Top 10 Best Selling Cruisers of 2017

It’s that time again, where the RideNow team take a look at the cruisers you liked most over the past year. These are our best-selling cruisers of 2017.

1. Indian Scout (includes Bobber, ABS, and Scout Sixty)

For the second year running, the Indian Scout, including the Bobber and the Scout Sixty, gets our number one spot. Hardly surprising given the sheer class and value for money of these bikes.

There’s a Scout out there for everyone, starting with the Scout Sixty. Powering the Scout Sixty is a 999cc, liquid cooled, V-Twin producing 78 hp, and 65 ft-lb of torque at 5,800 rpm. Not the fastest cruiser out there but definitely enough to have some serious fun. The Scout Sixty starts at just $8,999 and you can throw in another $1,000 if you want ABS.

If you’re looking for a bit more oomph the Scout is the way to go. A 1130cc, 60 degree, liquid cooled, V-Twin pumps out a stomping 100 hp, and 72.2 ft-lb of torque at 5900 rpm. This is one of the most praised cruiser engines right now – an extremely versatile and exciting powerplant. 

2. Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883

The Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 bridges the gap between cruiser and retro sports bike, no doubt adding to its popularity.

Harley recently updated the Sportster Iron 883’s suspension, giving it emulsion shocks and cartridge forks. Combine this with 28 degrees of lean on the left and 27 degrees on the right, and you have a modestly sporty cruiser.

The Sportster Iron 883’s 53.8 ft-lb of torque isn’t class leading but it’s definitely enough to dip your toe into the world of sporty cruisers. 

3. Yamaha Bolt (including C-spec and R-spec)

The Yamaha Bolt makes it into our top three cruisers once again for 2017 with its three iterations: R-Spec, C-Spec, and the standard Bolt. While not much has been done to the ‘café racer’ styled C-Spec model for 2017, both the R-Spec and standard Bolt did get some upgrades.

Although the R-Spec is the sporty version, both bikes us the same 942cc 60-degree V-twin engine, brakes, suspension, and frame. The 47 hp and 56 ft-lb of torque on tap are sent to the rear wheels via belt drive – so less maintenance for you.

Two new color schemes were made available for the R-Spec including Silver Shadow and Crimson Red, as well as updated graphics. Fuel capacity was also bumped up on both bikes, giving an estimated range of 173 miles. 

4. Harley-Davidson Street Bob

This was pretty much your last chance to buy a brand-new Street Bob from the Dyna range, as from 2018 onwards, all Street Bobs will be Softails. This may have something to do with why the Street Bob didn’t even feature on 2016’s list but came fourth this year.

To be fair, we can’t blame anyone wanting the last Street Bob of this era – it screams style. With Scorcher 31 rubber, mini-apes and a side mounted license plate, the Street Bob receives quite a few looks on the road. This could also, in part, be down to its dual chromed shorty exhausts which deep, powerful, tone.

Although the Street Bob isn’t known for its handling, it’s Twin Cam 103 motor puts out an impressive 94 ft-lb of torque, which provides more than enough straight-line fun for the street. 

5. Honda Rebel 300 and 500

Honda released the Rebel 300 and 500 last year and, since then, they have been some of the entry-level cruisers available. Both the 300 and 500 have identical styling, only separated by their displacements.

The steering is light and grounded, inspiring confidence, as does the low 27.2-inch seat height. The 43mm forks work well, helping Rebel handle well, even under hard braking. Some new riders will be happy to hear the Rebel comes with optional ABS. 

There may be $1,600 between the 500 and 300 models but, if you plan on being out on the open road, there’s no question, go for the parallel twin 500. While the Rebel 300 has plenty of power for the street, ringing its single cylinder engine on the highway will get tiresome.

6. Harley-Davidson Breakout (includes 114 and CVO)

Harley-Davidson’s Breakout 114 is the perfect example of a manufacturer giving the customer what they want. The Breakout is modern, long, and low.

Borrowing the headlight from Harley’s prototype electric motorcycle, the Livewire, has helped ensure the Breakout looks at home in the 21st century. Its performance figures also belong in the 21st century.

The 1,870cc Milwaukee-Eight 114, which powers the breakout produces an impressive 100.5 hp at 5020 rpm and a colossal 119 lb-ft of torque at 3,000 rpm – the most powerful bike on the list.

The Breakout 114’s engine isn’t the only impressive feature. Thanks to a redesigned mild-steel tubular frame the Breakout 114 is 65% stiffer than the outgoing Softail frame. 

7. Victory Octane

Victory’s Octane offers a chance to get real ‘big cruiser’ power, on a budget. But the Octane is more than just a good value for money motorcycle.

The 1179cc V-twin produces a monster 104 hp and 76 ft-lb of torque which, combined with a broad power curve, means the engine feels lively throughout the rev range.

The Octane’s engine undoubtedly takes center stage when riding. The brakes, however, do not. But don’t be fooled by the 298mm single disc brake up front, it provides ample stopping power.

If you ever wanted to get an Octane, now is the time - Polaris Industries started winding-down the Victory Motorcycle brand this year.

8. Yamaha V-Star 650 custom

New to this year’s list is Yamaha’s V-Star 650 custom, and it’s no surprise with its beautiful hot rod styling. Although it’s certainly not lacking in the chrome department, this bike’s beauty is more than skin deep.

The V-Star’s 649cc, air-cooled, SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder, 70-degree, V-twin puts out a respectable 37.6 ft-lb of torque. Most of the power is found between low and mid-range revs, and maximum torque occurs at 3,500 rpm. All the power is delivered through a shaft drive, meaning owners will have an easier time with maintenance.

A low seat height of 27.4” and a 514-lb wet weight, means the V-Star 650 custom is a very easy motorcycle to handle and will suit new riders well. Apart from lashings of chrome, the V-Star 650 custom also features self-canceling turn signals. 

9. Kawasaki Vulcan S

Rivals like Honda’s Rebel 300 & 500 and Harley-Davidson’s Street 500/750 mean the Vulcan is in a tough class to stand out in.

Kawasaki had somewhat of an upper hand when designing the Vulcan S, as they used the much loved, punchy, Ninja 650 powerplant. T

he inline twin puts out 60 hp and 46.3 ft-lb of torque. But the torque curve has been beefed up to be more impactful at lower revs. Maximum torque is produced around 6,000 rpm, noticeably higher than many of the other cruisers on this list.

Kawasaki has also used a tried and tested chassis, taken from the hugely successful Versys, so we know it handles well. An ECO indicator was fitted on the Vulcan’s LCD screen. The ECO indicator stays on when you’re riding economically – 50 mpg around the city is easily achievable. 

10. Honda Shadow (Phantom and Aero)

The Honda Shadow has been on best-selling cruiser lists practically forever, and 2017 was no different.

The Honda Shadow Phantom is powered by a 745cc, liquid-cooled, 52 degree, V-Twin with three valves per cylinder. It produces 44.6 hp at 5,500 rpm and 47.9 ft-lb at 3,500 rpm. This makes it a powerful starter cruiser or a good step up for a newer rider.

It’s economical too, returning 56 mpg with combined city and highway riding.

There isn’t a huge amount of stopping power from the single 296mm disc brake up front and the rear drum brake, but it’s enough to pull up the 549-pound Shadow Phantom.