Best Used Bagger Cruiser Motorcycles: A Buyer’s Guide
Just as my previous article regarding my thoughts of purchaing a nice used roadster, I had similar thoughts before purchasing a nice used bagger cruiser motorcycle which ended up to be a Yamaha Road Star 1600 due to price and condition. What I value the most out of a motorcycle that I plan on doing long distance road trips on are durablity and reliablity. Last thing I want is to be stuck because of a malfuntion. I’m no newb when it comes to motorcycles but we can all use refreshers especial when new information is always coming out now adays about people’s personal experiences. I just want to state that though there are many so called “unreliable” motorcycles out there, certain upgrades that we can do to them can make many models considered very reliable. I have personally done this and have ended up putting many miles on many different models.
If you’re in the market for a used bagger—a touring motorcycle with saddlebags and long-distance comfort—there are plenty of options to consider. Whether you’re looking for a classic Harley-Davidson, a powerful Yamaha cruiser, or a modern Kawasaki or Indian alternative, finding the right bike depends on reliability, maintenance, comfort, and value for money.
This guide breaks down the top bagger motorcycles, comparing their engines, performance, maintenance costs, fuel efficiency, and long-term reliability to help you choose the best one for your needs.
Best Bagger Motorcycles Compared
| Motorcycle | Engine | Horsepower | Torque | Reliability | Fuel Efficiency (MPG) | Maintenance Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harley-Davidson Road Glide (Milwaukee-Eight 107/114, 2017-Present) | 1,746cc / 1,868cc V-Twin | 92-100 HP | 110-122 lb-ft |  Good, but requires maintenance |
38-45 MPG | High ($1,000+/yr) | Classic Harley touring, best for long-haul comfort |
| Yamaha Road Star 1700 (1999-2014) | 1,670cc Air-Cooled V-Twin | 84 HP | 99 lb-ft | Very reliable, low maintenance |
40-47 MPG | Low ($500-$800/yr) | Reliable, old-school cruiser with strong aftermarket support |
| Yamaha Stratoliner 1900 (2006-2017) | 1,854cc Air-Cooled V-Twin | 96 HP | 123 lb-ft | Reliable but limited parts availability |
38-44 MPG | Moderate ($800-$1,200/yr) | Fastest V-Twin bagger, best for power and torque |
| Yamaha Royal Star Venture / Midnight Venture (1999-2013) | 1,298cc Liquid-Cooled V4 | 98 HP | 89 lb-ft | Extremely reliable |
38-45 MPG | Moderate ($800-$1,200/yr) | Best for smooth touring, shaft-drive reliability |
| Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Vaquero / Voyager (2009-Present) | 1,700cc Liquid-Cooled V-Twin | 82 HP | 107 lb-ft | Good, but electrical issues reported |
40-45 MPG | Moderate ($800-$1,500/yr) | Best Harley alternative, liquid-cooled reliability |
| Indian Chieftain (Thunderstroke 111/116, 2014-Present) | 1,811cc / 1,890cc Air-Cooled V-Twin | 85-95 HP | 119-126 lb-ft | Quality is improving, but not as proven as Yamaha |
35-42 MPG | High ($1,000+/yr) | Luxury touring, aggressive styling |
Most Reliable Bagger Motorcycles
If reliability is your top priority, these baggers have the best track record for durability and low maintenance costs:
1. Yamaha Road Star 1700 (2004-2015)
Air-cooled simplicity, low maintenance One of the longest-lasting V-Twins ever made Very easy to work on, belt-driven
2. Yamaha Royal Star Venture / Midnight Venture (1999-2013)
Liquid-cooled V4 engine = Honda Gold Wing-level reliability Shaft drive = no belt/chain maintenance Very smooth, excellent for long highway miles
Verdict: If you want a reliable, low-maintenance bagger that can go 100,000+ miles, these Yamaha models are the best choices.
Best Performance & Power
If horsepower and torque matter most, these baggers will give you the best acceleration and highway power:
1. Yamaha Stratoliner 1900
Biggest displacement in the class (1,854cc, 123 lb-ft of torque!) Fastest air-cooled V-Twin in any bagger Pulls hard in every gear, great for highway passing
2. Indian Chieftain (Thunderstroke 116, 2020-Present)
Massive 1,890cc displacement = tons of low-end torque Modern ride modes, great power delivery A great mix of old-school styling with modern tech
Verdict: If you want a powerful, high-torque bagger, the Stratoliner 1900 or Indian Chieftain are the best choices.
Best Bagger for Long-Distance Touring
If comfort, wind protection, and smooth highway cruising are your priorities, these baggers excel:
1. Harley-Davidson Road Glide (2017-Present)
Frame-mounted fairing = less wind buffeting Milwaukee-Eight engine is powerful and smooth Tons of aftermarket touring accessories
2. Yamaha Royal Star Venture
Shaft drive = smooth, maintenance-free touring V4 engine runs quietly and smoothly for long hours Factory cruise control, stereo, and huge storage capacity
Verdict: If you’re looking for maximum comfort on long rides, the Road Glide and Royal Star Venture are the best picks.
Best Value for Money
If you want the best bagger for the lowest price, these bikes offer the best bang for your buck:
1. Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Vaquero / Voyager
Reliable, liquid-cooled V-Twin Costs significantly less than a Harley, similar power Great mix of modern and classic styling
2. Yamaha Road Star 1700
Used models are very affordable (~$4,000-$7,000 for a clean one) Rock-solid reliability, low maintenance costs Still has great aftermarket support
Verdict: If you want a great bagger under $10k, the Vulcan 1700 or Road Star 1700 are fantastic choices.
Final Verdict – Which Bagger Should You Buy?
Want the most reliable bagger? → Yamaha Road Star 1700 or Royal Star Venture Want the most powerful bagger? → Yamaha Stratoliner 1900 or Indian Chieftain Want the best for long-distance touring? → Harley-Davidson Road Glide or Yamaha Royal Star Venture Want the best value for the money? → Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 or Yamaha Road Star 170