Touring Motorcycles vs Cruisers
A choice boiled down to two options can be as difficult as picking from hundreds of possibilities, and that’s doubly true with motorcycles! You need to find a bike that fits your prefered look and style, as well as making sure the performance is up to snuff for what you have in mind. It’s good to keep in mind how long you want to ride for, as the answer can often make up your mind for you. Two popular options for motorcycles are touring bikes and cruisers, one of which satisfies all aspects of style, with the other fitting into some people’s idea of motorcycle pragmatism.
Here at Ol’ Red’s Motorcycles, we’ve got a great selection of used cruisers and touring motorcycles, so we’ve put together this short breakdown of some of the differences and specializations of these motorcycle classes. If you have more questions, don’t hesitate to call or visit us in Simpsonville, South Carolina near Greenville, Columbia, and Spartanburg.
Cruisin’ for a Bruisin’
Cruisers are best suited for short-distance rides. While they might be heavy on style and power, they are not designed for long-term comfort. A cruiser is great to show off on the weekends or during a short commute, but you’ll probably want to leave them at home if you’re planning on a cross country trip.
Style
Cruisers bring style to the rally in spades. These bikes cruise off the factory floor with enough attitude to subdue a mountain lion. Whether it’s an exemplar of American muscle or a modern street warrior, cruisers are all about their looks.
Customization
Style doesn’t have to end at the factory door. Cruisers are the bike most often customized by owners, either in their own garage or through a variety of custom accessories, upgrade kits, and rider apparel. While you’re in for great aesthetics and performance with a cruiser, you’ll find that there are plenty of little tweaks to make it better suit your personal style and identity. Want to up performance? You can do that! Want to style it your way? Of course!
Power
Cruisers may be heavy on style, but they’re also heavy in the engine, sporting some of the beefiest out of the different motorcycle classes. If you’re after that thunderous peel at the pull of the throttle, or the rubber-burning torque accelerating out of a red light, a cruiser will have you covered.
Touring Bikes
So maybe you’re less interested in riding a monster through city streets and the open road is more your domain. Well, there’s a bike for that: touring motorcycles. These bikes are built for long trips where you might encounter riding fatigue or require extra cargo space for all your gear and luggage.
Storage
The longer you plan to be on the road, the more stuff you’ll want to bring with. Touring bikes have better standard storage options and the best in terms of cargo upgrades, from top boxes to extra saddlebags and under-seat storage. The extra payload won’t slow you down, since these bikes have massive engines to provide all the power when and where you need it.
Comfort
When you spend enough time in the saddle, you’ll get sore. Touring bikes seek to minimize this as much as possible. For wind fatigue, there are windshields and deflectors. For your keister, there are softer seats and an upright riding position.
Company
There’s little that can make a great journey better than the perfect companion. No, not your motorcycle! We’re talking about a partner — a friend or spouse, an eager adventurer or sidekick navigator, or even a dog in a sidecar! With a touring bike, you’ll have the power and space for an additional rider, so don’t hesitate to buy two helmets!
The differences between cruisers and touring motorcycles often come down to style vs rideability, but it’s also about preference and need. To get everything sorted out, or if you just want to speak with some kind and courteous professionals, head to Ol’ Red’s Motorcycles of Simpsonville, South Carolina. We’re proud to serve Greenville, Columbia, and Spartanburg. Come in today and learn the true meaning of local service and customer satisfaction.