A. Adventure
B. Bagger
C. Balance
D. Bobber
E. Cafe Racer
F. Chopper
G. Classic
H. Cruiser
I. Dual Sport
J. Enduro
K. Muscle
L. Naked
M. Off-Road
N. Pit
O. Retro
P. Scrambler
Q. Sport
R. Sport Touring
S. Standard
T. Supermoto
U. Touring
V. Trials
W. Utility
X. Other (tell us!)
Please note, this is not MY list, I (http://totalmotorcycle.com) would have split and combined the styles differently. For example, classic/retro/standard/naked can really be the same style. And I consider Adventure/Dual Sport to be the same style as well.
Adventure
These are the do-it-all bikes. With their upright riding position, an adventure bike promises you comfortable accommodations for long street riding as well as some limited abilities in the dirt. However, they are a compromise in both areas as they won’t be as comfortable as touring bikes or as nimble and capable off-road as a dual-sport or dedicated off-road/motocross bike. Adventure bikes have become incredibly popular in the same way that crossover automobiles have taken over the auto industry. They may come standard with hard luggage or at least have that option. The seat height is typically quite tall, so shorter riders may have a problem reaching the ground.
Bagger
A Bagger is a bit like popcorn; it’s hard to describe, but you know it when you see it. Yeah, it has storage bags, which is a defining characteristic (it’s in the name after all), but the bags are usually swoopy and curvy, trailing off at the back. Another defining characteristic of most, but not all, baggers is a large, wide, front fairing with a short, wide windscreen. Seat height is typically low with an upright, comfortable riding position. You can put on some serious miles with these bikes in comfort.
Balance Bikes
These bikes are meant to be trainers for the littlest riders. As their name implies, they help teach youngsters how to balance on two wheels. Although they look like bicycles, they don’t have pedals, and they are throttle controlled, just like bigger motorcycles. Some compare these to bicycles with training wheels in that they are a precursor to a pedal bicycle. However, they make a great introduction to motorcycling. As of this writing, all of the balance bikes on Motorcycle Itch are electric.
Bobber
A Bobber is a motorcycle that has been stripped of all non-essential items. Traditionally, one would take a stock motorcycle and start removing things like the front fender, mirrors, lights, etc., and shorten (“bob”) the rear fender. However, there are now manufacturers selling Bobbers straight from the factory. Whether these are true Bobbers are not is up for debate. However, since some have niceties such as key-less ignition and even cruise control, die-hard bobber fans will probably say they aren’t. Bobbers usually have a single seat, although Moto Guzzi makes a model with a dual seat.
Café Racer
Café Racers originated among British motorcycle enthusiasts in the early 1960s. They modified standard production bikes to make them faster and better-handling. Some of the most common modifications were low, clip-on handlebars and rear-set foot pegs. This would place the rider in a more race-oriented riding position. Also typical of the style is a single seat with a “bum stop”, although factory models sometimes have a dual seat. While one can buy a so-called Café Racer from the factory, purists will scoff at that.
Chopper
What could be more American then the venerable chopper? These bikes emerged in the late 1950’s in California and are typically custom made works of art. As of this writing, there is only one manufacturer selling a non-custom (i.e., not a “one-off”) chopper in North America: the Honda Fury. A chopper has radically modified steering angles and lengthened forks for a stretched-out appearance. The seating position is laid back and meant for relaxed cruising. Have you seen the movie, “Easy Rider”? No? Well, chop chop!
Cruiser
As the name implies, a Cruiser is meant to cruise the streets and highways in ease. Most cruiser owners enjoy having a lower seat height and a powerful engine. Looks matter here, so form wins out over function. Most Cruisers don’t have a windshield or fairings. These aren’t the fastest or best handling bikes, but they excel in their intended purpose.
Dual Sport
Dual Sport motorcycles, like Adventure motorcycles, try and do a bit of everything. But where Adventure bikes are usually more street biased than dirt, Dual Sport bikes are the opposite. Being street legal, they are the perfect bike to ride to a nearby trail or fire road and then go off-roading. However, with their narrow seat and general lack of accoutrements, they aren’t well-suited for longer street rides.
Enduro
Enduro bikes are built for off-road enduro racing, which is a long-distance cross-country competition. They are designed to hold up under extreme conditions. The name enduro comes from endurance, the main criteria for both rider and machine in this type of riding. Enduro motorcycles can take a pounding. While many of them have headlights, they are not street legal, lacking mirrors, turn signals, taillights, brake lights, reflectors, a horn, and a license plate.
Muscle
Muscle bikes are the Arnold Schwarzenegger’s of the motorcycle world. They are mean looking, have tons of horsepower and torque, and typically don’t have any fairings or windshields.
Naked
Naked bikes are sport bikes with the fairings and windshields removed. They usually have higher handlebars than their sports bike counterparts and an upright riding position, making them more comfortable. For some unknown reason, most have a bug-like headlight (think praying mantis). Many manufacturers make essentially the same bike in both a sport and naked version. Nakeds are the hooligans of motorcycling. They are powerful wheelie machines, and typically have top-spec parts and great handling.
Off-Road
Motorcycles in this category include dirt and motocross bikes. These bikes are purpose-built for off-road riding and are not street legal. They come in both 2-stroke and 4-stroke varieties. In the USA, off-road bikes are the only ones with a 2-stroke option due to emissions regulations. They are light, tough, and ready to take on the toughest trails and motocross races.
Pit Bike
A pit bike is a small motorcycle, traditionally used for pit racing and in the pits of racing events. Nowadays, these bikes are popular with kids due to their small size and simple, air-cooled engines. They are available with both automatic and manual transmissions. They are not street legal.
Racetrack
Racetrack motorcycles are purpose-built road racers. They are not street legal, and are intended to be used only on closed-course race tracks. If you’re a racer or an aspiring racer, this is the type of bike you want. They come with top-shelf suspension parts, powerful engines, and track-ready tires. They are lightweight, thrilling machines.
Retro
Retro motorcycles are contemporary production bikes that are styled after vintage machines, yet possessing modern-day components. These are great machines for those of us old enough to remember how fun it was to ride on a minimalist bike, but now want something that’s up-to-date in the reliability, performance, and safety areas. While appearing similar to vintage bikes, these typically have much better brakes with ABS and can even have traction control and cruise control.
Scrambler
Scramblers were originally created for mostly off-road riding. However, modern Scramblers are motorcycles that are built for both street and off-road use. They are more closely related to dual-purpose bikes than adventure bikes in that they aren’t designed for long road trips. However, they typically have more street capability than dual purpose bikes and have an old-school retro look rather than a dirt bike look. They have lots of ground clearance, high exhaust pipes, semi-knobby tires, and slightly longer travel suspension than a road bike. They sometimes have wire spoke wheels, but not always.
Sport/Supersport
Sport bikes and Supersport bikes are the Ferrari’s of the motorcycle world. These high-performance machines can rival some of the fastest cars out there for a fraction of the cost. They are built for speed and handling. With their forward-leaning and knees-up riding position, they are not well-suited for longer trips. They live for the race track and twisty canyons. These bikes are mostly intended for experienced riders, although some smaller displacement sport bikes (I’m talking about you Kawasaki Ninja 400) are commonly suggested for new riders.
Sport Touring
Sport touring bikes, as the name implies, combine attributes of both sport bikes and touring bikes. These bikes are great for those wanting a comfortable riding position and lots of luggage space while still having a powerful engine with reasonably good handling. These bikes are a compromise as they won’t be as comfortable as a touring bike, nor will they have the performance of a dedicated sport bike. Nevertheless, they are a great choice for those who aren’t yet ready for a touring bike but don’t want the sacrifices in comfort and utility that a sport bike entails. You can put on some big miles with these bikes and still have fun when the road gets windy.
Standard
Standard motorcycles are some of the oldest styles that manufacturers have been producing. They have an upright seating position, handlebars situated a comfortable distance from the rider, and mid foot controls. This style originates from the “UJM” (Universal Japanese Motorcycle) style, a term coined in the 1970s. It referred to motorcycles made by Japanese manufacturers that made motorcycles more accessible to common people. This style is often interchanged with Retro motorcycles.
Supermoto
Supermoto motorcycles are essentially dirt bikes with slick road tires and upgraded suspension and brakes. They are street legal, have a tall seat height, and high ground clearance. This results in a bike that can go from a double jump to asphalt esses without hesitation. Great on the track, better on the street, supermotos are fantastic urban commuters because of their height and ability to soak up rough road conditions. Their slim proportions make them easy to weave between traffic.
Touring
Touring bikes are traditionally (stereotypically?) bought by older riders. These enormous bikes (both size and weight) are built for doing long miles in comfort. They have large engines with tons of low-end torque for easy starts, lots of storage room, plush seating for two, an upright riding position, wind protection (electric windscreens are common), cruise control, and most have heated seats, heated grips, stereos, and GPS. Some even come with satellite radio!
Trials
Trials motorcycles are seat-less, single cylinder (or electric) bikes that are used in Trials competitions and also just for fun. Made popular in Europe, motorcycle trials have become a global attraction. All trials bikes are produced overseas, but many are available from U.S. dealers. They are made to ride over the toughest off-road terrain at low speeds. Trials riders seek out mud, logs, boulders, giant tires, basically anything that looks impossible to ride over. If you’ve never seen a trials competition, head on over to YouTube and be amazed.
Utility
Utility motorcycles are meant for doing work. They are simple, tough, and can go just about anywhere. Need to pull a tree stump up? This bike is for you.