Harley-Davidson Cruiser

Harley-Davidson Cruisers: The Softail® Family Explained

When most people picture a Harley-Davidson®, they picture a cruiser. Today’s Harley-Davidson Cruiser family is built on the Softail® chassis, which hides the rear shock under the seat for a classic hardtail look while delivering modern suspension and handling. Powered by Milwaukee-Eight® 114 or 117 V-Twin engines depending on the model, these bikes range from minimalist bobbers to full-dress classics. Here’s how to tell them apart.

Harley-Davidson Cruiser Models

• Street Bob® – a stripped-down bobber with mini-ape handlebars and a solo seat. Light for a big-twin cruiser and a favorite canvas for customizing.
• Fat Bob® – aggressive, upright and built for riders who like to carve corners, with upside-down forks and chunky tires.
• Low Rider® S and Low Rider ST – performance cruisers with West Coast style; the ST adds a frame-mounted fairing and saddlebags for longer trips.
• Fat Boy® – the iconic wide-tire, solid-wheel cruiser, a Harley-Davidson legend since 1990.
• Heritage Classic – nostalgic styling with a windshield and saddlebags, a comfortable choice for riders who want cruiser looks with light touring capability.
• Breakout® – long, low and dramatic, with a raked front end and fat rear tire.
• Classic models on the used market – earlier Softail models such as the Softail Slim®, Softail Standard, Deluxe and Low Rider remain popular choices in our used inventory.

The lineup changes from model year to model year. Browse new cruisers for sale to see what’s in stock in Idaho Falls now.

How to Choose the Right Cruiser

• Riding position: forward controls, mid controls and handlebar height make a big difference in comfort. Sit on several models to compare.
• How far you ride: for longer trips, look at models with a windshield and luggage (Heritage Classic, Low Rider ST) or plan on adding them.
• Seat height and weight: cruisers are generally low and easy to flat-foot, which makes them a common choice for newer and shorter riders.
• Customization plans: the Street Bob and Softail Standard are popular starting points for custom builds with parts from our parts center.

Cruiser vs. Touring vs. Sport

Cruisers sit between the other families: lighter and simpler than Touring bikes, with more classic V-Twin character than the liquid-cooled Sport models. If you want one bike that does a bit of everything, a cruiser with a windshield and bags is hard to beat.

Customizing Your Cruiser

Few motorcycles are customized as often as Harley-Davidson cruisers. Common first upgrades include a more comfortable seat, a passenger pillion and pegs, handlebars that fit your reach, a windshield for highway riding, and luggage for weekend trips. Riders after more sound and performance often add Screamin’ Eagle® intake and exhaust components. Our parts center can help you plan a build, and our service center can install it.

Riding Two-Up on a Cruiser

Many cruisers ship as solo bikes or with a small passenger seat. If you plan to ride with a passenger regularly, look at models like the Heritage Classic or Fat Boy, or budget for a passenger seat, backrest and footpegs. Check the load capacity in your owner’s manual and adjust suspension preload where your model allows it. If you ride two-up on long trips, compare cruisers with the Touring family before you decide.

Cruiser FAQs

Is a Softail a good first Harley?

Many riders choose a cruiser like the Street Bob as a first big-twin Harley-Davidson thanks to its low seat height and manageable weight. Take a test ride and, if you’re brand new to riding, consider the Riding Academy first.

What maintenance does a Softail need?

Follow the Harley-Davidson maintenance schedule: a 1,000-mile first service, then regular services at 5,000-mile intervals. Our service center can handle it all.

Can I finance or trade in toward a cruiser?

Yes. Visit our finance center, use the payment calculator and value your trade online.

^* Prices listed are the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices for base models. Options such as color are available at additional cost. Prices exclude tax, title, licensing, registration fees, destination charges, added accessories, and additional dealer charges, if any, and are subject to change. Harley-Davidson reimburses dealers for performing manufacturer-specified pre-delivery inspection and setup tasks. Dealer prices may vary.