Cruiser (motorcycle)

A cruiser motorcycle is a motorcycle in the style of American machines from the 1930s to the early 1960s, including those made by Harley-Davidson, Indian, Excelsior and Henderson.

Indian Scout 741B
Harley-Davidson Softail Heritage Classic
Yamaha V-Max power cruiser

Characteristics

The riding position usually places the feet forward and the hands up, with the spine erect 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, but inline engines have become more common. Cruisers with greater performance than usual, including 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,[1] such that 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.

BMW R18
Moto Guzzi California Vintage (2005)

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.[2][3][4][5]

Customisation

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 cruiser

Power cruiser is a name used to distinguish bikes in the cruiser class that have higher levels of power. They often come with upgraded brakes and suspensions, better ground clearance, and premium surface finishes, as well as more exotic or modern muscular (non-traditional cruiser) styling.[6][7][8][9][10][11][2]

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 farther for better cornering. Otherwise, customization can increase the bike's lean angle to enable cornering at higher speeds.[12]

See also

Notes
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  1. McCraw, Jim (20 July 1997). "Motorcycle Wars: Japan's Latest Shots at Fortress Harley". New York Times. Retrieved 13 October 2013. Mr. Brown says cruisers are driving much of the industry's growth, accounting for more than 58 percent of street-bike sales. He estimates that Harley will take 52.5 percent of the cruiser market this year, down from 55 percent in 1991, and the four Japanese companies will combine for 47.3 percent, with Honda at 16.4 percent, Suzuki at 11.5, Kawasaki at 10.7 and Yamaha at 8.7.
  2. Stermer, Bill (2006), Streetbikes: Everything You Need to Know, Saint Paul, Minnesota: Motorbooks Workshop/MBI, pp. 8–17, ISBN 0-7603-2362-3
  3. Kelly, Howard, Custom Motorcycles: Choppers, Bobbers, Baggers, p. 161
  4. Duglin Kennedy, Shirley (2005), The Savvy Guide to Motorcycles, Indy Tech Publishing, p. 232, ISBN 978-0-7906-1316-1
  5. Joans, Barbara (2001), Bike lust: Harleys, women, and American society, Univ of Wisconsin Press, p. 259, ISBN 9780299173548
  6. 2015 EICMA: Ducati reveals XDiavel power cruiser motorcycle
  7. FIRST LOOK: 2016 DUCATI XDIAVEL FROM EICMA 2015 | MOTORCYCLIST
  8. "Yamaha V Max - Motorcycle.com". Archived from the original on 2016-09-22. Retrieved 2016-09-25.
  9. 2009 Yamaha/Star Vmax Road Test | Rider Magazine | Rider Magazine
  10. 2015 Ducati Diavel First Ride – Motorcycle USA
  11. COMPARISON TEST: Ducati Diavel Carbon vs. Honda Gold Wing Valkyrie vs. Star VMAX
  12. Stuart, Ben (July 1, 2008). "5 New Middleweight Cruiser Motorcycles: Comparison Test". Popular Mechanics. Archived from the original on October 24, 2014. Retrieved April 20, 2011.
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