sound and vibe for only $5,000.


For a pure old-school look, Royal Enfield has become a major player in the US cruiser market as well. It offers the cheapest classic cruisers with a rich classic style and heritage.

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