Motorbikes come in all shapes and forms. If you’re new to motorcycling, you might be wondering which type of bike is right for you. Below are just some of the main types and some information on each to help you decide which bike you should be riding.
STANDARD
Much like your average family car, your standard road bike is built for everyday use and tends to be ideal for those that want an all-rounder. The seating position tends to be pretty neutral (not leaning forward or not leaning backwards), while engine sizes can vary from 125cc to 1000cc (beginners are best off choosing a lower engine type). Many of these bikes can be fit with luggage or a tank bag.
CRUISER
Cruisers tend to have a lower seat in a more laid-back position (think Harley-Davidson ‘chopper’ style bikes!). They don’t have much luggage space making them better suited to weekend rides. Like standard bikes they come in all different engine sizes (a low engine size is best suited to beginners). The laid-back ride position may take a little getting used to if you learnt on a standard bike, but ultimately they’re the most comfortable choice for those that want an easy-going ride.
SPORT
Sport motorcycles – likes sports cars – are built for speed and agility. They have a higher ride height and more forward leaning position, as well as being a lot lighter in order to maneuver around corners more nimbly. Experienced riders will often graduate to these bikes once they feel that they can handle the speed. A sports bike might not be the best choice if you’re a beginner, although there are some bikes that blur the lines between sport and standard that might not be so challenging to ride (as listed here at Carole Nash). Sports bikes also don’t tend to possess much storage and aren’t generally built for distance. Those that want both speed and distance are better choosing an…
ADVENTURE
These bikes tend to be pretty sporty, while also possessing larger engines and larger luggage compartments. Some models even have off-road capability making them the perfect jack-of-all-trades bike. Many of these bikes have an upright seating position and can be fairly easy to ride. However, they tend to be pricier than other bikes due to their multiple benefits. As a new rider, you may want to splash out on an adventure bike, but if you’re an experienced biker it could be the perfect all-rounder alternative to a standard bike (while standard bikes deliver average performance at everything, adventure bikes aim to deliver high performance in all areas from speed to mileage).
TOURING
Touring motorcycles are the largest type of motorcycle and are built for long road trips. They tend to have a laid back cruiser style position, which provides comfort on long journeys, as well as a large windscreen for protecting the rider from the wind. At the same time, they have large engines and ample luggage space – often with the option to add on extra storage. Certain models may come with an array of other mod cons to boost comfort. They tend not to be cheap bikes as a result. Their higher cost and higher engine size means they’re not the best bikes for beginners, but if you’ve got your heart set on travelling the world on a motorcycle then there’s no better choice.
OFF-ROAD
If you’re looking to venture off the tarmac, an off-road could be worth looking into. These bikes have higher ride heights and higher suspensions to absorb the added bumps. You’re unlikely to be riding off-road as a beginner, making these bikes more suited to competent riders looking for a challenge. Many riders are drawn to the competitive ‘motocross’ style of off-roading, which involves biking on purpose-built off-road tracks. There are motocross bikes suited to this purpose and companies like Tokyo Mods that specialize in modifications for these bikes. Enduro bikes are another option – these tend to be built for off-road and on-road use.
MOPED/SCOOTER
Mopeds and scooters are much smaller than standard motorcycles. They have a small engine size (scooters are typically under 500cc, while mopeds are 50cc or less) and tend be incapable of high speeds, making them unsuitable for highways. They have a lower ride height with an upright position making them fairly comfortable and easy to ride. They’re also generally inexpensive. They’re great bikes for beginners and those living in cities (they’re so small that you can practically park them anywhere).
Thanks for reading and y’all stay dandy.
-Diego
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