Cruiser motorcycles have always held a special place in the market thanks to their laid-back riding style, distinctive designs, and the prestige tied to the brands behind them. Some of today’s best new cruisers come from manufacturers like Harley-Davidson, Indian Motorcycle, Yamaha, Honda, and Kawasaki. Each offers models that blend modern engineering with timeless styling. Flagship and popular bikes like Harley-Davidson’s Road Glide or Indian’s Challenger come packed with the most cutting-edge technologies. We’re talking touchscreen infotainment systems, rider-assist electronics, premium suspension setups, and powerful big-displacement V-twins. All of these factors drive their prices well into the tens of thousands, sometimes even topping $25,000 or more.
At the same time, not every cruiser has to break the bank. Many bikes, particularly older or more modestly equipped models, can be found at a fraction of the price on the used market. This is partly due to natural depreciation and also because cruisers, while durable, often get cycled through multiple owners who prefer upgrading to larger or newer models. That’s why you’ll often find solid, reliable cruiser motorcycles for excellent bargains dipping under the $3,000 mark. These bikes might lack modern electronics, but they still deliver the classic cruiser experience of comfortable ergonomics, V-twin rumble, and unmistakable style. With that in mind, let’s dive into our list of the best used cruisers under $3,000 that should definitely be worth your consideration.
First up on our list is the Kawasaki Vulcan 500/500 LTD. It’s one of the most approachable cruisers you can find on the used market and features classic styling with a surprisingly versatile engine. It hit the scene in 1990 and was continuously refined through the early 2000s. The lightweight cruiser borrows its liquid-cooled parallel twin from the legendary Ninja 500 sport bike, giving it a unique edge in the cruiser category. That engine choice means it revs higher and feels livelier than the typical V-twin, while still delivering smooth, usable torque for everyday riding. Weighing in at just over 430 pounds wet, the Vulcan 500 is easy to manage for newer riders, yet still has enough power to handle highway speeds comfortably.
Its low seat height and relaxed ergonomics make it especially confidence-inspiring for beginners or those with shorter inseams. The 500 LTD trim adds chrome accents and extra cruiser flair, helping it compete aesthetically with larger machines. On today’s used market, the Vulcan 500 or 500 LTD is a bargain, often selling for about $1,500 in solid condition, depending on the year. Riders love it for its reliability, cheap maintenance, and the way it bridges the gap between beginner bike and long-term daily cruiser.
The Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Drifter is one of those cruisers that grabs attention the moment you see it. Introduced in 1999, Kawasaki paid homage to the classic Indian motorcycles of the 1940s, with sweeping valanced fenders, a low-slung stance, and retro touches that set it apart from the chrome-heavy designs of its competitors. Underneath that nostalgic styling, however, is the heart of a modern cruiser. There’s a liquid-cooled 1470cc V-twin engine delivering smooth, reliable power for highway cruising and weekend escapes.
It’s big, comfortable, and surprisingly refined, with top-of-the-line engineering ensuring durability and dependable performance. What makes the Drifter particularly appealing today is how undervalued it remains in the used market. Clean examples from the early 2000s can list for around $1,600, making it one of the best bargains for riders looking for classic looks without the collector price tag. Its blend of style and comfort makes it a perfect fit for riders who appreciate vintage flair but still want the peace of mind of modern reliability.
The Suzuki Boulevard S40, formerly known as the LS650 Savage, has carved out a niche for riders who want a lightweight cruiser with big-bike character over the years. It was launched in the 1980s and rebranded into the Boulevard lineup in 2006. The S40 is powered by a unique 652cc single-cylinder four-stroke engine. It’s kind of an unusual choice in the cruiser world. That thumper design delivers lots of low-end torque, making the bike feel punchier off the line than its displacement might suggest.
Paired with its featherweight build of just over 380 pounds, the S40 is still remarkably easy to handle. Its low 27-inch seat height and simple, classic styling add to its approachability, making it a favorite among beginner riders and those who want to have a fuss-free cruiser experience. While it’s not one of the biggest cruiser motorcycles ever made, the S40 is more than capable of highway speeds, and its reputation for reliability means it can be counted on for years. Best of all, clean used examples from as recent as 2013 regularly sell for about $1,899, making it one of the most affordable cruisers on the market.
Kawasaki’s Vulcan 900 Custom is a standout in the mid-size cruiser segment with bold styling and everyday usability. It arrived in 2006 as part of Kawasaki’s Vulcan family and aimed to bring riders a big-bike attitude with a more approachable package. Its heart is a 903cc liquid-cooled V-twin, which delivers smooth, tractable power perfect for long highway stretches or relaxed city cruising. Experienced riders have praised its balance — it’s strong enough to handle touring with ease, yet still light and nimble compared to heavyweight cruisers. Still, what really sets the Vulcan 900 Custom apart is its factory styling. There’s a 21-inch front wheel, stretched-out rake, low-slung stance, and plenty of blacked-out accents.
It offers a custom chopper vibe without the hassle of aftermarket modifications. The low seat height and relaxed ergonomics make it a comfortable fit for a wide range of riders, while the belt drive keeps maintenance simple and quiet. On the used market, examples from 2012 can be found for about $1,999, making it one of the best-value cruisers in its class. It’s an easy pick for this list.
The Yamaha Virago 250 is a classic entry-level cruiser that’s managed to hold its appeal for decades thanks to its approachable design and trademark reliability. It had its run starting in the 1980s as the Route 66 before its name change through the 1990s and mid-2000s, when the V Star 250 succeeded it. The Virago 250 was Yamaha’s answer to riders looking for a true cruiser feel without the bulk or intimidation of larger machines. While it isn’t the most powerful cruiser motorcycle with a 249cc air-cooled V-twin, it has enough pep for city riding and short highway trips, all while sipping fuel with a high level of efficiency. Weighing in at just over 300 pounds, the Virago 250 is also exceptionally light and nimble, making it one of the easiest bikes for new riders to handle.
Its low 27-inch seat height adds to its confidence-inspiring nature, while the simple, classic cruiser styling makes it look like a scaled-down version of Yamaha’s bigger Virago siblings. Longtime owners praise its durability and low maintenance costs. This bike can really help beginners build confidence without feeling underpowered. On today’s used market, you can regularly find the Virago 250 in solid condition for $2,000. It’s a solid bet to last a lifetime.
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13 Of The Best Used Cruiser Motorcycles Under $3,000
