Touring vs Cruiser Motorcycles

When it comes to Harley-Davidson® motorcycles, there are two common types: the touring and the cruiser. Each one offers unique benefits and is tailored to different riding styles. We created a guide to understanding the advantages of each motorcycle below. When you are ready to feel the difference for yourself, head over to Lake Shore Harley-Davidson® for a test drive. We proudly serve those in Chicagoland, Illinois.

Cruiser Bikes

Those new to the Harley-Davidson® lifestyle gravitate towards cruiser motorcycles. They are general purpose bikes that are easy to handle. Their classic style also draws the attention of lifelong Harley® enthusiasts, making them an all-around great motorcycle for all kinds of riders.

Aesthetics

Harley® cruisers are designed to turn heads. Each detail of the motorcycle adds to its sleek aesthetic, from its shimmering chrome to black anodized colors. The overall look is a nod to the Harley-Davidson® bikes built between the 1930s and 1960s. As a result, cruisers sport a retro and vintage look. Riders take a forward-leaning riding position, which gives off an unmistakable attitude.

Performance

Harley-Davidson® cruisers pack a lot of power in their engine. They often exceed 1,000 ccs while offering quick acceleration. This high power is still manageable for new riders. Cruisers are built to be easy to steer so it’s easy to control that power.

Cruiser Customization

Cruisers are the most customized motorcycle as their frame lends itself well to tweaks and upgrades. Their stocky frame means additions won’t be an eyesore. Harley-Davidson® offers numerous customization options that improve the motorcycle’s aesthetic, power, safety, and comfort. Boost your motorcycle and make it your own.

Touring Bikes

Harley® touring motorcycles are built with rider comfort as the priority. After all, touring bikes are intended for long-distance trips. People choose these for commuting to work or embarking on long rides to a vacation destination several hours a day. They might not offer the style of a cruiser, but several hours into a ride you won’t care!

Comfort

Every aspect of a touring motorcycle is designed for comfortable extended rides. The seat is padded and uses an ergonomic design. Fairings reduce wind fatigue so you can stay on the road longer. Mid-frame air deflectors bounce the hot engine heat away from your legs. Avoid cutting your trip short due to discomfort. A touring motorcycle will get you to your destination feeling good!

Storage Options

When you go on long trips, you’ll need to bring along some supplies. Overnight stays require clothing, toiletries, and medications alongside your usual riding gear (first aid kit, mini toolkit, water, etc). You’ll have no problem fitting it all on a Harley® touring motorcycle. These are made with numerous storage options such as saddlebags, a top box, under-the-seat-storage, and luggage racks. In the event this doesn’t cut it, you can buy storage upgrades.

Passengers

Long trips are made better with company! But not every motorcycle is capable of handling the extra weight (and not every seat is able to fit two people). Many Harley® touring motorcycles are built with two riders in mind. You can bring along a friend without worrying about it hurting your motorcycle’s performance.

Of course, reading about these motorcycles is one thing. To really get a feel for their difference, you’ll want to test drive them both. At Lake Shore Harley-Davidson®, you can go on free test rides. We offer a large number of used and new Harley® motorcycles to try out. We also offer parts replacement and maintenance if you already own a Harley® bike. We proudly serve those in Chicagoland, Round Lake, and Woodstock, Illinois.