Pros and Cons of Cruiser Motorcycles

When you’re shopping for a new bike, your choices are pretty much endless. But let’s say you’ve narrowed your options and you’re considering a cruiser bike. You like the sleek looks, the chrome fairings, the classic “Easy Rider” sex appeal of the cruiser. At Gina’s Motorsports of Monee, located in Monee, Illinois, we’ve created this guide to help you determine if a cruiser bike is right for you. If you’re in the Chicago area, or Kankakee County, come visit our dealership for great deals on a new bike, parts, or accessories. We’re an official Indian Motorcycle® and Polaris® dealer.

The Basics

Cruisers represent a classic vision of the motorcycle, rooted in vintage design cues and created to ride the highways of America in style. These bikes are usually powered by large, V-twin engines with low-end power and torque. Designed for comfort, cruisers sit the rider in a relaxed position with a little bit of recline, forward foot pegs, and a handlebar at shoulder height or below. 

There’s also a culture of customization with cruiser bikes - cruisers can be fitted with custom chrome accents, windscreens, panniers or saddlebags, and other modifications to really bring out the personality of the bike and the rider. And once you’ve built your custom cruiser, you can show it off at any number of motorcycle shows and rallies, chatting with your fellow cruiser fans about all the stuff you love about your bike.

Pros of Cruisers

Cruiser motorcycles are built with comfort in mind, designed for long rides on flat, even roads and highways. Their riding position helps the rider avoid muscle cramps and stiffness on the longest rides, and their customization options allow the rider to tweak their bike to make them even more comfortable. 

Of course, a cruiser wouldn’t be a cruiser without a focus on style. These bikes are designed to turn heads and spark intense discussion amongst fans and enthusiasts. Cruisers have been featured in American cinema for decades, exuding a kind of rugged, bad boy style that is a source of envy and admiration. 

Cruisers are also great for beginners, because they can be had with smaller engines and frames that a new rider can easily master. The cruiser’s low center of gravity and comfortable riding position will also make it easier for a new rider to build their skills. 

Cons of Cruisers

The way cruisers are designed means that they are necessarily heavier than other bikes, which can be a challenge for newer riders, or shorter/lighter riders who don’t have the strength to wrangle a cruiser. Cruisers are also slower to accelerate than, for example, a standard bike - their low-end torque and power means that these bikes are not designed for quick passing on the highway. If you’re on a group ride with a bunch of street bikes, you’re going to find yourself left in the dust more often than not. That’s not to say that cruisers are slow - indeed, most cruisers can hit the same top speeds that standard bikes can - but the power curve of a cruiser is not geared for pure speed and acceleration. 

Because of the extra weight, size, and design cues, cruiser bikes aren’t built for nimble maneuverability and handling. These bikes are at home on a straight, long highway, riding into the sunset with wind in your face and bugs in your teeth, blasting classic rock on your bike’s radio or bluetooth helmet. They don’t do so well as commuter bikes, weaving through traffic and maneuvering twisting city streets. If you’re primarily looking for a commuter bike, you’ll probably want to look elsewhere. 

There’s a lot to consider when choosing a new bike, and we hope this brief guide to cruisers has helped you narrow your choices. And when you’re ready to shop, we’ll be happy to help you find your next ride. Come see us at Gina’s Motorsports of Monee.  We look forward to seeing you!