Over time, the biker community has gained millions of new members. They span the globe, coming from all age groups, genders, and walks of life. Despite their many differences, they all manage to come together on common ground. It seems the incomparable feeling of riding a motorcycle with the wind in their faces and the open road ahead has the power to unite even the most diverse crowds.

 

For those who are new to the world of motorcycles, the true depth of the brotherhood and sisterhood of the community has yet to be fully discovered. Of course, exploring the range of available types of motorcycles is part of the experience. Not all bikes are right for everyone. Because of that, researching the various bikes on the market and finding the perfect one for you is essential.

 

What Are the Main Types of Motorcycles?

 

Several types of bikes are available. They come in numerous styles, sizes, and power levels with an array of variations in each category. With so many options at your disposal, choosing just the right one may not be an easy feat. At this point, let’s take a look at the main types of motorcycles you have to choose from.

 

Touring Bikes

 

Touring motorcycles are designed for people who love long road trips. These bikes offer a unique combination of comfort and power. They’re generally equipped with extra storage capacity, making them ideal for extended journeys. With their features specifically tailored for long-distance adventures, they give riders a thrilling experience that’s a bit more comfortable than other bikes can boast.

Designed for Comfort

One of the main aspects of touring motorcycles is their ergonomic design. They prioritize rider comfort with features like softer and wider seats, adjustable handlebars, and footpegs positioned for long hours on the road. Windshields and fairings help deflect wind. The positions of their controls help to reduce rider fatigue, enabling bikers to cover long distances without excessive strain.

Plenty of Power

Power is another vital element of touring motorcycles. These bikes’ engines are built to provide ample torque and horsepower to handle various road conditions. Whether you’re navigating winding mountain roads or cruising effortlessly down the highway, touring motorcycles offer the performance needed for a smooth and enjoyable ride.

Built-In Storage

Storage capacity is crucial for touring enthusiasts, and these motorcycles excel in this department. They typically come with spacious saddlebags and top cases. Some have integrated panniers, which are usually larger and more secure than saddlebags. They allow riders to carry even more essential gear, clothing, and supplies for longer trips. This ample storage eliminates the need for bulky backpacks and ensures balanced weight distribution for better stability on the road.

Technological Features

Touring motorcycles often come with more advanced technology and extra features to enhance the riding experience, too. Some models offer cruise control, heated handlebar grips, and adjustable suspension systems. Integrated navigation systems, Bluetooth connectivity, and USB ports provide convenience and keep riders connected during their journeys.

Advanced Safety Features

Safety is paramount with touring motorcycles, and manufacturers incorporate advanced features to keep it at the forefront. Anti-lock braking systems, traction control, and stability control systems offer increased stability and control for touring bikes, especially when faced with challenging road conditions. These days, many come with LED lighting for better visibility and an enhanced range of view for nighttime rides.

Popular Touring Models

Harley Davidson is a leader when it comes to touring bikes. They make several popular models in this category. These bikes have earned a reputation for comfort, performance, and reliability; not to mention, they have the look and style the world has come to expect from Harley-Davidson touring motorcycles.

• Street Glide
• Road King
• Road Glide
• Ultra Limited
• Electra Glide

Other manufacturers offer touring models as well. Some of the most popular are the Honda Gold Wing, the Indian Roadmaster, and the Yamaha Star Venture. The BMW K 1600 Grand America falls into this category as well.

Cruiser Motorcycles

Cruisers are iconic and nostalgic motorcycles. For many people, simply looking at cruiser models brings about a sense of freedom and adventure. These bikes are characterized by their more relaxed riding positions, lower seat heights, and powerful engines, making them popular among riders who seek a balance between comfort and performance. Some cruisers are lower, lighter, and easier to handle than touring bikes, so they’re often better for smaller riders and those who are less experienced.

Cruiser Aesthetics

One of the defining features of cruiser motorcycles is their classic and timeless design. With low-slung bodies, wide handlebars, and prominent front views, cruisers have a distinct aesthetic appeal that sets them apart from other motorcycle styles. Their sleek and muscular profiles often include chrome accents, bold paint schemes, and retro-inspired details, capturing the essence of the motorcycle realm and the golden age of motorcycling.

Design Features

Cruisers are designed for comfort. They offer a relaxed riding experience when compared to some other motorcycle styles. Their riding position typically places the feet forward, allowing riders to lean back into a comfortable seat. This configuration reduces strain on the rider's arms and shoulders, making longer rides more enjoyable. Their low seat heights, as noted, makes them a preferred choice for people who don’t quite have the height or upper body strength to manage a larger bike.

Cruisers’ Power

Powerful engines are another hallmark of cruiser motorcycles. These engines can provide plenty of power for both city commutes and highway cruising. At the same time, their deep, rumbling exhaust generally gives them a distinctive sound that can turn heads and make riders’ hearts flutter.

Comfortable Rides

Cruisers’ laid-back riding positions, combined with their powerful engines, make them great for long-distance rides. Though they don’t usually offer quite as many features as touring motorcycles, they can certainly be comfortable for road trips. They’re equally nice for riding around town and going out for day trips as well.

Common Cruiser Models

As is the case with touring bikes, Harley-Davidson is well known for its cruisers. Countless people, both those wholly dedicated to the HD brand and otherwise, are drawn to the company’s cruisers. Some members of the Harley-Davidson cruiser family are:

• Heritage Classic
• Low Rider
• Softail
• Fat Bob
• Fat Boy
• Street Bob

Cruiser models from other motorcycle manufacturers are the Yamaha V-Star and VMAX, Honda Shadow, and Triumph Rocket III. The Kawasaki Vulcan S, BMW R18, and Indian Chief are popular cruisers, too. Those are only a few of the available options. Remember, cruisers are iconic motorcycles that could be credited with making the bike industry what it is today.

Sport Bikes

Sport bikes, sometimes called superbikes, are made for riders who have a passion for speed. These high-performance motorcycles combine cutting-edge engineering with sleek design, delivering an exhilarating experience that’s sure to get your heart racing. Power and agility set these bikes apart, and the mere sight of them evokes a sense of speed.

Sport Bikes’ Sleek and Powerful Features

Sport bikes are built with finely tuned engines to deliver fast acceleration. These machines boast high levels of horsepower, allowing riders to unleash their full potential on the road. Their sleek, lightweight frames are designed for optimal maneuverability, enabling spur-of-the-moment turns and smooth navigation through traffic. Enhanced suspension systems, precision brakes, and advanced electronics further contribute to these bikes’ agility and control.

On the Outside

Sport bikes’ aesthetic appeal is equally exciting with their sleek profiles, sharp lines, and aggressive styling. The aerodynamic fairings minimize drag, allowing riders to slice through the air at high speeds. Though they’re often equipped with windscreens to keep some of the speed-heightened wind off of riders, many people forgo them. The riding position on a sport bike keeps the rider leaning forward, maximizing control and reducing wind resistance.

The Sport Bike Experience

Sport bikes aren’t necessarily all about raw power; they’re also designed to allow riders to push themselves to their limits. Riders who crave an adrenaline rush should absolutely consider choosing a sport bike. These motorcycles offer a thrill many people insist no other bike can deliver.

Keep Safety in Mind

All that being said, it's important to note that sport bikes require a certain amount of skill to operate them safely. Those who are looking for extra speed should also have the experience necessary to fully respect and manage it. The immense power and responsiveness of a sport bike can be overwhelming for new riders, especially those who aren’t prepared for the intricacies of balancing and operating the controls at high speeds.

Popular Sport Bike Models

When people think of sport bikes, they often picture models like the Kawasaki Ninja, Suzuki’s Hayabusa, and the Yamaha YZF lineup. Those are certainly among the most popular two-wheeled speed demons, but this is a broad category with numerous models to choose from. Harley-Davidson offers a few of these types of bikes as well, like the Sportster, Nightster, and Nightster Special.

Standard Bikes

Standard motorcycles, also known as naked bikes, feature a minimalistic design that doesn’t fall short on power. They have a less flashy, stripped-down appearance in comparison to other bikes. That showcases their mechanical components, giving them a unique aesthetic appeal.

Some riders specifically seek out these bikes because of their more exposed, somewhat aggressive appearance. They tend to have powerful engines and provide impressive performance. They’re responsive and fairly easy to control. Though they’re not quite as comfortable as touring bikes or cruisers, they’re more laid-back than sport bikes. They’re great for everyday riding as well as road trips.

Naked bikes are also extremely versatile. Though they don’t come with many extra features and accessories, they can certainly be customized for enhanced comfort, maneuverability, and other aspects. These bikes aren’t the flashiest or most agile models on the market, but they’re a good fit for riders of all sizes, riding styles, and preferences.

Naked Motorcycle Models to Consider

The Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS, Honda CB1000R, Indian FTR 1200S, and Kawasaki Z900RS are a few favorites among standard motorcycles. Harley-Davidson offers the Sportster Roadster, V-Rod Night Rod Special, and VRSCAW V-Rod. Plenty of other standard bikes are available, so if you’re looking for a stripped-down model, finding one that suits your style shouldn’t be difficult.

Dual-Sport Motorcycles

Dual-sport motorcycles, also known as adventure bikes, are versatile machines designed to perform both on the road and off. These motorcycles combine the capabilities of street bikes and dirt bikes, making them popular among riders who crave adventure and versatility. In some circles, they’ve essentially been deemed street-legal dirt bikes.

Dual-sport motorcycles typically feature a rugged frame, higher ground clearance, beefier suspension, and knobby tires to handle various terrains. They’re equipped with powerful engines that provide ample torque and horsepower for both highway cruising and tackling challenging off-road trails.

One of the key advantages of dual-sport motorcycles is their ability to transition seamlessly between different riding environments. Riders can navigate city streets and highways with ease thanks to their comfortable ergonomics, smooth handling, and sufficient power. If you get an urge to go off road, these motorcycles can handle dirt trails, gravel, mud, and rough terrain. They’ve opened up a much broader world for people who like to mix it up a bit.

Dual-sport motorcycles offer a great deal of versatility. Some come with extra features while others are more basic in design. Of course, even the latter can be customized in many ways. If you don’t want to restrict your adventures to paved roads, this would be the right type of bike for you. Because of their build, though, they may not work well for shorter riders.

In-Demand Dual-Sport Motorcycles

HD’s Pan America 1250 is a highly touted model in the dual-sport motorcycle segment. Others in this realm are the Honda Africa Twin CRF1000L and CRF1100L and the Kawasaki KLR 650. Yamaha’s TW200 and BMW’s R1200GS are crowd-pleasers, too.

Choosing the Right Type of Motorcycle for You

Several types of motorcycles are available to suit different needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a high-speed ride, a sport bike may be the one for you. For both on- and off-road outings, a dual-sport bike could be right up your alley.

For those who want a more laid-back option for long trips, a touring bike could be the answer. Cruisers are great for people who want a nice blend of comfort, performance, and power, and they’re often the preferred choice for smaller riders. If a more minimalistic model with plenty of power and versatility is what you seek, consider a naked bike.

Remember, many models blur the lines between these categories. Because of that, you don’t necessarily have to sacrifice some of the features you want in favor of others. With so many options to choose from, no matter what type of bike you want, you’re sure to find the perfect one.