Cruiser vs touring motorcycle is a debate that comes up when you start looking for the type of motorcycle you want. Both of these types of motorcycles are used for traveling, but they differ in so many ways. They offer different riding experiences, features, and styles. If you want to understand the difference between these two popular motorcycles, our guide will help you break them down.
Cruiser Vs Touring Motorcycle - Quick Comparison
Power | Cell | |
Comfort | Cell | |
Style | Cell | |
Storage | Cell | |
Company | Cell | |
Features | ||
Price |
Why Cruisers? (Overview + Pros & Cons)
Cruisers are motorcycles that provide riding enjoyment for both short and long trips. They are not used for racing purposes, so they typically sit more upright. These smooth-riding motorcycles were built to cruise the streets comfortably.
Cruisers usually have a low, ergonomic seat with the gas tank slightly lifted. It has forward or mid-foot controls. You can identify a cruiser by looking at a person's stance sitting on it. The person should be relaxed and not bent over towards the handlebars.
They have a duplex frame and super comfortable suspension systems to help reduce road vibrations. Cruiser motorcycles are on the heavy side and usually weigh between 500 and 700 pounds.
Cruisers are perfect for short and long rides. They are easy to handle and have responsive brakes that are ideal for a beginner to start with. They have high-performing engines, which helps carry all the extra weight of the motorcycle frame.
Advantages
Drawbacks
Why Touring Motorcycles? (Overview + Pros & Cons)
Touring bikes are specifically designed for expeditions. Other motorcycles can be used for this purpose, but touring bikes are designed for long haul riding. They are also known as baggers or dressers.
They have built-in features to help make the rider as comfortable as possible.
The weight of a touring bike is somewhere between 850 and 900 pounds depending on the make and model.
They have engines with low-end horsepower and large fuel tanks, making them ideal for long rides. They also have large shells placed over the frame and windshields protecting them from extreme weather conditions. If you are planning on buying a motorcycle to travel or do a cross country tour, this one is certainly made for you.
They have an upright seating position to keep your posture in line and a rugged GPS navigation system. On long rides, you might be carrying cargo with you along the way, and these motorcycles have big saddlebags and in-frame storage. Touring motorcycles also offer plenty of passenger space in case you want to bring someone along for the ride.
Advantages
Drawbacks
Cruiser Vs Touring Motorcycle (Which One Should You Buy?)
If you are shopping for a new motorcycle, you need to understand the type of riding you plan to do. Both of these motorcycles have some major differences, and you should keep these in mind before you select your new motorcycle.
Power
Touring bikes are slower than other motorcycles due to their growling low-end power. They are usually heavy due to their large frame, which will slow you down while riding. Touring motorcycles are made to travel great distances with ease.
If speed is what you’re after, then cruiser motorcycles are the better option. Their big frame is matched with a bigger engine that will provide a ton of torque and horsepower. They have dynamic, air-cooled engines that burst with power in the lower RPMs but tend to level out at the top end.
Cruisers typically have a V-twin engine designed for quick acceleration. The roar of a V-twin engine on the road is unmistakable. There are also power cruisers which have even more power and better suspension. A good example of a power cruiser is the Kawasaki Vulcan. They have a truly superior weight to power ratio.
If you want power and acceleration while riding, cruiser motorcycles are your best option. If you’re not a speed demon, you should opt for a touring motorcycle.
Winner: Cruiser
Comfort
When you spend enough time on a ride, your body gets sore, and that’s not what you want during long trips or cross-country adventures. Touring motorcycles are built to provide exceptional comfort and minimize cramped muscles and sore joints.
They have counterbalanced engines mounted with rubber gaskets and high-quality suspension systems that reduce frame vibrations. A relaxed and upright seating position is a plus as it supports your back, reduces body pain, and supports your posture.
When it comes to cruisers, comfort is not the number one priority. An hour-long ride is pleasant enough, but when riding for much longer, fatigue starts to set in. You really start to appreciate every aspect of a motorcycle that was built to help minimize frame vibrations. Cruisers are not comfortable enough for super long journeys.
If comfort is your top priority, I recommend you go with a touring motorcycle as their top feature is comfort.
Winner: Touring
Style
If you can’t resist badass style or want to make a statement with your motorcycle, cruisers are where it’s at. Customization and cruisers go hand in hand, as their frame can be modified. They are made to stand out on the road with features such as a sleek frame, lifted handlebars, and higher footboards.
The riding position differs greatly depending on the cruiser. You will often see ape-style and mustache-style handlebars on the road. You will certainly get some attention from people while on the road. But if your preference is comfort and you are not interested in aesthetics, touring motorcycles might be more your style.
These motorcycles are loaded with so many features for comfort that there is no place left to make them aesthetic or visually pleasing. You can customize cruisers into anything you want.
Touring motorcycles can also be stylish, but you have limited options. I would certainly suggest cruisers for people with style and glamour as their top priority.
Winner: Cruiser
Storage
Cruisers are not built for long-distance riding. Extra storage space for carrying luggage is not something that cruising motorcycles are known for, as they are mostly built to ride for short or medium distances within the city. You can add saddlebags to cruisers, but there is not nearly as much space.
Touring motorcycles have a lot of in-frame and external storage including hard luggage add-ons such as the AUTOINBOX Rear Top Trunk Luggage. If you’re hoping to ride for long periods on your motorcycle, I highly suggest going with a touring bike. They typically have saddlebags and storage boxes even within the frame and under the seat.
You have plenty of room to fit everything you need. These motorcycles have a massive engine to carry the load, so the weight doesn't affect performance. Touring motorcycles make overnight trips easy.
Cruisers offer some space, but it is just not enough when you are planning for long trips.
Winner: Touring
Passengers
It can totally change your riding game when you bring someone along on your trip.
Touring motorcycles offer plenty of space for two people as it has built-in features to support the extra weight.
It has a large frame and a strong engine so you can have another passenger accompany you on your trip.
Touring motorcycles often have built-in Bluetooth communication and headsets, so you can converse with your passenger.
Cruisers can support a much narrower weight range, and it can affect the motorcycle’s ability to respond quickly when making sharp turns or braking. Cruisers almost always have a passenger seat, but it’s not setup to be as comfortable on long rides.
If you plan to take someone with you while you ride, you should get yourself a touring motorcycle with additional space and comfort for your passenger.
Winner: Touring
Features
The debate of cruiser vs touring motorcycles has another important sub-point when discussing the features of each bike. Touring motorcycles have more built-in features for your comfort along the way. They have large capacity fuel tanks so you don’t have to stop nearly as often to fuel up.
They have a comfortable upright seating position that supports your body and built-in GPS navigation systems to help you while you ride. Touring motorcycles sometimes come with built-in audio systems, so you can entertain yourself and your passenger along the way. They also have modern tech features like Bluetooth connectivity, airbags, traction control, and even cruise control.
Cruiser motorcycles are defined by classy looks. They provide great performance as powerful engines with high acceleration and low-end power. Customization is a big feature of cruiser motorcycles since they are all about creating a riding experience you want for yourself.
You can remove any part and add what you want in its place. You can even add modern features like digital displays and LED headlights. You can even completely change the bike's setup and get yourself your dream motorcycle as it suits you. It also helps to show your aesthetic sense while cruising.
Winner: Tie
Price
If we talk about the price of both motorcycles, I would say that they are relatively similar. Depending on your budget, you can find both cruisers and touring motorcycles for around $10,000 to $15,000. Of course, there are much more expensive options, which will set you back up to $24,000.
Buying a cruiser motorcycle can be heavy on your pocket. The starting price of a low-end cruiser is around $5,000. You can get a brand-new mid-range cruiser for around $12,000. The motorcycles on the lower end have smaller engines and do not have a lot of extra features. They are produced by companies such as Honda and Yamaha, and are pretty reasonable when considering the overall high-price of new motorcycles.
Cruisers can be more expensive because of the high demand in the past, but recent trends have reduced the overall price of cruisers. If you want something budget-friendly for yourself, you should look at low-end models of both cruisers and touring motorcycles. If you have a bigger budget, you can opt for the high-end version of either a cruiser or a touring cycle with all the extra features you could ever want.
Winner: Tie (Depends on budget)
People Also Ask (FAQs)
Can you tour on a cruiser motorcycle?
If you plan on a small scale tour with a limited luggage, you can go with a cruiser motorcycle. However, I don’t recommend cruisers for super long trips. Touring motorcycles are preferable in such cases.
What is the point of a cruiser motorcycle?
Cruiser motorcycles are built to enjoy the open road for short trips around the city. They are not used for touring or racing purposes. They are built to cruise on the road, and you can customize them into almost anything you want.
What motorcycle is best for long-distance?
KTM 1290 Super Duke GT is my top pick for long distances as it has a large fuel tank with economic mileage, and it comes with quite a few extras. It's great for touring in style.
If you want something a bit less edgy, then you can't go wrong with a classic Honda Gold Wing. This motorcycle is also economical to purchase, earning my top spot for the best touring motorcycle.
Conclusion
The debate of cruiser vs touring motorcycle often settles on the style and comfort of the motorcycle, but in the end, it is all about your requirements and taste. If you are interested in taking long trips with a passenger, then touring motorcycles are best for you.
If you plan on taking shorter rides, and you want to do it in style, then cruisers are much better-suited for you. If you know what you are looking for, we are here to provide you with all the information you need to select the motorcycle of your choice. If it suits you – Take it home and ride on!
