Skip the Harley, These 8 Motorcycles Are Better Options

The name Harley-Davidson often comes to mind when people think of their dream motorcycle. That’s not a surprise. The brand is synonymous with quality, power, and style. However, they’re not the only brand in town. As time has passed, many riders have learned about the expanding world of motorcycles and are trying new things. Many people are saying, “Skip the Harley,” and instead, they’re trying the other brands on this list.

Many popular companies, such as Honda and Suzuki, are putting out great bikes. There are also less well-known companies like Triumph and Evoke that are putting out stellar products. There’s a wide range of bikes to choose from out there. Check out this list and find your new ride for your next big trip.

Honda Rebel

One reason why you should skip the Harley is to get a Honda Rebel. This is a powerful cycle that’s great for anyone, especially people who are looking for their first bike. There are many bikes to choose from, but we recommend the Rebel 1100. People find this cycle very easy to ride, and it’s great for all skill levels.

The Bells and Whistles

If you do get the Rebel 1100, you have a lot to be excited about. It has a powerful 1,084cc parallel-twin motor, 72 lb-ft of torque, and 86 HP to help it boost down the road. The bike also has front and rear ABS, and it easily shifts with a 6-speed manual transmission.

Kawasaki Vulcan

Kawasaki has always been known to produce incredible machines, and their motorcycles are no exception. One bike that a lot of people like is the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic. This is one of the next best things to owning a Harley, and it comes at a great price. This is meant to be a city cruiser to help you get from point A to B. The Vulcan will get you around in style.

The Bells and Whistles

The Vulcan has it all. It’s a 903cc V-twin powered machine that offers a smooth ride and amazing comfortability. The cycle also features a 5.3-gal fuel tank, 180mm rear performance tires, a 5-speed transmission, and a heel/toe shifter. The bike also looks super cool, so you’ll impress other drivers on your way to work.

Triumph Bonneville

We say, skip the Harley and get a Triumph cycle. There’s a reason why this brand has been so dominant since 1958. If you’re going to buy a new cycle, we recommend the Speedmaster. This bike looks like a Harley, but it has a style of its own. The 2022 Speedmaster is one of the best yet, with an improved suspension and other bells and whistles.

The Bells and Whistles

The Speedmaster is an incredibly powerful machine. It has a powerful 1200cc high torque parallel twin engine, and it’s equipped with 76 HP power and 78 LB-FT peak torque. It sounds amazing as it drives down the street. The cycle is incredibly easy to handle, and it’s a great bike at the price. 

Suzuki Boulevard

The Suzuki Boulevard is an awesome bike if you’re looking for a sportier cruiser. It’s well-designed and comfortable for both short and longer rides. This is one of the more subtle bikes you’ll ride, but make no mistake, it’s still super powerful. It has solid acceleration and a lot of pep, so you’ll get where you want to go in record time.

The Bells and Whistles

If you want the best of the Boulevard line, go with the Suzuki Boulevard C50. The C50 has a super powerful fuel-injected, 50 cubic inch, V-twin engine that will enable you to zoom down city streets or the open highway like it’s nothing. It also comes complete with a 4.1-gallon fuel tank, 5-inch rear and 16-inch front tires, and a sleek design.

Yamaha Bolt

Many riders will tell you to skip the Harley and instead go for a Yamaha. It’s a great bike right out of the box, but this is also a great machine for mechanically-minded people who like to tweak and tinker. The bike is very easy to modify. You can even modify these bikes at the dealership by choosing how to position the seat, adjust the handlebars, and more.

The Bells and Whistles

If you have a choice, go for the Yamaha Bolt R-Spec. Even the floor model packs a lot of power. For the engine, it has a 58-cubic-inch (942cc) air-cooled 60-degree V-twin powerplant. It also has a 3.4-gallon teardrop fuel tank, belt drive, steel fenders, and unique 12-spoke front and rear wheels. It’s a looker, and it will get you where you need to go in a flash.

BMW R18

The name BMW is often synonymous with class and style, and the 2022 BMW R18 is no exception. This is a sleek cruiser that is already very popular in Europe, and now it’s making a splash in the U.S. You can make it your own by choosing from many different vivid color schemes that will impress everyone, including your Harley-driving friends.

The Bells and Whistles

The BWM R18 is loaded with strong components and special features. The bike features a 1,802cc boxer-twin engine that pairs well with the 116 lb-ft of torque and 91 horsepower. You’ll also get front and rear anti-lock breaks, a shaft drive with six speeds and comfortable seating. It’s also a light bike at only 761 pounds, so you’ll really zoom around town in style.

Evoke 6061

Another company that is stepping up its game to rival Harley is Evoke. Their new bikes ooze style and power, and you’ll want to get your hands on one. This is a unique bike in that it’s an electric sport cruiser that will allow you to travel at lightning speed while giving the environment a break. Don’t worry. Unlike many cars, this electric bike will fully charge within 15 minutes if you have a 480 Volt, 150 kW charge rating. Otherwise, it will take 30 minutes, which is still pretty quick. You’ll also get a charger with the bike if you need it.

The Bells and Whistles

This is a great, stylish, and reliable bike. You’ll get over 400 miles on a full charge, and the bike has a top speed of 140 mph. It features a solid 30 KWH battery, a high-torque Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor, and several safety features. Best of all, it has quick acceleration that will get you where you’re going in a zip.

Indian Chief

For a truly cool bike that rivals the awesomeness of Harley, go for any bike in the Indian Motorcycles lineup. However, for this list, we recommend the Chief. The newest model comes with a supercharged engine, sweet color modifications, and a great design that makes it comfortable to ride for long stretches.

The Bells and Whistles

We say skip the Harley and go for the Chief. This is a powerful machine. It features an air-cooled, 49-degree V-twin, a six-speed transmission, a fuel capacity of four gallons, superb front and rear suspension, and solid breaks that will allow you to basically stop on a dime. You can also upgrade the machine in many ways by adding everything, from new accessories to a solo seat.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©"Evoke Motorcycles Urban S 2020" by Vigor0503 is licensed under BY-SA 4.0..