Cruiser Vs. Touring Motorcycles

Cruisers and touring motorcycles are two of the most common bikes you’ll ever see on the road. These are both stout motorcycles with formidable engines that make riding more aggressive than ever, especially when you look at all the great new models of today’s world. However, when choosing between the two, you might have some trouble deciding which one is better. Well, here at Indian Motorcycles of Orange County, we think both types excel equally, but the model for you will depend largely on your preferences and needs. So we put together this guide for you to help make your decision process easier. After reading, if you’re ready to come check out our selection, feel free to stop by our dealership in Orange County, serving the areas of Santa ana, Long Beach, and Los Angeles, California, where we also have an excellent service department for parts and repair.

The Advantages of Cruisers

Bigger and bolder than any other motorcycle lineup, a cruiser is meant to excite the rider while sending an aggressive message to anyone nearby. These bikes feature enormous engines that get the job done, no matter how hard you want to ride, and they come with an array of great style features and performance additions.

Style

A cruiser goes heavy on style to emphasize the attitude of a serious rider. If you want to dominate the road in front of you, you need to send a fierce message, which only comes from definitive features like raked-out front forks and higher footboards. Not to mention, the heavier weight makes you an imposing force on the road.

Customization

Along with all of these great style features, cruisers are also so appealing because of how easily they can be customized. If you want to go for a chopper look, or maybe prefer the bobber design, you’ll have no problem finding a few custom parts to attach on your bike and completely change the dynamic of your ride.

Power

One more great thing about cruisers is how capable they are of outperforming just about any other type of motorcycle on the road. Sure, they’re heavy, but that also means they come with bigger engines, which in turn spit out massive loads of torque and horsepower. Generally, people will know you’re coming before they even see you, because these bikes are notorious for the aggressive roar that ensues with every rotation of the motor.

Touring Motorcycles

Less for everyday travel and more so for people who spend their lives on the road, a touring motorcycle far exceeds the cruiser’s capacity in providing long-term comfort. They come with large engines, plush features, and everything you could need to enjoy a cross country journey.

Storage

One of the main features of a touring motorcycles that riders agree is a must have is the extra storage capacity. You’ll find stretched saddlebags, under-seat storage, and sometimes even a top box to store all your extra luggage. You can even customize it a little with extra cargo racks if you feel you need even more room. And thankfully, these sturdy motorcycles, pushed by aggressive engines, are more than capable of handling as much luggage as you need to pack.

Comfort

Comfort is what separates a touring motorcycle from any other model. You wouldn’t expect to enjoy riding your cruiser—or any other motorcycle for that matter—for more than a couple hours at a time. But with ergonomic controls, plush seating, and a layout that holds you in a comfortable posture, a touring motorcycle is the ideal choice for anyone who wants to take a weekend ride far, far away.

They might look similar at first, but there are some distinct differences between a cruiser and a touring motorcycle that makes them appeal to different types of riders. At Indian Motorcycle of Orange County, we’d like to help you find the model that’s just right for you, so come on in anytime to check out our selection! We’re in Orange County, and serve riders from Santa Ana, Long Beach, and Los Angeles, California.