House Grail is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

10 Types Of Motorcycles: Pros & Cons (with Pictures)

Motorcycle_Cuncon_Pixabay

Motorcycles are a fantastic hobby for those looking to add adventure and fun to their lives. Whether you are using it for traveling, camping trips, sports, competing, or just traveling from one place to another in your city, motorcycles will provide a unique experience.

Depending on your preferences and desires, there are many types of motorcycles that can fit your needs. In this article, we’ll discuss the most common types of motorcycles, and by reading more about them, you can hopefully choose which one is right for you.

car and road divider

The 10 Types of  Motorcycles

1. Cruiser

Cruiser Motorcycle_Natasja Beverloo_Pexels
Image Credit: Natasja Beverloo, Unsplash

The Cruiser is a very unique-looking motorcycle that gained popularity in the 1930s. This motorcycle’s recognizable characteristic is its rugged and robust style. These bikes are famous for their comfortable design and easy handling. They do not have much horsepower compared to other bikes on this list but are much more comfortable for longer rides.

The focus of the design and one of the most distinctive aspects is the seating, which allows the rider to sit elevated with their backs straight up or slightly tilted back. The Cruiser motorcycle has low-end torque, which allows this bike to accelerate faster without the need to shift gears that often.

Pros
  • Comfortable ride
  • Customizable
  • Fast acceleration
  • Great for longer rides and commutes
Cons
  • Heavy and bulky appearance
  • Low horsepower

2. Chopper

Chopper Motorcycle_Paulbr75_Pixabay
Image Credit: Paulbr75, Pixabay

The Chopper has been one of the most popular motorcycles in the United States since the 1950s. What makes this bike so adored is its timeless, iconic look. This motorcycle has a unique and recognizable design, with the two front handlebars extending like long forks. It is one of the more difficult motorcycles to ride, which makes it a bike only for riders with a true passion for it.

The Harley Davidson chopper became a symbol of masculinity, especially in America, and is still very popular in the culture of bike riders.

Pros
  • Iconic, vintage look
  • Timeless
  • Comfortable
Cons
  • Difficult to ride
  • Limited rear suspension

3. Standard Roadster

Roadster Motorcycle_Dollar Gil_Unsplash
Image Credit: Paulbr75, Unsplash

The Standard Roadster is the most commonly seen motorcycle on the road. They are distinctive for their stripped-down design, so people also refer to them as “naked” motorcycles. They are adored by most bike riders, as they feature a mix of many components that are seen on other bikes. Another feature that makes them so popular is the ability to reduce, add, and modify almost all elements depending on your specific needs.

Most standard bikes come with a minimal amount of extras built-in but are suitable for customization and adding elements such as tank bags, spacious luggage, new seats, and many others.

Pros
  • Versatile and customizable
  • Comfortable
  • Suited for beginners
  • Economical
Cons
  • Minimal extras, unless added separately

4. Scooter

Scooter Motorcycle_Catia Matos_Pexels
Image Credit: Catia Matos, Pexels

The Scooter may not technically be a motorcycle, but it has the same functions and features as a standard, naked motorcycle; therefore, it deserves a place on this list. The crucial elements and parts that make up a Scooter can be found in the earliest examples of motorcycles. Scooters are practical for city and commute rides, especially in places with a higher traffic volume.

They are primarily suitable for shorter rides because of the limited storage space and lightweight design, making them different from other motorcycles. Since most Scooters are designed with an automatic transmission, getting around with a Scooter or a Moped is much easier than with a conventional motorcycle.

Pros
  • Automatic transmission
  • Easy to ride
  • Popular and practical for the city
  • Suitable for everyone
Cons
  • Limited room for storage
  • Limited power

5. Sport Bike

sport bike harley davidson_OctavY_Pixabay
Image Credit: OctavY, Pixabay

Sport Bikes are motorcycles that are popular and commonly seen worldwide. They come in various sizes, making them easily personalized to each rider specifically. The powerful yet customizable features make this motorcycle loved by enthusiasts. The design of these motorcycles is meant to incorporate a powerful engine inside a solid but lightweight frame. The tires are much wider and taller than on a standard bike, making the Sport Bike convenient for easy navigation and better cornering.

Although this motorcycle may not be as comfortable because the driver must sit tilted upfront, the seating design is crucial for the structural integrity of a sports bike.

Pros
  • Many different model varieties
  • Lightweight
  • Customizable
  • Better performance
  • Efficient and easy to handle
Cons
  • Not as comfortable
  • Expensive to maintain

6. Dirtbike

Dirtbike_Alvis Taurens_Unsplash
Image Credit: Alvis Taurens, Unsplash

The Dirtbike motorcycle has a design that differs from standard on-road motorcycles. The main difference is the adaptability to any off-road terrain, which makes this motorcycle suitable for any terrain such as muddy, sandy, or rocky. There are many features that this motorcycle lacks, such as turn signals, taillights, headlights, and mirrors, which is why it’s unsuitable for riding in the city.

There are many various types of dirtbikes and they are usually modified and customized for individual sporting events specifically. They are widely used and adored by enthusiasts who enjoy off-road adventures.

Pros
  • Lightweight
  • Suited for any off-road terrain
  • Many different models
  • Customizable
Cons
  • Not legal for on-road rides in many states
  • Skill and experience are required to ride safely

7. Adventure

Adventure motorcycle_Adam Rhodes_Unsplash
Image Credit: Adam Rhodes, Unsplash

The Adventure motorcycle is a combination of a dirtbike and a standard bike, offering drivers excellent off-road experience while also being able to cruise down the highway. This motorcycle is a blend of only the best features that the standard and off-road motorcycles provide. Their minimal design allows them to be modified and tailored to fit each driver precisely. The simple design also makes an Adventure bike great for beginners while providing the maximum amount of fun and adventure.

Many Adventure motorcycles have a wide variety of storage options, making them great for long distances and camping trips.

Pros
  • Versatile and customizable
  • Great storage capacity
  • Excellent for camping trips and longer travels
  • Comfortable
  • Excellent for most off-road terrain such as gravel or dirt
  • Great for beginners
Cons
  • Not suitable for all terrains
  • Heavy

8. Motocross

Motorcross_Daniel_Pexels
Image Credit: Daniel, Pexels

The Motocross bike can most often be seen racing in competitions on rough terrains. They are built with tough suspensions and knobby tires that allow them to make jumps and drastic turns on off-road terrains. The design of Motocross bikes makes them suitable for rides through the toughest terrains—from mountains and woods to deserts, these bikes can handle anything.

Pros
  • They can handle any terrain
  • Lightweight
  • Heavily built suspensions and knobby tires
  • Suitable for rapid turns and jumps
Cons
  • High-maintenance
  • Suitable only for racing and competing

9. Electric

Electric motorcycle_Harley Davidson_Unsplash
Image Credit: Harley Davidson, Unsplash

Electric vehicles have been gaining popularity over the past couple of years, and electric motorcycles are among them. Even though there are not many electric motorcycles on the market, many riders that enjoy modern technology adore them. They come in various styles and are characterized by their silent engine that runs on electricity. Apart from having a modern aesthetic, these bikes are a great alternative to gas-guzzling, combustion-engine motorcycles.

Pros
  • Environmentally-friendly
  • Modern design
  • Silent running
  • Easy to handle
  • Low-maintenance
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Slowly-charging
  • Not suitable for longer travels

10. Touring

Touring grand american harley davidson_Harley Davidson_Pixabay
Image Credit: Harley Davidson, Pixabay

The Touring motorcycle is specifically made for more extended travel. It has many features that provide the driver with as much comfort and practicality as possible. These motorcycles are designed to provide maximum comfort with built-in extras that are not usually found on other bikes. Many Touring motorcycles include spacious luggage compartments, heated grips, seats, and cup holders and provide the driver with a natural seating position. The fuel capacity is also much bigger than other motorcycles, allowing this bike to travel much longer without refilling.

Pros
  • Comfortable, relaxed ride
  • Great fuel capacity
  • Plenty of room for storage
  • Many built-in extras
  • Natural body position
  • Stable and easy to handle
Cons
  • Heavy and bulky
  • Not suitable for beginner drivers
  • Some models may be expensive

car and road divider

Conclusion

Whether you are a motorcycle enthusiast or a beginner, there is undoubtedly a motorcycle on this list that can fit your needs. From touring to cruising and electric to motocross, there is a motorcycle option to suit any rider’s needs.


Featured Image Credit: Cuncon, Pixabay

Contents

Related posts

OUR categories

Project ideas

Hand & power tools

woodworking

Garden

Automotive