Top 5 Power Cruisers you can buy right now
With Triumph’s Rocket 3 arrival, we thought it was about time we shared our pick of the top five power cruisers
THE power cruiser tagline is a fairly new addition to the motorcycle vocabulary but the idea behind the machine has been around for quite a long time. It all started with bikes like Yamaha V-Max way back in the 80s.
The concept was fairly simple; take a big-bore, big BHP engine and instead of slotting it in a sportsbike, drop it into a laidback cruiser. The first versions were frightening beasts, with chassis and brakes that could quickly be overpowered by the engine. But in time, the power cruiser has evolved, with better suspension, brakes, and electronics. In turn, the power cruiser has become the performance cruiser a whole new genre in its own right.
1. Triumph Rocket 3
This’ll be a contentious decision but for me, the new Rocket 3 is the pinnacle of the power cruiser category. While it may not be the fastest to 60mph, the quickest turning or the best sounding bike here – until Arrow sort out an end can for it at least. For me, it is the most refined, comfortable and best-looking bike in the power cruiser segment.
2. Ducati Diavel 1260 S / XDiavel
The Diavel and XDiavel take the power cruiser idea and add a distinctly Ducati twist too it. Shrouded in an exquisite trellis frame and minimalist bodywork is the same 1262cc, 159hp, Testastretta DVT engine. In the Multistrada this engine feels quick – sticking it into the low-slung and naked setup of the Diavel makes for an eye-watering combination – literally!
3. Yamaha VMAX
Yes we know, the VMAX is discontinued – in the UK at least – but it is still available in other territories and there are low-mileage models knocking around on the second hand market. And after all, it is one of the old statesmen of the segment. The VMAX is a proper power cruiser in every sense of the word; 1,679cc, V4, 170bhp, laid back stance, bad to the bone styling. If there is one power cruiser we really miss, it’s this one. Although given the seeming success the Rocket 3 has been lauded with, could the VMAX make a Euro5 compliant comeback?
4. Harley-Davidson FXDR
The pinnacle of the Harley-Davidson Softail line-up is the aggressive looking and sounding FXDR. While it may not be the most powerful machine on the list, or the graced with the best hardware; if a Milwaukee shaped power cruiser is the one for you – this is the bike!
5. Honda Gold Wing
While the bagger version of the Gold Wing is possibly closer to being a tourer than an out and out power cruiser, it’s relaxed ergonomics and monstrous 1,833cc, flat-six engine make for one of the smoothest riding experiences on the planet. And don’t be fooled by the chunky overhangs and running boards, show the Gold Wing a twisty road and an over exuberant right hand and it’ll entertain like a power cruiser should!
Simon (AKA Toad) has been working within the motorcycle industry for more than twelve years, and a member of the motorcyclist family since birth. Growing up around British-built single and twins, it was inevitable that a life on two wheels was on the cards, from a very early age!
