Types of Motorcycles to Choose From

With so many different models of motorcycles to choose from, it can be quite confusing if you don’t know what you are looking for. Each motorcycle is classified by a particular type. This helps clarify what you will be getting with a particular model that falls under that particular category.

The most common type of motorcycle is the cruiser. These are very easy to handle and long lasting motorcycle models. This category also offers the consumer the most choice when it comes to style and design. The basic design of a cruiser features a standard seat, basic handle bars, and comfort. They are designed for easy turning as well as excellent handling even at top speeds. One draw back of cruisers is that they tend to be on the heavy side compared to other types of motorcycles.

Most custom motorcycles also fall under the category of a cruiser because of some of the design features and what the use they are designed for. Radically modified custom motorcycles referred to as choppers are also a type of cruiser bike. Another popular type of cruiser is the tour bike. This is designed for comfort at they are used for cross country trips and other long travels that you will want to be comfortable for.

Sport bikes are defined by their speed. If you are looking more for sheer power than for comfort, this is the category of bike for you. This type of bike generally isn’t recommended for long rides as they are designed for racing. Most sport bikes feature a sturdy suspension, and they are very light. They offer the operator the ability to make tight turns at neck breaking speeds.

A great combination option is the dual-sport style of motorcycle. This type of model features large tires and it can be ridden on any street or off road surface with ease. This is a great feature for someone who enjoys riding their motorcycle for commuting purposes as well as enjoys the off road excitement.

Many foreign sport bikes are referred to as Crotch Rockets. This is because the design of them requires the individual to lean forward towards the handle bars while riding. While many owners of these bikes find the position to be very comfortable so individuals find that it is uncomfortable compared to the position on a cruiser.

Off Road motorcycles are enjoyed by individuals of all ages as you don’t have to have a motorcycle license to legally ride one. They are illegal to ride on streets though. These types of bikes are often used for climbing dirt hills or racing around dirt tracks. They are commonly called dirty bikes by those who ride them. These types of motorcycles don’t feature headlights or turn signals.

Deciding which category of motorcycle you wish to purchase is only the beginning of the selection process. You will also need to determine the amount of money you wish to spend on a motorcycle, then compare the various models in that category that fit your price range. Take your time and try out several different models as well as brands of motorcycles. This will help you determine which ones feel the best to you. Once you have narrowed down your selection, take each for a test run to help you make a final decision.

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Motorcycle Grips can be customized to suit your kind of bike whether its a Harley or a sport bike their are all sorts of grip styles out there. One is bound to fit your bike and your style. Motorcycle grips can be just plain old rubber grips like what you see standard on sport bikes and cruisers or they can be extremely fancy like the stuff you see on custom choppers that cost 40k. Prices on grips can vary from a few bucks to a few hundred depending on the style and the material that they are made from. Some cycles also offer the ability for you to have heated motorcycle grips for those of you that ride in cold weather this is a huge plus. Grips are generally made from things like rubber on the cheap side, billet aluminum which can get pretty expensive or Anodized steel. 

Sport Bike Grips tend to lean more toward the functional side where cruiser grips are fancier and more ornate. Sport bike grips are usually made from rubber or a combination of rubber and gel to make riding easier on your hands. Most Superbike grips are really inexpensive. Expect to pay no more then twenty bucks for a good set. Some of the companies that make good grips for sport bikes are Parts Unlimited, Progrip, and Grab ON Grips. All of them make a quality product which is perfect for fitting on to your sport bike. Also Diamond Power Sports makes some really nice billet aluminum grips for the Suzuki GSXR line. These are pretty pricey at around $149 for a set, however if you want a bling then they are the way to go for your Gixxer.

Now Cruiser Grips come in many variations however most of them are quite decorative. You can show your attitude depending on the grips you slap on your cruiser. You can get some with a spike on the end or a skull just to give you some examples. Arlen Ness makes several really beautiful grips for bikes. Cruiser hand grips tend to be made from billet aluminum or a combination of aluminum, rubber or foam. Unlike sport bike grips the cruiser counterparts are available from fairly cheap to a few hundred bucks for a set of really nice ones. However a nice grip will put the finishing touches on a bike. To make your bike even more unique you can also find end caps that will further differentiate your bike from everyone else. End caps usually go on the end of a grip and usually are in the form of a spike or a skull or such. Heated grips are also available for most cruisers, if you commute on your bike this can be a very vital item to keep you comfortable in cold weather. For cruisers you can find a quality hand grip set by makes like Kuryakyn, Showchrome, Arlen Ness, Drag Specialties, Galindo Designs, Jardine or Pro1. Kuryakyn and Arlen Ness make some of the nicer motorcycle hand grips in my opinion.

A motorcycle is typically a two-wheeled vehicle run by a small, loud engine. These vehicles are basically motorized bicycles, but are structured with heavier, sturdier and more complex parts, implying that a motorcycle is more machine than bicycle.

Motorcycles have various uses, but the obvious primary use is to ride, to serve as a form quick transportation. Other uses: military and law enforcement, sports/racing, touring, and serving as a symbol of freedom, depending on who is riding it. Motorcycle conventions also allude to yet another purpose for the motorcycle: a show piece! Motorcycles, like automobiles, are also works of art for those who are mechanically inclined or like to showcase their unique and innovative machines (concept bikes).

Motorcycles: Types

Road Motorcycles: motorcycles built for riding on paved and public roads. These motorcycles have shallow treads and 125cc engines capable of reaching 100 mph (160km/h). Some can go over 125 mph (200 km/h). These aren’t designed for racing, but merely for public transportation. They have license plates, blinkers, and other accessories necessary for riding on public roads.

Cruiser—reminiscent of the style of American machines during the 1930s through the 1960s. These motorcycles are designed for long distance riding and provide some comfort. Harley Davidson, Excelsior, Henderson, and the Chopper are cruisers.

Sports bike—performance bikes that are usually lighter and smaller in structure than the cruiser. These motorcycles are racing bikes and have four-cylinder engines ranging 600cc to 750cc. “Super bikes” can also provide up to 1,000cc.

Touring bike—these motorcycles offer large displacement parts, to protect from inclement weather and heavy winds; high-torque engines; comfortable, upright seating positions; and large capacity fuel tanks for long-range mileage. Types of tour bikes include: Full-dress Tourers, Standard Tourers, Global On off Road Tourers, and Sports Tourers.

Naked bike—reduced in parts to its essentials, this bike emphasized function, performance, and ergonomics over the appearance that is a preferred feature of the sports and tour bikes. These motorcycles are also referred to as “street” bikes. The Yamaha Seca II is a fine example.

Scooter—Motor Scooters are short-distance motorcycles with small wheels (357 mm or 14 in. in diameter) and engines in the swing arm. Typically, these run less than 125cc, but some larger scooters exceed 250cc. One popular scooter is the Honda Lead 80.

Moped—a bicycle/motorcycle hybrid with a two-stroke engine that goes up to 50cc. These have demanding licensing in some localities. Their popularity dropped in mid-1980s, but they are still used today.

Off-road bikes—these include dirt bikes and are built for rougher terrain. They have larger, deeper-treaded tires, small engine, long suspension travel and high ground clearance, and no street accessories. These motorcycles have engines that comprise two-strokes at a single cylinder or four-strokes at a single cylinder, and can go as low as 50cc or as high as 750cc, depending on age of the riders and the size and style of the engine. Trial bikes, which go no more than 250cc, are off-road motorcycles. These are used for Motocross and Enduros.

“Dual-Sport” and Adventure-Touring—these are “on-off road” bikes. They are similar as the “off-road” motorcycles, but they are equipped to ride on public roadways as well.

Farm bike—a variant of the trial bike, this motorcycle was used by dairy farmers in New Zealand during the early 1960s. These are low-pressure motorcycles used for easy transportation.

Derny bike—a specialized motorcycle used in track cycling for blocking air-resistance for racing bicycles.

Towing bike—designed by a Swedish company, this motorcycle has a high-torque engine and retractable trailer for towing cars and light trucks. The only one in existence is the Retriever, an altered form of the Honda GL 1800 old Wing.

Concept bike—these are prototypes created to measure the response to innovative designs, new and unique technologies, cost effectiveness, and other factors. Most are never realized, but a small few are released in compromised combination form, taking into consideration marketing realities, public reaction and preference, and manufacturing capabilities.

Motorcycles are the rage of the road—and off the road. These machines are as inspirational as they are dangerous, and they require as much respect as they do training and practice to operate. If treated well, motorcycles will treat riders well.

Motorcycle enthusiasts come from all walks of life. Doctors, lawyers, truck drivers, and businessmen all come together on common ground when motorcycling. Age and gender mingle harmoniously. The generation gap is nonexistent. Motorcycle types are as diverse as the people who ride them. There are dirt bikes, touring bikes, sports bikes and choppers. Insurance is cheaper than auto insurance and quotes can be requested from most online car insurance companies. It doesn’t take much to become a part of the motorcycle community. Just a love of motorcycles and an open mind.

Once a year, eastern New Hampshire and western Maine is inundated with hoards of migrating motorcycle fanatics. Riders aren’t the only visitors to northern New England. People who want to learn of the sport and those who are aspiring to some day own their own bike also go to learn all they can about the different types of bikes.

Touring bikes are made for long distance travel and comfort. They are almost comparable to a car without the enclosed feeling. They have comfortable seats, radios, large wind deflectors, and lots of storage. These bikes are perfect for summer road trips.

Choppers are the sports cars of the motorcycle world. Lots of chrome, tall forks, loud exhausts, and leather, leather, leather are the chopper trademarks. These bikes were made popular by hard core motorcycle lovers and made famous by television biker gangs, but you don’t have to be hard core or a gang member to enjoy these flashy bikes.

Dirt bikes appeal to the off road enthusiasts. These bikes have sturdy frames, deep treaded wheels, and state of the art suspension systems to tackle any trail, no matter how rough. Some dirt bikes are modified for motocross and enduro competitions. Although most dirt bikers get specialized insurance, you can search many online car insurance companies for rates on dirt bikes and it may save you money.

Scooters don’t really fit in the motorcycle category, but are becoming more and more popular among city dwelling businessmen and women. They have small motors and frames and can move with unparalleled agility through city streets and alleys. Insurance is required for scooter owners also. Get insurance rates from auto insurance quote companies.

Motorcycle owners are not immune from insurance laws. It is required for any on road motorized vehicle and many states require it for off road bikes. Even if it isn’t required, it is a smart idea. Most online car insurance companies will also insure motorcycles and scooters. You will be able to add these to your existing auto insurance policy and save money.