| Touring | | | | 'Cruiser' is a broad category of motorcycle that |
| Several clubs organize tours that can involve travelling | | | | includes just about everything that came to be |
| 1,000 miles per day. Even on smooth asphalt, that kind | | | | associated with the breed from the 1930s until about |
| of trip demands an ultra-comfortable ride. The touring | | | | 1970. After that, bikes became increasingly |
| motorcycle is designed with just those requirements in | | | | individualized, customized and mass-marketed. |
| mind. | | | | Ironically - considering the rebel persona associated |
| Generally larger than standard motorcycles, touring | | | | with bikes - the emphasis in cruiser design is on |
| bikes weigh more and have longer wheelbases. 500 | | | | tradition. Choppers, retro, standard... no matter the |
| lbs is average and bikes hover just shy of five feet | | | | sub-category, these bikes are big, heavy and solid. 600 |
| long. Seats are designed with those long periods in the | | | | lbs is common and the seat is generally lower, with |
| saddle in view, for both driver and passenger. | | | | engines that are larger than other types. The |
| Comfort in seating is key, but the position of the | | | | wheelbase is longer than average and the forks are |
| handlebars, pegs and the overall ergonomic | | | | raked at a greater angle. |
| configuration is made as a complete package. Fairing | | | | Cruisers are definitely not for off-road, though many |
| is common, as is a larger gas tank. 'Fairing' is the flared | | | | have seen a lot of dirt. They're built for stability, but |
| composite that surrounds the front of the bike. It | | | | often have high top speeds. They usually have lots of |
| reduces drag by a modest amount, but at lower | | | | room for extras, like saddlebags and even a sidecar. |
| speeds it does little other than make the bike look | | | | 1400cc engines are common and the pipes are made |
| stylish. | | | | to rumble. |
| Windscreens are essential, even though a helmet is | | | | Harley Davidson is the king of the category, but they |
| standard head gear. Better to have bugs on the | | | | have lots of competition. Indian has made a lot of |
| windscreen than on your faceplate. Or, in your teeth! | | | | models over the decades, but they have been going in |
| BMW is famous for their touring models, but Honda | | | | and out of business for a hundred years. Suzuki and |
| has made heavier bikes since the 1980s that are often | | | | Kawasaki make 1500cc bikes that display all the |
| used for this purpose. And those two have lots of | | | | features of a traditional cruiser. |
| competition. My friend, Don, bought a Suzuki touring | | | | As with most motorcycles today, there are a dozen |
| bike last year and he loves it. Watch out BMW and | | | | common sub-categories with a variety of |
| Honda! | | | | customization options. Power cruisers, choppers and |
| Sub-categories include the sport touring bike, which is | | | | more are available. |
| usually smaller and has a smaller engine. Cruiser | | | | A cruiser can, and has been, used for touring but for |
| tourers are a cross-breed that serve a little wider set | | | | those long road trips the touring bike will be more |
| of driving goals. | | | | comfortable. Here, style is everything. |
| Cruiser | | | | |