Laid back motorcycling is benefiting from some recently renewed popularity, seemingly driven by the rise of the retro scene, its aesthetics and lifestyle over the sheer performance of the bikes. The retro-inspired cruisers, bobbers and roadsters are gaining increased admiration, and although most Japanese manufacturers have reigned in the amount of cruiser machines in their ranges, European bike makers are jumping on the opportunity, and the US players never really went away.
BMW recently announced its intention to reenter the cruiser market, with the launch of the £18,995 R18 due in September. A 1,802cc air-cooled twin cylinder “Big Boxer” engine powers the new R18, maintaining the traditional air-cooled boxer engines that have been synonymous with BMW motorcycles since 1923.
For some riders, there’s nothing to beat the purity of a simple air-cooled motorcycle but, in recent years, this most traditional engine type has verged on extinction due to tougher emissions laws. However, there are still some new models produced, and here are five alternatives to the new BMW.
Harley-Davidson 1200 Custom – £10,495
The 1200 Custom is part of Harley-Davidson’s Sportster lineup, and it lives up to its Custom name with its muscular front end and a more aggressive riding style than its siblings. Its iconic V-twin 1,202cc air-cooled Evolution powerplant gives it the massive low-end torque and the unmistakable soundtrack that Harley-Davidson is renowned for. It’s priced at over £8,000 cheaper than the BMW, too.
Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber – £8,999
A bobber is a specific type of cruiser that dates back to pre-World War Two when simplifying became fashionable, and riders would give their bikes a ‘bob-job’, meaning they’d chop down their machines to the bare bones to reduce the weight.
The Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber plays homage to that era, with its simple and authentic design and matt paint scheme. But, as you’d expect, the V9 Bobber combines modern technology with its aesthetics to create a modern retro. Like its Roamer brother, the Bobber boasts a smooth 853cc transverse V-twin air-cooled engine, delivering a grunty sound and an involving ride.
Indian Chief Dark Horse – £17,999
Indian was America’s first motorcycle company, and the Indian Chief Dark Horse’s style has stayed true to the brand’s roots, continuing a tradition of classic design with looks that wouldn’t be out of place on Route 66 in the 1940s. It’s striking appearance is complimented with its raw Thunder Stroke 111 1,811cc V-twin air-cooled engine, producing a hefty 152nm of torque.
The Indian has three rider modes – Tour, Standard and Sport. Couple the electronics with its lightweight cast aluminium frame, and it’s easier than it looks to handle.
Yamaha XV950R – £9,047
At half the price of the BMW R18, the XV950R proves good value for an entry into the cruiser market. The stylish Yamaha sports a flat line look and makes use of exposed metal to highlight the bike’s simplicity and mirror its relaxed cruiser attitude. The latest model makes its power from a 942cc V-twin air-cooled engine, has upgraded suspension for a plusher rider and comes with ABS as standard.
And if its only urban riding that you’re interested in, a newly designed two-into-one exhaust system, ignition timing and fuel injection maps, have improved its acceleration from mid and low-speeds too, helping the Yamaha perform around town.
Honda CB1100 EX – £9,799
The roadster-styled Honda CB1100EX is arguably the most involving and performance-focused motorcycle in the list. If you’re after a bike that’s happy to cruise in top gear, but also cope with some countryside twisties at a moment’s notice, the Honda fits the bill.
The centrepiece in the CB1100EX’s frame is a modern 1,140cc air-cooled, four-cylinder engine which is complemented with a slipper clutch, and some chrome-laden Showa front forks and rear shocks. Other attractive details include the slim brushed aluminium side panels and spoked wheels to complete the old-school look.
What is a cruiser?
A cruiser motorcycle is built in the style of traditional pre-World War Two American bikes from the 1930s. The riding position usually directs the rider’s feet forwards and hands up, naturally causing the rider to lean back slightly. This creates a relaxed and laid back style when on the motorcycle. However, the evolution of the cruiser genre has seen variations of this with modern bobbers and roadsters creating less radical riding positions to suit different preferences.
Typical cruiser engines are softly tuned for easy rideability, with plenty of low-end torque but not necessarily large amounts of horsepower. Engines are traditionally at least 1,000cc in capacity and the V-twin configuration remains the most popular. The preference for character over outright horsepower means that air cooled engines remain viable for this style of motorcycle. While water-cooled engines can deliver more outright power, as well as reduced noise and exhaust emissions, clever engineering means that air-cooled engines are still able to pass Euro5 emissions regulations while still delivering enough power for most riders.
