CRUISERS – THE ICONIC MOTORCYCLE

Ask any non-biker to picture a motorcycle in their mind, and the chances are the category of motorbike they will imagine is a “Cruiser.”

However, once a rider becomes initiated into the world of motorbikes and is aware of the differences, when you ask that person to imagine a motorcycle, they would envision the style that most satisfies their personal vision of what a motorcycle should do or be. 

Hence, such a rider may or may not picture a cruiser.

WHY CRUISERS?

So why would non-riders picture a cruiser?

Cruisers have often been epitomized in movies as the iconic standard of motorcycle, and as well, by the media as the machine of choice for outlaw bikers.

However, the vast majority of cruiser riders are hard-working men and women from every socio-economic background. Whether they be carpenters, painters, factory workers, lawyers, attorneys, hair designers, housewives, moms, dads, sons and daughters – they’re just regular folks riding a motorcycle.

WHAT IS A CRUISER?

In simple terms, a cruiser represents a broad variety of motorcycles, mostly from mid to large in size. Although some are very large and a few are quite small. The point is that it’s not the size of the motorcycle’s engine that characterizes a cruiser.

Cruisers are designed for comfort and looks. Many are noticeable because of their chrome parts (most other motorcycles avoid chrome because it’s heavy and expensive and its contrary to standards of motorbike performance).

Cruisers offer a relaxed seating position for the rider, which is often reclined a little backwards (as opposed to performance motorcycles where the rider is leaning forward).

HARLEY DAVIDSON

And if the bike says “HARLEY DAVIDSON” on it, or looks like a Harley, you are looking at a cruiser (with rare exceptions).

The style of cruisers as a motorbike goes back into the early 20th century so there is a lot of historical precedent for them to become ingrained in the minds of non-riders. It wasn’t until later in the same century that the big four Japanese manufacturers (HONDA, KAWASAKI, SUZUKI, & YAMAHA) started building cruisers to compete with Harley.

(Of course the big four also build all the “other” types of motorcycles, too).

In fact, in marketing circles, Harley serves as a perfect model for how a brand can define itself above and beyond its inherent value and quality.

In other words, Harley riders do not own their machine because it represents the best value or quality for a motorbike, or more specifically, for a cruiser.   Such riders make their choice because it IS a HARLEY. And some Harley riders can be quite passionate about their choice. Even to the point of dissing non-Harley riders. Of course, there are also non-Harley riders who feel passionate about whatever THEIR brand is, and hence, there are factions of riders that don’t look fondly upon the “other” camp.

If you are a rider reading this you know what I mean. If you are a non-rider reading this, you’re probably thinking, “Wow, that’s pretty juvenile.”  (And you’d be right!)

The good news is that MOST riders don’t give a hoot about what other riders choose as their motorbike of choice. They recognize and respect the brotherhood of like-minded individuals, the world over, who simply enjoy riding motorcycles.  So much so, you’ll see riders of all different bikes waving as they pass each other on the road, as a friendly gesture of shared camaraderie

SO, WHO RIDES CRUISERS?

In simple terms: Any one who might ride motorcycles.

Just as any kind of rider may be riding other types of motorbikes.

And you also have folks like me, who ride as many different types of bikes as possible, just for the sheer diversity and enjoyment of it.

REVIEW AND COMPARE MOTORCYCLE CRUISER BOOKS:

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