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Finding the perfect motorcycle that suits your style and riding preferences is key. To know what exactly you want in a motorcycle, you must be familiar with all the different types of motorcycles.
Most motorcyclists make the wrong decision when choosing the right type of motorbike. This is mainly because they don’t know even the basic differences between different motorcycle styles. It is normal for a beginner motorcycle rider to get attracted to a certain motorcycle type.
For example, being a motorcyclist, it is common for most riders to get attracted to sports bikes and adventure motorcycles. Nonetheless, you require a comfortable bike for long journeys and highway cruising.
Talking about different riding styles and preferences, there are multiple types. These include:
Daily commuting.
Riding within the city/city traveling.
Highway cruising/cruising on open roads.
Long-distance motorcycle touring
Off-roading.
High-speed track performance.
For every riding style, there are specific different types of motorbikes. Before you buy a motorcycle, do proper research before making an investment.
First, you need to identify your riding style and your purpose of motorcycling. Then you will be able to know what motorbike type will suit you more.
It is unfortunate that the majority of motorcycle riders don’t even know the different types of motorbikes. To find the perfect bike, continue reading this article to learn in detail about the different types of motorcycles. This article is a complete guide so you can easily identify a particular motorcycle type.
All Different Types of Motorbikes | ||
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Motorbike | Types of Motorbikes | Popular Models |
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Cruiser Motorbike |
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Touring Motorcycle |
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Sports Bike |
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Adventure Motorcycle / ADV Bike |
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Naked Bike |
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Bagger Motorcycle |
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Sports Touring Bike / Sports Tourer |
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Dual Sport Bike |
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Standard Motorcycle / Roadster |
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Chopper Bike |
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Cafe Racer Motorcycle |
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Dirt Bike |
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Enduro Bike |
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Motocross MX Motorcycle |
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Scrambler Bike |
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Scooter |
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Classic Motorcycle |
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Custom Bike |
Top Custom Motorcycle Builders in the US:
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Bobber Motorcycle |
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Trike Motorcycle |
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Motorcycle with Sidecar |
Top Motorcycle Sidecar Manufacturers:
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Electric Motorcycle |
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Trials Motorcycle |
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Moped |
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1. Cruiser Motorcycle

First, let’s talk about the most popular motorcycle segment, cruiser motorbikes. Cruiser motorcycles are the most popular type of motorbike for Americans.
For those who live in the US, they know the country is quite famous for its highways and open roads. The reason Harley-Davidson has become an American household brand is its top-of-the-line cruiser lineup. In today’s world, cruiser motorcycles are synonymous with Harley Davidson.
Must Read: Top 15 Fastest Cruisers in the World
1.1 What Are the Characteristics of Cruiser Motorcycles and How Can You Identify Them?
Cruiser bikes are made for comfortable rides.
They are ideally designed for open roads and highway cruising.
Cruisers have low seat height.
These bikes are lower to the ground and have a low center of gravity.
Cruiser motorcycles have a longer wheelbase and an extended look.
They are relatively heavier than most bikes.
Cruiser motorcycles usually have large-displacement engines.
The engines installed in cruiser motorcycles are tuned to provide good torque delivery.
The torquey engines ensure better acceleration than top speeds.
The handlebars are usually wide and pulled back for better control and comfort.
Foot controls in cruisers are usually forward mounted for spacious legroom.
Cruiser motorcycles offer upright riding positions with relaxed ergonomics.
Cruiser bikes are usually designed for better linear performance on straight roads.
They are highly stable bikes due to being lower to the ground.
The tires installed in cruiser bikes are usually wide for better linear stability and control.
Cruiser bikes are highly customizable motorcycles. You can easily transform them into an ideal touring bike.
Cruiser motorbikes have a stripped-down look to ensure you feel the fresh air striking your body as you cruise on highways. However, to use a cruiser bike for motorcycle touring, you can easily attach a few touring parts to make these bikes long-distance capable.
To transform your cruiser bike into a touring motorcycle, Viking Bags offers you the best aftermarket parts and luggage bag options. In the parts category, you can install sissy bars, backrests, and crash bars. Meanwhile, for a better storage capacity, you can install saddlebags, backpacks, sissy bar bags, tank bags, motorcycle trunks, and much more.
2. Touring Motorcycle

Touring bikes are also among the very popular motorcycle categories in the US and all over the world. These bikes are premium, highly advanced, and the heaviest.
In the American motorcycle market, Harley-Davidson is at the top of this category. Harley Davidson has years of experience producing the most favorite touring bikes of all time, including the Harley Street Glide, Harley Road Glide, and Harley Ultra Limited.
There are many other great players in the touring motorcycle market. The best to mention is the Honda Gold Wing.
Being one of the most luxurious and premium motorcycle types, touring bikes come with standard saddlebags, fairings, wind protection, and top-end electronics. Touring bikes are also one of the most expensive motorcycle types in the market.
Though they are the heaviest type of motorcycles, touring motorbikes are the most comfortable for long-distance riding.
2.1 What Are the Characteristics of Touring Motorcycles, and How Can You Identify Them?
Touring bikes are the most comfortable motorcycles.
They are also the heaviest due to being fitted with several touring parts by the factory.
In the standard form, an ideal touring bike features saddlebags, fairings, windscreen, crash bars, and floorboards.
Touring bikes have large-displacement torquey engines capable of carrying heavy loads on them across long distances.
The torquey engines ensure better acceleration than top speeds.
These bikes offer the most plush riding ergonomics with relaxed riding position and spacious legroom.
The foot controls are forward mounted in touring motorcycles.
Seats installed in touring bikes are usually soft and scooped in, ensuring decent lower back support for riders.
Stock floorboards allow riders to place their feet comfortably.
The good wind protection in touring motorcycles makes riding more comfortable by reducing the wind drag. It effectively reduces riders’ fatigue on long-distance and continuous rides.
The standard storage space in touring motorcycles allows riders to carry luggage easily on motorcycle tours.
You can comfortably use touring bikes for cross-country rides.
Most top-of-the-line premium touring bikes also feature a standard infotainment system. This allows riders to listen to music, connect their mobile phones and devices, and accept calls while riding.
These bikes are perfect for comfortable two-up riding.
Must Read: Cruisers Vs Touring Motorcycles
3. Sports Bike

Another major motorcycle type popular all around the world is the sports bike. It may not be in America, but sports bikes are the most wanted and desired type of motor bikes in the rest of the world.
Kawasaki and Ducati are among the most major players in the sports bike industry. On top of that, we have the Kawasaki Ninja H2R, which doesn’t need an introduction. It is one of the fastest beasts, designed ideally for race tracks.
The Ducati Panigale V4 is the other race track monster in the sports bike market. The Ducati Superleggera V4 is another top model by Ducati.
Though Discontinued, the Suzuki Hayabusa created the most buzz in sports bike racing. It has remained one of the fastest motorcycles for the longest time.
3.1 What Are the Characteristics of Sports Bikes and How Can You Identify Them?
Sports Bikes are fully-faired bikes. The engine and machinery in sports bikes are covered with body panels.
The sports bikes are designed to ensure minimum air drag.
The sports bikes’ fairings are designed for better aerodynamics.
The design of the sports bikes ensures top-end high-speed performance.
Sport bike engines are built to deliver great horsepower for remarkable top speeds.
The engines of these bikes have shorter stroke lengths, so they can rev at much higher rpms than cruisers and tourers.
Sports bikes are not as torquey as cruisers and touring bikes, as the focus is more on high horsepower.
They are ideally designed for race track performance.
Sports bikes offer very tight ergonomics.
The legroom in sports bikes is quite restricted.
Sports bikes have a compact design, ensuring a shorter wheelbase.
Sports bikes have clip-on handlebars.
Handlebars are quite low-mounted on sports bikes.
Riders have to lean forward to grab the bars, ensuring an aggressive riding style.
Sports bikes are not built for comfort.
Riding a sports bike continuously for hours can be quite painful.
They are ideally not built for two-up riding.
The tires installed on sports bikes are quite smooth ideally designed for paved roads and tracks.
They attract most riders due to their high-speed performance.
Must Read: Top 11 Motorcycles With High Horsepower
4. Adventure Motorcycle / ADV Bike

Adventure motorcycles are in great demand nowadays. They are gaining popularity over time. ADV bikes are the trendiest motorcycles due to their unique features and design.
ADV bikes are designed for both on- and off-roading. You can comfortably use these bikes for riding within the city, cruising on highways, and extreme off-roading, too. Adventure bikes are the most versatile bikes.
These bikes are also highly well-equipped bikes, which makes them one of the safest options. Looks-wise, ADV motorcycles are very attractive. You will love to buy one of these bikes due to their attractive color options, trendy look, and modern features.
Adventure bikes are also available in different sizes. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced rider, you can find the perfect ADV bikes that suit your skills.
When talking about the most popular adventure bike brands, BMW and KTM are the most notable ones. Besides, we must also appreciate Harley Davidson’s efforts to experiment with its conventional production strategy and produce the Harley Pan America. In a short time, the Harley Adventure bike has become one of the top-rated ADV motorcycles.
4.1 What Are the Characteristics of Adventure Motorcycles, and How Can You Identify Them?
Adventure motorcycles have a lively appearance.
ADV bikes usually come with a beak-style front end.
They have a trendy and modern design.
Being capable of maneuvering on off-road terrain, ADV bikes have high ground clearance.
They are heavier motorbikes than all the other off-road motorcycle types.
They are relatively very comfortable bikes with upright riding positions and decent legroom.
You can also use ADV bikes for long-distance touring.
ADV bikes feature the most premium suspension technology.
The suspension installed on these bikes has long wheel travel.
Most premium ADV bikes feature electronically controlled suspension.
These bikes have strong and robust chassis, frames, and body, offering good overall performance on off-road terrains.
Adventure bikes have dirt bike-style knobby tires for off-roading.
They are quite tall motorbikes.
These bikes come with several luggage-mounting options.
ADV bikes are also quite maneuverable and agile types of motorcycles.
They are not very suitable for shorter riders.
ADV bikes are among the most well-equipped bikes with dozens of modern safety features.
5. Naked Bikes

Another very popular sports-style bike is the naked bike. These bikes are the stripped-down versions of sports bikes. You can also say that naked bikes are sports bikes without fairings. This is the reason why they are called naked bikes.
Most of the motorcycle parts, including the engine, transmission, and frame, are exposed. The purpose is to reduce the weight of the bike as much as possible for a better power-to-weight ratio and performance.
Naked bikes are also one of the most perfect road bikes for urban commuting. They are quite similar to sports bikes, but they are relatively comfortable.
5.1 What Are the Characteristics of Naked Bikes and How Can You Identify Them?
Naked bikes are sports-style motorbikes.
It is a sports bike without fairings.
It is lighter than sports bikes.
Unlike sports bikes, naked bikes come with slightly upward-mounted drag-style handlebars.
They are powered by the same engine as their sports bike counterparts.
As the fairings are removed, the aerodynamics are compromised.
For this reason, naked bikes are not faster than sports bikes.
Naked bikes are quite agile and highly maneuverable.
They are a bit more comfortable than sports bikes.
You can ride naked bikes either with an upright back position or aggressively while leaning forward.
They look quite aggressive.
Naked bikes ensure a modern look.
They are also cheaper than sports bikes due to the absence of fairings.
Must Read: The 10 Best Naked Motorcycles
6. Bagger Motorcycle

A bagger motorcycle is almost the same as a touring bike. However, there are a few dissimilarities. A bagger motorcycle is a familiar term in the US. It is widely used in place of tourers. You can also say that a Bagger Motorcycle is an American version of a touring motorcycle.
Harley Davidson can be referred to as the creator of the Bagger Motorcycle category.
Baggers are quite entertaining touring bikes for long-distance rides. You can ideally use them for cross-country rides. The human-motorcycle interaction in bagger motorbikes is also brilliant.
6.1 What Are the Characteristics of Bagger Motorcycles, and How Can You Identify Them?
Baggers are just like touring bikes.
They are quite large and bulky.
Baggers can ideally be ridden by experienced riders.
Baggers are touring bikes with large and wide front fairing.
It also features a fairing-mounted decent or small windscreen.
A bagger motorcycle is most likely to come with a complete infotainment system, including a color screen, speakers, and phone connectivity.
Baggers, as the name suggests, come with standard luggage bags, including saddlebags.
Bagger motorcycles usually don’t come with a large motorcycle trunk with an integrated sofa-style passenger seat.
The ergonomics are quite comfortable for long-distance rides.
Must Read: Top Bagger Motorcycles Available In 2023
7. Sports Touring Bikes / Sports Tourer

Sports touring bikes are somehow similar to sports bikes in terms of sporty design and performance. However, sports tourers are primarily designed for motorcycle touring.
If you are a fan of aggressive motorcycle styling, like sports bikes, but want to go long miles, sports tourers are a great option. These types of motorcycles are often referred to as touring bikes, like the Honda Gold Wing and the BMW K1600B. However, if you are familiar with these bikes, they have a sportier design and touch.
You can enjoy the features of both sports bikes and touring motorcycles in one machine. Being a tourer means that sports tourers are heavier than sports bikes. They also feature stock saddlebags and fairings.
They are also one of the most premium types of motorbikes with numerous advanced features. You need to be experienced in handling a sports touring bike.
7.1 What Are the Characteristics of Sports Turing Bikes and How Can You Identify Them?
Sports touring bikes have a wide, sportier front-end look.
These bikes come with fairings.
The windscreen is quite large compared to sports bikes for adequate wind protection.
Despite being sportier, these bikes offer a comfortable upright riding stance.
The handlebars are wide and pulled back enough for comfortable touring.
The seats are also quite wide and comfortable on sports tourers.
These bikes feature standard hard saddlebags and luggage racks.
Sports tourers are also an ideal option for riding with a passenger.
They can be used for long-mile journeys and cross-country rides.
Most sports touring bikes feature an infotainment system.
These bikes are also very well equipped with several modern features.
You can enjoy both sporty and comfortable experiences on sports touring bikes.
8. Dual Sport Bike

A dual sport bike, as the name suggests, is a dual-purpose bike for both on- and off-roading. Unlike adventure bikes, dual sport motorcycles have a better off-road performance due to being much lighter.
They are also one of the best beginner-friendly bikes available in the market. The design of these bikes is inspired by dirt bikes. However, they are built to be street-legal.
Dual sport bikes also feature knobby off-road tires for impressive dirt riding. They look like a modified version of dirt bikes. Being low-powered and beginner-friendly, dual sport bikes are also one of the cheapest options.
Unlike ADV motorcycles, they are quite simple and basic. These bikes offer the best fuel economy.
Must Read: 8 Best Dual Sport Motorcycles for Beginners
8.1 What Are the Characteristics of Dual Sport Bikes and How Can You Identify Them?
Dual sport bikes are quite lightweight compared to adventure bikes.
Dual sport bikes ensure a decent on-road performance, which is suitable for urban commuting.
These bikes are built for better off-road performance than ADV bikes.
They feature lightweight motorcycle parts.
Like ADV bikes, dual sport bikes are also quite tall bikes.
They have high ground clearance for better off-road performance.
Dual sport bikes feature a dirt-bike-style long seat.
Dual sport bikes are also quite slim for better control and agility.
These bikes are powered by a single-cylinder engine.
They are quite simple and basic in construction.
They have a long-stroke front suspension, providing a taller stature.
The tires installed are knobby and off-road-biased.
They aren’t ideal for long-distance rides.
Dual sport bikes are low-powered.
You can maintain an upright riding stance on dual sport bikes.
9. Standard Motorcycles / Roadsters

Naked bikes are often referred to as standard motorcycles or roadsters. As the name suggests, they are street motorcycles for standard road use.
You can remember naked bikes are the fairing-less version of sports bikes. Naked bikes are quite aggressive and sportier. Meanwhile, standard bikes or roadsters are quite simple and easy.
Standard motorcycles or roadsters offer an upright riding stance thanks to the decently tall handlebars. The foot controls are mid-mounted, ensuring a sophisticated legroom for riding in urban settings.
They are also quite lightweight and minimalistic bikes for daily use. Standard bikes/roadsters are the best road bikes for riding within the city. The engines are mostly exposed in standard bikes.
Above all, they are quite responsive and agile for most riding conditions within the city. They handle quite well in most riding conditions.
10. Chopper Motorcycle

A chopper motorcycle is a customized motorcycle. More than the riding experience, it is designed to ensure unique aesthetics and feel. Chopper motorcycles can be classified as custom cruiser bikes. However, they have an unusually extended front end, ensuring a longer wheelbase.
The distance between the rider's seating position and the front wheel is quite enormous. Most chopper bikes also feature taller handlebars.
Chopper motorcycles are not factory-made. They are custom-built bikes. The chopper culture is usually associated with outlaw motorcycle clubs. Harley-Davidson is also the most favorite brand of chopper builders. This is mainly because Harleys are easily modifiable.
Chopper motorcycles also feature a hardtail look with no or hidden rear suspension. Owing to their huge popularity, particularly in America, Harley Davidson has also produced certain chopper-inspired models. These include:
Harley Davidson Softail Springer
Harley Davidson Breakout
Harley Davidson Wide Glide
10.1 What Are the Characteristics of Chopper Motorcycles, and How Can You Identify Them?
Chopper motorcycles have an unusually extended long front end.
The handlebars installed on choppers are also taller.
These are custom-built motorcycles.
Chopper bikes have a hardtail rear-end look.
Most ideal and classic custom choppers have no rear suspension.
They are a stripped-down version of cruiser motorcycles.
Most chopper motorcycles have small gas tanks.
The front fender is usually removed in chopper motorbikes.
There is no windscreen installed on these bikes.
Chopper bikes usually have a classic solo seat.
The ergonomics are usually very relaxed on these bikes with high arm position.
The foot controls are forward mounted on choppers.
Factory-made chopper motorcycles usually come with hidden rear suspension.
They are not built ideally for a smooth and ideal riding experience.
Chopper bikes are usually built for aesthetics.
These are unique, classic custom bikes, considering their design and look.
Usually, Harley Davidson is given the credit for making the chopper culture more popular.
Being highly customizable, Harley Davidson Sportsters are considered the best platforms for building custom chopper motorcycles.
Chopper motorbikes are less practical in today’s world.
They are not the safest option to ride, particularly if you are new to motorcycling.
11. Cafe Racer Motorbikes

Like custom chopper motorbikes, Cafe Racers are another customized bike. However, the cafe racer trend first emerged in the United Kingdom. The cafe racer concept was started in the 1960s in London.
Care racer bikes were stripped down heavily to ensure low weight. These bikes were ideally designed for quick rides over short distances. They became highly popular all over the world, and even certain motorcycle manufacturers built factory-made cafe racers.
Even today, you can find certain factory-made cafe racer motorbikes from notable manufacturers. However, similar to choppers, cafe racers are not very ideal motorbikes for comfortable riding.
The ergonomics offered by cafe racers are similar to sports bikes. Nonetheless, they don’t offer good aerodynamics, which makes them unstable at high speeds.
11.1 What Are the Characteristics of Cafe Racer Motorbikes and How Can You Identify Them?
Like sports bikes, cafe racers usually feature low-mounted clip-on handlebars.
An ideal cafe racer bike also comes with a nose fairing.
These bikes usually have a solo rider seat and a tail cowl.
The ergonomics are quite restricted.
The legroom is also quite tight in cafe racers.
They are quite small and lightweight motorcycles.
They are highly stripped-down motorcycles with only essential parts installed on them.
Cafe racer motorbikes are highly uncomfortable bikes for long rides.
They are only used for short rides.
They are quick thanks to their low weight.
Cafe racer motorcycles are quite simplistic and minimalist motorbikes.
Must Read: Top 8 Harley-Davidson Cafe Racers
12. Dirt Bike

A dirt bike is a pure off-roader. Unlike dual sport and adventure bikes, dirt bikes are ideally designed for off-road riding only.
An ideal dirt bike doesn’t have road-legal features. It doesn’t include a headlight, side mirrors, turn signals, and a license plate holder.
A dirt bike is mostly powered by a single-cylinder engine with a displacement size of around 400 cc. They are ideally designed for pure off-roading fun for adventure seekers.
In certain US states, riding a dirt bike on streets and roads is against the law. You will be required to make certain modifications to your dirt bike to make it street-legal.
Riding a dirt bike on challenging off-road terrains requires specialized training. It is quite different from riding a street bike or cruiser on paved roads.
12.1 Enduro Bikes

Enduro bikes are a type of off-road bike.
They are very similar to dirt bikes but are designed for long off-road rides.
Enduro motorbikes are slightly more comfortable than dirt bikes.
12.2 Motocross

A Motocross motorcycle is a more specialized version of a dirt bike for off-road racing.
They are ideally designed and modified for extreme motocross racing.
The motocross racing involves several off-road hurdles.
The racing also involves several laps.
The motocross bikes are only ridden by professionally trained motocross racers.
These bikes are lighter than dirt bikes.
12.3 What Are the Characteristics of Dirt Bikes Motorbikes and How Can You Identify Them?
The dirt bike is ideally designed for a pure off-roading experience.
These bikes have several plastic parts to keep them lightweight for better off-roading.
Dirt bikes have an overall narrow or slim design and build.
The narrow and extended seat is quite high on dirt bikes.
They also have a high ground clearance to overcome almost all types of off-road challenges.
Dirt bikes feature pure off-road knobby tires for better grip and traction.
They mostly feature a small-displacement single-cylinder engine, as riders do not require massive horsepower.
The handlebars installed on dirt bikes are decently tall to make riders sit in an upright stance.
The front fender is installed quite high.
The suspensions installed on dirt bikes are of good quality to overcome dirt track challenges.
They may or may not be street-legal, depending on the equipment and state you ride.
Dirt bikes are built for short off-road rides.
13. Scrambler

Originally, ‘scrambler’ was an old term used in motorcycling. It was used to define a specialized motocross MX bike for off-road racing in the 1950s.
However, today, scramblers are quite modern bikes. They are also very stylish and vibrant motorcycles made by many notable manufacturers.
Even today, scramblers have certain off-road features. They can be used for versatile riding both on- and off-road. However, a scrambler is not a preferred choice for most motorcyclists looking for a dual-purpose bike.
Scramblers are good and attractive options for daily commuting. They can only handle light off-roading. Modern scramblers are usually considered a type of retro-style roadster.
13.1 What Are the Characteristics of Scramblers and How Can You Identify Them?
Scramblers feature a rough and tough look.
They have a slightly high ground clearance.
Tires installed in scrambler bikes are knobby.
The exhaust pipes in scramblers are also installed higher, near the seat.
Scramblers often have a bench-style flat seat.
They are not ideal for off-roading.
It is light, agile, and nimble for on-road performance.
They feature decent suspension for off-road performance.
Scramblers feature wide handlebars for better control and maneuverability in different riding conditions.
Must Read: 10 Best Scrambler Motorcycles of 2023
14. Scooter

Scooters are different from motorcycles. However, the basics are the same for scooters and motorcycles. They are quite a popular mode of urban traveling in most parts of the world, except for the US. It is most probably because they are quite underpowered to handle highway speeds.
Scooters consume less fuel than motorcycles. They are quite easy for beginners to ride and manage.
14.1 What Are the Characteristics of Scooters and How Can You Identify Them?
Scooters have wheels and tires that are smaller than motorcycles.
The engine, gas tank, and other essential machinery are usually installed under the seat in scooters.
They are comfortable, ensuring an upright riding stance.
Usually, scooters have automatic transmission. Riders only need to twist the throttle and start riding.
The belly section is usually empty so riders can adjust their legs and feet comfortably on floorboards.
Scooters also have standard storage space under the seat.
They are best suited for urban commuting.
Certain scooter manufacturers often produce bigger scooters, known as ‘Maxi Scooters’.
Maxi Scooters produce better power to become suitable for highway riding.
Scooters are the most popular mode of transport in Asian countries.
Must Read: Motorcycles Vs Scooters: Pros and Cons
15. Classic Motorcycle

Classic motorcycles are not the type of motorcycle; they are a class. These bikes may or may not have modern features, but the classic looks are mandatory.
A classic bike may mean an old motorcycle that is more than 20-25 years old. However, it is not the only definition of classic motorcycles.
Even in the current times, several motorcycle manufacturers still produce classic bikes. This bike may have an old-school look, but they are capable of modern performance. Such classic motorbikes come with several modern safety rider aids and top features.
A perfect example of a classic motorcycle would be a Triumph motorcycle or a Harley Davidson bike. These brands are known for designing and building attractive and desirable classic bikes that are loved by many riders.
15.1 What Are the Characteristics of Classic Motorcycles, and How Can You Identify Them?
A classic motorcycle is one with loads of chrome parts and finish.
Classic bikes are usually inspired by notable vintage models of the past.
They usually have a round headlamp inside a classic chrome nacelle.
Classic motorcycles have wire-spoked wheels.
These bikes usually have comfortable riding ergonomics.
They don’t have a modern and sportier vibe.
They are built to cherish the raw motorcycling experience.
Certain unique classic motorcycle models are worth more than $100K.
Classic motorcycles also feature analog instrumentation.
16. Custom Bike

Custom motorcycles are among the most popular motorcyclist segments. These bikes are not factory-made. Instead, they are highly modified.
They are either made from scratch or built using a base model. Custom bikes are usually built by the custom builder at the request of a customer. If you want to give your bike a personal touch, you can always customize your bike.
Customization is among the most popular cultures among motorcyclists around the world. Most manufacturers, like the Harley Davidson and BMW, specifically build their bikes to support customization.
There are also very notable custom bike builders around the world who love taking their passion to the next level. There are several custom bike competitions held around the world for custom builders to showcase their talent.
Whether you don’t like the look of your bike or its comfort, you can always make changes to your bike. Ergonomics can also be adjusted according to your size and preferences.
16.1 What Are the Characteristics of Custom Motorcycles, and How Can You Identify Them?
A custom bike can belong to any category.
They are not built by the factory.
These bikes feature several aftermarket parts and modifications.
Custom motorcycles are usually painted in custom paint jobs.
They are easily identifiable from their unique looks and appearance.
They may or may not have a neat fit and finish as factory-made bikes. It usually depends on the amount of money you have spent and the skill level of the custom builder.
Custom bikes are not built per factory standards.
They may have affected the factory standards.
Custom motorcycles often use old and classic bikes as the base model to restore them.
Both chopper motorcycles and cafe racer bikes are custom bikes.
17. Bobber Motorcycle

A bobber motorcycle is also a form of customized motorcycle. The aim is to remove all the extra parts from a motorcycle to reduce the weight. The bobber culture was initiated in the 1930s and was originally known as the bob job. Like chopper motorcycles, Harley Davidson also played a major role in making bobber culture more popular.
However, unlike chopper motorcycles, bobbers are more practical. There are several notable manufacturers who still produce bobber bikes. These are some of the most popular variations of a cruiser motorcycle.
It all comes down to removing parts and stipping down the bike to build a bobber, chopper, and cafe racers. However, all three of them are quite different from each other. Let’s find out what makes a motorcycle bobber and how you can identify such a motorcycle.
17.1 What Are the Characteristics of Bobber Motorcycles and How Can You Identify Them?
A bobber motorcycle is a type of cruiser bike.
It is a custom motorcycle.
It is a stripped-down version of a cruiser motorcycle.All the extra parts are removed in a bobber motorcycle.
It features a small solo rider seat.
The front fender is usually removed in a bobber motorcycle.
Meanwhile, the rear fender is reduced to a shorter size.
Bobber motorcycles usually make a loud and unique sound.
Bobber motorcycles usually feature fat tires.
These bikes have smaller gas tanks compared to cruiser motorbikes.
The purpose of reducing extra weight in bobber motorcycles is to improve speed and handling.
They do not offer a laidback riding stance as cruiser motorcycles.
However, they are still adequately comfortable.
The handlebars installed in bobbers are thinner and lightweight.
The seat height is low in bobber bikes.
Bobber bikes usually have a hardtail look.
The frame is designed diagonally in bobber motorcycles, starting from the steering head to the rear axle.
18. Trike Motorcycle
Traditional Trike Motorcycle (Inverted Y-Configuration)

Reverse Trike Motorcycle (Y-Configuration)

A trike motorcycle is one with three tires. A trike balances itself on its own on three tires. It doesn’t need a kick or center stand for parking.
It is available in two different wheel configurations, including:
Y-Configuration (Two wheels towards the front and one wheel in the rear).
Inverted Y-Configuration (One wheel towards the front and two wheels in the rear).
There are a variety of custom trikes you can see on the internet. It can either be powered by a motorcycle engine or a car engine.
In certain underdeveloped countries, a trike motorcycle is usually used as a load carrier. It is used to transport a certain amount of loads easily due to being more stable than a motorcycle.
However, in developed countries like the US, a trike is mostly used by senior riders and women. Though they are more stable than motorcycles, turning corners is quite difficult as they don’t usually lean. You need to be very careful while riding a trike motorcycle, particularly while turning corners, as it can get out of control.
Trikes are very comfortable for two-up riding and also come with standard storage space.
In trike motorcycles, you can also find both the classic, comfortable trike and the sporty ones. The classic trikes include the ones made by Harley Davidson. Meanwhile, Can-Am is one of the most recognized Y-Configuration Trike motorcycle producers in the world.
19. Motorcycle with Sidecar

A motorcycle with a sidecar, often referred to as a hack, outfit, or rig, is a three-wheeled motorcycle. However, it is not a trike. It is basically a motorcycle with an attached single-wheeled sidecar for an additional passenger.
In most motorcycles with sidecars, the sidecars can also be detached and reattached easily.
The history of sidecar motorcycles dates back to 1893, when a French Army officer invented the best way to carry a passenger. Initially, a sidecar was attached to a bicycle.
A sidecar is like a carriage with usually a comfortable seat for passengers. One side of a sidecar is supported by the motorcycle frame, and the other side has a wheel attached to the sidecar.
Motorcycles with sidecars also find their use in militaries. Brad Pitt, a renowned American Television personality, owns one of the 500 revived units that were used in World War II. According to the sources, Brad Pitt bought the unit for more than $300,000.
Attaching a sidecar to the motorcycle greatly impacts the riding dynamics. The handling of the vehicle is notably compromised. Even if you are a trained motorcyclist, you will need to learn how to ride a motorcycle with a sidecar.
There are many notable companies around the world that still produce motorcycles with sidecars. Ural is among the top producers from Russia. Motorvation Sidecars and Trailers is a company in the US that produces motorcycles with sidecars.
20. Electric Motorcycles

Electric motorcycles may not be as popular as electric cars. However, their trend is seen to go upward. As of now, there are several issues that need to be overcome in the electric motorcycle market. These issues include the lack of proper charging stations, weight issues, and affordability of electric motorcycles.
According to certain credible sources, the world will need to shift towards clean energy sources for transportation. Vehicles, including cars and motorcycles, mainly operate on gasoline (petrol). They are majorly responsible for increasing environmental pollution by releasing hazardous gases into the air.
So far, electric cars have replaced gas-powered cars in most developed countries. Electric vehicles are becoming common and more popular with every passing day. However, the pace seems to be quite slow in the motorcycle industry.
20.1 What Are the Characteristics of Electric Motorcycles, and How Can You Identify Them?
Electric motorcycles are quite expensive. They are out of reach for many motorcyclists who want to ride.
There are certain limitations to the range of electric bikes. They still provide a low range on a single charge.
There is a lack of charging stations available. As a result, you cannot ride electric bikes far from home as you will need to come back home when the battery dies.
Electric motorcycles do not charge as fast as they should. It requires time to fully charge.
It may take a few decades for electric motorcycles to become the mainstream.
Electric motorcycles are quite compact.
They have batteries installed in place of engines.
Most electric motorcycles have automatic transmission.
They are not only more environmentally friendly, they also contribute less to noise pollution. They operate silently.
Electric motorcycles have a modern, trendy, and innovative look.
21. Trials Motorcycles

Not many have heard about this type of motorcycle. Trials motorcycles are dirt bike-style bikes with no seats installed. It is basically used in a particular type of indoor and outdoor sports where the rider is required to clear different levels.
Trial motorcycles are used in a sport where riders have to clear multiple challenging hurdles. The challenge is to overcome these hurdles without touching the ground with the feet. Every time a rider on a trial motorcycle taps the feet, the rider gets one score. In the end, the competitor with the lowest score wins.
The rider rides a trial motorcycle while standing up. It is a very lightweight and low-powered bike designed for balancing and maneuvering on hurdles.
Trial motorcycles are not very popular in the US. But this sport is quite popular in the UK and Spain.
21.1 What Are the Characteristics of Trials Motorcycles and How Can You Identify Them?
Trials motorcycles have no seats.
They resemble dirt bikes in terms of styling and build.
These bikes are not used for riding on streets and roads.
They are specifically made for a certain type of sport.
Trial Motorcycles are quite lightweight and low-powered.
They are used for balancing and overcoming challenging hurdles.
In Trials Motorcycle Competitions, the tracks are usually pre-designed to make it tough and entertaining.
Trial motorcycles are also used by motocross racers for training and preparation.
22. Moped

If you are familiar with the motorcycle history, you must be familiar with what a moped is.
Mopeds were the very first motorcycles, which were basically bicycles with a motor/engine.
Models also used to have pedals.
They feature both the paddling and engine mechanisms to drive them.
A small engine of not more than 50 cc was clipped on the frames of these bicycles to make mopeds.
Mopeds led to the foundation of motorcycling.
Mopeds are quite rare now.
They are less practical in today’s world.
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