Cruiser Motorcycles

You’ve eyed them with envy - big, rumbling bikes rolling down the street, their head-turning style literally turning your head. That’s the classic cruiser, and you know you want one. With this brief guide, we hope to give you the information you need so you can find the perfect cruiser bike to take you out onto the highways and byways of America. When you’re ready to buy, and if you’re in the Lawton or Edmond, Oklahoma areas, come visit Lawton Motorsports, and we’ll be happy to show you what we have to offer. 

What Makes a Cruiser a Cruiser

Cruisers are inspired by the classic motorcycles of the early and mid 20th century, giving them a vintage look decked out in shimmering chrome or black. But what really makes a cruiser a cruiser is the riding position - low, with the rider’s hands up on handlebars mounted high up on the frame. You look cool on a cruiser - and you’ll be the envy of your friends and, well, anyone who sees you riding one. 

Now, the cruiser’s cool, retro style comes at a price - these bikes eat fuel like a hungry teenager, and the riding position might not be great for long-term comfort. But you don’t buy a cruiser for those things - you buy one because you want that classic cruiser style. It’s like buying a sports car - do you buy a Miata® because you want a comfortable ride for long road trips? No. You buy one because you want to be smashed into a tiny, flingable car that you can easily track, and that’ll put a grin on your face in the twisties. 

Speaking of putting a grin on your face…

Performance

Cruisers are built for power, with engines often exceeding 1,000 ccs. Most have large-displacement V-twin engines with massive torque, making riding easier because you’ll be shifting gears less often. However, that amount of power isn’t for novices - before you buy a 1,000 cc bike, you might want to start with something with a smaller engine. The key is not to buy more bike than you can handle. 

On the other hand, if you’re a veteran rider with thousands of miles of tarmac under your boots, then go for all the power you want! A cruiser bike will deliver.

On to the nitty gritty…

Types of Cruiser Bikes

Cruisers aren’t monolithic. Just like any other class of motorcycle, you can find a wide range of bikes that can be called “cruisers.” Choppers are heavily modified versions of the classic cruiser design, often with the fenders removed, a teardrop-shaped gas tank, raked front ends, and lots of custom chromework to dazzle the eye. Choppers are not designed for easy riding - they’re designed for aesthetics - and in fact, some choppers look downright impossible to ride, with a heavily modified extended front fork and high handlebars. But if that’s your joy, then go for it!

There’s also a sub-category known as “power cruisers.” These bikes take the classic cruiser style and turn it up to 11 - better handling, better brakes, better suspension, higher ground clearance, and a generally more muscular design and style. These bikes also tend to benefit from modern tech conveniences - digital displays and LED headlights, for example. 

The bottom line is that cruiser bikes offer the kind of classic style and performance that a lot of riders prize above anything else. Whether you’re going for a classic look, you want to chop your cruiser up to your own aesthetic, you want more power and modern features, or you’re a novice just starting out, you can find the cruiser you really want. And when you’re ready to shop, Lawton Motorsports in Lawton, Oklahoma, will be happy to show you the ropes. Come see us if you’re in the Lawton or Edmond areas, and our friendly and experienced sales team will answer any questions you might have. We’re confident we’ll get you out on the road in no time.