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.

Based on their sales and brand reputation, some of the top choices out there are:

• Harley-Davidson
• Honda
• Kawasaki
• Yamaha
• Suzuki

For U.S. sales, Harley-Davidson, Honda, and Kawasaki are among the top brands for units sold in 2024, with Harley-Davidson models frequently leading the charts. It's no surprise that 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 offer 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.

This post was updated in December 2025 to include updated information about popular motorcycle brands and additional editorial enhancements.

One reason to consider skipping the Harley is to opt for a Honda Rebel. This is a powerful cycle that's ideal for anyone, especially those 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.

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 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 Vulcan has it all. It's a 903cc V-twin-powered machine that offers a smooth ride and amazing comfort. 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.

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. Recent Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster models, including the latest versions, feature improved suspension and updated amenities.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

If you have a choice, go for the Yamaha Bolt R-Spec. Even the floor model packs a lot of power. The engine 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.

The name BMW is often synonymous with class and style, and the BMW R18, including its latest model years, 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 BMW 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 brakes, 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.

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. This electric bike can charge in as little as 15 minutes with ultra-fast DC charging, or around 30 minutes with standard DC fast charging. Charging with a regular AC outlet can take several hours. You'll also get a charger with the bike if you need it.

This is a great, stylish, and reliable bike. The Evoke 6061-GT claims up to 410 miles of range in city riding, with a combined range of about 308 miles, and 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.

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 the air-cooled Thunderstroke 116 V-twin engine, new color options, and a design that makes it comfortable to ride for long stretches.

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 brakes 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.