15 Types Of Motorcycles 2023 Ultimate Guide
A motorcycle can be a thrilling, economical, and a fun way to go exploring!
There are 15 types of motorcycles and we have created the 2023 ultimate guide with an overview of each one along with specific models and the pros and cons of each.
Here are the 15 types of motorcycles.
- Bagger
- Bobber
- Cruiser
- Dual Sport
- Electric
- Hyperbike
- Moped
- Off Road
- Scooter
- Sport
- Sport Touring
- Standard
- Supermoto
- Touring
- 3 Wheel
Types of Motorcycles - Bagger
A bagger is a type of touring bike. They are quite popular because they are lighter and slender compared to the typical touring motorcycle options and some have a vintage look. As with most motorcycles, you can buy a base model with few luxuries or spend a little more for plenty of extras to enhance the experience and comfort.
The vintage appearance of the bagger is also attractive. Some riders like the older style designs. They appreciate these colors and features being incorporated into the new models. You can buy a customized bagger with the colors and features you want the most. Most brands and models will help you create your own stylish and comfortable design.
Some popular models of bagger-type motorcycles are the Indian Challenger, Yamaha Star Eluder, and Harley-Davidson Street Glide as pictured above.
Bagger motorcycles have become increasingly popular in recent years. But what are the pros and cons of owning one?
- Offer a unique riding experience
- Comfortable for long rides
- Plenty of storage space for belongings
- Expensive
- Not well suited for off-road riding
- Can be challenging to park and maneuver in tight spaces
Types of Motorcycles - Bobber
If you love the idea of customizing a bike, consider a bobber. It is basically a stripped down motorcycle with just the essentials necessary to ride. The fun part is adding personalized touches and features. You can create a unique option that fits your body perfectly. Many people refer to this style as a naked bike. It is fun to tinker with and pick the various items to add to make it exactly what you want!
Speed and mobility are the results of lighter concepts on any motorcycle. With a bobber, keeping the framework simple reduces the weight. It ensures the motorcycle is easier to handle and it is fast. The specific accessories added to it can influence speed and mobility. Keep that in mind before you add anything!
There are a lot of things to consider before buying any motorcycle, let alone a bobber motorcycle. But if you’re drawn to the stripped-down, chopper-style look of a bobber, then it might be the right bike for you. Here are some of the pros and cons of owning a bobber motorcycle.
Some popular models of Bobber motorcycles are the Honda CMX 500 Rebel, Kawasaki Vulcan S and Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber Or the Indian Scout bobber motorcycle as pictured above.
- Have a unique minimalist look
- Lighter weight
- More maneuverable
- Not as comfortable as other motorcycles
- Can be dangerous to ride in traffic
- Harder to park due to being low to the ground
Types of Motorcycles - Cruiser
You may hear a cruiser referred to as a chopper. Such bikes are designed for overall handling and comfort because of the amount of time someone rides on them. They are ideal for commuting to work or day trips. They tend to feature a lower seat and lower handlebars than other types of bikes.
Cruiser motorcycles are very popular. Many riders prefer the Indian brand because they have amazing features and the bikes handle well. They are also less expensive than Harley-Davidson models.
For those on a tight budget for an additional vehicle, this can help them get a motorcycle with a lower payment. The Indian Scout Rouge Sixty is a well-built machine!
Cruiser motorcycles are big, comfortable bikes designed for relaxed riding. Cruisers typically have V-twin engines, which give them a lot of torque and make them great for city riding. Cruisers also have a wide handlebar that makes turning easier.
Some popular models of cruiser motorcycles are the BMW R18, Yamaha Vmax, Ducati Diavel 1260 or the Honda Shadow Phantom cruiser as pictured above.
- Very comfortable to ride
- Low seat height and wide handlebar make turning easy
- Stylish look and feel
- Not well suited for long-distance riding
- Heavier and less horsepower than other types of motorcycles
- Can be more expensive to maintain
Types of Motorcycles - Dual Sport
Perhaps you are after a motorcycle you can take you just about anywhere! It is fun to have unlimited possibilities.
With a dual sport bike, you have the freedom to try new things and go on adventures. It is a wonderful way to find out where your interests lie and what you are passionate about. It gives you the flexibility to mix it up and keep things exciting!
Dual sport types of motorcycles are street legal, with lights and comfortable seats. At the same time, they offer a suspension created for off-road riding. The tires tend to be knobby and designed to help with off-road traction.
There isn’t much storage when you buy a dual sport motorcycle, but you can easily change that with the purchase of accessories if you desire.
Some popular models of Dual Sport motorcycles are the Kawasaki KLR650, Honda CRF300L, Suzuki DR-Z400S or the Yamaha TW200 dual sport motorcycle as pictured above.
- Can be ridden on both paved and unpaved roads
- Great for exploring new areas or getting to remote locations
- Generally quite reliable
- More expensive than other types of motorcycles
- Difficult to find parts if you need to do repairs
- Less comfortable riding on long trips
Types of Motorcycles - Electric
There are electric motorcycles designed to reduce the negative impact on the environment and eliminate the need for traditional fuel.
This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in living a green lifestyle or saving money on gas, even though motorcycles don’t use much fuel. While the market is slim right now for electric motorcycles, it is growing due to the increasing demand and government subsidies. Take your time to compare models so you can get something you love at a terrific price.
Electric motorcycles are low-maintenance and very quiet. Never having to visit the gas pump is also a nice touch.
However, that convenience comes at a price of not having an unlimited range of travel before needing to recharge.
There are high-performance and basic models offered, so you don’t have to settle for something you don’t like just to get the benefit of an electric motorcycle.
Some popular models of electric motorcycles are the Energica EGO+ / RS, Zero SR/S, Lightning LS-218 and the Harley Davidson Livewire electric motorcycle as pictured above.
- Less expensive to run and maintain than gas motorcycles
- Do not emit pollutants
- Silent compared to gas-powered motorcycle engines
- Battery replacement is expensive
- Limited range of travel
- Must have electricity to charge – No remote travel
Types of Motorcycles - Hyperbike
Imagine going as fast as 200 miles per hour with a hyperbike! Don’t do it please, just imagine it.
This type of motorcycle is best in the hands of someone with plenty of riding experience. It is fast, agile, and offers an adjustable suspension system. This type of bike is street legal, but it is best for short rides. It isn’t designed for the comfort you need to enjoy a long-distance trip.
Hyperbikes get a lot of attention and are a popular choice for those that want speed and sleek looks, especially from other envious riders.
Kawasaki offers a supercharged hyperbike that is spectacular and very fast! The cutting-edge technology found in hyperbikes makes them enticing. With several amazing designs, one of them is bound to capture your attention! The Kawasaki Z H2 offers the ultimate level of performance for the rider!
Some popular models of hyperbike motorcycles are the Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird, Suzuki GSX1300R Hayabusa and the Kawasaki Z H2 Hypernaked supercharged hyperbike as pictured above.
- Very powerful and capable of higher speeds
- Unique and stylish compared to other motorcycles
- Lighter frame built for speed
- Can be expensive to maintain and repair
- Parts can be difficult to find
- Require more skill and experience to ride than a standard motorcycle
Types of Motorcycles - Moped
Ok, so many enthusiasts won’t consider this a type of motorcycle but technically, it is.
A moped is often intertwined with scooters, but they are different enough to warrant separate categories. There is also a hybrid moped scooter as shown in the video above for those that want the best of both worlds.
For starters, a moped features an electric engine system. It is also much lighter than a scooter due to the aluminum framing.
Few manufacturers offer new mopeds these days due to the low demand for them. Vespa is the leading brand and is still going strong with many models to choose from, although pricey.
You may be able to get a great deal on a used one. Some of them just need a bit of work and they are ready to go. They don’t have much power but you can count on them to get you around town without much difficulty.
A moped isn’t a type of motorcycle you can take on major roads though such as highways or the interstate.
Some popular models of mopeds are the Suzuki Burgman 400, Yamaha XMAX and the hybrid model scooter and moped X-Pro X19 150CC as shown above.
- Easy to operate
- Can be ridden without a license in some states
- Inexpensive to purchase and maintenance
- Less stable than regular motorcycles
- Limited range of travel
- Much slower than any motorcycle
Types of Motorcycles - Off-Road
Not everyone is into riding their motorcycle on the regular roads. They don’t have a desire to share the road in that capacity with other drivers all around them!
They prefer off-road models, giving them the freedom to explore the backcountry, dirt roads, and challenging terrain. Going where few have gone before is an amazing experience, and as close to getting off the grid as you can get.
The downside is that most off-road motorcycles aren’t legal for street driving. They don’t have lights or turn signals, so they are a safety hazard on typical roads. (If you need a bike that offers the best of both worlds, we will cover that soon)!
Make sure the off-road motorcycle has enough power to get you through the valleys at a speed you like and up those challenging hills!
Many off-road bikes don’t have a clutch, and that makes them easy to learn how to ride. They are lightweight, giving the rider more control and agility than a heavier motorcycle. The tires are designed to do well on a variety of types of terrain.
Some popular models of Off-Road motorcycles are the KTM Super Adventure R, BMW R125, Ducati Multistrada V4 S and the Yamaha TT-R230 as shown above.
- Built for rougher terrain
- Lighter and maneuverable for tight trails
- Inexpensive to buy
- Can be expensive to maintain and repair
- Parts can be difficult to find
- Very loud
Types of Motorcycles - Scooter
Like mopeds, scooters might not be on your list of motorcycle types but once again, they are by definition, a type of motorcycle. A scooter isn’t nearly as fast as a typical motorcycle, but it can be a good option. It is ideal for short commutes or just riding around town. It is a good choice for someone uneasy about handling all the power of a larger motorcycle. With fuel prices on the ride, a scooter can be a fun and practical solution.
Scooters are lightweight and they aren’t very high off the ground. They are best used to navigate city streets or even a large college campus. They aren’t designed for interstate travel and they won’t go very fast. If you need lots of storage for books or other items, there are accessories you can add.
Honda offers a variety of scooters with various features and benefits. They are reasonably priced and easy to maneuver. While both men and women use scooters, women tend to find them a better fit for their needs than men. The ADV150 is a huge hit!
Some popular models of Scooter motorcycles are the Honda Ruckus, Honda Metropolitan, Piaggio MP3 500 and the X-Pro 150CC as pictured above.
- Much less expensive than standard motorcycles
- Easy to operate and maintain
- Can be parked in small spaces and is great for short trips around town
- They are much less stable than regular motorcycles
- Limited range of travel
- Less comfortable to ride and difficult to control
Types of Motorcycles - Sport
A sport bike is designed to offer two things for the rider: speed and overall agility! It’s a blast to see what you can do and how fast you can go on such a bike!
They are often used for racing and various obstacle courses. They are much lighter than your typical motorcycle, giving them the ability to control and move easier.
You will notice the full fairing and short windshield on them. This is to improve the overall aerodynamics as they are built for speed and performance.
Suzuki is the leader when it comes to sports bikes. Their top-selling model is the Hayabusa. They have designed it for both comfort and performance.
The amount of power that sport bike types of motorcycles offer influences the speed and control.
Sport bikes are best left to those with some experience as the speed can be too dangerous for beginner riders.
It is easy to accessorize this type of bike, creating the look and features you desire. For example, the height of a person can influence how they sit on it.
Changing the seat and or the foot pegs can make a difference to the rider. They want a sports bike that conforms to their body.
Sport bikes end to have a taller seat and the rider leans forward into lower-level handlebars.
Some popular models of Sport motorcycles are the Honda CBR600RR, Ducati Panigale V2 and the Suzuki GSX250R ABS as pictured above.
- Ideal for commuting
- Fuel efficient
- Very reliable and require little maintenance
- More expensive to buy
- Requires a lot of maintenance and care
- Not for beginners
Types of Motorcycles - Sport Touring
The sport touring bike offers more flexibility. You can use it for short travel or much longer rides.
This is a great choice for a rider that wants the best of both worlds, kind of a 2 for 1 deal.
There are plenty of accessories you can add or remove from a sport touring bike. The lighter weight improves speed and agility.
For touring, you will want to consider accessories such as luggage storage so you can enjoy a few days on the open road!
Some popular models of Sport Touring motorcycles are the Kawasaki H2 SX SE+, BMW S1000XR, KTM 1290 Super Duke GT and Yamaha FJR1300ES as pictured above.
- Ideal for long-distance travel
- Comfortable for both rider and passenger
- Easy to maintain
- Very heavy
- Less fuel efficient
- More expensive than standard motorcycles
Types of Motorcycles - Standard
A standard motorcycle is just what it says, standard with not much more, just the essentials.
It can be a wonderful starter bike for someone who isn’t sure what they want yet. It is also a great for those that won’t ride very often.
It doesn’t make sense to spend a lot of money on a motorcycle when it will stay parked most of the time. They vary in motor size and overall comfort.
A standard motorcycle has an average seat height and tends to work well for people of all sizes.
The upright position is also easy for the body to find a comfortable spot. The height of the handlebars will influence how a rider can sit to reach everything successfully.
Some popular models of Standard motorcycles are the Husqvarna Svartpilen 401, Yamaha MT 07, Honda Navi and the Triumph Street Twin 900 as pictured above.
- Less expensive than other motorcycles
- Easier to control
- Lower center of gravity for improved stability
- Not as comfortable as other motorcycles
- Not ideal for long-distance travel
- Less stable at high speeds
Types of Motorcycles - Supermoto
If you care to take your bike out to the race track, a Supermoto may be right up your alley! You can ride them on both paved and dirt roads.
These bikes are designed to do well on all types of terrain. They are fast and offer the rider an opportunity to be in control while making quick turns and changes of direction with the bike.
Yamaha makes a great Supermoto motorcycle. They offer off-road and street legal options. The incredible suspension is part of the design that makes these motorcycles comfortable and fast for such riding.
It is possible to make your Supermoto bike street legal. You must add a brake light, headlight, and turn signals to do so.
Some popular models of Supermoto motorcycles are the Husqvarna 701 Supermoto, KTM 690 SMC R, Suzuki DR-Z400SM and Honda CRF450R as shown above.
- Versatile for a variety of terrain and weather conditions
- Generally very light making it easier to maneuver
- Highly reliable and require little maintenance
- More expensive than most motorcycles
- Replacement parts can be difficult to find and expensive
- Difficult to find certified repair shops
Types of Motorcycles - Touring
Long rides are best enjoyed on touring bikes. They were created with that need in mind.
They are heavier and wider and offer comfort for long distances, making hours on them pass by easily.
They also have room for luggage and a partner, so you can plan to be gone for a few days or even a few weeks before you return home.
Harley-Davidson offers remarkable touring motorcycles. The Pam Am 1250 is extremely popular.
They are designed for speed and exceptional handling around the curves. At the same time, they have perks such as comfortable seating for a driver and a passenger as well as an amazing stereo system.
On a touring bike, the passenger seat tends to be higher so they can see over the top of the driver. Both seats are wider than average to ensure a person can sit on them for a long time without stopping.
Some popular models of Touring motorcycles are the Harley-Davidson Road King, Harley-Davidson Ultra Limited, Indian Roadmaster Limited and the Honda Gold Wing Tour Airbag Automatic DCT as shown above.
- Excellent for long-distance travel
- Very comfortable ride
- Luxury features like cruise control and heated grips
- Can be expensive to maintain
- Very heavy
- Not as fuel efficient as other motorcycles
Types of Motorcycles - 3-Wheel Motorcycles
There are several names for 3-wheel motorcycles and are commonly referred to as a trike.
They feature two wide wheels on the back and a skinnier one in the middle on the front of the motorcycle. The extra wheel provides exceptional balance, and it can give new riders additional confidence as they ride.
Many of them have ample room for luggage and are ideal for touring.
There is also the design by Can-Am that is reversed. There are two wheels on the front and then one in the center at the rear.
This new style seems to have replaced the old style with the two wheels in the back and I have to say, it is much sleeker.
If I was looking to buy a 3 wheel motorcycle, I would probably choose the new style by Canam with the 2 wheels in the front.
It offers the same concept but a different look that gains attention because it is unique. The Can-Am Ryker 900 is worth checking out!
Some popular models of 3-Wheel Motorcycles are the Peugeot Metropolis Allure, Qooder QV3 and Can-Am Spyder F3 Limited Special Series as shown above.
- Much sturdier and stable
- Smoother ride
- Ideal for beginners
- More expensive to buy than standard motorcycles
- Less stable at high speeds and winds
- More expensive to maintain than a 2-wheel motorcycle
Conclusion
Take your time to determine the right motorcycle for your needs, wants, and budget. Think about how you will use it and where you plan to take it. Then comes the fun part, which is visiting motorcycle dealerships to test look at and test drive the different types of motorcycles available and choose the right one for you. The perfect match is out there! You want the motorcycle you purchase to be something you love riding!
