These powerful cruisers from Japanese and American brands are in a constant fight for dominance.

BY: MAINAK CHAKRABORTY  COURTESY: TOPSPEED

The cruiser motorcycle segment is a battlefield between two giant industries from two countries: American cruiser manufacturers and Japanese cruiser manufacturers. It is true that American manufacturers are the father figures of cruiser culture, and the pioneers are Harley-Davidson and Indian. But, as the cruiser motorcycles gained popularity, Japanese manufacturers came up with their own versions and grabbed a considerable market share.

The four giants of the Japanese motorcycle industry—Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, and Suzuki have launched competitive cruisers against American-made machines. While the Softail from H-D or the Chief from Indian remained the cult classics of American cruising, Japanese manufacturers boldly answered to their threats with cruisers like the Suzuki Boulevard and Honda Rebel and solidified their position in the market.

The approaches of American and Japanese manufacturers are different when designing cruisers. American cruisers are targets for exclusiveness and classic traditions that resonate with the motorcycling legacy of the country. This often makes American cruisers expensive. Japanese cruisers, on the other hand, are more inclined toward modernity and technology within an affordable price range. Although this often results in low power figures in comparison to their American counterparts, in this article, we will explore the most powerful Japanese cruisers right now on the market and their American alternatives.

 

 

10 Honda Fury

53.7 Horsepower

The Fury is a Japanese machine that doesn't look Japanese at all. Rather, if we remove the Honda badge, people will mistake it for a custom-built motorcycle in some American downtown workshop. This radically custom-styled motorcycle grabs attention with its teardrop seamless fuel tank, raked-out front end, stretched wheelbase, and hardtail-style rear frame. 

Its true Japanese characteristics become visible once we look at the center of the bike, where sits the enormous V-twin engine with fuel injection. This is the largest displacement engine Honda is offering on a cruiser motorcycle. Power transfers to the rear wheel via a maintenance-free shaft drive.

(Sourced from Honda)

On the handling part, the high-tensile steel frame provides responsive handling. The incredibly low seat height makes maneuvering much easier and also allows the rider to easily flat-foot it at stoplights.

Pros

• Well-engineered functional design, one of a kind on the market.
• Sufficiently powerful engine for a chopper.
• Impeccable attention to detail.

Cons

• A nearly 6-foot wheelbase demands a long turning radius.
• 685 pounds of weight is too heavy for a tiny 3.4-gallon fuel tank.
• Low on tech features and no storage space.

 

 9  American Alternative: Indian Chief Dark Horse 

79 Horsepower

Finding an alternative for Fury is difficult, particularly design-wise, because no American manufacturer has anything in their lineup that can match the radical design of Fury. Only one machine that grabbed our attention and shared the same minimalist character is the Indian Chief Dark Horse. Finding an alternative for Fury is difficult, particularly design-wise, because no American manufacturer has anything in their lineup that can match the radical design of Fury. Only one machine that grabbed our attention and shared the same minimalist character is the Indian Chief Dark Horse.

(Sourced from Indian)

The dash of the bike is a combination of classic esthetics and modern tech, where a 4-inch touchscreen is housed inside a round analog gauge. You can connect your smartphone to manage calls, notifications, and turn-by-turn navigation.

Pros

• Standard ABS and cruise control.
• Standard rear cylinder deactivation system.
• Three selectable ride modes.

Cons

• More than 79 horsepower is expected from a big 1890cc engine.

 

 8  Yamaha Bolt R-Spec

65 Horsepower

The Yamaha Bolt R-Spec is the epitome of old-school cool. This bike perfectly captures the spirit of a classic American cruiser with its teardrop-shaped fuel tank, low solo saddle, and unmistakable retro styling. Underneath the iconic looks lies a V-twin engine that produces impressive power and wide-range torque, with max torque available at just 3,000 RPM for excellent driveability around town. The powertrain hits all the way up to 106 MPH through a five-speed transmission.

(Sourced from Yamaha)

This affordable and exciting ride retains the heritage and charm of cruising without unnecessary electronic aids getting in the way. Combined with the only electronic addition being ABS-equipped disc brakes, the Bolt R-Spec embodies simplicity at its finest.

Pros

• Lightweight design and low seat height make it approachable for riders of all sizes.
• Well-tuned suspension, especially large twin rear shocks, ensures a comfortable ride.
• Sleek and modern design with classic cruiser looks.

Cons

• Long rides might become tiring due to the absence of wind protection.
• Lack of modern electronic features, such as traction control.

 

 7  American Alternative: Harley-Davidson Softail Standard

91 Horsepower

Blending modern technology with heritage styling, the Harley-Davidson Softail Standard is a lightweight daily commuter with the heart of a weekend cruiser. The Softail design features a sleek profile and a low 25.8-inch seat height, ideal for navigating urban landscapes. However, the Milwaukee-Eight 107 V-twin engine packs a serious punch and propels the Softail Standard to highway speeds with classically elegant cruising comfort aided by adjustable rear shocks and a relaxed riding position.

(Sourced from Harley-Davidson)

The round Daymaker headlamp emits a modern LED glow to see the road ahead while still retaining that signature classic chopper appeal. With power and comfort to spare, the Softail Standard makes daily commuting an elegant affair yet always leaves you longing for the open road.

Pros

• Stretched riding position provides ample comfort.
• Great suspension with adjustability.
• Cheapest cruiser in Harley's catalog.

Cons

• ABS is optional.
• Absence of rider assistance features like ride modes and cruise control.
• Not so good for short riders.

 

 6  Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager

82 Horsepower

The Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager model is a fully-dressed touring cruiser, complete with panniers, top box, and frame-mounted fairing. In terms of luxury and engineering refinement, it is only comparable to the Honda Goldwing or the big touring machines of Harley and Indian.

This big bike has a commanding presence on the road, and its wide frame-mounted fairing not only makes it look better, but it also offers excellent wind and weather protection. To fit all of your belongings and trip necessities, the bike comes with a top case and two conventional, roomy panniers.

(Sourced from Kawasaki)

This touring motorcycle is among Kawasaki's most technologically advanced models. This bike boasts an AM/FM/WB audio system with SiriusXM radio compatibility, intercom-headset compatibility, and Kawasaki Advanced Co-Active Braking (K-ACT) technology in addition to ABS and cruise control. 

Pros

• This bike is the only fully-faired and touring-equipped Japanese cruiser available on the market.
• Featured with most of the electronic rider assistance technology.
• Lots of customization options are available.

Cons

• GPS device is sold separately.
• Not so beginner-friendly.

 5  American Alternative: Indian Chieftain Dark Horse

92 Horsepower

The Indian Springfield is a perfect alternative to Voyager because of its classic design, modern features, and power characteristics. Powered by the dependable Thunderstroke 116 V-Twin, the Chieftain commands an unmistakable road presence due to its large batwing fairing and chrome accents on the blacked-out engine and elsewhere.

This classic American charm has some modern features too. For example, keyless ignition, cruise control, USB charging, and selectable ride modes, among others. The incredibly powerful engine is equipped with rear cylinder deactivation to reduce heat discomfort in slow-moving traffic or during a complete stop at a signal.

(Sourced from Indian)

Making its touring capability more reasonable, the bike comes standard with two remote-locking hard saddlebags. Infotainment is taken care of by Ride Command with Bluetooth integration and 100-watt speakers.

Pros

• Standard rear cylinder deactivation.
• Infotainment powered by Ride Command has everything you need on the go.
• 12V charging port.

Cons

• Smaller windscreen.
• 822 pounds (373 kg) of curb weight is not easy to handle in traffic.

 

 4  Honda Rebel 1100T DCT

86 Horsepower

The Honda Rebel 1100T DCT is the most powerful cruiser in the Rebel family and is equipped with an automatic transmission. The bike has inherited its power characteristics from the legendary Africa Twin, but for the 1100T, Honda engineers re-calibrated the engine with a 270-degree phase crank for more even power delivery.

To make cruising on this bike an ultimate experience, Honda has equipped the 1100T with cruise control and an automatic DCT transmission. The latter relieves you from frequent shifting in traffic situations; however, you can switch to manual mode to have full control. Using both cruise control and DCT transmission on the highway allows you to enjoy the ride without minding the tedious job of accelerating and shifting.

(Sourced from Honda)

The 1100T DCT is also impeccable when it comes to rider comfort. The narrow design of the bike allows easy get-on and off, and the roomy rider triangle features a perfect balance between a laid-back cruiser and sporty riding.

Pros

• The automatic dual-clutch transmission (DCT) is the biggest USP of this bike.
• The Biaxial counterbalancer cancels out engine vibration quite efficiently.
• The front and rear wheel speed sensors prevent unwanted wheelies.

Cons

• A dual-disc front brake should be there.

 

 3  American Alternative: Indian Scout

95 Horsepower

The Indian Scout doesn't need any introduction; it was there when nobody was, and the modern iteration of the Scout offers 95 horsepower, one of the highest in the 1,200 cc twin-cylinder cruiser category. The V-twin at the heart delivers wide-range torque and punchy acceleration to cruise with confidence.

With head-turning shiny chrome accents, iconic dual exhausts, and thick front and rear tires, the Scout claims an unmistakable road presence. However, modern roads need modern features, and Indian added all those without hampering the classic elegance of the bike. 

(Sourced from Indian)

For example, the USB charging port is hidden in the dash to keep its authentic appearance. Unlike the Rebel 1100T DCT, two-up seats and passenger pegs come standard with this bike.

Pros

• The retro-inspired sporty design is a sight to behold.
• Two-up seats are a standard feature.
• USB charging port.

Cons

• Like the Rebel, it also lacks a dual-disc front brake.
• ABS is not standard.
• Low on electronic features.

 

 2  Suzuki Boulevard M109R B.O.S.S

128 Horsepower

The Suzuki Boulevard M109R is literally the boss of the Japanese cruiser category. The muscular design with slash-cut mufflers flaunts its performance cruiser character.

The bike comes standard with a single rider seat and tail cowl; however, you can choose an optional passenger seat as well. But in our judgment, the tail cowl enhances the oomph factor of the bike. Other design elements that make this bike stand out are the flowing appearance, blacked-out engine, exhausts, wheels, and handlebars.

(sourced from Suzuki)

The powerful V-Twin engine is equipped with cutting-edge technologies from the manufacturer, such as the Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve System (SDTV) and the Suzuki Advanced Sump System (SASS). The 4.4-inch forged aluminum alloy cylinders are one of the largest cylinders in use in any production vehicle and deliver massive power and enormous torque.

Pros

• Probably the most stylish cruiser available on the market.
• A powerful engine with advanced technology by Suzuki.

Cons

• The dash looks outdated.
• No major upgrades for a long time.

 

 1  American Alternative: Harley-Davidson Breakout 117

103 Horsepower

Powered by the largest Milwaukee-Eight engine, the Breakout 117 is the perfect cruiser to go head-to-head with the Boulevard. The super attractive look of the bike is highlighted by a chopped rear fender, which houses a very fat 240 mm tire on an 18-inch wheel. Both the wheels have a 26-spoke cast-aluminum contrast cut design, which elevates the bike's appeal by many folds. The high-performance engine is equipped with a forward-facing heavy breather intake to flow more air into the engine. The engine is also equipped with a temperature management system that deactivates the rear cylinder while in idle mode to maintain a certain temperature level.

Pros

• ABS and traction control are standard features.
• USB power outlet.

Cons

• Only the headlamp has LEDs, all turn signals and the tail lamp uses incandescent lamps.
• Split turn signals, right on the right handlebar, left on the opposite.