Best Power Cruiser Motorcycles

The term power cruiser has been around in the motorcycle world for a few years now, although the origins of these power packed bikes can be traced back some way to machines like the 1980s Yamaha V-MAX.

In the mid-2000s the genre went through somewhat of a renaissance, with bikes like the Rocket III and Kawasaki Vulcan leading the charge in the feet-forward, ballistic missile brigade.

Today they live on with a baffling array of bikes from the likes of Harley-Davidson, Ducati, Honda and more. For all, though, the broad concept is simple: take a laid-back cruiser and add all the power and torque the frame, tyres and brakes can handle!

But which is the best? What do you get and what should you look for? Here’s our pick of 10 of the best, both new and used…

How to choose a power cruiser

• What’s your budget? The most extreme bikes here cost £20K+ – but you can get a good used example of some for under £5,000.

• Think hard about weight and what you can manage. Some of the bikes here are by very definition behemoths, others, however, such as the Ducati Diavel, have both reasonably light weight and low seats.

• What sort of riding do you want to do? Some power cruisers are all about image and short rides, so have minimal comfort and handling (eg Harley’s Breakout). Others, like Triumph’s latest Rocket 3, make surprisingly good all-rounders.

1. Triumph Rocket 3 Storm

• Engine 2458cc triple Power 180bhp Torque 166ft/lb 

• Weight 317kg  Seat height 773mm Price new £23,195

Heading our top ten is one of our favourite Triumphs of all. Re-launched in 2019 this monster in-line 2500cc triple is not only the biggest engined bike in motorcycling, it has the phenomenal power, torque and presence to match yet handles impressively; is slathered in the very best electronics and cycle parts available anywhere and comes in two forms – the roadster R and grand touring GT, with slightly revised riding position, spec and a small touring screen.

Whichever you go for you’re in for an experience you simply won’t get anywhere else. On top of that, both were also updated with even more power for 2024. Power cruisers simply don't get any better!

We said: “Combined with all the stuff that makes the outgoing Rocket so much fun - the bonkers engine, the surprisingly sharp handling and the general absurdity of the whole idea - the Storm becomes an extremely appealing bike.”

Pros
* Biggest engine in motorcycling
* Phenomenal performance
* Sophisticated and fine handling, too

Cons
* Big bike, big price
* Still a monster
* Dubious practicality (but then that’s the point)

You can read our Triumph Rocket 3 Storm review here.

2. Ducati Diavel V4

• Engine 1158cc V4 Power 166bhp Torque 93ft/lb 

• Weight 236kg  Seat height 790mm Price new from £23,995

The all-new V4 successor to the original V-twin Ducati Diavel arrived in 2023 and proved (almost) as much of a game-changer as the 2011 original.

Now V4 powered (as following on from Ducati’s new Panigale superbike and Multistrada adventure machine), the new Diavel had even more performance, sophistication and presence.

Straightline acceleration for the new 166bhp V4 is simply mind-melting, all-round sophistication is up a big notch, too, via a new raft of rider electronics, slick TFT dash, backlit switchgear and more; it again handles so well it simply defies its style (and fat 240-section rear tyre) and it looks stupendous, rounded off with a four-exit new exhaust, fancy under seat LED tail lights and an overall presence that wouldn’t be out of place in a Star Wars movie.

The Diavel V4’s not cheap, not really even a traditional US-style cruiser, but is a phenomenal power cruiser, astonishingly well-equipped and able and, truly, like nothing else.

We said: “Ducati is promising this to be the best handling and most powerful Diavel to date, a bold claim for a bike that was already electrifying in its performance. “

Pros
* Addictive V4 delivery
* Size defying handling
* Gorgeous detailing and spec

Cons
* Eye-watering price
* Not for wall flowers
* Americans won’t understand it

You can read our Ducati Diavel V4 review here.

3. Yamaha VMX1700 VMAX
 

• Engine 1679cc V4 Power 197bhp Torque 123ft/lb 
• Weight 310kg  Seat height 775mm Price used £16,000-£20,000 
   

An all-new machine launched in 2008 as a revival ‘homage to the original 1985 1200cc VMAX, the 1700cc VMAX is a gorgeous phenomenon that remains arguably the definitive power cruiser – and also one, sadly, that was dropped after just nine years.

(On the plus side, however, it remains a hugely desirable, iconic and cherished used machine.)

Powered by an all-new V4 producing a monstrous 197bhp and just as impressive torque, the VMAX’s tyre-squealing acceleration from a standstill remains shattering and is almost matched by greatly improved handling and top-notch components and build quality.

While these latter aspects have now been leap-frogged by Ducati’s latest Diavel V4, the 1700 VMAX remains iconic and desirable – with the used prices to match.

What we said: “It's an almighty two-wheeled nuclear powerhouse that makes the old Max look downright lame. V-Boost? What's that?”

Pros
* Massive presence
* Phenomenal performance
* Classy build quality

Cons
* No longer available new
* Can be a handful
* High used prices

Read our Yamaha VMAX review here.

4. Harley-Davidson Breakout

• Engine 1923cc V-twin Power 102bhp Torque 124ft/lb 

• Weight 310kg  Seat height 665mm Price new £25,195

Power cruisers don’t come much more definitive than Harley-Davidson’s Breakout. The historic American cruiser brand’s drag strip inspired hot rod boasts the Milwaukee firm’s biggest, most powerful version of its iconic air-cooled V-twin engine in a long and low chassis with great styling and a powerhouse thrill.

Objectively, of course, that also adds up to ‘only’ 102bhp, little by way of modern electronics or sporting cycle parts, a cramped riding position, handling that can best be described as ‘oil tanker like’ and a hefty price tag that seems excessive compared to what you get from Triumph or Ducati.

But the Breakout is also a genuine Harley hot rod with styling, cachet and a street presence those other ‘interlopers’ can’t match; is unrivalled when cruising down Sunset Boulevard and will attract fans and attention as much as anything else – but it’s not a sophisticated, versatile motorcycle.

We said: “If you want to make a bit of a noise and you love the torque of a V-twin, then the Breakout might be for you. You can't take yourself too seriously on it and that way you'll have a lot of fun.”

Pros
* Unmatched image
* Great styling and paint
* Entertaining acceleration

Cons
* Unsophisticated
* Handling an afterthought
* Pricey for what it is

You can read our Harley-Davidson Breakout review here.

5. BMW K1600B

Engine 1649cc six Power 160bhp Torque 129ft/lb 

Weight 336kg  Seat height 780mm Price new £21,580 

Thankfully, for BMW, the blueprint for a power cruiser is pretty loose, meaning a silky-smooth, six-cylinder 1600cc lump fits right in in this top ten.

The B was launched in 2016 as a US-targetted ‘bagger’ version (hence the name) of BMW’s K1600GTL full dress tourer, which first landed in 2011. As such it retains the same, immense (but oddly civilised) powertrain, but in a more laid-back, cut-down, US cruiser-style chassis.

It’s no slouch either, pushing out around 160bhp and 130lb-ft and, thanks to its transversely mounted six-cylinder engine and typical Bavarian build quality, it’s probably the smoothest and most soothing of all the bike on this list too. It’s also lavished with electronics and relatively practical, too. 

We said: “With six pots making 160hp and 129lbft, the K1600 B is like a sumo wrestler on the legs of Usain Bolt.”

Pros
* Smooth and powerful six-cylinder engine
* Surprisingly able handling
* Slick and sophisticated

Cons
* Lacks visceral thrills of some
* Not at all cheap
* Very German

Read our BMW K1600 B review here.

6. Ducati XDiavel and 1260 Diavel S

• Engine 1262cc V-twin Power 156bhp Torque 95ft/lb 

• Weight 247kg  Seat height 755mm Price used from £9,800 to £15,200 
  
  If you are looking for the fastest, most challenging to ride and arguably most thrilling machine in this sector – this is possibly it.

The predecessors to Ducati’s current Diavel V4, the XDiavel and 1260 Diavel S boast low weight (compared to most of the rest here), huge power at 160bhp, a gloriously characterful V-twin powertrain, advanced electronics and all of Ducati’s chassis and set up knowhow combined in one eye-catching package.

The Diavel 1260 was introduced in 2019 as an updated successor to Ducati’s original, game-changing, tech-laden and fine-handling Diavel 1200 which debuted in 2011. The XDiavel, meanwhile, debuted as an even more extreme, more laid-back, more feet forward incarnation in 2016, which was then also updated in line.

All redefined what ‘power cruisers’ could be. Although not low revving and particularly grunty, their 160bhp+, electronics, clever chassis and sophistication were a high-tech revelation that combined power cruiser style with superbike performance and tech

What we said: “The Italian superbike specialist's distinct interpretation of the cruiser motorcycle. Although still a ‘laid-back’ V-twin with a fat rear tyre, it redefined cruiser performance with 160bhp, class-defying handling, sports bike electronic rider aids and a shrieking, high-revving exhaust sound unlike any other cruiser.”

Pros
* Original Diavel vibe
* V-twin character
* Increasingly affordable

Cons
* Now succeeded by V4
* Starting to look dated
* Lacks presence of some

Read our guide to the Ducati Diavel 1260S and XDiavel here.

7. Honda Gold Wing

• Engine 1833cc flat six Power 125bhp Torque 125ft/lb 

• Weight 378kg  Seat height 744mm Price new £25,649

The all-new 2018 Honda Gold Wing spawned the (slightly) lighter and sleeker looking ‘bagger’ variant soon after.

With the rear seat/topbox now gone, the whole aesthetic of the previously full-dress tourer changed. As a result, the bike looked more muscular and purposeful and all this was backed up by one of the best engines ever to grace a 1200cc+ motorcycle, the beautiful, 1800cc, flat six-cylinder. What’s more, the clever DCT gearbox option makes it as easy to ride as a scooter.

What we said: “Sure, there are some areas for improvement, fuel capacity being one, but even with some minor blips on the radar, it's still the most entertaining, comfortable and well-equipped motorcycles you will ever be likely to ride.”

Pros
* Creamy engine
* Refinement and comfort
* DCT option

Cons
* Too Honda to be a power cruiser?
* Image not for everyone
* Pricey

See our review of the Honda GL1800 Gold Wing here.

Read our guide to the best Honda Gold Wing models here.

8. Triumph Rocket III

• Engine 2294cc triple Power 146bhp Torque 163ft/lb 

• Weight 367kg  Seat height 750mm Price used £6,000 to £9,500

Triumph’s original Rocket III (note the name difference to the current Rocket 3) shocked the world when it was launched way back in 2004. An unmitigated monster power cruiser targeted primarily at the US market, it boasted the biggest production engine in motorcycling (an unusual in-line triple); the monster massive power and torque to match; a street presence like nothing else (at the time) and, despite its bulk, surprisingly decent road manners and handling.

It proved sufficiently successful to spawn a series of spin-offs, including a softer Classic, luggage-equipped Tourer and more raw Roadster then ultimately fell foul of Euro emissions and noise regs which forced its demise in 2017 (until an all-new version, see above, was launched in 2019).

But it still retains a devoted following to this day; although comparatively unsophisticated, remains durable, reliable and solid and, for a massive power cruiser, remains pretty good value and versatile.

What we said: “The Triumph Rocket III is a big, heavy roadster and not for the faint-hearted but also delivers straight-line acceleration like little else.”

Pros
* Massive presence
* Increasingly affordable
* Iconic performance

Cons
* Crude by modern standards
* Not the prettiest
* Can be a handful

Read our Triumph Rocket III Roadster review here.

Read our guide to the Triumph Rocket 3 here.

9. BMW R 18 Roctane

• Engine 1802cc boxer twin Power 91bhp Torque 116.5ft/lb 
• Weight 374kg Seat height 720mm Price new £21,750

It's fair to say BMW has had mixed fortunes with its all-new, boxer-powered cruiser family, the R18, since its much-hyped launch in 2020. Although impressive, stylish and boasting an all-new, 1800cc boxer twin engine, it’s largely failed to attract traditional Harley buyers, despite the subsequent launch of bagger (Classic), full-dresser (Transcontinental) and even, here, hot rod versions.

But that doesn’t mean it’s not a good bike worth your consideration, especially as, often, big dealer discounts are to be had.

The clumsily named Roctane is the latest, launched in 2023, and the most ‘hot rod’ style of the bunch. It’s based on the bagger B but without its screen, with a bigger 21-inch front wheel (and new, bigger 18-incher at the rear for 2025), has high bars, a blacked-out style, enough power to entertain and is beautifully built. But it’s not a Harley.

Pros
* Quality build
* Decent dynamics
* Alternative ethos

Cons
* It’s not a Harley

* Peg placement compromised by the engine
* Not cheap

Find out more about the 2025 BMW R18 range here.

10. Indian Sport Chief

• Engine 1890cc V-twin Power 89bhp Torque 120ft/lb 

• Weight 311kg  Seat height 686mm Price new £20,295

To some degree Indian falls into the same ‘not a Harley’ trap as BMW, above – although at least this time Indian is a genuine US brand with a long history of cruisers and its Sport Chief, as introduced in 2023, is intended as a performance version of its biggest cruiser, the Chief, so fits the power cruiser brief exactly.

As such, it’s the 1890cc Chief cruiser but with uprated radial brakes, inverted front forks, sporty nose fairing and revised styling to suit.

It’s a decent enough ride, too, and a refreshing but still authentic alternative to a Harley. But it can also be argued that it’s performance, dynamics and style are not sufficient to tempt die-hards away from H-D and it’s also arguably not cheap enough to make that decision easier. Decent power cruiser, though…

We said: “The new Indian Sport Chief is an endearing machine, but it’s essential to give it enough time to realise that.”

Pros
* Authentic alternative to Harley
* Ticks all the power cruiser boxes
* Classy build

Cons
* Lacks performance in this company
* Riding position a little awkward
* Again, a bit pricey

Read out Indian Sport Chief review here.

Other used power cruisers to consider…

Honda F6C, £10,000 to £12,000

Short-lived power cruiser sold between 2014 and 2016 based on an old GL1800 Gold Wing but shorn of its fairing and luggage. Different and distinctive, but rare.

Victory Hammer, £6,400 to £8,500

US cruiser by same firm now behind Indian produced this 91bhp,  1731cc, V-twin hot rod in various forms from a decade. Stylish, effective and OK, but lacks the cachet of Harley or Indian.

Yamaha VMAX1200, £4,300 to £7,000

Original 1985 1200cc VMAX eventually made it to the UK in 1991 in detuned form (but de-restricting to the full 140bhp is possible) where it became (and remains) a cult classic – a bit crude now, though.

Top 10 power cruisers | Key Specifications and Technical Details Comparison

FAQs

• What is a power cruiser?

The strict definition of a power cruiser or motorcycle hot rod is a machine that, usually, places oversized engines, massive power and acceleration and a drag bike style chassis and image, above all other considerations. That said, while traditional power cruisers such as Harley’s Breakout have bags of style but little practicality, more modern incarnations, such as Ducati’s Diavel and Triumph’s Rocket3, do manage to blend extreme performance with reasonable practicality.

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