Sports Motorcycles vs Cruisers

1. Introduction

SPORTS bikes and CRUISERS are both motorcycles, but they are very different from each other. Both involve different riding styles and different kinds of buyers. A detailed description of the difference between these two motorcycle types is provided below.

2. Engine

Most lightweight and middleweight SPORTS motorcycles have an inline two-cylinder engine, while the heavyweight or fastest motorcycles have a four-cylinder inline engine. The inline engine is also known as a straight twin engine, which is high efficiency. The inline engines produce a loud sound, though the rumbling sound is not as pronounced as with CRUISERS. SPORTS motorcycles’ engines are capable of greater speed than cruisers.

On the other hand, most CRUISERS are fitted with V-Twin engines, especially most Harley Davidson models. The two-stroke four-cylinder V-twin engines are limited to mid-sized or 500 cc cruiser motorcycles, while the heavy and full-sized cruisers with 1000 cc or higher engines have four-stroke to six-cylinder engines. The V-twin engines produce a louder rumbling sound than SPORTS motorcycles.

2.1. Torque

Sports Motorcycles	Cruisers
10-130 ft/lbs (13.56 Nm – 175 Nm)	15-170 ft/lbs (20.34 Nm – 230.5 Nm)

SPORTS motorcycles do not produce more torque than cruisers. More torque helps a vehicle achieve high speed. CRUISERS can produce more torque than sports motorcycles because they can release a significant amount of power at lower rpm. On the other hand, sports motorcycles are more speed-oriented; they do not require as much torque as cruisers.

2.2. Horsepower

Sports Motorcycles	Cruisers
180 to 310 hp	100 to 130 hp

SPORTS motorcycles can produce more horsepower than cruisers, therefore sports motorcycles are capable of greater speed than cruisers. Sports motorcycles with 750 cc four-cylinder engines can produce horsepower between 100 to 130 hp and sports motorcycles with a 1000 cc engine can produce horsepower between 180 to 310 hp. On the other hand, the average 1000 cc CRUISER can only produce horsepower between 50 to 100 hp. A few rare CRUISERS can produce horsepower up to 200 hp or more.

2.3. Sound

SPORTS motorcycles produce loud sounds, but not much rumbling. Although changing the exhaust can adjust the sound, most sports motorcycles do not make a rumbling sound, while cruisers create loud rumbling sounds, especially bigger cruiser motorcycles that have a 1500 cc or larger engine.

2.4. Engine Size

Most CRUISERS have large engines with a displacement between 300 to 2000 cc, while sports motorcycles have smaller engines more oriented towards horsepower and speed. Average sports motorcycles have a 500 cc engine, while the fastest sports motorcycles have a 1000 cc engine. Interestingly a 500 cc sports motorcycle can generate more speed and horsepower than a 900 cc cruiser.

2.5. Drivetrain

There are three types of drivetrains: the chain drive, the belt drive, and the shaft drive.

Chain Drive

As the name says this type of drivetrain consists of a chain transmission system, the chain is rolled over two gears, the smaller gear is attached to the engine and is hidden and the other bigger gear is attached to the rear wheel of the motorcycle. Most SPORTS motorcycles use a chain drive because it has good efficiency, is easy to repair, and is easy to change. and has less power loss ratio.

Belt Drive

Belt drive works similarly to the chain dive except instead of using a chain it consists of a belt. A belt drive has a considerably longer lifespan than a chain, but its efficiency is less than a chain drive therefore very few sports motorcycles have a belt drive.

On the other hand, cruisers have both chain and belt drives. Many Harley Davidson cruiser models have a belt drive. CRUISERS are not made for racing purposes, which is why belt drives are compatible with them.

Shaft Drive

The working of shaft drive in motorcycles is very similar to in cars. Shaft drive requires very low maintenance, they are heavier than both chain drive and belt drive. Shaft drives require regular oil changes otherwise they can be very messy and expensive to replace.The only disadvantage of this is, that it absorbs more engine power to move the rear wheel, especially at the start.

BMW has used shaft drive in many of its motorcycles. The shaft drive is very efficient in touring, dual-sports, and sport-touring motorcycles.
Here is a detailed video discussing the differences between all three types of drivetrains:

3. Physical Differences

3.1. Structure

The major difference between SPORTS bikes and CRUISERS is their structures A detailed comparison between the two motorcycles is provided below.

Structure

Body and Frame

Sports motorcycles have an upright back, while cruisers have a lower back. Moreover, a cruiser’s front suspension is much larger and more inclined than a sports bike’s suspension.

Handlebars Position

SPORTS motorcycles have a lower HANDLEBARS position, while CRUISERS have a higher HANDLEBARS position. Sports motorcycle handlebars are more narrow, resulting in a smaller turning angle. Cruiser HANDLEBARS are wider than sports motorcycles, thus having a larger turning angle.

Handlebars Position

Photo Credit: @pinclipart , @lsl-online

Riding Position

To ride sports motorcycles, riders need to be in a forward-leaning position to be able to reach the HANDLEBARS, which is not comfortable for longer rides. Riders have to bend forward to be within distance of the lower HANDLEBARS. Meanwhile, riders on cruisers are able to relax because of the reclined seat. Riders can easily operate cruisers with their back perfectly straight, ensuring maximum comfort while traveling over a long distance.

Riding Position

Footrest Position

For CRUISERS, footrests are normally towards the front of the motorcycle, resulting in the legs being straight rather than bent. However, sports motorcycles have rear pegs, which force the rider to lean forward when seated. The CRUISER’s footrest position tends to be more comfortable for TALL riders.

Chassis

SPORTS bikes and CRUISERS have different types of chassis. Though the front chassis of some cruisers and sports motorcycles are the same, the rear chassis is always different. The sports motorcycle’s rear chassis is positioned upright while the CRUISERS rear chassis is positioned lower.

Chassis

Photo Credit: @vecmaniac , @chopperbuildershandbook

Ergonomics

Sports motorcycles are designed to travel at high speed. Therefore, its body is constructed in a way that reduces air drag. Even the riding position contributes to its aerodynamic ergonomics. On the other hand, cruisers do not have sleek bodies as their design prioritizes comfort rather than speed.

Fairing

Sports motorcycles have streamlined FAIRINGS that increase air flow around the vehicle’s frame so it can reach high speed faster. However, cruisers have their own types of FAIRINGS that reduce air drag and prevent loss of speed.

Weight

SPORTS bikes and CRUISERS are heavier than standard motorcycles, but between sports bikes and cruisers, the latter is heavier. Sports motorcycles are not fitted with many parts, therefore having less weight and greater speed than cruisers. The average weight of a sports motorcycle is about 180 kg, while the average weight of a cruiser is between 225 to 325 kg.

Fenders

Normally, a cruiser’s front fender is larger than a sports motorcycle’s, while a cruiser’s back fender is smaller and most sports motorcycles do not have a rear fender at all. However, some riders do install a separate, small rear fender onto their sports motorcycles.

Tires

The front tire of both sports bikes and cruisers is almost the same size but the back tire can be modified by the riders, whether they like wide, low-profile, or high-profile tires. However, cruisers typically have medium high-profile tires, while sports motorcycles have wide, low-profile tires.

CRUISER:

SPORTS motorcycle:

Brakes

SPORTS bikes and CRUISER share the same braking mechanism. Most sports bikes and cruisers have dual disc brakes towards the front and a single disc brake in the rear.

Fuel Tank:

Normally, sports motorcycles have less fuel tank capacity than cruisers. However, some dual-sport and heavyweight sports motorcycles have large fuel tanks.

CRUISERS have less fuel mileage than sports motorcycles because of their larger engines and higher horsepower.

Sports Motorcycle	Cruisers
Average Fuel Tank Capacity: 3 to 6 gals (11 to 22.5 L)	Average Fuel Tank Capacity: 4 to 8.5 gals (15 to 32.2 L)
Average Fuel Mileage: Almost all sports motorcycles have mileage between 40 MPG to 80 MPG.	Average Fuel Mileage: Mid-sized cruisers can have mileage between 50 MPG to 70 MPG. Meanwhile, full-sized cruisers can have a mileage of 30 MPG to 50 MPG.

3.2. Size

Size

Photo Credit: @cycleworld

Some mid-sized cruisers are approximately the same size as sports motorcycles, but the majority of cruisers are built bigger than most sports bikes.

Ground Clearance

SPORTS bikes have more ground clearance than cruisers. The average cruiser has about four to seven inches of ground clearance, while the average cruiser has about five inches of ground clearance. Due to having lower ground clearance, it is more difficult to clear tight turns on a cruiser.

Seat Height

SPORTS bikes usually have higher seat heights than CRUISERS. Cruisers have an average seat height of 27 inches, while sports bikes have an average seat height between 28 to 32 inches.

Length

Most cruisers are longer than sports motorcycles. Sports bikes have an average length between 80 to 90 inches, while cruisers have an average length between 90 to 110 inches.

Width

The majority of cruisers are wider than sports motorcycles. Cruisers have an average width between 28 to 37 inches, while sports motorcycles have an average width between 25 to 35 inches.

4. Features

SPORTS motorcycles come with the following features: the quick shifter, riding modes, abs modes, cornering management function, engine brake control, traction control, etc. Meanwhile, cruisers come with the following features: ABS, cruise control, air-adjustable suspension, etc. A full-sized cruiser has a digital screen that allows the rider to access navigation, stereo speaker, riding modes, etc.

5. Target Audience

5.1. Young Riders

Most young riders prefer motorcycles that are fast and have the latest features. They prefer a motorcycle that is not heavy and is easy to handle. Amongst younger riders and moto racers, the preferred choice is sports motorcycles.

5.2. Heavyweight Riders

Heavyweight riders want a motorcycle that has high power output, is comfortable to ride, and is easy to control. They prefer a motorcycle with good suspensions and a comfortable riding position. For heavyweight riders, the preferred choice is cruisers.

5.3. Older Riders

A CRUISER is the best option for older riders. Cruisers offer a comfortable riding experience, a powerful engine that is easy to control and reduces fatigue on long rides.

6. Pricing

In terms of pricing, CRUISERS and sports motorcycles in good condition can cost between $5,000 - $20,000+. A custom sports motorcycle can cost more than $30,000. A full-sized cruiser with the latest features can cost around $30,000.

7. FAQ

7.1. Which is more comfortable?

CRUISERS are more comfortable than sports motorcycles. Cruisers have lower seats, good HANDLEBARS positions, and forward pegs that allow the legs to relax. These features provide a comfortable riding experience for TALLER, HEAVYWEIGHT, shorter, and average-sized riders alike.

7.2. Which is faster?

SPORTS motorcycles are built to be faster than cruisers. All the fastest motorcycles in the world are sports motorcycles. They have lower HANDLEBARS, good ergonomics, and a streamlined shape that helps them go faster.

7.3. Which is good for a beginner?

A lightweight sports bike or a mid-size cruiser with a 500-cc engine is the best option for a beginner. A beginner should buy a motorcycle that is easy to handle, has enough power, and is easy to control.

7.4. Which is easier to ride?

Middleweight CRUISERS are easier to ride. They have a good HANDLEBARS position and a comfortable riding position that makes it easy to ride for all riders of different sizes, ages, and gender.

7.5. Which is more dangerous to ride?

SPORTS motorcycles are considered more dangerous to ride mainly because of their speed. While riding at high speed, it becomes difficult for riders to clear turns or avoid obstacles. When the motorcycle is moving at high speed, the risk of losing control and getting into accidents increases.

8. Aftermarket Parts Availability

Newer sports bikes and CRUISERS have their parts available on the market. However, it can be more difficult to find parts for older models of both motorcycle types

However, one of the interesting facts about CRUISERs is that they have a variety of aftermarket accessories available that can completely change the riding style and experience. Many of the required motorcycle equipment can be easily found in the aftermarket ONLINE STORES. Riders can also find extra motorcycle accessories like SADDLEBAGS, SISSY BAR BAGS, TANK BAGS, SISSY BAR, CRASH BARS, LUGGAGE RACKS, TRUNK , HANDLEBARS BAGS, and SEATS at a reasonable price.

9. Conclusion

CRUISERS do have less horsepower and speed than sports motorcycles, but they are comfortable to ride over long distances. While sports motorcycles are not very comfortable to ride, they are very fast. Cruisers are a better option for heavyweight riders and those who prioritize comfort. Middleweight cruisers and lightweight sports motorcycles are easier to handle and control.