10 POWERFUL 80S CRUISERS THAT STILL PACK A PUNCH

The 80s were one of the most characterful decades for motorcycles to be manufactured and launched. Some changed the meaning of certain categories of motorcycles by raising the bar for performance or design, versus others that were phenomenal back then, and still manage to remain very relevant today.

We delve into the cruiser motorcycle space, which has had a storied and interesting evolutionary journey thus far. (Albeit a slower one, compared to other kinds of bikes, and given their retro appeal) We look at the latter, and provide ten examples worth considering if you're looking for a used cruiser that can still keep up with today's generation of easy-riding, mostly V-twin-powered mile munchers.

Throughout the '80s we've witnessed the evolution of cruisers, machines that often represented motorcycling as this laid-back, open-road riding ethos that marked an era. Back then, we started seeing some different approaches to the old cruiser style appearing, which eventually helped reshape the segment and set the basis for the current cruiser landscape we have on offer today.

1985 Yamaha Virago XV700

Power: 56 HPUsed Selling Price: $1,650

The Virago XV700 was Yamaha's middleweight cruiser offering in the 80s, and like the 700cc Shadows, it was launched in the US to beat the import duties on engine displacements over 700cc for foreign manufacturers. Given its competent power, torque, and lower weight when compared to a few similar four-cylinder powered cruisers or naked motorcycles, the XV700 was not exactly a spectacular performer, but available now within a couple of grand used, makes this a sweet deal for a great budget cruiser.

1985 Yamaha Virago XV700 Key Performance Numbers

1982 - 1985 Harley-Davidson Sportster XLX 1000-61

Power: 56 HPUsed Selling Price: $3,900

The Harley-Davidson Sportster XLX 1000-61 is one of Harley's most notable Sportsters, given the Sportster has been in production for a really long time. With its single seat, simple electric start (The kickstarter was removed from the Sportster in the 80s), adequate power and torque, along with a manageable weight, the Sportster is a fun little Harley for quick sprints across town.

This bike is for anyone who wants to experience the absolute basics of motorcycling, in an engaging and simplistic way. The lower power output on this machine can be blamed on the emissions regulations of the time, forcing H-D to use lower compression for the Sportster's V-twin.

1982 - 1985 Harley-Davidson Sportster XLX 1000-61 Key Performance Numbers

1987 - 2008 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Classic

Power: 61 HPAverage Used Price: $3,250

With a long lifespan of nearly 21 years, the Vulcan 1500 Classic has been one of Kawasaki's best-ever interpretations of the Vulcan product line, along with the somewhat legendary Vulcan 2000, which was launched in the 90s (and thereby not included in this list). During its launch, its displacement was more than that of the Harley-Davidson Evolution motorcycles, and it was labeled "King of the Custom Cruiser Bikes".

The Vulcan 1500 Classic is, arguably, all the cruiser that you would ever need, with its extensive chrome-laden bodywork, auto-hydraulic valve adjusters, and noteworthy performance offered by the single crank pin, rubber-damped V-twin, which makes this a great full-size, big-bore cruiser that can be yours for not much these days.

1987 - 2008 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Classic Key Performance Numbers

1986 Harley-Davidson FXRS

Power: 67 HPUsed Selling Price: $14,500+ (As per Hagerty's valuation)

Another fun 80s Harley, the Super Glide II, was launched to meet buyers' demands for a motorcycle that had a custom look from the factory. When compared to the Sportster, which relies on the appeal of the American essence of cruiser motorcycling, the FXRS is similar to some extent given its minimalist design philosophy. Although positioned as a factory-built custom motorcycle, it was more expensive to buy. Powered by a bigger V-twin that produces more power and torque, it's more of a collectible as well when compared to the relatively mundane Sportster.

1986 Harley-Davidson FXRS Super Glide II Key Performance Numbers

1987 - 1989 Suzuki Intruder VS1400GL

Power: 72 HPUsed Selling Price: $3,500 est.

The Suzuki Intruder VS1400GL is one of the biggest-ever Intruders that were produced by Suzuki prior to the Boulevard series, and it produced significant power and torque given the year it was launched. It also helped the brand steal a slice of the pie from Harley-Davidson. It was more powerful than most Harleys of the time, and produced noteworthy torque figures, making this Japanese muscle cruiser almost feel like an automatic, because most riding took place in its top gear (4th). Vibrations were also reduced thanks to the use of staggered crank pins.

1987 - 1989 Suzuki Intruder VS1400GL Key Performance Numbers

1985 - 2007 Honda Shadow VT1100

Power: 78 HPUsed Selling Price: $3,500

The Shadow 1100 was the biggest bike one could buy in the 80s from Honda's Shadow range, all the way up to 2007, which marked the last year of production for the Shadow 1100. It was Honda's weapon against Harley-Davidson. It was launched in 1985, as soon as US tariff restrictions were lifted. These restrictions served to protect the States' domestic manufacturers from competition overseas, which is why the first Honda Shadows were 700 - 750cc in engine size, and they sold well - really well. Yamaha also did the same with the Virago XV700 along with other Japanese manufacturers, which we will look at later in this list.

1985 - 2007 Honda Shadow VT1100 Key Performance Numbers

1985 Kawasaki ZL900 Eliminator

Power: 102.7 HP

Used Selling Price: N/A

After the launch of the groundbreaking Kawasaki GPZ900R, the ZL900 was launched in 1985, for just two years. This makes it one of the few proper inline-four-powered cruiser motorcycles in the market, ever made. And it was certainly powerful enough, with thrust coming from the liquid-cooled, slightly re-tuned ZX900 motor.

It was also equipped with drag-style handlebars, a chopped rear fender, and a shaft drive. This bike marked the inception of bigger Eliminators to come, with a 1000cc version joining the lineup a few years later. The Eliminator continues to roam the streets to this day, albeit in a smaller version.

1985 Kawasaki ZL900 Eliminator Key Performance Numbers

1982 Suzuki GS1100E

Power: 105 HPUsed Selling Price: $3,000

Cruiser-esque ergonomics, a solid and refined 16-valve inline-four with heaps of poke, and adequately simplistic styling - the GS1100E may not fit the bill for what a traditional cruiser looks, but that doesn't mean it can't ferry around two people with relative ease, with good ride comfort and smooth power being offered by default. And this one is remembered as one of the top classic Japanese motorcycles ever made.

Okay, so it's more of a street bike than a cruiser, but still worth mentioning on this list. The suspension was fully adjustable, with an anti-dive system being added from 1982 to the front fork. On a final note, the GS1100 was a successor to the GS1000, which was, by itself, a capable performer, but struggled with the tough competition from Honda and Yamaha.

Suzuki GS1100E Key Performance Numbers

1983 - 1986 Honda Magna V65

Power: 116 HPAverage Used Price: $4,500

A Japanese V4-powered, shaft-driven cruiser from the 80s? While it does fit the description of the next member on our list quite well, the difference with this one was that the Magna V65's engine was derived from the VFR family, consequently employing tech from racing, specifically MotoGP. With such a combination of a high-tech powerplant and cruiser ergonomics, it's a wonder why the Magna did not really enter the enthusiast's spotlight. There was also a smaller offering, the V45, which was also a V4-engined Honda cruiser - but it's the V65 that has the right power and torque figures to make it compelling enough to be on this list.

1988 - 1994 Honda Magna V65 Key Performance Numbers

1985 Yamaha V-MAX 1200

Power: 145 HPUsed Selling Price: $5,000

A motorcycle conceived for the sole purpose of laying down strips of rubber on the drag strip, more than for cruising, resulted in one of the first-ever muscle cruisers to hit the global market in 1985. The V-Max remains relevant to this day and is well-known for being quite a handful to ride fast and from a standstill - thanks to the acceleration and torque on offer.

At the same time, however, it's this character of the bike that people really love and appreciate. Although the second-gen model of this bike vastly overshadows the original, it would simply not exist if not for the success of its predecessor.

1985 Yamaha V-MAX 1200 Key Performance Numbers

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