If you've recently reached your legal driving age and are eager to experience the thrill of riding a motorcycle but feel overwhelmed by the selection process, you've come to the right place. You may have already explored several motorcycle dealerships and test-ridden a few bikes, yet still find yourself unsure about which one matches your needs and preferences. The motorcycle industry has evolved significantly, offering an extensive range of options that can make choosing the right bike quite challenging. Below, we've outlined the major motorcycle types along with their key characteristics to help simplify your buying decision.
Naked/Street Bikes
A naked or street motorcycle is a basic motorcycle with minimal use of body panels, and thus, reduced weight. These motorcycles are designed to be driven everyday on streets or city roads. They come with a very neutral riding position, which is neither very leaned back like a cruiser nor very aggressive like a sports bike. The foot pegs are set so that the rider can easily rest their foot on them, and the handle bar is placed higher for easy reach to accommodate riders of all sizes. Since these bikes are not fully covered by fairings, they tend to heat up less compared to sports bikes and at the same time are far easier on the wrist and the back.
Sports Bikes
Sports bikes are the most intriguing looking motorcycles of all. They are fully covered by fairings to make use of aerodynamics which is also a bonus to the looks. They sport low-slung handler bars, rear set/high raised foot pegs, high seating position and engines that will rev your ears out. Each and every element of a sports bike is designed to make it go faster. They handle speed incredibly well and are bliss to ride around the corners, but at the same time, they are very demanding to ride and get zero scores for overall comfort. Their aggressive power delivery, demanding body positioning and heating issues make them not a very logical choice for everyday riding.
Cruiser Bikes
Another major motorcycle type that makes it to the top list is cruiser bikes. These bikes offer a laid back riding position, plush suspension setup, fairly padded and comfortable seats, and buttery smooth power delivery from the engine which makes them a bliss to ride on the open highways. The only niggle is that they weigh on the higher side, have limited handling abilities, and low ground clearance which make them not suitable for everyday traffic conditions. But that aside, if you need something which gathers a lot of attention on the road, then this is the class of bikes to go for.
Adventure Bikes
This is the segment which is gaining a lot of attention lately. These bikes are designed to go anywhere you want. They generally come with high placed handlebars, windscreens, high seating position, high raised suspension setup, knobby tyres, and a large ground clearance which makes them suitable for all riding conditions. Also, they are comfortable enough to munch as many miles as you want on wide open highways.
A subcategory of adventure bikes is off-road bikes, which are pure off-road machines. They are not built for roads but only for extreme usage in dirt, mud and slush.
Sport Touring Bikes
Bikes that are sporty in nature but designed to be soft and less demanding in terms of comfort fall in this category. These bikes have a sporty appeal and a performance oriented engine, but the riding position isn’t as demanding as that of a proper sports bike. They are designed to go long distances on the highway and will do it rather quickly compared to anything else on the road. The highly famous Suzuki Hayabusa is a sport touring motorcycle.
Conclusion
Choosing the right motorcycle ultimately depends on your specific riding needs, comfort preferences, and intended use. As a beginner, it's essential to prioritize comfort, ease of handling, and practicality over pure performance. Take your time, test ride multiple motorcycle types, consider your riding environment, and choose a bike that not only excites you but also matches your skill level and daily requirements. Remember, your first motorcycle is just the beginning of an incredible journey – you can always upgrade as your skills and preferences evolve.
No matter which bike you choose, GrandPitstop has the perfect range of accessories to help you customize, protect, and enjoy your first dream ride to the fullest.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What type of motorcycle is best for beginner riders?
A. For beginners, naked or street bikes are the best choice. They are lightweight, easy to handle, and forgiving for newbies who are still learning proper riding techniques.
Q. What's the difference between a sports bike and a sport touring bike?
A. While both offer performance-oriented engines, sports bikes have aggressive riding positions with low handlebars and rear-set foot pegs, making them uncomfortable for long rides. Sport touring bikes provide a more relaxed, upright riding position while maintaining sporty performance, making them ideal for covering long distances quickly and comfortably.
Q. Are adventure bikes suitable for daily commuting?
A. Adventure bikes (except off-road bikes), can be excellent for daily commuting due to their comfortable upright riding position, good visibility from high seating, and versatility in handling various road conditions. However, their larger size and weight may be challenging in heavy city traffic or tight parking situations compared to smaller naked bikes or street motorcycles.