Touring Vs Cruising Bikes: Is There A Difference?

 

If you’re thinking about buying a motorcycle, you’re definitely not alone. In fact, countless people are thinking along those same lines at any given time. More than half a million people actually follow through with it each year according to the latest reports on bike sales.

 

You’ll find several makes and models to choose from when you start browsing websites and visiting dealerships. Whether you’re looking for the speed and agility of a sport bike or the endless customization options of a chopper, they’re there for the taking. If you’d like a more versatile model, an adventure bike may fill the bill. Standard bikes mesh with quite a few people’s expectations as well.

 

Touring and Cruiser Motorcycles

 

Having said all that, touring and cruiser motorcycles are among the most popular choices. Both offer a long list of features that speak to the hearts and minds of many riders. In some ways, these two options are similar. After all, both offer plenty of power and their own levels of comfort. Neither is built for speed the way sport bikes are, but they’re not exactly sluggish, either. Both are made for the road though not quite in the same way.

 

Just what are the differences between a cruiser and a touring bike, though? Let’s take an in-depth look at each of these categories before you buy a motorcycle. Understanding what sets each one apart will help you decide which one is right for you.

 

Taking a Closer Look at Touring Motorcycles

 

First off, we’ll explore the features and benefits of touring motorcycles. Most of them are larger models, and they offer plenty of power to get you where you want to go. They give you a smooth, comfortable ride no matter what type of trip you’re taking. Though you can take them virtually anywhere there’s asphalt to ride on, touring bikes are designed for long-distance rides. That’s where most of their distinguishing features come into play

 

Added Comfort

 

Comfort is a priority on touring bikes. Since they’re made for long rides, they’re designed to keep riders in a more relaxed position. Their seats keep you more upright than those of other bikes, and their handlebars aren’t quite as far away. Touring bikes also tend to have wider footpegs that are closer to the rider. Some come with cushier padding in the seats for even more comfort on long trips.

 

All those features allow you to loosen up a little more while riding than you’d be able to on a cruiser. They reduce strain on your shoulders and back too. Touring bikes are often designed to deflect heat from the engine away from your legs. They also typically come with windscreens to help shield you from wind, bugs, and rain. All that can definitely make long rides more comfortable.

 

Power and Handling

 

Touring bikes are built for more power and better handling as well. They’re designed to help you pull hills and navigate around traffic or through bottlenecks. They generally have a longer wheelbase, slightly wider tires, and heavier frames. That gives you more stability and more control over the bike. Those features also help with all the extra weight you might have on board with a passenger and all the gear you need for a long road trip.

 

Storage

 

Another key feature of touring motorcycles is their storage capacity. They generally come with panniers and even extra storage space under the seat. Some are equipped with top boxes as well. Those features give you more storage space than standard saddlebags. With touring bikes’ extra power and stability, you can easily tow a trailer for camping gear and even more extra essentials if need be.

 

Better Suspension

 

Touring motorcycles are built with better suspension too. That makes riding on rough roads easier on your back and hips. Since the suspension provides added shock absorption, it’ll keep those rough roads from taking as much of a toll on the bike as well. On top of that, their suspension, combined with the longer wheelbases, makes dealing with potholes, major cracks, and other hurdles easier and safer.

 

Fuel Capacity

 

Another factor to think about is fuel capacity and efficiency. Motorcycles are known for being far more fuel-efficient than passenger vehicles no matter which model you choose. Still, touring motorcycles are often a bit less efficient than other bikes because they’re bigger, heavier, and more powerful. Having more gear stowed in storage makes a difference as well.

 

On the other hand, touring models tend to have larger fuel tanks so they can hold more fuel. That helps to balance the scales. Though they may burn more fuel, you still won’t have to stop to fill up more often than you would with a cruiser.

 

Digging Deeper Into Cruiser Motorcycles

 

Now, let’s delve into cruisers. Whereas touring motorcycles are made for long road trips, cruisers are meant for shorter rides. They’re best for day trips, commuting, and everyday riding. They’re classic multi-purpose motorcycles, and they’re the ones most people picture when they think of bikes. Take a look at some of the features they’re equipped with.

 

Style and Layout

 

A couple of the main differences between cruisers and touring motorcycles are their style and layout. In contrast to touring bikes, cruisers have shorter wheelbases and narrower tires. They’re also lighter in most cases. They’re built to be more agile. Though touring motorcycles can meander through heavy traffic, cruisers can do it at higher speeds and with less effort.

 

Additionally, cruisers have lower seats. Their handlebars are wider and more forward as well. Their footpegs are usually higher. Most riders end up leaning forward on cruisers. This setup is nice for shorter trips and stop-and-go traffic, but it’s likely to take a toll on your back and hips on longer rides.

 

Weight and Size

 

In general, cruiser motorcycles are lighter, smaller, and more streamlined than touring models. That makes them more fuel-efficient, but their smaller gas tanks hold less fuel. It also makes them more suitable for smaller riders and those who don’t have the strength to handle a touring bike. If you’re shorter than average or new to riding, a cruiser may be your best bet no matter what type of riding you plan to do.

 

Speed and Power

 

As alluded to earlier, cruisers typically have less powerful engines than touring motorcycles. That doesn’t mean they’re lacking, though. Since they’re lighter and smaller, you won’t necessarily notice the difference in power output. Cruisers offer plenty of speed and better handling at high speeds. They just aren’t quite as adept at carrying heavier loads, especially on hills.

 

Customization Options

 

One of the factors that makes cruisers so popular is the range of customization options available for them. In fact, the market for accessories and modifications is almost endless. You can change them up pretty much any way you want. Whether you want more comfort, higher handlebars, or more forgiving suspension, you’re likely to find it.

 

Customizations are available for touring bikes, but there aren’t nearly as many options out there. People don’t modify touring motorcycles as often as they do cruisers anyway. Most feel like they don’t really need to other than perhaps adding backrests or installing passenger seats if they don’t already have them.

 

Maintenance

 

Yet another factor to think about is maintenance. In many cases, cruisers require more frequent maintenance than touring bikes, especially if you ride them a lot. They’re not designed to handle as much mileage and wear and tear as touring models, so they need attention more often. Having said that, many bike owners are quick to point out that cruisers don’t need the same level of maintenance as touring bikes, so they’re easier to take care of.

 

All Things Considered

 

Overall, both touring motorcycles and cruisers have a lot to offer. They’re very different bikes, though. Touring motorcycles are built for long rides, so they’re much more comfortable. They’re also larger, heavier, and more powerful. They’re also a little slower, but they still give you plenty of speed on the open road. They’re not as customizable, but they don’t really need to be.

 

Cruisers are made for shorter trips and daily riding. Since they’re not designed with a lot of extra comforts in mind, they’re not ideal for long rides. They’re faster and more nimble than their heavyweight cousins. Considering their lighter weight and smaller build, they’re better for smaller riders than touring motorcycles. They’re more fuel-efficient, but they need more attention than touring bikes. 

 

To decide whether a touring or cruiser motorcycle is best for you, think about the types of riding you want to do. Consider your size, strength, and riding experience as well. Keep in mind that there’s no set-in-stone rule saying you can’t take a cruiser on long trips. There’s no law that states you can’t commute to work and run errands on a touring motorcycle, either. No matter which type of bike you decide to go with, there are plenty of models to choose from, so you’re sure to find one that suits your needs.