The 9 Types of Motorcycles: Finding Your Right One
You earned your motorcycle license and now you are ready to start your motorcycle journey. But wait, are you still looking for a motorcycle? There are several types of available motorcycles for you to choose from, each created for a different purpose and need. To help beginners like you look for the right motorcycle, we have created this guide to make things easier! Because there are many subcategories under each type or class of motorcycle. We will stick to the main types and give you a detailed overview of the basic types of motorcycles and their purposes and styles.
Read on and learn about the 9 types of motorcycles to help you decide on your ideal motorcycle.
1. Standard /Naked
Standard motorcycles are quite common on the road. With an upright position, they allow the rider to be in their best comfort. Standard motorcycles are great to ride in any road situation including commutes and long trips. They offer a mix of traits found in other types of motorcycles including a forward-leaning position, low or mid-length handlebars, and high-power options. They are sometimes called naked bikes because of their minimal designs and lack of front fairing. However, many standards today enable customized accessories like tank bags, luggage, new seats, and more. Standard motorcycles are highly recommended for beginners with beginner friendly engine power in the range of 250-300cc. If you are interested, you can check out brands like Honda CB, Yamaha SR400, and Ducati Scrambler.
2. Street and Roadster
Street and roadster motorcycles are a broad category composed of motorcycles in a wide range of engine sizes and models. With an upright seating position, they are great for urban riding, commuting, and short-term traveling. Their comfortable seating allows beginners to quickly handle and master them, making it great for beginners. Nonetheless, they do not have windshields, luggage options, or protections like crash bars and skid plates. They are designed to be ridden on paved roads with engine powers ranging from 125cc to 1800cc or more. If you are interested, some beginner options you can check out include Harley-Davidson Street 500, Honda NC700X, KTM390 Duke, or Suzuki SV 650.
3. Adventure
Adventure motorcycles have a comfortable upright seating position designed for long-term travels. However, you can ride them on both on and off-the-road journeys. They are like the upgraded version of street motorcycles with better crash protection, more aggressive tires, and luggage options for traveling and commuting. Adventure motorcycles can be used to travel on highways, go on a weekend getaway, or get off the road. It is very user friendly and highly recommended for beginners. If you are interested in adventure motorcycles, you can check out brands like BMW GS 650, Royal Enfield Himalayan, or Yamaha Tenere 700.
4. Dual Sport
Dual-sport motorcycles are relatively similar to adventure motorcycles. They are tall, narrow, and lightweight with an upright seating position. However, one major difference is that dual-sport motorcycles are meant to ride off the road, but also with the capability to ride on pavement or tarmac. Some great beginner’s choices include Kawasaki KLR650 and Suzuki DR650.
5. Cruiser
Cruiser motorcycles, also called Chopper, are big and moderate to heavy weighted. Nonetheless, with its relaxed slow-seating position (with handlebar at or below shoulder height) and mid-forward food control, you are riding as if sitting in a cruiser. Cruisers can be a great option for both new and experienced drivers. You can ride it for commutes or longer trips, but it is not recommended for racing. Within the cruiser class, there are diverse types of models and sizes available. For beginners, it is recommended that you choose something with low seating, moderate weight, and an engine size of 400 – 750cc. If you are interested in cruisers, you can check out some Harley-Davidson brands, Honda Rebel 300, and Indian Scout Sixty.
6. Touring
Like cruisers, touring motorcycles are designed to be large and heavy with medium-length handlebars. Tourings require you to sit in an upright seating position. They are meant to ride for extended periods with large windscreens and impressive storage capacity that allows you to equip for luggage. With wider seats, you can easily carry a passenger with you. Tourings have large, powerful engines, however, because of their large frames and strong engines, they are not easy to work with for extreme beginners. Nonetheless, if you are interested, something like Kawasaki Versys 300 can be an excellent choice for beginners. Other options include BMV R1250RT and Honda Goldwing which are more sports-like and cruiser style.
7. Sports bike
Sports bikes are more unique due to their high seat and low handlebars. You will be seated in a forward-learning position, which can be slightly uncomfortable for the rider. Designed specifically for sports, they have precise handling and high horsepower. It is more common to ride sports bikes for weekend riding and track days instead of day-to-day ridings. While this type is not recommended for beginners due to its high speed and sensitive handling, if you are interested, you can check out something that is less than 500cc. Choices like Ninja 250R, Honda CBR 125, or Yamaha YZF R3 can be great for beginners who have mastered their basics.
8. Dirt bike
Dirt bikes, also known as motocross bikes, are unique in their knobby tires and high suspensions designed for off the road and outdoors. Like most other motorcycles, dirt bikes require you to sit in an upright, slightly forward-leaning position. Even though they are not fast, you will be required to master additional skills such as balancing and working with a clutch to ensure a safe and fun journey. Dirt bikes have aggressive off-road ties with engines usually between 125-400cc. Keep in mind that unmodified dirt bikes are not street-legal in many states. That said, you should not consider a dirt bike if you plan to commute or take a road trip. However, if you are still interested, some brands you can consider include Honda 250 CRF, Suzuki RM85, or Yamaha WR250.
9. Scooter
Scooters are user-friendly friendly and great for beginners. Scooters are great for metropolitan areas given their easy-to-navigate controls and lightweight. You are also allowed to store a few items on the scooter as you commute and travel in the city. Even though they are less powerful than other motorcycles, they come in ranging sizes and engine power from 50-500cc. If you are interested, you can check out Honda Ruckus.
Now that you have learned a little about the diverse types of motorcycles out there, check out the ones you are interested in and learn more about them before you decide on your purchase. It is up to you to decide which motorcycle is the best for you. And when you have decided, remember to wear your protective gear before you can have a safe and fun motorcycle journey!
If you do not own a motorcycle license yet, visit our website at https://www.ferraridrivingschool.com/ to learn how you can get one.