Motorbike Vs Motorcycle: What Exactly Is The Difference?

Words such as motorbike and motorcycle are used commonly and interchangeably. Most people believe that the motorbike vs motorcycle are the same thing. In some places in the world, both these terms mean the same thing. In other places of the world, one is more preferred than the other.

Those people, or say bike riders, who believe there is a real difference between motorbikes and motorcycles, usually differentiate them on the basis of:

• Engine size.

• Speed.

• Weight or bulk.

• Design.

• Performance.

If you are unsure about whether to call a bike a motorcycle or a motorbike, this article will clear your confusion. Continue reading this article to learn in detail whether there is a difference between them or not.

This is the most crucial question that confuses riders. Let’s get to the answer straight:

In essence, both motorcycles and motorbikes are the same thing. The name only varies by where you live. They are two-wheeled vehicles used for:

• Transport.

• Cruising.

• Sports riding.

• Touring.

• City travel.

• Off-road adventures.

In the UK and Australia, bikes are commonly referred to as motorbikes by riders in day-to-day talk.

Even in Asia, a motorbike is a more common term. Whereas ‘motorcycle’ is a more formal term that is not commonly used.

Motorcycle is a more prevalent term used for the two-wheeled vehicles in the U.S.

However, not all the two-wheeled vehicles are called motorcycles or motorbikes. There are scooters and mopeds as well.

There are riders who discern motorbikes and motorcycles based on certain factors. However, these are not hard-and-fast rules. These are only common perceptions among some riders to create a line between the two terms.

Engine size is one of the primary ways to mark out motorbikes and motorcycles.

Motorcycles

• Motorcycles are more likely to be bigger with bigger engines.

• They come with engines of 300 cc or more.

• They are usually 600 cc, 1000 cc, 1200 cc, and even larger, such as the heavy touring bikes with 1800 cc engines.

• It is due to such engine sizes that make them more powerful and capable.

Motorbikes

• On the other hand, motorbikes are usually powered by small engines.

• They usually come with 125 cc to 150 cc engine sizes.

• These small engines consume less fuel; hence, the running cost is reduced.

• They are also simple to ride.

• This is the reason why they are mostly used by novice riders.

Your riding style is a major factor in which one suits you best.

Motorcycles

• Motorcycles are built to go long distances at a better pace.

• People take them on tours, track racing, and highway cruising.

• These riding jobs are well performed by the bigger engines and the sturdy frames.

Motorbikes

• Motorbikes, on the other hand, shine in cities.

• They are light and nimble.

• They can easily pass through the narrow space between the parked cars.

• New riders find it easier to ride because it is not so hard.

• They are also cheaper to buy and run.

Motorcycles

• Motorcycles are larger and more massive.

• They may range from 400-800 lbs or even higher, based on the type.

• This weight makes them more stable on a straight line, yet they are hard to maneuver, especially at low speeds.

Motorbikes

• Motorbikes are lighter and smaller.

• Many weigh less than 300 lbs.

• They are good for novice and smaller riders.

• They are also easy to move in busy parking lots and long traffic queues.

Motorcycles

• Motorcycles are built to be fast.

• A lot of them can reach 100 mph and above.

• Some of them can reach even 150 mph and above.

• It is mainly because of their big engines.

Motorbikes

• Motorbikes are slower. Most top out at 60 mph or less.

• This speed is enough when riding in the city and for short trips.

• However, they are not safe to use on highways.

• It is because they are not able to go at the required speed on highways.

• They cannot keep up with the pace of highway traffic.

Again! It must be clear that it is not a hard-and-fast rule. It is just a common perception among some riders to tell apart between motorcycles and motorbikes.

Motorcycles

• Motorcycles require full safety gear.

• There is a thick leather jacket, riding pants, a DOT-approved helmet, riding gloves, and boots.

• It is good to be fully armored, considering motorcycles are fast.

Motorbikes

To some riders, because the speed of riding is usually low in the city, they simply put on a helmet. That’s it! This is what is linked with motorbikes, as if they only require riders to wear a helmet.

Motorcycles and motorbikes may be the two names for the same thing. Scooters and mopeds are not the same as bikes. Every one of them has its own features.

• Motorcycles, or motorbikes, are built for better speed and power.

• The frame mounts the seat, fuel tank, and engine.

• You place your feet on the pegs, and you lean forward to a certain extent.

• The engines tend to be larger compared to scooters and mopeds.

• Scooters, on the other hand, have step-through frames.

• Riders don’t need to throw their legs over the seat to get on a scooter.

• There is a gap between the bars and the seat.

• Instead of foot pegs, scooters have a floor so you can rest your feet easily.

• The engine size may range from 50 cc to 250 cc.

• Most of them have an automatic transmission.

• They are quite friendly to use in towns.

• Mopeds can be referred to as early motorbikes.

• They are the smallest among all.

• They can be referred to as bicycles with a small clipper engine.

• They have both pedals and an engine to power them.

• They are usually powered by 50 cc engines, with a top speed of around 28 to 30 mph.

• Most of them have a frame that is stepped through, like in scooters.

• Modern mopeds do not have pedals, and some have them.

• They are quite slow, and because of this, they cannot be used on highways.

• They are only suitable for short urban trips.

When you are ready to ride a bike that is quick, do long tours, ride along highways, and enjoy the true power, a motorcycle must be your choice. You should have the right skills and experience to ride it. Also, you must have a license and wear specialized safety riding gear.

A motorbike is a good fit if you are a beginner rider. If you love the style of motorbikes without having to ride a heavyweight bike with a bigger engine that you can’t handle. They are also cheaper due to being entry-level. It is also easier to learn to ride these bikes.

A scooter is the lightest option with the most underpowered engine. Most scooters have small engines, not more than 50 cc. They also have an automatic transmission, perfect for new riders. They are perfect for riding in urban settings and for short rides within the city. They are also quite inexpensive and cheaper to operate.

The difference between the motorbike and motorcycle does not usually exist, as both mean the same two-wheeled vehicles. People also use them interchangeably. However, the term used for the bike varies based on regional differences and common perceptions. For example, a two-wheeled bike in the US is referred to as a motorcycle. Whereas the same two-wheeled bike is termed a motorbike in the UK and Australia.

Also, there is another common perception that large bikes with bigger engines are considered motorcycles. They are more powerful, quicker, and heavier. They are ideal for long travel and highway cruising. Meanwhile, a small, low-powered bike is considered to be a motorbike. They are only good for riding within the city.