There are two types of people in this world: Those who are scared of motorcycles and those who can’t wait to feel the horsepower revving between their legs as they speed through the fresh air with the wind in their faces.
If you fall into the second category, you probably couldn’t wait until you were able to buy your own bike. But once you start shopping, you will quickly realize it’s not a one-size-fits-all stop and shop. There are many different options to choose from, and if you don’t know what you’re looking for specifically, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.
Before you head out to purchase your next motorcycle, check out these 8 types to help you differentiate your selection.
Style, Power, and Class in
8 Types of Bikes
No matter which bike you choose, where you buy it from is one of the most important factors in getting a quality vehicle. Be sure your purchase comes from a reputable dealer with top reviews, especially if you’re buying online. You can browse vehicle listings here to see an idea of what is offered before making your decision.
Are you looking for comfort? Speed? Power? Style? The goal of your ride will point you in the direction of the type of bike you will want to buy, choosing from one of these options.
- The standard bike – Statistically the most popular style of motorcycle available, the standard motorcycle is, well, standard. One feature of them that makes these bikes the favorite of so many people is that they are comfortable to ride on.
When you’re sitting upright with your arms wide apart steering a powerful vehicle, it can get tiring and, eventually, painful. But the standard bike’s footpegs are set in a forward position, letting you ride more naturally.
Combining comfort with style and power is the sport’s standard. This is the way to go for riders who want the natural seating position but crave the higher horsepower and ease of handling.
- Touring bikes – If you’re looking to make a statement, a touring motorcycle may be for you. These are extra-large bikes with all of the features that pack a punch. These bikes have the natural riding seats the standard bikes have as well as the forward footpegs, but they sit behind large front fairings that block the wind, a plus for those who tour around the country.
To add the extra classy touches, you can get heated seats, satellite radio systems, GPS, heated handlebars, and other luxuries. It’s worth the extra price tag if you are going to use your bike for touring or travelling long distances.
- Sport touring bikes – Where touring bikes are built for style and impact, sport touring bikes are built for performance. These motorcycles have tight fairings to reduce wind resistance. They also have stronger engines and tighter cornering for speedy turns.
You might think these bikes would be uncomfortable, cutting out comfort for better manoeuvrability and power, but they actually include features that allow riders to go the distance without aches and pains. Comfort features of these bikes include raised handlebars, forward footpegs, and larger windshields.
- Scramblers – Even though these bikes and their counterparts, the Cafe Racers, are considered “standard,” they are very different from the classic motorcycles. Scramblers are best for off-road driving. They’ve got a distinct dirt-bike feel to them. Cafe Racers, on the other hand, are popular with those looking for a good racing bike. Both of these bikes are built as standards and then enhanced for their performance.
- Sportbikes – If speed is your priority, a sportbike is a way to go. These are in no way, shape, or form standard. They’re built purposely to enhance driver performance. They’re sleek, sexy, styling, and fast. With features like lower handlebars, rear-set footpegs, and high seats, the bike’s speed and agility combined with your expert driving can’t be beaten.
The size of the engine can vary, but in general, these bikes are powerful and built with one thing in mind: winning. They’re made of lightweight materials to improve speed, have higher horsepower engines and torque numbers, and focus on performance over comfort at all costs. They may look pretty while you’re driving them around town, but anything beyond short distances will not be comfortable for you.
- Adventure bikes – Perfect for all-terrain travel and built for comfort and getting down and dirty, the adventure motorcycles have long-travel suspension and high handlebars to keep you from getting those long-hour discomforts. You can always up the luxury level on these, too, by adding features like GPS, satellite radio, heated handlebars, and comfortable seats.
- Cruiser bikes – Cruiser motorcycles are literally designed for people who enjoy cruising through life. Whether you’re a local biker or a highway rider, cruisers are good for you. Their design is built to draw attention to the bike, so you’ll find them offered in many bold styles.
Features include low seats and comfort-angled handlebars. Footpegs are located in the semi-forward position to allow you to assume a relaxed angle when you’re driving. These bikes come in all different designs but the basic makeup of them is consistently the same. The variety comes when you choose your unique upgrades and styles.
- Dual Sport/Enduro bikes – Although it’s last on the list, these bikes come first when you’re looking for a dirt bike that you can drive on the road. Fast enough to keep up with off-road racing but agile enough to make tight turns quickly, the dual-sport or enduro is as close as you’re going to get to take your dirt bike on the highway. Because they’re built for riding on rough terrain, what they gain in performance they lack in comfort. Don’t purchase this bike if your goal is a nice comfy ride through the country.
Pick Your Favorite Motorcycle
Once you start driving the right bike, you’re hooked. As long as you head out for your purchase aiming for your goal – comfort, power, speed, or style – you can easily choose a motorcycle that you’ll fall in love with.
