Best Cruiser Motorcycles

Five Of The Best 2011 Motorcycles Under $10, 000

If you still think that motorcycles are the exclusive domain of movie bad boys and teenage daydreams, guess again. The motorcycle's enduring popularity, as well as increasing demand, have spurred manufacturers to offer a wide range of affordable options so that anyone can bring home an impressive bike. With a diverse field of brand new motorcycles selling below $10, 000, affordability no longer means being stuck with a moped.

Motorcycles might just be more affordable than ever, but the sheer number of choices can be confusing for first-time buyers. Touring bikes, cruisers, and sports bikes can all be found for less than $10, 000, but five in particular offer the best bang for the buck. Whether you're an aspiring biker, a seasoned road warrior, or someone who wants to make the daily commute in style, these five new motorcycles will meet your needs without putting a hole in your wallet.

Yamaha V Star Custom (starting at $6, 890) Yamaha's venerable V Star is still arguably among the best in its class, and the V Star Custom's $6, 890 MSRP makes it an incredible value. The V Star Custom retains the 649cc engine of the V Star Classic, but weighing in at 513 lbs, it has the lightest frame of all of Yamaha's Star bikes. This means that you'll get excellent V Star performance at an outstanding price. The bobbed fender, lengthy wheelbase, and frame give the bike a robust, unique look.

Harley-Davidson Sportster SuperLow (starting at $7, 999) Those itching to ride a Harley should find the SuperLow a welcome option. On the surface, the gorgeous chrome and paint job reveal Harley-Davidson's classic attention to fine detail, and should reassure aspiring owners that this affordable bike is as authentic as it gets. As with every bike Harley makes, the SuperLow's stylish fuel tank is lovingly finished by hand. With an 883cc engine and that classic Harley sound, this is the perfect choice for those who want unique style and more power for the price.

Honda Shadow Aero (starting at $6, 999) Boasting that the Shadow Aero is one their "best-selling middleweight cruisers", Honda has good reason to be proud of this excellent motorcycle. Sporting classic contours and idealized, retro cruiser design, the Shadow Aero is arguably one of the best motorcycles available for the money. Rather than being a cheaper imitation of more expensive retro cruisers, the attention to detail makes the Shadow Aero stand out from the crowd, from the elegant fenders to its stylish chrome. The 749cc V-twin engine is the icing on the cake and makes this motorcycle an obvious choice.

Yamaha V Star Classic (starting at $6, 590) Serious motorcycle enthusiasts and veteran bikers alike are familiar with the V Star's reputation, but those who see this bike for the first time will quickly find out just why it's called a "classic". Although there are other, bigger motorcycles that sell for more than twice much among Yamaha's Star cruisers, The V Star Classic is arguably the company's best-known bike and its flagship in value. As the name suggests, the Classic has curvy, retro styling and classy good looks. Like the Custom, its lightweight frame is supported by a 649cc engine.

Honda NT700V (starting at $9, 999) Although the NT700V is at the very edge of the $10, 000 price point, its unique combination of styles and features make it special enough for a place on any short list when it comes to value. The NT700V has the frills of larger, heftier touring bikes trimmed down into a sleek, sports package that's still large enough to fit a passenger with room to spare. Integrated storage, a large windscreen, and a lightweight frame offer comfort and functionality for long journeys as well as urban traffic.