10 Best Non Harley Metric Cruiser Bikes You Can Buy in 2024

Harley-Davidson is one-of-a-kind American motorcycle brand. You can mimic a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, but you can never get that same feel, vibe, and authenticity. There are many things, including the class, aesthetics, history, and emotions attached with this brand that make it unique.

However, being a premium American cruiser motorcycle and touring bike brand, Harley-Davidson motorbikes are quite expensive. The high price tag of Harley models makes them out of reach for many riders who want to ride this bike. Most riders cannot afford this bike.

The current American motorcycle market dynamics have changed. As of today, there are many notable motorcycle brands, including the Japanese that have acquired a good share of the market. They have taken advantage of the Harley-Davidson’s weaknesses and are doing good sales in the region.

If you are one of those riders who always wanted to ride a Harley-Davidson but can’t afford it, we have a list of motorcycles that will serve as the perfect alternatives. Continue reading this article to learn about the 10 best non Harley metric cruisers you can buy in 2024.

BMW may never have planned to compete with Harley-Davidson in the cruiser and touring bike market. However, with the introduction of its R 18 platform, it looks like the bike is completely designed for American riders. It has a superior classic look, top-end power, a large displacement engine, and whatnot.

The BMW R 18 is the perfect alternative if you are looking for the best non-Harley cruiser. Despite being manufactured in Germany, it gives off a true American cruiser vibe. However, the Bavarian Motor Works (BMW) didn’t shy away from keeping this bike a pure German breed by installing the iconic Boxer engine.

Despite its true classic bobber look, the BMW R 18 is a modern cruiser bike. It has one of the most powerful and torquey 1,802 cc air/oil-cooled two-cylinder four-stroke boxer engines.

Being a Boxer engine, the cylinders can be seen horizontally opposing each other on both sides of the bike. It may look odd to most American motorcyclists but this is what BMW is known for.

The 1,802 boxer engine is able to generate a 157.27 Nm of torque and a horsepower of 91 hp. Like most Harley motorbikes, the torque this bike produces is enormous and is readily available.

If you have ever ridden a Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic 114 , the truest Harley cruiser, you will find the BMW R 18 quite similar in certain aspects. Both have a classic heritage, huge torque, and highly comfortable ergonomics. However, the R 18 is heavier than the Heritage Classic.

The R 18 has a longer wheelbase of 68.1 inches that is longer than the Harley-Davidson Breakout 117 , the longest H-D cruiser.

The BMW R 18 is quite low to the ground. It has a seat height of 27.2 inches. Everything about this bike is so good, except that you don’t have forward-mounted foot controls. The legroom is restricted due to the presence of horizontally opposed engine cylinders. This is something that will remind you of a Harley cruiser.

The BMW R 18 is available in different variants:

• BMW R 18 : If you want a simple, stripped-down bobber-style cruiser, you can buy the R 18.

• BMW R 18 Classi c: If you want a proper cruiser with standard wind protection and saddlebags, you have got the R 18 Classic.

• BMW R 18 B : For bagger lovers, there is the BMW R 18 B.

• BMW R 18 Transcontinental : For those looking for a premium touring bike with a wide fairing, sind protection, hard saddlebags, trunk, and sofa-style passenger seat, you can choose the R 18 Transcontinental. It is the most premium of variants and will cost you $23,995.

If you look at the base price of the standard BMW R 18, it will cost you $ 14,995. Though the price is substantial, it is still reasonable compared to a Harley cruiser of the same class. The R 18 is also more modern with a better tech package.

The Yamaha Bolt R-Spec is one of the most perfect and closest imitations of the Harley Sportster Iron 883 . This bike is very simple, with nothing more than bones and a decent powerplant. However, it is one of those machines that turned out to be perfection. The fit and finish of the Bolt R-Spec are class apart. If you look at it from a distance, you may confuse this bike with the Sportster Iron 883 .

As of now, when the Sportster Iron 883 and Iron 1200 do not exist anymore, this metric cruiser bike can be used as a perfect replacement.

The Bolt R-Spec is a slim bobber-style bike with a round classic headlamp toward the front, like the Iron 883. The 942 cc air-cooled V-Twin engine brings you closer to the Iton 883’s feel. It also has a belt final drive.

Moreover, the Bolt R-Spec keeps things simple, like the Iron 883. There are no special or tech features installed on this bike. However, it is still a decent bike to ride within the city. Also, it may look like a bit old-school, but it is a sports cruiser. The Bolt R-Spec ensures a slightly sportier riding stance, which is loved by most modern riders.

The Yamaha Bolt R-Spec has simply copied and pasted the Sportster Iron 883’s specs sheet and made this bike. Whether it's belt final drive, five-speed transmission, handlebars style, or air-cooled engine, this bike is the closest to the Iron 883.

If you are a die-hard fan of the Sportster Iron 883, give this bike a try. You can buy the 2024 Bolt R-Spec for only $8,899. Above all, this bike is made by Yamaha and is reliable.

If you are a fan of a classic-looking Harley cruiser but cannot afford one, we have a perfect alternative for you. The Honda Shadow Aero is one of the coolest-looking non Harley metric cruiser bikes. It perfectly mimics an old-school Harley with several chrome parts. The ergonomics are also one of the most comfortable.

It is simple, elegant, and classic. That sounds like Harley, right? Above all, even a beginner can ride this bike. It is not common for Honda to build a classic bike like this. This is what makes the Honda Shadow Aero unique.

The seat height is quite low on this bike. The seat is very comfortable and wide, making you sit comfortably. The fenders are quite large and heavy as you would find on vintage Harleys. A separate passenger seat is installed on the rear fender.

The chrome gauges are fuel tank mounted. The handlebars are decently taller and swept back, making you sit in a relaxed riding position. The wire-spoked wheels, along with fat tires, make the Honda Shadow Aero more classic.

If you want to be a part of the American cruiser bikes world with a budget-friendly non-Harley cruiser, the Shadow Aero is a perfect choice.

The 745 cc liquid-cooled V-twin engine generates 44.9 hp of horsepower and 65 Nm of torque. The bike moves around town decently. It can be an ideal choice for those looking for an entry-level cruiser. The engine power may feel a bit on the lower side, considering this bike weighs 560 lbs. The weight of this bike is slightly on the higher side, considering its class and category.

Regardless of being a low-powered entry-level cruiser bike, the Honda Shadow Aero feels like a true American cruiser while riding. This bike gives a proper muscular and bulky look to mimic the American cruiser styling.

The Rebel 1100 has the potential to compete with any modern cruiser in the market. It is one of the finest modern sporty-style cruiser with several unique features. The Rebel 1100 is the bigger variant in the Rebel series and the most powerful one. However, the Rebel 500 and the Rebel 300 are equally famous worldwide due to their modern capabilities.

The Rebel 1100 is a fun bike to have. It is more sporty and aggressive than the Sportster. You cannot compare this bike with the Harley as it is unique in its own way. The Rebel 1100 is a perfect modern interpretation of a cruiser.

Unlike the conventional V-Twin cruiser engine, the 1,083 cc Liquid-Cooled, 22.5° Parallel-Twin Four-Stroke Engine offers a true sporty nature. The engine delivers 85.8 hp of horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 98 Nm of torque at 4,750 rpm.

Being slightly aggressive, the Rebel 1100 knows how to accelerate perfectly. It offers a great throttle response, making the rides more exciting.

If you crave a modern riding experience that requires less involvement, you can choose to buy the DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) variant. It is one of those premium Honda bikes with the iconic DCT feature.

The DCT feature allows riders to choose between Automatic and Manual transmission modes with a single push of a button. The automatic transmission mode allows riders to just simply open the throttle and go without having to engage clutch and shift gears.

On the other hand, riders have a manual mode to provide more control over the bike and how the power is delivered to the rear wheel. There is no clutch on this bike. The rider can shift gears in the manual mode using a pedal shifter installed around the handlebars.

The Rebel 1100 is a fully modem, fully loaded sports cruiser motorcycle with four different ride modes, cruise control, and traction control. What impresses riders the most is its affordable price range. The Rebel 1100 is available at a very affordable price of $9,549. If you want to own the DCT variant, it will only cost you $600 more.

The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 is another non Harley metric cruiser that may not be too powerful but is highly comfortable. Considering the power and torque it produces, this bike can be compared with the Harley Sportster series. However, the comfort and ergonomics are far superior than the Sportster.

Considering the style, reliability, quality, comfort, performance, and sound, the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 is a top-class bike. Above all, it is affordable too. You can buy this bike at an affordable price of only $9,399.

The Vulcan 900 is available in three different trims:

Vulcan 900 Classic

As the name suggests, the Vulcan 900 Classic has several classic features, giving it a vintage vibe. It features:

• Large fenders
• Extra cushioned comfortable rider and passenger seats
• Wide and nicely sweptback handlebars
• Rider floorboards
• Classic-looking whitewall tires
• Wire-spoked wheels.

Vulcan 900 Custom

If you prefer a cruiser motorcycle with a premium modern look, the Vulcan 900 Custom is right for you. This variant has a custom styling:

• Modern bobber vibe

• matte black finish

• bobber-style front fender

• chopped rear fender

• Pulled-back handlebars with tall risers

• Separate dual long slash-cut mufflers

• Pinstripe split, nine-spoked steel wheels

Vulcan 900 Classic LT

The VN900 Classic LT is a classic touring model with multiple attachments for long-distance touring. This bike has multiple unique features, including:

• Adjustable large windscreen

• Leather saddlebags

• Sculpted comfortable two-up seat

• Sissy bar and passenger backrest

• Rider floorboards

The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 has a 903 cc liquid-cooled 55° V-Twin, four-stroke engine capable of delivering 78.9 Nm of torque and 50 hp of horsepower.

Being made by Kawasaki, you can trust the Vulcan 900 cruiser bikes to be reliable. The engine power is adequate, the handling is perfect, and the sound this produces is addictive, too. The Vulcan 900 is a great option if you are looking for a Sportster alternative. If you want more torque, power, and acceleration, you can look for other high-powered metric cruiser bikes in the list.

The 2024 Honda Shadow Phantom is another great metric cruiser, ideally designed for beginners. Look-wise, this bike has improved so much in 2024. The dual-tone paint job has made it quite a premium looking bike. It is a real Low Rider bike with a seat height of only 25.6 inches, making it one of the lowest in the category.

The 745 cc V-twin engine produces 44.6 hp and 64.94 Nm of torque, making it a highly suitable cruiser for beginners.

The fit and finish of this bike are perfect. The tuck-and-roll-style solo rider seat, matte-black finish, wire-spoked wheels, fat tires, and separate dual shorty exhaust pipes make this bike look incredible.

If you are a fan of bobber looks and don’t want to spend too much money on a beginner-level bike, the Shadow Phantom is an ideal option. You can own this bike for only $8,399. It is a perfect alternative for the Harley Sportster Iron 883 and other beginner-friendly Street models.

The only problem that you can face on the Shadow Phantom is its low ground clearance. While turning a sharp corner, you must be careful not to scrape the footpegs and lose control of your bike. Also, you must carefully lean on this bike, considering it has low cornering clearance.

The Honda Shadow Phantom can also be a bit uncomfortable for riders with long legs. Though the foot controls are forward-mounted, your knees will be placed above your hip level if you have longer limbs that can be a little uncomfortable.

Other than that, the Shadow Phantom is a comfortable metric cruiser with a lot of potential. It is one of those entry-level cruiser motorcycles that you can ride for years without getting bored of it.

If you want to go to the time when choppers were a thing, riding the Honda Fury can let you live in that moment. It is a chopper-style cruiser bike by Honda with a unique motorcycle design. This bike has something very special about its gas tank design, as it looks quite stretched and slim. It may not be an ideal match for a Harley-Davidson cruiser, but this bike also doesn’t look like it is produced by Honda. In fact, it doesn’t look like this bike has been produced in the factory.

The Honda Fury has a unique custom look. What draws the most attention to this bike is its large V-Twin engine. As you can see, the Honda Fury has the least compact look. It looks like the frame and engine of this bike are different. They are not meant to be integrated together.

The Honda Fury looks like a V-shaped motorbike with a taller front end. As you move towards the rear end, the bike gets pretty low. The seat height of this bike is only 26.9 inches. The headlight is one of the most attractive, with an extended binnacle.

The Fury has stylish nine-spoked aluminum wheels. The front forks are substantially raked out for a supreme chopper look. The Honda Fury is one of those bikes that has remained the same throughout the years. The 1,312 cc liquid-cooled V-Twin engine delivers 98.97 Nm of torque and 53.7 hp of horsepower. It also comes with a standard ABS feature and programmed fuel injection, as found on almost every Honda bike.

It is quite a large motorcycle, with a wheelbase of 71 inches. It has one of the longest wheelbases of all the motorcycles mentioned in the list. Even the longest-wheelbase Harley, the Breakout 117, has a shorter wheelbase than this factory-made Honda chopper.

The Honda Fury is not a clueless chopper design that cannot turn. Engineers at Hodna Research & Development made this chopper more practical. Being a chopper, the Honda Fury can take turns pretty comfortably. The bike is very comfortable to ride, and it sounds exceptional, like a Harley.

Another very affordable metric cruiser that you can ride without breaking the bank is the RE Super Meteor 650 . According to some reviewers, it is one of the most perfect cruiser bikes Royal Enfield has ever produced. This bike is very neatly designed and has received a premium treatment.

The good thing about this bike is that the manufacturers hasn’t tried to mimic a Harley. It is one of the most modern-looking Royal Enfield bike. The riding position is perfect with forward-mounted footrests. The handlebars are not too sweptback to make riders sit in a slouched riding position. The rider can comfortably ride with an upright ride posture.

If you want to ride a bit aggressively, you can also lean a bit forward. This makes the Super Meteor 650 a motorbike with an unusual rider triangle.

Considering it a midweight cruiser, the RE Super Meteor 650 is a lightweight cruiser bike. It is a great motorcycle for maneuvering around town. It is a perfect motorbike for riding on busy roads full of traffic.

The air/oil-cooled 648 cc parallel-twin engine is a proven and reliable technology used by Royal Enfield in Interceptor and Continental. It produces 46.35 hp of horsepower and 52.3 Nm of torque. It delivers a nice amount of torque in the mid range, making this bike exciting to ride. The engine gives a unique soul, character, and sound to this bike.

Considering the RE Super Meteor 650's look, fit, finish, and premiums, most reviewers expected it to be a bit expensive. However, this bike is affordable at $6,999. Considering its class, style, performance, and price range, the RE Super Meteor 650 can provide good competition to its competitors.

The Boulevard M109 R B.O.S.S. is the most powerful cruisers made by Suzuki. It falls under the performance cruiser category due to being extremely powerful and torquey. It comes with a large 1,783 cc liquid-cooled V-twin engine designed to produce 128 hp of horsepower and 160 Nm of torque. This bike is tuned to attain a top speed of 125 mph.

Taking off on the Suzuki Boulevard M109 R B.O.S.S. from the stop is easier thanks to the torquey engine. The bike is pushed forward rapidly even with the slight twist of throttle. The engine is very responsive and the power is delivered instantaneously as soon as you twist the throttle.

If you are looking for a Harley V-Rod or Breakout alternative, the Boulevard M109 R is a good metric cruiser bike. The Suzuki Boulevard M109 R B.O.S.S. is not available in the 2024 lineup, but you can still buy the 2023 model as listed on the website.

It is a great-looking bike with completely blacked-out features. There is a headlight cowl installed toward the front and a tail cowl at the back, giving this bike the Hayabusa look. The handlebars are mounted on risers that are adequately sweptback. However, you still need to stretch your arms to ride in an upright posture. The forward controls are forward, making you sit comfortably.

If you want to ride in style, the Suzuki Boulevard M109 R B.O.S.S. is one of the best powerful-looking non-Hammer cruisers. However, the price tag isn’t too small, as the 2023 model has a base MSRP of $15,599, which is on the higher side, considering that this bike doesn’t even have a standard ABS.

The ride quality is pretty good. The power delivered is so smooth. You will not feel any vibrations at the handlebars. Considering it is a performance-oriented bike, the Suzuki Boulevard M109 R is quite flickable. One may not expect this bike to be so flickable and good at handling. However, it makes riding pretty enjoyable.

The name “Eliminator” is not new. The term was previously used by Kawasaki for the ZL900 model. However, the Japanese manufacturer decided to bring the Eliminator back with a completely fresh look. What remains the same on the new Eliminator is the sports cruiser design. Not to forget, the 1985 Kawasaki Eliminator ZL900 was among the first sports cruiser bikes.

The new Eliminator from Kawasaki is designed to target young and new riders primarily. According to most motorcycle reviewers, this bike is launched to compete with the Rebel 500. Also, Harley doesn’t provide any competition in this segment. The brand only focuses on producing large-displacement motorbikes, creating a huge gap for Japanese manufacturers to excel in the entry-level category.

The 2024 Kawasaki Eliminator is a good alternative to the Harley-Davidson Street 750 and Sportster Iron 883. It is a sports cruiser bike with a modern riding style. It is a perfect urban commuter like the Honda Rebel 500. The blend of cruiser styling and sportiness makes the Kawasaki Eliminator perfect for versatile riding. It is sporty enough to take this bike for canyon carving.

The Kawasaki Eliminator features a 451 cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine with a bigger bore and shorter strokes. Its power figures may not be big, but this bike can rev at higher RPMs like a sports bike.

This bike also features several cool features, such as the slipper and assist clutch, optional ABS, Ergo-Fit, and mobile phone connectivity option. 

If you want to switch to a motorcycle brand other than Harley, there are several options you have. The 10 best 2024 non-Harley metric cruiser bikes mentioned in this article can be your next bike if you want to experience something different than a Harley.

There may be several reasons why someone wants to switch from Harley. It may be due to the high price or the typical riding style. These best non-Harley cruisers offer you a distinctive riding style reliability, and above all, they are affordable compared to Harley cruiser motorcycles. Especially if you are looking for a used non Harley metric cruiser, you can get yourself a really good deal.