Types Of Motorcycles

Motorcycles come in hundreds of styles and designs today, each of which is designed for specific uses and preferences. Below are the primary categories of motorcycles.

Cruiser Motorcycles
Cruisers are known for their low-slung design and relaxed riding positions, with their forward foot pegs and long wheelbases. Cruisers often have larger engines and are designed for relaxed, long rides. Harley-Davidson and Indian Motorcycle are two well-known brands that primarily produce cruiser motorcycles.

Touring Motorcycles
Touring motorcycles are designed for long-distance travel, and they come equipped with features such as large windshields, saddlebags, rear luggage compartments, comfortable seats, and advanced electronics. The Honda Gold Wing is a notable example of a touring motorcycle.

Sportbikes
Sportbikes are recognizable by their aerodynamic design, and they’re built for speed and agility. Also called superbikes, sportbikes have a forward-leaning riding position, lightweight frames, aerodynamic fairings, high-performance engines (with power-to-weight ratios), and lightweight tires or racing tires. Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki, and Ducati have popular models in this category.

Adventure (ADV) & Dual-Sport
Adventure motorcycles and dual-sportbikes are designed for both on-road use and off-road use. Adventure bikes are generally bigger and heavier, with a focus on long-distance travel on varied terrains, while dual-sportbikes are typically lighter and more agile. The Suzuki V-Strom and BMW GS series are examples of adventure bikes.

Trikes / 3-Wheel Motorcycles
Trike motorcycles are built on a motorcycle chassis that has three wheels, instead of two. Standard trikes have one wheel in the front and two in the back (like a kid’s trike), and reverse trikes have two wheels in the front and one in the back. Trikes are more stable and easier to handle, and they also have more comfortable seats, added storage, and safety features.

Dirt Bikes
Dirt bikes are designed primarily for off-road use. Lightweight and agile, dirt bikes have a simple construction with high ground clearance. Honda, Yamaha, and KTM produce popular dirt bike models.

Bobber Motorcycles
Originally, bobbers were custom motorcycles with all of the unnecessary parts “bobbed” or cut off to reduce weight and achieve a cleaner look. Bobber motorcycles typically have a minimalist appearance, with solo seats.

Chopper Motorcycles
Choppers are custom motorcycles that are characterized by their extended forks, elongated frames, and unique custom styling. Choppers became popular in the 1960s and 1970s, particularly after the film “Easy Rider” came out.

Cafe Racers
Cafe racers were designed by British motorcycle enthusiasts in the early 1960s, and these motorcycles are known for their minimalist and sporty look. They’re often custom-made, with a crouched riding position.

Standard / Naked / Roadster Motorcycles
Standard motorcycles are versatile, all-purpose motorcycles that don’t fall into a specific category. These motorcycles often lack fairings (hence the term “naked”), and they generally offer a more upright riding position.

Electric Motorcycles
Electric motorcycles are becoming ever more popular, thanks to the rise in popularity of electric cars and trucks. Motorcycle brands like Zero and Energica produce bikes that offer quiet operation and instant torque.

Bagger Motorcycles
Baggers are a sub-category of touring and cruiser bikes, and they’re recognizable for their saddlebags. But these motorcycles don’t have other touring features, such as large windshields or rear trunks.

Scrambler Motorcycles
Scramblers are a blend of street bikes and dirt bikes, and they’re characterized by their rugged appearance, knobby tires and high exhaust pipes!