A Guide to Different Types of Motorcycles

Lovers of adrenaline and mechanics enjoy finding out about facts related to the latest inventions in motorsports. However, there are types of motorcycles that differ not only in terms of appearance, but also when it comes to their purpose and specifications. 5-Minute Crafts is here to help you get acquainted with the basics of each type of motorcycle.

1. Standard

Standard motorcycles are widely popular due to their simple design and high versatility. With neutral ergonomics, engine versions from 125 cc to 1,000 cc, and the possibility of adding luggage and a tank bag, it is considered to be a good option if you want an all-around motorcycle. The seating is from short to middle-range, which makes it comfortable for almost any rider. Not to mention it is lightweight, with no fairings and minimal or no windshield. People also call it a “streetfighter.”

Perfect example: Yamaha MT-07

2. Cruiser

The name used for this type of motorcycle reveals its purpose — cruising. Also called a chopper, it is suitable for the needs of both new and experienced riders and is rather popular and comes in a wide variety of styles. Cruisers tend to be heavier motorcycles, which is why the power-to-weight ratio is lower.

Perfect example: Harley Fat Boy

3. Sport bike

Sport motorcycles are designed to offer agility, speed, and to carve corners with their forward-leaning ergonomics. They are usually light because they are made of lighter materials, like aluminum, to ensure their side-to-side maneuverability. Sport bikes can be reliable and cost-effective, as well as easy to customize. However, one of their main cons is their aggressive body positioning.

Perfect example: Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade

4. Touring

The purpose of the touring type of motorcycle is to allow a cross-country ride. This means offering a lot of storage compartments, easy ergonomics, and large engines to keep up with highway speeds. Simply put, they are meant to go the extra mile and be stable and comfortable, with upright body positioning, cruise control, smooth handling, and heated grips.

Perfect example: BMW R1250RT

5. Sport touring

This mixture between a sport bike and a touring bike usually has a taller seat and more luggage space for extra gear during longer trips. Basically, they can do it all with the right equipment. Engines can be from mid-range to larger ones, depending on your needs and riding style. Sport touring motorcycles are rather versatile and agile, with higher power outputs.

Perfect example: Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX

6. Dual sport

Dual sport motorcycles can go anywhere. Although they do possess lights and a horn as road features, their suspension and tires are typically off-road, aggressive, and knobby. They tend to be tall, narrow, and light, with upright and tall seating. These bikes can be used with both street tires and dirt tires, and have a low or no windshield.

Perfect example: Honda CRF450L

7. Scooter

Although scooters are sometimes not considered real motorcycles, they are most suitable for urban areas without highway speeds. Being lightweight and low, they are practical and offer enough power for city rides. Since they are meant to be small, their storage capacity is limited. However, keeping in mind its size, the scooter has limited stability and even lower visibility. The rider population of scooters is significant across the globe.

Perfect example: Honda PCX125

8. Moped

First of all, we must mention that a moped isn’t a type of a scooter, as some may think. Technically speaking, they are quite different. Mopeds are lighter and designed to resemble a bicycle, and they have an engine smaller than 50 cc. Therefore, it offers limited power, but also very little or no storage. In any case, they are economical and great for city rides.

Perfect example: Mash Roadstar 50

9. Off-road

Off-road motorcycles are, as their name suggests, meant for going off the beaten track. Their high suspension is built for bumpy terrain. They usually lack lights and turn signals. As they are rather lightweight, they are easy to ride on back trails. Since they’re designed solely for off-road, they cannot be used in cities and have hard acceleration and knobby tires. Most models of this type of bike are made for motocross racing.

Perfect example: KTM 450 SX-F

10. Adventure

If you are looking for the motorcycle version of a Range Rover, then look no further — this adventure bike is designed for you. This type of motorcycle is quite heavy but comfortable to ride. It has a large luggage capacity, ample suspension for travel, tall and upright seating, and a windshield. Although most models offer both on-road and off-road tires, their off-road capabilities are assessed as limited, due to their weight.

Perfect example: BMW R1250GS

11. Electric

If you are into modern technology and you care about environmental consequences that your motorcycle might bring, then an electric bike might be the right choice. There is no doubt about the rising demand for this type of motorbike, as they are quiet, offer a modern design, and can be manufactured in various styles. However, they are still rather pricey and have a limited battery range.

Perfect example: Zero SRS

12. Classic

Although it’s hard to give an exact definition of how old a classic motorcycle should be, a bike made before 1980 is usually considered a classic. Veteran motorcycles are those manufactured up until 1915, vintage bikes before 1975, and the period between 1980 and 1995 refers to modern classics. Most vintage motorcycles are said to be easier for bikers to do their own work on because they have carbureted.

Perfect example: 1969 Triumph Bonneville T120