According to the New York Times, Harley Davidson has more than one competitor on its hands, including Indian motorcycles. Yes, you read that right. As a symbol of classic Americana, Harley’s lightweight cruiser motorcycle is finally getting a run for its money.
If you’re hunting for bikes that look like Harleys, we will not lie: Harley Davidson produces the world’s most famous cruisers. But they’re not the only option out there. Let’s look at some of the top Harley-Davidson competitors!
Japanese Cruise Motorcycle Alternatives
Can we be totally honest with you? With Japanese cruise motorcycle alternatives, you can’t go wrong with adding these bikes to your life:
- Honda Rebel 300 ABS
- Kawasaki Vulcan S
- Yamaha Star Bolt R
What’s not to love about the Honda Rebel 300 ABS? Even though Harley Davidson is known for its range of beginner-level bikes, there are actually tons of other cheaper options to consider too. In fact, if you’re new to the whole motorcycle thing, you can get your hands on Honda’s Rebel 500 model for just under $6,200.
Plus, the Honda Rebel 300 ABS is fantastic for bombing urban streets for two-wheel enthusiasts. And if you’re looking to save cash, try out the 300cc model for less than $5,000.
Moving on, the Kawasaki Vulcan S is a must-have for its versatility, power, and affordability. As if that’s not enough, there are three different versions to choose from, including the base, Café, and Sport models. The best part is that all of them are under $8,000, which isn’t too shabby for your average small cruiser.
But here’s the thing: if you’re looking for a bigger 900cc Vulcan model, then you will have to shell out more cash. Are you into more hipster, industrial-style motorcycles? If this sounds like you, then you might want to think about purchasing the Yamaha Star Bolt R.
At around $8,000, the Yamaha Star Bolt R isn’t exactly the most affordable model that you can buy. However, the Yamaha Star Bolt R and the R-Spec are way more powerful than your everyday cruiser motorcycle. That’s not all.
With the R-Spec, you’ll automatically have so-called “piggyback rear suspension” that blows other bikes like the H-D Sportster Iron 883 out of the water!
More Affordable Harley Look Alike Motorcycles
Are you searching for more affordable Harley look-alike motorcycles? If you really want something that holds up to the history of Harley Davidson motorcycles, then you might want to add the following options to your wish list:
- Triumph Bonneville Bobber
- Indian Scout Sixty
- Suzuki C90T
Here’s what we know for sure. Celebrated by motorcycle enthusiasts everywhere, the Triumph Bonneville Bobber takes the cake for its styling, value, and performance. As a convenient commuter bike, the Bobber has a 1,200cc engine that’s even more fierce than the Harley Evolution alternative.
On top of this, the Triumph Bonneville Bobber gets extra points for its two-up seats and a more comfortable riding seat. Even though it doesn’t necessarily fit into the regular cruiser category, the Bobber’s distinct British-style look is worth its hefty price tag of 11,500.
What’s the real deal about the Indian Scout Sixty? Besides the Triumph brand, Indian is one of the top competitors for Harley Davidson’s audience. And with the newly remodeled Indian Scout Sixty, Harley fans won’t even be able to spot a difference between the Scout and the Sportster 1200.
Some might even say that the Scout’s suspension and handling are even more efficient than Harley’s Sportster model. With only 1,000cc in its engine, the Indian Scout Sixty is more budget-friendly at under $9,000.
That’s not all. Let’s take a moment to talk about the Suzuki C90T. Although the sale of newer motorcycles has been flatlining for the last couple of years, the Suzuki C90T is still available for about $13,000.
Is your jaw is on the floor because of that price tag? Join the club. However, it could be worth it if you’re ready to take on 1,450cc of engine power.
Best Midsize Cruiser Motorcycle Picks
Does the phrase “best midsize cruiser motorcycle picks” rev your engines? Take a look at a few of our best midsize cruiser motorcycle picks:
- Victory Octane
- Moto Guzzi MGX-21
- BMW K1600GTL
Now – let’s take a break from traditional Japanese cruisers and look at a European model. If you guessed that we’re talking about the Victory Octane, you’d be right. Believe it or not, the Victory Octane was the very last version to roll off of the production lines for this brand.
In addition, the Octane has sharper lines and more defined creases than ever before. And the bullet cowl that comes with it is excellent for building up speed on the roads. How about the Moto Guzzi MGX-21?
Don’t be surprised if the sight of the Moto Guzzi MGX-21 stops you in your tracks, especially when you see its fine lines and carbon fiber. Not to mention its huge front wheel and firetruck red accents. Its side bags, turn signals, and mirrors will take your breath away, making you forget about all about Harley Davidsons.
Have no fear – we haven’t forgotten about the BMW K1600GTL. At around $23,200, this definitely doesn’t fall under the “affordable” category in any way, shape, or form. However, this make and model is ready to hit the highway with its saddlebags and windshield accessories.
With quality, elegance, and style to match, the BMW K1600GTL is the ultimate touring machine. Also, its standard six-cylinder inline engine is to die for. And that’s only if you can take your eyes off of its uniquely designed panels too.
Pro tip: for those who are trying to bike on a budget, there’s nothing wrong with picking up a used version of these models either. How can you beat that?
Harley Davidson Alternatives: Kawasaki Voyager
Here’s the deal. There are so many quality Harley Davidson motorcycle alternatives out there that we had to add one more to our list – the Kawasaki Voyager. If you’re not already familiar with this stylish cruiser, then allow us to enlighten you.
As a perfect substitute to average V-twin tourer motorcycles, the Kawasaki Voyager has a reliable performance that will impress you just as much. Also, it comes with all the amenities and comforts that you’d find in any rider that was built to take on long tours, including features like:
- A gel seat
- Clearview tinted with vent windshield
- Chrome bar risers
- iPod connecter to the audio system
- Cobra Tri-Flo slip-on mufflers
Manufactured in colors like black and grey metallic, the Kawaski Voyager has a V-twin engine size of 1,700 ccs. Are you wondering how much it costs to take one of these out on the open road? If that’s the case, then we’ve got you covered.
Amazingly enough, it takes $11,000 to purchase a used Kawasaki Voyager. With a mid-size price to match, you can also add tons of extra components like an AM/FM radio, a cycle cover, and a fork loc. Bonus points for spending a few more bucks on life-saving anti-lock brakes and cruise control too.
If you’re looking to buy a brand-new Kawasaki Voyager, then you’ve come to the right place. For just over $16,000, you can bring one home with you. Prepare to make your friends and family members jealous when they see how much torque you have on your new bike.
And with a one-of-a-kind frame-mounted fairing, you’ll be steering in style with the wind at your back and the road at your feed. Plus, it comes with a headset with a built-in intercom as well, making communicating with your road buddies easier and ever.
Did we mention that the new Kawasaki Voyager also comes with a three-year warranty? If that doesn’t send you running to the dealership already, we don’t know what will!
Save Money With Harley Davidson Competitors
Looking to save money with Harley Davidson competitors?
Your search is over. From the Honda Rebel 300 ABS and the Kawasaki Vulcan S to the Yamaha Star Bolt R and the Triumph Bonneville Bobber, we’ve got the scoop on the hottest Harley competitors on the market.
Searching for all the features that a Harley Davidson touring bike has?
Complete with all the amenities and comforts that you could ask for, it doesn’t hurt to consider adding the latest Kawasaki Voyager to your collection. And if that’s not the right stuff for you, then perhaps the Indian Scout Sixty or the Suzuki C90T will do the trick!
Want to learn more biker life tips? Check out our blog today!
