Motorcycle Types Introduction
Different Styles for Different Kinds of Riding
There are literally dozens of different types of motorcycles. Find out what type of motorcycle is right for you.
Most people are familiar, or at least aware of at least some of the many different types of motorcycles. Although all motorcycles have the most basic elements in common, the similarities end there. Motorcycles have 2 wheels in a single track formation, the rider sits "outside" and usually on top of the vehicle, out in the elements, and they are powered by some type of engine.
Just about everything else is subject to change. The size, shape, rider position, drive train, engine type and suspension will vary by make, model and type. Some of the most common types of motorcycles are standard, cruiser, touring, off-road and sportbikes. Most major manufacturers produce at least one each of the most popular types.
Some of the most popular types of motorcycles are touring motorcycles, which are big and comfortable with lots luggage or storage space that don't handle well. Sport bikes which are light, fast, responsive and very dangerous to beginner riders, Cruiser motorcycles which are typically low with high handlebars, bulky, powerful and some of the worst handling except for choppers. Enduros which are tall motorcycles with large travel suspension and are comfortable to ride in the dirt for long periods of time, these are also street legal motorcycles. Motocross which are off-road only, made for extreme riding and jumping, these bikes can jump several stories in the air and their suspension allows them to land softly enough to maintain control of the motorcycle.
Your particular taste for a certain motorcycle type will likely change as you spend more time riding. Many people start off with either moped/scooters, off-road or standards. You also might end up having several types at the same time. For example, you could have a cruiser to ride to work, a touring bike for long trips, and an off-road bike for playing in the dirt.
Here is a fairly complete list of most of the different types of motorcycles you are likely to hear about. Some are more popular than others:
- Cruiser
- Custom or Chopper
- Dual Purpose
- Exotic
- Mini-bike
- Moped
- Motocross
- Off-Road
- Pocket Bikes
- Prototype
- Racing
- Drag
- Flat-Track
- Road Course
- Motocross
- Super-moto
- Side Car
- Scooters
- Side Car
- Sport
- Standard
- Touring
- Trials
As you can see, there are many different types of motorcycles for many different types of riding. The racing category contains several different types of motorcycles, which does not include every type of motorcycle raced, but some of the most popular.
As this website develops, I will be adding links to this list as I get articles published for that type of motorcycle. Until then, feel free to drop me a line and suggest a type that has not been listed here.
