The 3 Main Types Of Motorcycles: Pros And Cons

The thrill of riding with the wind in your face, the roar of the engine and ease of maneuverability make motorcycles fun. Fuel economy and a lower sticker price than cars make them even more attractive. There are three main types of motorcycles: street bikes, off-road bikes and dual-purpose bikes. Street motorcycles: Street bikes are the most common motorcycle type. They are designed to be ridden on paved roads.
google_protectAndRun("Features: Street motorcycles feature aerodynamic body panels and fenders to cover the functional components of the bike. They also have car-like features including cushy seats, speedometers and odometers, storage areas and smoother tires for a comfortable ride.Strengths: Street bikes make excellent modes of regular transportation. They have high fuel economy, with some bikes getting around 100 miles to the gallon. Certain types of street bikes are even ideal for long-distance traveling. Tending to cost less than cars and trucks, street bikes are an affordable option for many commuters.Weaknesses: If you want to take your bike off-roading, a street motorcycle isn’t your best option. The smooth tires and suspension are ineffective on rugged terrain. Also, while these bikes feature some storage, it’s not as much as you could get in a car. Types: Among the many types of street motorcycles available, these are most common:Cruisers: These comfortable bikes are perfect for driving around town. When seated, your feet are forward, your arms are slightly raised and your back is either straight or slightly reclined. A classic example of a cruiser is a Harley-Davidson. Chopper-style motorcycles also qualify as cruisers.Sport bikes: These racy little bikes are commonly referred to “crotch rockets” for their speed and loud sound. When you ride one of these bikes, you’re hunched forward with your legs bent and feet slightly behind you. Sport bikes are lightweight and have great speed and maneuverability. However, they are less comfortable due to the seating position and lack of compartments.Touring: Touring motorcycles are built for long-distance travel. The curved seat and high back support allow you to sit in a relaxed, upright position. They also have plenty of storage compartments for luggage as well as a small windshield, large fuel tank and spacious bodies. Off-road motorcycles: These motorcycles, also called dirt bikes, are best suited to recreational use and in sports such as motocross and rallies. Their rugged designs enable them to travel muddy trails and rocky terrain.Features: Off-road motorcycles are lightweight due to their small engines and lack of body features. They also have large, knobby tires built to navigate uneven surfaces. Strengths: This type of motorcycle is perfect if you’re an outdoor adventurer. You can ride through trails and up hills and mountains with ease. You can also ride in competitions like motocross or rallies.Weaknesses: Most off-road motorcycles can’t function as regular transportation. They are missing certain features, like lights, mirrors and emissions standards required to travel on streets. Also, many states won’t issue license plates to off-road motorcycles.Types: Off-road motorcycles vary depending on the sport or event for which they are intended. Motocross, perhaps the most popular, features bikes that are exceptionally light so they can easily clear jumps. Rallies, which are races through the desert, require heavier bikes with larger fuel tanks to travel long distances. Dual-purpose motorcycle: If you can’t decide between a street bike and an off-road bike, there is a compromise: the dual purpose. The dual purpose bike can go off-roading and travel on streets, though it’s not as rugged as an off-road bike, nor as comfortable as a street bike.ads_core.google_render_ad", google_handleError, google_render_ad);