Five Ready-to-Buy Factory Custom Motorcycles

You want a custom bike but you have neither the time nor the knowledge to build one.

You’ve got a stash of cash and you want a head-turning custom bike in your garage, but you have neither the time nor the knowledge to build one. Well, you should know there is a bike for everyone. There are two possibilities to make your dream come true. You either contact a custom bike builder (but that means you’re going to pay BIG money) or you simply go to the nearest dealership and pick one of the following factory-built, custom-looking bikes. Here are some real head-turners you can buy straight from the factory.

#1. YAMAHA XV1900 RAIDER – This torque monster is a production bike that looks like a genuine chopper. It has a massive 1,854-cc, air-cooled, v-twin OHV engine with four valves per cylinder that produces 100 hp at 4,250 rpm and 123 lb-ft at 2,500 rpm. The power plant was sourced from the Roadliner and the Stratoliner. You can get a used Raider for a good price or you can buy it brand new from the showroom as there is a 2017 model. As a downside, the Raider is a big and heavy motorcycle, tipping the scales at 719 lb. But that also applies to the other bikes in this article. The good news is you will feel its weight only when you lift it off the side stand.

#2 HARLEY-DAVIDSON SOFTAIL ROCKER C – Most motorcycle enthusiasts taking a look at this hog would swear it is a custom chopper. Knowing that more custom choppers are based on Harleys than on any other motorcycle brand, the Milwaukee-based company brought us this magnificent bike. The 1584-cc air-cooled V-twin engine is mated to a six-speed gearbox, together providing a very comfy and fast ride. The Softail Rocker C does look like a real custom chopper, but is also priced like one. Still, if you’re eager to ride a true Harley-Davidson without experiencing the downsides of a custom-built bike (e.g. lack of parts that were custom made), you should pick this beauty. 

#3 VICTORY VEGAS JACKPOT – This has to be the closest thing to a custom motorcycle. Back in 2003 when Victory released this model, two major names in the custom-bike industry were listed as its designers: Arlen and Cory Ness. Besides the one-of-a-kind design, it delivers excellent performance. On the drag-strip, the 1731-cc V-twin engine along with the wide 250/40R18 rubber make this monster go from 0 to 60 mph in only 3.74 seconds and cover the quarter-mile in about 12.19 seconds. Pretty impressive for such a massive bike, isn't it? The main downsides of this bike were the steep price and the clunky transmission shifts. In addition, the gearbox is hard to place in neutral, which may be frustrating in stop-and-go traffic. You can get a used one with low miles for prices ranging from $7,000 to $14,000.

#4 SUZUKI INTRUDER M1800R – Suzuki also joined the custom-bike club with the M1800R. The huge twin-piston power plant develops 125 hp at 6,200 rpm and 118 lb-ft of torque at 3,200 rpm. It has ABS, inverted forks, and radial calipers. Everything sounds just right, but somehow it doesn’t tick all the boxes to become a true factory custom bike. Despite the advanced suspension and braking system, it looks just too modern for the scene and would fit better in the power-cruiser segment. However, if you like it, try to grab the BOSS Edition. Compared to the stock M1800R, the M1800R BOSS Edition adds the following blacked-out parts: exhaust system, clutch cover, magneto cover, cylinder head covers, air cleaner cover, final drive case, handlebars, clutch and brake levers, handlebar switch cases, rear-view mirrors, as well as fuel tank/instrument cover. It also stands out thanks to the clear taillights and turn signal lenses. The BOSS Edition’s resale value is higher compared to the stock M1800R.

#5 HONDA FURY VT1300CX – This Honda was launched back in 2009. It was the first production chopper-like motorcycle from a major manufacturer, with its style resembling custom-made choppers from Orange County Choppers or Arlen Ness. In some markets, Honda used only the model designation VT1300CX instead of Fury VT1300CX. The high tank, low seat, and stretched front end give this bike a unique look on the street. In the city, this Honda feels light and nimble. With a price tag of $10,000, it might be the cheapest factory custom-bike you can buy brand new. On the other hand, the engine is not that powerful to send shivers down your spine, and the low leaning angle can be tricky if you're riding on the Tail of The Dragon or any other technical road.