Motorcycling 101: Different Types of Motorcycles
You have reached the final stage of your motorcycle preparation journey: buying your bike. It's an exciting move, but with so many types of motorcycles to choose from, it's also a baffling move.
Review this motorcycle buying guide to become a confident and informed shopper and rider. Find out what type of motorcycle is right for you and what to consider when choosing a bike.
Contents
DIFFERENT TYPES OF MOTORCYCLE
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Commonly referred to as “naked motorcycles”, these bikes are best known for their upright riding position. Both handlebars and footpegs are positioned so that occupants can maintain a comfortable position without having to reach too far forward. Its mid-size engines and practical, easy-to-use design make it a good choice for new commuters
cruiser
Cruisers were modeled after the big American machines from the 1930s to the 1960s – the most famous being the Harley-Davidson. These bikes have a V-twin engine designed for low torque and offer a low riding position, high handlebars and front foot pegscausing riders to lean slightly backwards. These seats may not be ideal for beginners who expect to ride at higher speeds for extended periods of time, as retracting the handlebars to face the wind can be tiring.
Dual Sports
Referred to as Dual Purpose or In and Out – Road motorcycles and dual sport bikes have high seats and a high center of gravity to better handle rough terrain. They are similar to dirt bikes, except that they have mirrors and lights that make it legal to ride on public streets. Its small engines and lightweight tires make it a good choice for a new rider, as long as he can walk the bike with his feet on the ground.
Touring
Designed for long-distance riding, Motorcycles with larger engines and larger fuel tanks. They offer passengers a comfortable, upright seating position and more storage, but their higher size and cost may make them more suitable for experienced riders.
Sports bike
Optimized for high speeds and acceleration, sport bikes have high performance engines on a lightweight frame. It features higher footpegs and longer handlebar reach, which is useful when riding in the wind at higher speeds. At lower speeds, sport bikes can be tiring because they put more weight on the rider's hands and wrists.
Cruisers were modeled after the big American machines from the 1930s to the 1960s – the most famous being the Harley-Davidson. These bikes have a V-twin engine designed for low torque and offer a low riding position, high handlebars and front foot pegscausing riders to lean slightly backwards. These seats may not be ideal for beginners who expect to ride at higher speeds for extended periods of time, as retracting the handlebars to face the wind can be tiring.
Dual Sports
Referred to as Dual Purpose or In and Out – Road motorcycles and dual sport bikes have high seats and a high center of gravity to better handle rough terrain. They are similar to dirt bikes, except that they have mirrors and lights that make it legal to ride on public streets. Its small engines and lightweight tires make it a good choice for a new rider, as long as he can walk the bike with his feet on the ground.
Touring
Designed for long-distance riding, Motorcycles with larger engines and larger fuel tanks. They offer passengers a comfortable, upright seating position and more storage, but their higher size and cost may make them more suitable for experienced riders.
Sports bike
Cruisers were modeled after the big American machines from the 1930s to the 1960s – the most famous being the Harley-Davidson. These bikes have a V-twin engine designed for low torque and offer a low riding position, high handlebars and front foot pegscausing riders to lean slightly backwards. These seats may not be ideal for beginners who expect to ride at higher speeds for extended periods of time, as retracting the handlebars to face the wind can be tiring.
Dual Sports
Referred to as Dual Purpose or In and Out – Road motorcycles and dual sport bikes have high seats and a high center of gravity to better handle rough terrain. They are similar to dirt bikes, except that they have mirrors and lights that make it legal to ride on public streets. Its small engines and lightweight tires make it a good choice for a new rider, as long as he can walk the bike with his feet on the ground.
Touring
Consider these bikes as a hybrid between sports and scooters. Compared to a sportbike, touring bikes have more storage space, but are generally lighter in weight than a touring bike. It also provides a more relaxed sitting position.
Once you've decided which type of motorcycle best suits your needs, you also need to determine your bike's specifications. Here are some things to keep in mind when shopping for a motorcycle:
KEY CONSIDERATIONS WHILE SHOPPING
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Engine Size
Engines are measured in cubic centimeters, or CCs, which Refers to the volume inside the engine where air and fuel are combined to power the bike. A motorcycle with more CCs usually means a larger engine, more power, and higher speeds.
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BIKE WEIGHT
The heavier the bike, the harder it is to operate. You should be able to put your bike upright if you get hit.
Seat Height
While riding a bike, make sure that your feet can touch the ground when stopping. Also measure the length of your leg from the bottom of your foot to your thigh. If the seat is higher than the size, the bike is likely too long for you.
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New vs. Used
A used motorcycle may be less expensive, but it can cost more to repair and maintain in the long run. Check out the table below for more information that can help you choose between a new and used motorcycle.
Motorcycle Shipping Options
If you are buying your bike for long distances, one of your biggest decisions will be to choose how you want it shipped.
Motorcycle Transport Company: These are specialized trucking companies that only ship motorbikes and will have the most experience handling bikes. They usually offer the best insurance coverage as well.
Motor transport companies: These companies ship vehicles either in open or closed trailers. An enclosed trailer will protect your motorcycle from the elements and have the lowest risk of theft since your bike is not out in the open.
Dealers and Carriers: While some dealerships have their own fleet of trucks, many others will act like brokers and will simply find a third party to move your motorcycle for you. This can save you time finding a specialized carrier, but if your dealer or broker recommends a commercial carrier, make sure the company has the right equipment to ship your bike safely.
Should you buy a new or used motorcycle ?
BIKE WEIGHT
The heavier the bike, the harder it is to operate. You should be able to put your bike upright if you get hit.
Seat Height
While riding a bike, make sure that your feet can touch the ground when stopping. Also measure the length of your leg from the bottom of your foot to your thigh. If the seat is higher than the size, the bike is likely too long for you.
While riding a bike, make sure that your feet can touch the ground when stopping. Also measure the length of your leg from the bottom of your foot to your thigh. If the seat is higher than the size, the bike is likely too long for you.
New vs. Used
A used motorcycle may be less expensive, but it can cost more to repair and maintain in the long run. Check out the table below for more information that can help you choose between a new and used motorcycle.
Motorcycle Shipping Options
If you are buying your bike for long distances, one of your biggest decisions will be to choose how you want it shipped.
Motorcycle Transport Company: These are specialized trucking companies that only ship motorbikes and will have the most experience handling bikes. They usually offer the best insurance coverage as well.
Motor transport companies: These companies ship vehicles either in open or closed trailers. An enclosed trailer will protect your motorcycle from the elements and have the lowest risk of theft since your bike is not out in the open.
Dealers and Carriers: While some dealerships have their own fleet of trucks, many others will act like brokers and will simply find a third party to move your motorcycle for you. This can save you time finding a specialized carrier, but if your dealer or broker recommends a commercial carrier, make sure the company has the right equipment to ship your bike safely.