Guide to Different Types of Motorcycles
Buying your first bike can be a daunting task as you try to sift through the engine sizes, makes, models and types of bikes that are available in the market today.
The first consideration should be that the bike “fits” you. If you are a beginner rider, you most probably don’t want a bike with a huge engine, which translates to more CC’s with more power, a bigger engine and much faster speeds.
Bike Weight
The larger a bike is, the heavier it is and it’s harder to operate and negotiate turns. You must be able to pick your bike up if it is accidentally knocked over. So take this in consideration.
Seat Height
Measure the length of your leg as you are standing from the bottom of your foot to your groin. This measurement should be the same or slightly less than the seat height. It will allow you to place both feet flat on the ground when you are stopped on your motorcycle. More advanced riders may just put one foot down when they are stopped and still may balance just fine if the seat height is a bit higher.
Types of Motorcycles
Standard
Standard bikes are also called “naked motorcycles.” They have an upright riding position that most first time bikers prefer with the foot pegs and handlebars in the right position so the rider doesn’t need to reach too far forward. These bikes have moderately sized engines and they are user friendly, making them a great option for inexperienced riders.
Cruiser
This class of bikes is modeled after large American motorcycles with Harley-Davidson being the most popular. They have V-twin engines that master low-end torque and have a lower seat combined with high handlebars and foot pegs that are placed forward. The riding position offers a slightly leaned back position on rides. This position may not be comfortable for new riders that will ride at higher speed and for long distances because of the riding position.
Dual Sport
Dual sport bikes are for both on and off road use. This classification of bikes has high seats and a high center of gravity to handle rough terrain of off-road riding. They appear much as a dirt bike, but have lights and mirrors so they are legal to ride on the road. Beginner riders often desire the small engines and light frames.
Touring
Touring bikes are larger, have larger engines and bigger fuel tanks to enable long-distance riding. They are styled for day rides with storage and an upright seating position with a comfortable seat. Since the size and weight is at the top of the charts, most of the bikers that ride a touring motorcycle are riders that are more experienced. The cost of this type of bike is also considerable higher than other types.
Sport
Sports bikes are designed for high speed riding with a light frame and high performance engines. The foot pegs are positioned higher than other types of bikes and they have a longer reach forward to the handlebars. The riding position is one where you lean forward while riding into the wind at higher accelerations. When riding a sport bike at lower speeds, like in city traffic, the design puts more weight on the rider’s hands and wrists and can be tiring.
Adventure Touring
This class is also called a sport-touring bike. It’s a cross between a sport bike and a touring bike with more storage than a sport bike, but is much lighter than a touring bike with a relaxed seating position to be comfortable on longer rides.
Consider the fit of a bike and the type of riding you want it for when deciding on a type of motorcycle.
No matter which type of motorcycle you choose, be sure to check out all our biker patches!
