Riding a motorcycle is a thrilling experience.
However, just as there are many different types of vehicles, there are many types of bikes that people prefer to ride for multiple reasons. Some are strictly utilitarian and serve a very functional purpose; however, some are strictly aesthetically pleasing and are just designed to catch people’s attention.
There are so many different mixes and matches that have been achieved in motorcycle design making it not fair to just chalk everything up to either design or thrill. The different combinations deserve to be looked at in totality. So here is a list of the various bikes that are popular choices around the world.
Street (Crotch Rocket)
An adventure bike is one of the most recognizable bikes around the world. It just oozes adventure and it is built to drive on the rockiest terrains and the fastest tracks in the world. The variety of adventure bikes, whether they’re built for speed or whether they’re built for the rough terrain, are built for punishment.
They can endure a lot of resistance as well as a lot of bumps and jumps before they’ll be sent packing. Their look is a cross between the traditional bike that is built for touring around the world and the dirt bike that is built to withstand a lot of punishment. You can get the best of both worlds from these bikes.
Another variety within the adventure bike is the dual sports bike. This has extra features of blinding lights and powerful horns to navigate busy traffic and late nights. It also has an aggressive off road suspension. The seat height is taller so that back roads can be more easily navigated and can be outfitted with extra bags for a camping adventure.
Chopper
The Chopper is perhaps the most iconic motorcycle in history. It emerged in the late 1950s as an icon of rugged masculinity. The extreme style of this motorbike, which uses modified steering angles and lengthened forks, make it an aesthetically pleasing sight.
The motorcycle is built from an original motorcycle that is chopped, hence the name. The features that are most iconic are the long front ends which extend like forks. They are also coupled with an increased angle for the rake and hardtail frames.
The Chopper is also responsible for the design of perhaps the most iconic motorcycle of all time, the Harley Davidson.
Cruiser
The cruiser is a style of motorcycle that was popularized during the 1930s.
The design is very compact and old world. It’s rugged and dense, which makes it look like it can take a lot of punishment. The riding position on the cruiser allows you to place your feet forward and hands up. The spine can be erect or can lean back slightly.
Typically, cruisers emphasize easy rideability and shifting, with a lot of low-end torque. However, Cruisers don’t normally have a lot of horsepower. Those that do sport a lot of power are called Power Cruisers.
Power Cruiser
Power cruisers are bikes that are distinct from Cruisers due to their high level of horsepower. Typically their low-powered counterparts are mostly known for their ruggedness and toughness, and not their speed. The Power cruisers come with upgraded brakes and suspensions, as well as better ground clearance. They have very premium surface finishes and a more exotic or muscular look than their lesser-powered counterparts.
They became more popular in the 1980s when the power aesthetic became very fashionable. The Power cruisers also have neutral riding positions, which is a big difference from the inclined position that the original favoured. This is to allow for better cornering in situations when riders “feel the need for speed”.
Dirt Bike
Dirt bikes, also known as Off-road bikes, allow for passage into muddy and rough terrains. They’re built for the exact reason that mountain climbers climb mountains and cave divers dive; adventure. They’re a little different from adventure bikes in the sense that they have taller seats and high suspension. They’re more heavily built and are for loftier goals than sport.
