Touring Motorcycles vs Cruisers

There are two common types of motorcycles most often found on the road: touring motorcycles and cruisers. Each is designed for unique riding styles and offer unique perks. We made the following guide to help understand the differences between these options. When you are ready to see the differences for yourself, come to Texoma Harley-Davidson® to do test rides.

Cruisers

Cruisers are made for cruising down highways at top speeds. The beauty of these motorcycles is they are a great general purpose motorcycle. New riders can benefit from their easy handling. Experienced riders can enjoy their high performance. Whatever your riding level is, a cruiser can be a perfect fit.

Style

When people picture a motorcycle, they often picture some type of cruiser. These motorcycles take from the style icons between the 1930s and the 1960s. This gives them a retro and vintage aesthetic. They also use a forward-leaning riding position, which gives off an unmistakable attitude. Many of these motorcycles come in a glistening chrome or striking black anodized colors. You’ll turn heads as you ride a cruiser!

Performance

Harley-Davidson® motorcycles are known for building high-performing machines and their cruisers are no different! Many cruisers exceed 1,000 ccs. Of course, this high power potential isn’t worth as much if it’s hard to handle. Cruisers are built to be easy to steer so even a novice can handle all that power.

Customization

Cruisers are the most customized type of motorcycle and for good reason. Their frame is stocky and wide, so new attachments won’t stick out as an eyesore. The simple frame makes it easy to tweak and modify the motorcycle. Upgrades can improve the bike’s aesthetic, safety, comfort, and power. Anyone can ride a motorcycle off the showroom floor. Express your personality and make your motorcycle perfectly tailored to your lifestyle with customization options.

Touring Motorcycles

Touring motorcycles are meant for the long haul. They are built to tackle mile after mile on the open road for hours on end. Many people use these for commuting to work each day. Others venture out on long distance rides to visit new cities (or even states). When an enjoyable ride is your focus, a touring motorcycle fits the bill.

Comfort

When you aim to go on endurance trips, one thing matters above all else: rider comfort. No one wants to cut their trip short due to aching limbs or joints. What makes other motorcycles look great also makes them a poor choice for long trips: they opt for fashion over function. With a touring motorcycle, the design is built with comfort in mind. Padded seats and an ergonomic design make extended sitting a breeze. Fairings reduce wind fatigue so you can last longer on the road. Mid-frame deflectors direct the hot engine heat away from your legs. Long trips are bound to be enjoyable on a touring motorcycle!

Storage

Long trips require two things: a sense of adventure and the proper gear. When you start doing overnight trips, you’ll need clothing, toiletries, medications, and so on. All this stuff needs to go somewhere! Touring motorcycles offer plenty of storage space in the saddlebags, top box, under the seat, and luggage racks. You can also buy storage upgrades if you need more room.

Passengers

What’s one way to make a long ride better? Bring along a buddy! They can help with navigation and make the trip more fun. Many touring motorcycles are created to handle two passengers without the extra weight dampening the motorcycle’s performance.

Ready to experience the difference between cruisers and touring motorcycles in person? Visit Texoma Harley-Davidson® to schedule a test drive. We proudly serve those in Sherman, Denison, and Gainesville, Texas as well as Durant, Oklahoma.