Cruisers aren’t the fastest type of motorcycle out there, or all-terrain machines that will help you seamlessly navigate every type of road surface known to man. Yet, they have gained a huge and dedicated following in the U.S. as well as many other countries.
The appeal of these motorcycles lies in the promise they offer—a lifestyle of true freedom on the open road. They are engineered for bikers that ride for the sheer enjoyment of riding and the sense of liberation that comes with venturing into the vast expanse of American highways. They make the experience fun and stress-free. Here are 10 reasons why you should drop what you are doing and get into Cruisers.
10 Open Road Cruising
Cruisers are fully equipped with everything you need for cruising the open road. They often come with a large fuel tanks ranging from around 4 to 6 gallons, enough to help you cover long distances that highway trips typically involve. For example, the Kawasaki Vulcan has a 5.3-gallon fuel tank capacity that will help you cover more than 200 miles before you need to fill up again. The aftermarket is huge for most cruisers, so if you want to accessorize your bike and add a windshield, radiator grill, navigational equipment, or luggage, there is something there for you.
9 Riding In Comfort
If you will be covering long distances on a motorcycle, it's only prudent that you want to be as comfortable as possible. Cruisers are built to keep you relaxed. They have a low seat height, and wide, sloped handlebars that help keep the rider in an upright position. You can just lean back and ride, a perfect setup for covering long distances comfortably. Also, to help you withstand bumps on the road, they are usually equipped with soft saddles and dual shocks.
8 Baggers Offer Loads Of Room
A steed that will be used for long-distance trips must have extra capacity for luggage and a passenger. Baggers, which are effectively Cruisers equipped with luggage and a few creature comforts, have plenty of carrying capacity. You will find storage compartments where you can store your anything from sunglasses to extra helmets. There is room for a passenger and even with a full load nothing will stop them from seamlessly delivering peak performance on the road.
7 Commanding Presence
A cruiser always stands out, and its appearance always evokes an emotional response from people. They sound different, and they pack so many chrome parts that onlookers can’t help but gawk. Cruisers have a rich history, having been around since the 1930s, and a mystique has already been built around several well-known brands like Harley-Davidson and Indian. Whether you are cruising along on the highway or rolling into a parking lot, you can be certain that you will command people’s attention.
6 Bucket Loads Of Power
Cruisers are not meant for racing, but they still pack powerful engines. They are tuned to produce lots of low-end torque for great acceleration, rather than sheer horsepower. That engine is usually a fuel-injected, large-displacement V-twin. There are options on the market that will go well over 100 mph. The most powerful are commonly known as power cruisers. A good example is Triumph’s Rocket 3 TFC which is capable of doing 177 mph. Despite their speed, power cruisers have exceptional grip. You can overtake almost anyone while in the city, and cruise along at a steady speed on the highway.
5 Highly Customizable
A cruiser is already elegantly designed, but if you are the type that likes to spruce up your machine to suit your style and needs, you can personalize your ride as much as you want. You can make it louder, add custom lighting, or even go for custom turn signals. If you want more attention, you can get a new paint job, and if you want to be inconspicuous, you can just black out everything. If you want to really see how creative bikers can get with their cruisers, you should visit cruiser events.
4 All-Round Versatility
Cruisers are built for cruising, but that doesn’t mean they can't take you from point A to B in the city. They are easy to ride and very stable on the road. Their engines are also well-optimized for the lower speeds you will encounter in traffic. Whether you need your cruiser for your daily commute to town, a quick ride to grab a coffee, or long rides during a weekend trip, it will do the job just fine. We must also point out that cruisers are not meant for off-road riding, they are built for smooth, flat roads.
3 Great Ridding Community
A cruiser will help you get new friends. Cruiser riders like to do things in groups and there is a certain camaraderie unique to cruiser enthusiasts, you go on weekend trips together and take care of each other. If someone’s bike breaks down, everyone will stop to help out the rider. You are never alone when visiting new places. When they aren’t on the road, they hang out and get to enjoy things together as a close-knit community. Popular events like the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally are cruiser specific events.
2 Statistically Lower Fatality Rates
Cruisers and sport bikes both help you enjoy the thrill of riding, but cruisers are a lot safer. They simply have much lower fatality rates than sport bikes. You get enough power to satiate your thirst for fun and sufficient control to help keep your motorbike on the road. Also, cruiser riders tend to be more mature riders seeking relaxation, while sport bike owners are usually younger and want to go as fast as possible and try as many tricks as they can.
1 Suitable For Beginners
Cruisers are excellent bikes for beginner riders. The lower seat height makes them far more accessible. There are options available for all kinds of budgets and recent models are packed full of cutting-edge technology. As a beginner, you are better off buying a lightweight cruiser with a smaller engine like the Honda Rebel 500. A heavier and more powerful cruiser may be too much for you to handle.