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Miles Norellin | Sep 2, 2025
Motorcycles come in all shapes, sizes and personalities. If you’re curious about the types of motorcycles out there, think of it like choosing shoes: The right pair depends on where you’re going and how you like to move.
From smooth highway cruising to off-road riding, here’s a breakdown of the main motorcycle styles and what makes them unique.
Contents
- Standard Motorcycles
- Cruiser Motorcycles
- Sport Bikes
- Touring Motorcycles
- Dual Sport Motorcycles
- Adventure Motorcycles
- Dirt Bikes and Motocross Bikes
- Naked Bikes
- Electric Motorcycles
- Custom and Chopper Motorcycles
1. Standard Motorcycles
Also called traditional motorcycles or standard bikes, these are the all-rounders of the motorcycle world. They feature an upright seating position, moderate power, and versatility for both paved roads and light touring.
They’re often a great starter bike, thanks to their balanced riding style.
2. Cruiser Motorcycles
Known for their laid-back riding position and chopper-style motorcycles inspired by classic Harley Davidson designs, cruiser motorcycles are built for style and comfort.
They shine on smooth highway cruising and short city rides, offering low seat heights and a relaxed stance.
3. Sport Bikes
These machines are engineered for speed and agility, with a forward-leaning riding position and high-performance components. Sport bikes thrive on paved roads and sharp curves, making them popular among riders who prioritize performance over long distance comfort.
4. Touring Motorcycles
Touring bikes are the long-haul champions. With good wind protection, plush seats for rider comfort, and large fuel tanks, these road motorcycles designed for long-distance riding.
Sport touring motorcycles blend some of this comfort with sport bike performance.
5. Dual Sport Motorcycles
Also called dual sport bikes, these street-legal machines handle both on- and off-road riding.
With a tall seat height, high ground clearance, and durable rear suspension, they’re perfect for riders who want one bike for paved roads and dirt trails.
6. Adventure Motorcycles
Adventure motorcycles (ADV bikes) are beefier dual sports built for serious exploration. They excel in off-road riding and rough terrain but still offer comfort and luggage capacity for extended trips.
7. Dirt Bikes and Motocross Bikes
These lightweight off-road motorcycles are not street-legal; they’re designed for trails, off-road racing, and motocross tracks.
Enduro and trials motorcycles are subcategories with specialized features for different off-road riding conditions, while modern scrambler motorcycles are retro-style roadsters that can handle only light off-roading.
8. Naked Bikes
Stripped-down sport bikes without fairings, naked bikes offer upright seating position and reduced weight. They’re great for street motorcycles riders who want sporty handling without the aggressive posture.
9. Electric Motorcycles
As electric vehicles evolve, electric motorcycles and electric bikes are becoming more common. They use electric motors instead of gas engines, offering quiet rides, instant torque, and low maintenance.
10. Custom and Chopper Motorcycles
Custom motorcycles and chopper motorcycle builds focus on unique styling and personal expression. From small motorcycles to massive road bikes, the emphasis is on individuality and motorcycle culture.
Original:
https://auto.howstuffworks.com/types-of-motorcycles.htm
