What Are the Different Types of Motorcycles?

It is not uncommon for some sports bikes to be able to top 200 mph, these days. However, sports bikes are just one of many different types of motorcycles.

If you want to take a motorbike off-road, a sports bike won’t do you any good! If you want to go on a long-distance ride, a RC dirt bike will be incredibly uncomfortable.

In this guide, we’re going to take a look at the most popular kinds of motorcycles so that you can make an informed and smart decision when it comes to buying your next bike.

Are you ready to learn more? Then turn the keys and read on!

1. Sports Bikes

In a straight line or around a race track, nothing beats a sports bike. If you take a look at a list of the fastest bikes ever made, they will all be sports bikes.

These bikes tend to come with very powerful engines, paired with incredibly lightweight frames that are made from materials like aluminum. The seat height on a sports bike tends to be high too, as they’re designed to tilt to some quite incredible angles to allow for very sharp turns.

If you want the very fastest bike possible, you need to take a look at a subset of the sports bike: the superbike. These bikes feature the most powerful engines in the lightest bodies, allowing for some insane speeds.

2. Cafe Racers

Cafe racers are bikes from another generation, brought to life today. This style of motorbike became popular in the UK during the 1960s, where bikers would race between roadside cafes.

This kind of bike is marked by its very low profile. Originally, they were made from standard bikes, modified into a sportier form. Their streamlined looks and low-slung handlebars make them very popular to this day.

Modern examples of this type of bike include the BMW R nineT and the 2015 Ducati Scrambler.

3. Dirt Bikes

If you want to take your motorbike off-road, you need a bike that’s made to cope with the rougher conditions. Enter the dirt bike.

These bikes feature tall seats that keep your legs clear of the brush and thorns of the plants below, as well as very high and tough suspension. They’re lightweight but don’t usually feature big engines: you can expect a standard dirt bike to be within the 125-250 cc range.

If you’re looking for a bike that can take a serious battering on dirt trails and forest paths, a dirt bike is the best option on two wheels, with its only rival for maneuverability being the quad bike.

4. The Cruiser

The cruiser, AKA the Hog, is a type of motorcycle that emphasizes comfort over speed. These heavy bikes have a low-slung seat, often paired with higher handlebars, that allow for a very relaxed riding posture.

These bikes tend to have powerful engines, but you shouldn’t expect them to break any speed records, as these bikes also tend to be some of the heaviest on the market.

Cruisers often have a lot of room for saddlebags and other accessories too, so you can carry a decent amount of luggage with them. Accessories abound for cruisers too, due to their widespread popularity with people of all backgrounds and locations. Go to americanlegendrider.com, for instance, and you’ll find all manner of accessories.

5. Touring Bikes

Something of a step up from the cruiser, touring bikes are designed for very long-distance rides. If you ever want to go on a ride over hundreds to thousands of miles, a touring bike is ideal.

These bikes feature incredibly comfortable seats, as well as larger fairings than most other bikes, so you won’t be buffeted by the wind as much. The long wheelbase makes it a very stable ride too, and these bikes tend to come with lots of storage space.

Touring bikes also tend to feature a whole host of features that aren’t standard on most bikes, such as radios and semi-active suspension.

If you want to get a bike that will feel as good after 500 miles as it does after five, a touring bike is for you.

6. Standard Motorbikes

All of the bikes we’ve covered so far have a specialization: something that they excel at. What if you want an all-rounder? Then you should opt for a standard motorcycle.

These bikes have seats that are neither particularly short nor tall, and they also lack fairings in general. You can opt to make it so that there’s storage under the seat, room for someone to ride pillion, or a saddlebag. The seats generally provide you with an upright riding posture: you won’t be leaning too far forward but you won’t be reclining either.

They tend to come with engines that are between 125 and 1000 cc.

If you want a bike that’s ideal for a lot of situations and that is easy to ride, a standard motorbike is a solid option.

7. Mopeds

Mopeds are strange beasts that occupy a space between motorcycles and bicycles. These are very minimalistic motorbikes, looking much more like a bicycle, and with a very small engine. Traditional mopeds actually come with pedals that you can pedal, if you don’t want to use the engine.

Mopeds aren’t any good for long-distance rides but if you just want something to zip around a city with, or if you want a motor to help you up hills, a moped is a decent option.

The Most Common Types of Motorcycles: Explained

We hope that you’ve enjoyed this look at the most common types of motorcycles. While there are other types that we didn’t get the chance to touch on, these are the main bikes that you’re likely to see in your day-to-day life. Use this guide to make a smart bike purchase!

For more informative articles like this, check out the rest of our blog.