Motorcycles come in a variety of styles, shapes and sizes, ranging from street to off-road and racing models. Designed for riding on pavement, street motorcycles are the most common. They are the motorcycles we see on the roads every day. Street motorcycles come in three main categories, which are based upon your riding position: the cruiser, the sport bike, and the touring motorcycle.
Before you shop for a street motorcycle, it’s a good idea to understand what type of bike will suit you best. In addition to making your search more efficient, it can help reduce potential disappointment by matching you with a bike that meets your expectations in terms of comfort, and type of riding you will do.
If you understand the posture used to ride each type of street motorcycle, as well as their primary uses, you’ll be able to make a wiser decision. Also, keep in mind that each type of motorcycle has subcategories. For example, choppers are a form of cruiser, and sport touring bikes are a hybrid of touring and sport bikes. Once you’ve chosen a bike category, perhaps the easiest way to decide which subcategory of motorcycle best suits you is to visit at your local dealership, and take a few for a test drive.
Types of street motorcycles
Cruiser – From 1969′s “Easy Rider” to today’s Orange County Chopper, the cruiser is revered by many as the epitome of cool. Cruisers first appeared after World War II, when servicemen began stripping non-functional parts from motorcycles just for sport. Designed primarily for laid-back riding, rather than long-distance riding, the motorcycle cruiser usually conjures images full of attitude. The most popular subcategory of the cruiser is the infamous chopper, which has an extended front fork and rake when compared to a standard motorcycle cruiser.
- Posture – The feet-forward, hands-up riding position of a cruiser allows your spine to rest erect, or slightly backward, similar to the riding position of a cowboy.
- Use – The performance advantage offered by a cruiser or chopper is an improved feeling of stability at high speeds which makes it more conducive for long-distance riding. However, the design lends itself to some compromise of control and limited turning ability, especially when compared to a sport bike.
Sport bikes - These motorcycles have high performance engines packed inside an aerodynamic, lightweight frame. Sport bikes are usually track-ready, and are designed for speed, acceleration and maneuverability. However, sport bike riders pay for this by sacrificing ergonomics and some comfort. There are many subcategories of sport bikes, including the entry level, sport touring, super bike and hypersport.
- Posture – On a sport bike, you are required to lean into the wind, with your feet tucked and the center of gravity over the tank. As long as the bike is traveling at highway speeds, air pressure will support your upper torso, reducing wind resistance. At lower speeds, your arms must support you, which can cause your wrists to tire quickly. In addition, the leaning position can impair visibility and make it difficult to walk the bike in high traffic areas.
- Uses – Of the three primary types of street motorcycles, the sport bike is the least practical for everyday road use. Sport bikes are best suited for riders that prefer a motorcycle ready for high-speed, high performance track duty, and short-term, highway driving. Although the advanced suspension system found on a high-performance sport bike offers improved stability and durability, these motorcycles usually have fewer comfort accessories.
Touring – Designed for the daily commuter, the touring motorcycle offers you more comfort than cruisers and sport bikes. Larger fuel tanks, windshields, and extra storage space are common features found on a touring bike. Some even come with the same luxuries, such as cruise control, heated seats, GPS systems and satellite radio receivers, which you find in popular premium sedans.
- Posture - On a touring bike, you sit slightly forward. Although this permits for better visibility, as well as foot maneuverability, extended high-speed riding can put strain on your wrists and lower back.
- Use – Touring motorcycles were built for comfortable, long-distance riding in mind, which is a major benefit for long-term use. Performance minded bikers may see the standard performance of a touring bike as a disadvantage. However, these bikes handle well. In addition, due to the design, touring bikes tend to be the most comfortable option for older riders.
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