Up until recently, cruisers have been associated with rebellion, attitude, and general badassery. Big, heavy, and loud bikes like the Harley Fat Boy and Low Rider, as well as the Indian Scout Bobber have pretty much set the standard for what a cruiser should be.
These days, however, things have changed, and many new cruisers are ditching the bad-boy image in favor of something more practical and sensible.
Take the Honda Rebel and the Kawasaki Eliminator, for example. They still have that classic cruiser look, but they’re lighter, more approachable, and way easier to ride. They’re much less about only making a statement, and more about just enjoying the ride.
And inevitably, Chinese brands are catching on, too. Names like CFMoto, Benda, and QJ Motor have been rolling out their own takes on the modern-day cruiser—affordable, stylish, and practical.
And then there’s Hanway.
Now, Hanway isn’t exactly a household name, Heck, it’s one you probably have never heard of if you’re not from Asia or Europe. Nonetheless, it’s currently making moves in Europe with its new Bobber range of cruisers.
Hanway hails from China, and is all about small-to-mid displacement bikes aimed at newer riders on a budget. Its latest B-series Bobbers stick to a classic bobber look—low seat, fat tires, and barebones styling. You know, stuff that ticks the boxes of today’s Instagram generation.
The lineup includes both 125cc and 500cc versions. And while the 125cc is built for beginners and A1 license holders, the 500cc models are where it’s at. But does Hanway have the potential to go global? Specs-wise, the bikes are decent, but they don’t exactly scream game-changer.
Hanway’s 500cc models—the YP500 and B50—share the same twin-cylinder, liquid-cooled 498cc engine. With 47 horsepower and 33 pound-feet of torque, they sit right at the top of the A2 license bracket, making them an option for riders moving up from smaller bikes. The bikes get some nifty touches, too. For example, the slipper clutch should make shifting smoother. That's a nice touch for newer riders, especially in stop-and-go traffic.
The Bobbers feature a soft-tail cradle frame, giving them a bit of that classic hardtail look without skimping on comfort. The seat height is approachably low, measuring just 720mm (28 inches) on the YP500 and an even lower 690mm (27 inches) on the B50. Weighing in at just over 200 kilos (around 440 pounds), they’re not exactly featherweights, but they’re still much lighter than a traditional full-size cruiser.
The real question is—would a bike like this work in the US?
The US cruiser scene has always been about big engines, long highways, and bikes with serious road presence. Even with the rise of smaller, more affordable options like the bikes I mentioned earlier, there’s still a deep-rooted belief in what a cruiser should be. Hanway’s Bobbers? They don’t exactly fit the mold.
But that doesn’t mean they wouldn’t find an audience, though. The growing interest in practical, entry-level cruisers could make room for something different. What do you think—could Hanway’s Bobbers carve out a niche in the US, or are they just too out of place? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: Hanway Motor
