Introduction

Cruisers are motorcycles that are easier to handle for inexperienced riders and can operate at comfortable speeds perfect for a leisurely ride. Street bikes are models that can accelerate quickly at high speeds and are suited for more competitive events.

Depending on whether you prefer to ride on a cruiser or street bike, this will indicate the kind of motorcyclist you are since your chosen vehicle reflects your behaviour on the road. But regardless of what kind of vehicle you operate, it is recommended you put on the necessary riding gear to protect yourself from harm and enhance the riding experience.

Motorcycle riding gear can range from clothing to luggage. Besides looking stylish against your motorcycle’s chassis, they can be handy utilities to have for both short and long distances. However, what motorcycle riding gear may be compatible with cruisers might not necessarily work well with street bikes.

This article will help give you a comparison between the features of cruiser and street bike motorcycle riding gear available at Viking Bags that are intended for Harley-Davidson, Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Yamaha, Victory, Indian, Hyosung, and Triumph models.

Cruiser Motorcycle Riding Gear

Cruiser Saddlebags

Built out of heavy-duty, shape-retaining fiberglass, the exterior of Cruiser’s hard saddlebags can hold up even against being buffeted by flying debris, rain, wind, etc. To keep your belongings secure from robbers and the elements, most versions are equipped with a lock and key. Most of them come in a rounded rectangular shape with at least a single tipped corner, though there are variations in their design. There are subcategories of Motorcycle saddlebags including the leather-wrapped, painted, matte-finished, and shock cut-out and you can choose as per your taste of design, looks and needs.

Cruiser Tank Bags

In case you need easy access to smaller items while you are sitting in the driver’s seat, you may want to consider getting a Cruiser tank bag. Secured in place using mounting straps and a magnetic bottom, this product is situated along the curve between the driver’s seat and the controls. This material that makes up the tank bags can either be Cordura or polyester, with the sides and handle having a reflective surface to help aid with visibility whether it is the day or night. Because the structure does not have a rigid frame, the sides are somewhat expandable which helps make it easier to stuff extra belongings.

Cruiser Motorcycle Trunks

Reminiscent of the trunks built into the back of four-wheeled motor vehicles, Cruiser motorcycle trunks allow you to put your belongings away at the rear to prevent them from getting in the way while you ride. Depending on the individual motorcycle trunk, the contents can be secured with the straps and buckles or a lid locked with a key. Similarly, each motorcycle trunk can be constructed out of fiberglass and/or Viking leather which ensures that the product has added toughness. Most have a large enough storage capacity to safely put away your helmet when it is not in use among other things.

Cruiser Tail Bags

Attached to a sissy bar, luggage rack, or backseat, the Cruiser tail bags can stand upright at a maximum height of 22 inches. The straps on the back used to keep the tail bags fixed to the sissy bar can also function as backpack straps, allowing you to carry this product when spending time off of your motorcycle. Besides the main storage compartment, it is also possible to put your items away in a large mesh pocket and attach either an organizer or a roll bag at the top of the tail bags.

Cruiser Backpack

Though it is possible to mount the Cruiser backpack to the sissy bar, it is possible to carry it on your back if there is no more room left on your motorcycle’s chassis. If you happen to be traveling during the night, the interior is brightly colored so that is easier to discern your belongings. Multiple pockets allow you to put away multiple belongings of varying sizes and webbing that makes it possible to attach additional motorcycle gear that cannot fit in the pouches. If you are planning to take your backpack with you on a hike, there are mesh pockets on the sides that let you slide in water containers.

Cruiser Jackets

Cruiser jackets are primarily made out of cowhide leather, but a few of them can be constructed from polyester or Cordura. To help prevent you from getting scraped up if you fall off your motorcycle, there is built-in padding on the shoulders as well as removable armor for your elbows and spine. Though luggage is the more reliable means to carry cargo, it is possible to carry small items in the various pockets on the chest, sides, and sleeves. If you need to tighten the Cruiser jacket around your body, you can do so by rearranging the sleeve zippers and waist snaps.

Street Motorcycle Riding Gear

Street Bike Saddlebags

Built out of heavy-duty Cordura, the rough outer surface of the Street Bike saddlebags is tear-resistant and able to weather the elements. Rounded in their shape, the saddlebags have a sharp curve that helps to clear the exhaust pipes and follows the contour of the rear fender. The side of the saddlebags rubbing against your motorcycle’s chassis has a rubber lining to prevent scratches. The bottom of the saddlebags is heat-resistant to keep the material from combusting even when close to the exhaust.

Street Bike Tank Bags

Positioned on top of your motorcycle’s tank that is situated between the driver’s seat and the handlebars, Street Bike tank bags are compact in their design so they do not interfere when you are handling the controls. Most of the product is made from reinforced Cordura which helps it to retain its shape. The top of the bag has a clear, see-through plastic cover over a top pouch that allows you to see and touch your phone if you are relying on a GPS to navigate.

Street Bike Tail Bags

Affixed to the rear fender of your motorcycle, the Street Bike tail bags only have a maximum height of 10 inches which keeps them low to the vehicle. Rounded and squat in their design, the tail bags have reflective piping along the exterior which contributes to your motorcycle’s overall visibility during the day and evening. Due to how compact they are, it is relatively simple to fit onto your motorcycle thanks to the mounting straps and hooks included with purchase.

Street Bike Backpacks

Almost identical in style and functionality to school backpacks, the major distinction that Street Bike backpacks have is that they are built tough thanks to the Cordura or ballistic nylon. The main storage compartment is capable of fitting a laptop if you are making a commute to work or school, lined with dense padding to prevent damage to any fragile belongings you may have.

Street Bike Jackets

Street Bike jackets are constructed out of textiles such as polyester and Cordura, though some exceptions are stitched together from leather. All the armour used to help protect you from serious bodily injuries is already built-in at the shoulders, elbows, and spine. Though not having a lot of pockets to store your phone or wallet, it is possible to put things away at the front or sides of your motorcycle jacket or within the layers running along the length of the zipper. If you need to adjust how tightly the jacket is wrapped around your body, you can make use of the Velcro straps along the waist and wrists.