Cruiser (motorcycle)

Characteristics

The riding position usually places the feet forward and the hands up, with the spine upright or leaning back slightly. Typical cruiser engines emphasize easy rideability and shifting, with plenty of low-end torque, but not necessarily large amounts of horsepower, and are traditionally V-twins. However, inline engines have become more common. Cruisers with greater performance than usual, including bigger engines with more horsepower, stronger brakes, and better suspension, are often called power cruisers.

Market share

Japanese companies began producing models evocative of the early cruisers in the mid-1980s, and by 1997 the market had grown to nearly 60 percent of the US market. A number of motorcycle manufacturers including BMW, Honda, Moto Guzzi, Yamaha, Suzuki, Triumph and Victory have currently or have had important models evocative of the American cruiser.

Terminology

Harley-Davidsons and other cruisers with extensive luggage for touring have been called, sometimes disparagingly or jocularly, baggers, or full baggers, as well as dressers, full dressers, or full dress tourers. These terms are no longer limited to cruisers, but may be any touring motorcycle.

Customization

Cruisers are often the basis for custom motorcycle projects that result in a bike modified to suit the owner's ideals, and as such are a source of pride and accomplishment.

Power cruisers

Power cruiser bikes are named for their higher levels of power. They often feature upgraded brakes and suspensions, better ground clearance, and premium surface finishes, and may have more exotic or modern muscular (non-traditional cruiser) styling.

Many power cruisers and Japanese cruisers of the 1980s have more neutral riding positions. While traditional cruisers have limited performance and turning ability due to a low-slung design, power cruisers or similar performance-oriented cruisers can be leaned further for better cornering. Otherwise, customization can increase the bike's lean angle to enable cornering at higher speeds.

Notes

References

1. Rob. (18 February 2024). "What is a Power Cruiser Motorcycle? Defining the High-Performance Ride". Paisano Publications LLC.
2. Nalin, Andre. (1 April 2020). "15 Power Cruisers We'd Ride Instead Of A Harley-Davidson". Valnet Inc..
3. McCraw, Jim. (20 July 1997). "Motorcycle Wars: Japan's Latest Shots at Fortress Harley". New York Times.
4. Stermer, Bill. (2006). "Streetbikes: Everything You Need to Know". Motorbooks Workshop/MBI.
5. Kelly, Howard. "Custom Motorcycles: Choppers, Bobbers, Baggers".
6. Duglin Kennedy, Shirley. (2005). "The Savvy Guide to Motorcycles". Indy Tech Publishing.
7. Joans, Barbara. (2001). "Bike lust: Harleys, women, and American society". Univ of Wisconsin Press.
8. [http://www.ibtimes.co.in/2015-eicma-ducati-reveals-xdiavel-power-cruiser-motorcycle-655113 2015 EICMA: Ducati reveals XDiavel power cruiser motorcycle]
9. "First Look: 2016 Ducati XDiavel From EICMA 2015".
10. "Yamaha V Max - Motorcycle.com".
11. [http://ridermagazine.com/2008/10/14/2009-yamahastar-vmax-road-test/ 2009 Yamaha/Star Vmax Road Test. Rider Magazine. Rider Magazine]
12. "2015 Ducati Diavel First Ride – Motorcycle USA".
13. [http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/cruiser-comparison-cruisers-test-ducati-diavel-vs-honda-gold-wing-valkyrie-vs-star-vmax-deal-devil Comparison Test: Ducati Diavel Carbon vs. Honda Gold Wing Valkyrie vs. Star VMAX]
14. Stuart, Ben. (July 1, 2008). "5 New Middleweight Cruiser Motorcycles: Comparison Test".