Three Main Types Of Motorcycles

Motorcycles are popular two wheeled vehicles that run on a drive chain and an engine.

Just as there are different kinds of cars, there are also different types of motorcycles. Each type is suited for a purpose.

There are three main types of motorcycles. Within these types exists subtypes for many different purposes.

The first common types of motorcycles are street motorcycles or streetbikes. These motorcycles are designed for speed. Zipping along smooth roads is not a problem for these bikes.

However, driving them along dirt paths and rocky terrain may cause heavy damage to their suspension systems and engine.

Choppers are perfect examples of street bikes. Customized according to their owner’s preferences, choppers often show wild paint designs. Most also feature long front forks. For these motorcycles, visual appeal is the most important factor.

Another kind of common street motorcycles are cruisers. Cruisers can either be large or small. But all cruisers are designed for comfort on long rides. Most cruisers use a lot of chrome and are customized for looks.

The second types of motorcycles are off road motorcycles. The suspension systems, frames, engines are specially designed for heavy handling and rough terrain. Although they are not as fast as street bikes, off-road motorcycles are often more powerful.

Motocross bikes or dirt bikes fall into this category. They are designed for racing over circuits with different kinds of terrain such as gravel, mud and sand. Their suspension systems are tough because they often have to absorb the shock of landing of a high jump.

Trials motorcycles are another kind of off road motorcycles. These machines are very light, thanks to their special frames. The unique thing about these motorcycles is that they don’t have seats.

Therefore, they rider must ride it standing up. This position makes it possible for the rider to have maximum freedom to position his body. This kind of motorcycle has excellent stunt capabilities.

The last type of motorcycle is dual purpose motorcycles. As the name implies, dual purpose motorcycles are road legal. However, they are tough enough to handle a fair amount of rough terrain.

Enduros serve as the best example for this type. Enduros are road-legal variants of motocross machines. They have high ground clearance and a very good suspension for off road travel.

These motorcycles are quieter than motocross bikes due to the silencers, flywheel weights and other equipment used for highway use. Enduros can be used for road travel but they could be uncomfortable to those who drive it for long distances.

It is really up to the rider to choose which types of motorcycle he needs.