Most popular cruiser: Harley-Davidson 883

Fancy buying into the Harley mystique on a budget? Well, the 883 could be ideal.

But make sure you know what you’re getting – Harleys are all about image, so don’t expect Japanese levels of go. Despite being on its way to being a litre bike, the 883 can’t even crack a ton and struggles to accelerate briskly in the real-world range of 60 to 80mph, especially into a headwind.

The bike has been heavily updated throughout its 17-year history. Until 1987, it ran poorly by modern standards thanks to inefficient carbs and had gearbox gremlins, too. It retained a four-speed gearbox until 1990 and only swopped over to Harley’s familiar belt final drive system in 1992. Bikes from 1992 onwards are probably the best bet.

Whatever year you look at, be prepared to be shocked by the brakes, which are the most wooden and least powerful you’re likely to encounter. The front caliper’s pistons can corrode, though the disc is likely to last a lifetime.

Some owners complain the paint on the tank is thin in places and lightbulbs frequently blow thanks to vibration. The headlight is weak, too.

The Evolution engine looks great as long as it’s cared for. But corrosion sets in easily on the front cylinder. Gearboxes often feel notchy, but there’s usually nothing wrong.

Any 883 will probably have been customised with excess chrome, tassles and gaudy badges. Remember, you don’t even get a pillion seat as stock – a pad to carry passengers is sold separately.

Most owners are in their late 30s and many are female, so the bike is unlikely to have been abused. Don’t expect to be able to force the asking price down too much, especially as Harleys hold their value well.

Cruiser bargain: Yamaha XVS650 Dragstar

If Harleys don’t excite you or just cost too much, consider a real bargain custom – the Yamaha DragStar.

It has less vibration and is a more relaxing ride than Harley’s 883. A pillion seat is standard and the brakes are better.

It looks authentic and only the sound grates – less " potato-potato " and more " wet fart in a bath " .

Like the 883, it’s too slow for long distances and is really only for posing and quiet back roads, though it will manage a chin-on-tank 98mph – fractionally faster than the 883.

The 33bhp at 6400rpm doesn’t strain the engine. Keep it clean and the chrome will last, too.

Owners only complain about the mirrors, which are small and look out of place. Owners also often uprate the poor headlight.

Expect to take a couple of weeks searching BikeMart for one – and don’t expect to bargain the price down much.

Honda F6C

Monster 1520cc, shaft-drive flat six with unique styling and plenty of wow factor.

PRICE: £4300-£8500

Harley-Davidson Fat Boy

Arnie rode one in T2. Possibly the best-looking cruiser ever built.

PRICE: £6900-£12,000

BMW R1200C

Grown-up Bond bike with unique, refreshing styling, but a springy ride. Hasn’t sold in big numbers. PRICE: £4500-£7400