Classic-vibing American V-twin cruiser bikes have a strong cult following. But metric cruiser bikes have been one-upping the OGs with more refined powertrains, affordable price tags, and more features in recent times. Japanese motorcycle makers have also strived to replicate the old-school charm in their designs, with some surpassing expectations by religiously recreating the formula. We have curated a list of 10 such bikes from the likes of Suzuki, Honda, Kawasaki, and Yamahainspired by burly big-twin American bikes.
To give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from authoritative sources, including Yamaha Motorsports, Honda Powersports, Kawasaki Motorcycles USA, and Suzuki Cycles. This list is organized in decreasing order of pricing from the more expensive to the most affordable Japanese cruiser bikes that nail the old-school look. All prices and specifications are of the 2025 models unless mentioned otherwise.
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Suzuki Boulevard M109R
Price: $15,799
While $15,799 is not exactly affordable, the Suzuki M109R is an exception. No other cruiser bike in this segment packs as much performance as the most powerful cruiser bike under $20,000 does. This is thanks to its seasoned yet still-relevant 1,783 cc V-twin introduced in 2006. The muscular design language has also been unchanged since the M109R’s inception. This elevates its old-school appeal further.
Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic LT
Price: $10,599
This is an old-school cruiser bike that rivals a Harley-Davidson for its charm, laid-back riding dynamics, and touring potential. The classic bike design inspiration is strong here, with notable features such as eyelash fenders, laced wheels, lots of chrome, and a gorgeous teardrop fuel tank. It even flaunts footboards for the rider. Powering the Japanese cruiser bike with the highest fuel economy rating (with 55 MPG) is a 903 cc V-twin that produces 51 horsepower.
Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom
Price: $9,999
This is Kawasaki’s take on old-school chopper bikes. The Vulcan 900 Custom flaunts cool features like wide drag bars and forward-mounted footpegs, custom styling on the teardrop fuel tank, blacked-out parallel slash-cut exhaust tips, pinstripe wheels, and a 21-inch front wheel. Powering the Vulcan 900 Custom is a seasoned 903 cc V-twin, producing 51 horsepower and 58 pound-feet of torque. Nostalgia and cool looks go hand in hand here.
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Suzuki Boulevard C50T Special
Price: $9,779
This metric cruiser bike follows the same formula as the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic LT. It builds on the barebones C50 cruiser bike, adding touring-friendly features like a tall windscreen, studded seats, and available saddlebags for added storage. There is a lavish treatment of chrome on this Suzuki. This, along with familiar design cues like a teardrop fuel tank, full-sized eyelash fender, and whitewall tires, truly elevates its old-school appeal.
Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic
Price: $9,599
The barebones Vulcan 900 Classic is a gorgeous and apt recreation of classic American big-twin visual appeal. Notable classic design features include a teardrop fuel tank, a tank-mounted instrument cluster, whitewall tires, and full-coverage fenders that mimic eyelashes. Even its liquid-cooled V-twin looks like an old air-cooled mill, with its faux fins on the heads. For under $10,000, this is a pretty wholesome deal.
Suzuki Boulevard C50
Price: $9,299
The Suzuki Boulevard C50 follows a similar formula to the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 mentioned above, but does one better with a more affordable price tag. A teardrop fuel tank, full-sized fenders, loads of chrome on the engine, exhaust, headlight casing, and even fender covers all boost its charm. Power, meanwhile, comes from an 805 cc liquid-cooled V-twin producing 53.6 horsepower and 51 pound-feet of torque.
Yamaha Bolt R-Spec
Price: $8,999
Yamaha pays tribute to the iconic Harley-Davidson Sportster with its Bolt R-Spec cruiser bike. The design cues are heavily inspired by the Harley, with notable features including its angled teardrop fuel tank, forward-biased elevation, blacked-out components, chunky rear wheel, and chopped fenders. Powering this metric cruiser is a burbly air-cooled V-twin producing 65 horsepower and 59.3 pound-feet of torque. This is the biggest V-twin motorcycle from Yamaha today.
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Honda Shadow Phantom
Price: $8,699
The Shadow Phantom has a fan base because of how it beautifully blends classic design with strong custom elements. This is the primary reason why, despite being a 10-year-old design, it still turns heads. Its low-slung design is accentuated by visual features such as muscular body panels, a circular headlamp casing, a teardrop-style fuel tank, dual-tone paint jobs, chopped fenders, and blacked-out engine and other componentry.
Honda Shadow Aero
Price: $7,949 (Non-ABS) / $8,249 (ABS)
While the Phantom flaunts a custom bike look, the Shadow Aero goes all in with the nostalgic charm with retro paint jobs, a relaxed riding stance courtesy of a winder and more tilted handlebars, and lots of chrome elements on the airbox, the exhaust system, the front fork covers, and the headlight casing. Powering this Honda is the same 745 cc V-twin as the Shadow. If you are someone who loves traditional designs more, then this is your piece of cake. It is also more comfortable for two-up riding.
Yamaha V-Star 250
Price: $4,799
The V-Star 250 is currently the most affordable V-twin cruiser bike on sale. Yamaha has religiously replicated the American big-twin experience in a city-friendly 250cc package. Notable design cues of the V-Star 250 include a finned air-cooled V-twin engine, laced wheels, a two-to-two chrome exhaust system, a teardrop fuel tank, and even a notable 32-degree rake angle. It produces humble performance figures at 21 horsepower and 15.2 pound-feet of torque, but that’s ample given its restricted urban usage capabilities.