What is a cruiser motorcycle?
A cruiser motorcycle is a relaxed, low-slung bike with feet-forward footpegs and a riding position built around comfort and torque rather than outright speed.
Everything about a cruiser's shape serves the same idea: an unhurried ride rather than a fast one. The seat sits low, the footpegs are set forward rather than beneath the rider, and the bars usually pull back toward the body instead of stretching the rider forward. Engines are tuned to deliver strong pulling power at low revs rather than a high-revving top end, which suits relaxed, open-road riding better than tight, technical corners. The long, low silhouette and the chrome on show have made cruisers as much about presence as performance, and the recipe hasn't moved far in decades even though the machinery underneath has. There's no official definition to hold anyone to, either. The types of motorcycle page covers where the naming actually comes from.
Our cruiser art page turns that silhouette into oil-painting and ink studies, or your own cruiser from a photo. The tourer shares the same relaxed instincts with more weather protection and luggage.
Buying for a cruiser rider? Motorbike gift ideas is where to look.
Written by Craig Fearn, Throttlefolio. Last updated .
Workshop notes
Questions, answered
Why do cruisers have forward-set footpegs?
+
It stretches the rider into a relaxed, reclined position rather than the knees-bent stance of a sports bike or naked roadster - built for comfort over long distances.
Is a cruiser a good first motorcycle?
+
The low seat and gentle power delivery suit some new riders well, though the size and weight of larger cruisers can be a handful at low speed.