Bike Types, Styles and Purposes Defined
Bike Types
Motorcycle Types:
- Standard Bike
- Cruiser Bike
- Dirt Bike
- Sport Bike
- Sport Tourer Bike
- Touring Bike
- Dual Sport Bike
Standard Bike Type:
No two motorcycle types are the same or universal for all purposes. The closest to that will be the standard motorcycle type. This type of motorcycle is typically a street bike that will be able to perform most functions fairly well but not be great at one. Like the saying, jack of all trades but master of none. A standard motorcycle type will have a simple engine with very little body style, simplistic.
Standard motorcycle types are typically very reliable and versatile. Typically they are not very expensive or reasonable in cost. In addition standard motorcycle types are easy to maintain where manufacturers don't spend a ton of time and money on looks or high performance.
One thing to remember is that that a typical standard motorcycle can be easily converted to another type by accessorising it.
Is this the right motorcycle type for you? Motorcycle size (engine, height, weitght, seat, chassis, etc) matters.
Cruiser Bike Type:
The cruiser motorcycle type in our opinion has been defined by the Harley. A cruiser is typically mostly known for their styles and ability for customization. There are several types of cruisers but to give a few examples a Harley Sportster or a Honda Shadow or a Suzuki Intruder are good examples.
A cruiser has typically a chassis that is very low and longer than all other motorcycle types out there. They are usually easier to handle and are great for beginner riders. A cruiser will in most cases, but not a requirement, have a V-Twin engine but can have an inline or a V-four sitting in them.
Most manufactuers make some kind of a cruiser. Check out individual manufacturers to see what you like, they do have their own touches. Cruisers are very custimizable and you can accessorize your cruiser in many different ways.
Is this the right motorcycle type for you? Motorcycle size (engine, height, weitght, seat, chassis, etc) matters.
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Dirt Bike Type:Dirt bikes are small, tough, and light. The reason they are built this way is for the following reasons: ease of handling (most important), small displacement engines, take a beating, and withstand being dropped over and over. Dirt bikes have great suspensions and tires that dig into dirt like no other. A dirt bike does not have turn signals, tail rights or any other devices required by the
Most dirt bikes are built by Japanese and European manufacturers such as
Is this the right motorcycle type for you? Motorcycle size (engine, height, weitght, seat, chassis, etc) matters.
Sport motorcycles are typically designed for speed, look and to be bigger and faster. Most manufactureres make sport bikes but the Japanese and Italian manufactureres stand out of the crowd. Manufactures like Susuki, Honda,
Sport motorcycles in general will have high performance engines such as an inline four or a V-twin along with light alloy frames. These features makes these types of motorcycles fast and performance is at the top of the list of requirements by riders of sport bikes. A few other items that make a sport bike a sport bike are: lightweight chassis, specialty stiky tires , aerodynamic and colorful body. One thing sport motorcycles do not have is comfort.
Is this the right motorcycle type for you? Motorcycle size (engine, height, weitght, seat, chassis, etc) matters.
Sport Tourer Bike Type:
A sport tourer motorcycle is a mix of sport and touring type of motorcycle. This type of motorcycle is typically best for aggresive riding which requires performance as well as comfort. A sport tourer motorcycle is much like a sport bike in terms of looks but with easier ways for accessory attachments, such as luggage systems (standard on many models). These bikes will probably be equiped with fuel injection as well as anti-lock brakes.
Several manufactures make a sport touring bike such as Honda ST1100 model, or BMW R1100 RS model.
Is this the right motorcycle type for you? Motorcycle size (engine, height, weitght, seat, chassis, etc) matters.
Touring Bike Type:
Harley Road King, BDW R1100 RT, Honda Goldwing are types of models that fall into the touring motorcycle type group. Great bikes! If you're looking to do long distance riding requiring comfort this type of motorcycle is for you. In order for a motorcycle model to fit into this category it MUST have hard luggage racks.
These motorcycle types are almost always equipped with luggage racks with plenty of storage, golve box, fairings, armchair type backseat and windshield and almost always a rubber mounted high performance engine. Touring bikes sometimes come with cruise control as well as heat and air conditioning.
If you're looking for comfort, a touring motorcycle type is for you.
Is this the right motorcycle type for you? Motorcycle size (engine, height, weitght, seat, chassis, etc) matters.
Dual Sport Bike Type:
A dual sport motorcycle type is a happy medium between a dirt bike and a standard motorcycle. They are street legal and you have the option to take this motorcycle offroad.
Dual sport motorcycle have special suspension (more travel) to be able to take it offroad. Hand guards as well as skid plates are usually standard on a dual sport. They are a bit heavier than a dirt bike so handling offroad will not be as good and if you get stuck you might have a harder time to get out compared to a dirt bike. This is a very durable motorcycle for both road as well as offroad type riding.
Almost all manufacturers make a dual sport. Some examples models are Kawasaki KX, Honda XR, and Suzuki DS models. BMW makes a GS model.
Is this the right motorcycle type for you? Motorcycle size (engine, height, weitght, seat, chassis, etc) matters
