But which motorbike is right for you?
Can the standard roadster give you the thrill of a sport bike?
These questions and more are explored below.
2022 Yamaha YZ125
We are talking about riding a motorcycle, of course.
So, which is thebest motorcycle for you?
Well, it all depends on your needs and goals.
On the other hand, adirt bikecan cover long distances over all kinds of terrain.
We will analyze the main types of motorcycles and hopefully help you find a selfie-worthy machine.
The best part is that some motorbikes are quite affordable and cheap to maintain.
The right bike will thrill you and give you the freedom to travel wherever you want to go.
Heres a guide through the different types of motorcycles:
1.
Dirt Bike (Off-Road Motorcycle)
A dirt bike is builtwith off-road adventure in mind.
Generally, an off-road motorcycle is like a mountain climber in that it can summit rocky, inhospitable terrain.
However, its somewhat different from an adventure bike because it features a taller seat and higher suspension.
Its best to note that dirt bikes dont have turn signals or lights.
Sport Bike
If youre looking for speed and agility, sport motorcycles are your best bet.
Riders assume a forward-leaning position for better ergonomics when cruising through those sharp corners at lightning speed.
Engines tend to be around 600cc, but this isnt a hard and fast rule.
Sport motorcycles arespeed beastswith complex suspensions that throw the seat higher to prevent scraping of the footpegs.
These two-wheelers also feature a high-performance braking system, among other great features made from cutting-edge technology.
There are many types of motorcycles ideal for beginners.
Unfortunately, a sportbike isnt on that list.
This is unless you invest in a low-powered and heavier model thats not built for avid speed freaks.
Also, remember to check the seat height if you are a shorter rider.
Most models have high seats that could quickly leave you riding on your tiptoes.
Dual-Sport (Adventure-Sport Motorbike)
In the motorcycle world, theres nothing quite like a dual-sport.
Think of the bike as a hybrid of a dirt bike and asport motorcycle.
Dual-sport bikes fall into two main categoriesEundro and adventure bikes.
The cruiser, aka chopper bike, is designed with cruising or the weekend rider in mind.
Its mainly ideal for on-road rides, meaning it has a lower suspension system and low seat height.
Again, the cruiser is ideal for your around-town cruises; hence a high displacement engine isnt necessary.
You could also strip down unnecessary accessories like the windscreen and passenger backrest, depending on your needs.
Generally, cruisers are ideal for relaxed, low-speed rides.
However, you could give your machine an upgrade to enhance its engine performance for longer or faster rides.
Touring Bike (Dresser)
Compared to most types of motorcycles, the dresser is pretty large.
Touring bikes often boast high-tech features to make long rides more comfortable.
Sport-Tourer
Another hybrid is the sport-tourer.
This bike is the offspring of a marriage between a sports and touring motorbike.
Its the perfect comfort wagon for those long road trips that require you to carry luggage or extra gear.
Riders assume an upright riding position, allowing them to enjoy their surroundings as they cruise.
SuperMotard/Supermoto
The Motard motorbike is a dirt bike uniquely designed to work as a street bike.
It is also a hybrid that comes with the bells and whistles of aMotocross and standardbike.
On the bright side, the two-wheeler allows quick acceleration for that invaluable thrill during your weekend on-road adventures.
The standard roadsters are just thatstandard/universal bikes.
In practice, modern roadsters as a rule maintain simple aesthetics appropriate for street-style bikes.
Scooter
When talking about types of motorcycles, we cannot afford not to mention the scooter.
The markets are rich with different scooter sizes ranging from small city bikes to large 650cc machines.
Most models boast high-tech features, including fuel injection, ABS, and automatic transmission.
Moreover, you’ve got the option to find more robust, 100% electric-powered scooters.
The scooter is the official street bike ideal for riders who mainly covershort distances within the city.
Bagger
Baggers are light-duty bikes with a smaller fairing and side case compared to the standard touring bike.
It also comes with some luxury touches, although not as full-blown as those of the regular touring bike.
Generally, the bagger is just a touring bike but with a minimalist design.
Its ideal for rally road adventures or just chilled-out weekend getaways.
The machine comes equipped with navigation and audio systems to keep your long-distance rides more comfortable.
Its all about maxing out speed and mobility.
(Many had picked up the mechanic skills necessary to make it happen, after all.)
Its standard for retro bikes to have some modern tech infused in their design for an enhanced rider experience.
Note that the country where a retro bike is manufactured may have something to do with its design.
For instance, retro bikes from Japan often have bike aesthetics that are 20 years or older.
Such motorcycles are often easy to maintain.
On the other hand, models from Italy, Germany, and Britain boast the best features.
They have robust constructions making them ideal for heavy use.
These retro bikes are, however, designed for avid riders who are somewhat good with tools.
Electric Motorcycle
Just about every machine today has an electric-powered counterpart.
Apart from electric cars, the markets also have electric types of motorcycles.
However, you must do some serious scouting to find models designed for unrivaled performance.
If youre looking for a convenient street bike, anelectric motorcycleis a top choice to consider.
Once you settle the steep up-front cost, the rest is likely to be a smooth sail.
Some of the best electric motorcycles include Mission R and All Zero models.
Moped
Our second portmanteau, the moped could be the conceptual lovechild of a nakedmotorcycle and apedal-driven bicycle.
Given their small size,moped bikesand scooters are often confused as one and the same.
Rest assured, these are two distinct types of motorcycles.
Moped bikes have a lighter frame compared to scooters.
And more importantly, they feature a smaller engine around 50cc.
Increasingly, electric mopeds are dominating the streets (and unfortunately, bike lanes).
Hyperbike
A hyperbike is a sport bike on steroids, typically packing a 1000cc+ engine for maximum power.
This is a street-legal racing bike thats mainly ideal for short-distance rides.
Touring on the motorcycle is expected not to be comfortable, primarily because of the forward-leaning rider position.
Most riders ride to stimulate their brains and flush out worries as they enjoy convenient and fun commutes.
So, which is the best motorcycle for your needs and goals?
Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below.
