Author: Motorcycle Itch
May 16, 2023
Back in the old days, there were 2 types of motorcycles: Dirt and Street. But nothing stays the same, and now there are many different types of motorcycles. Oh, and we now call them "styles".
At Motorcycle Itch (a website to research and compare motorcycles), there are 24 different styles you can filter on. Other websites and buyer’s guides may have only 10-15 styles in order to simplify things. Some styles are self-explanatory ("Touring"), while others can be a bit obtuse ("Adventure"). There is no agreed upon industry standard for which bike fits into which category. One manufacturer’s "Cruiser" bike might be another's "Muscle" bike. This can make it difficult for the consumer (you and me) to decide which style we’re interested in so that we can narrow down our choices. To make it even harder, there is no agreed upon name for all the different styles.
In this article, I’m going to explain the 24 styles that are listed on Motorcycle Itch. Note that some motorcycles can legitimately fit into more than one style, so if you’re filtering bikes at Motorcycle Itch, it’s a good idea to check off several styles so you don’t miss out on any bikes. For example, if you’re looking for something old-school, you might check off the boxes for "Standard", "Retro", and "Classic". When a manufacturer lists their bike as a certain style, that is what is used at Motorcycle Itch. When they don’t, a subjective decision has to be made on where that bike fits.
Here are the descriptions, given in alphabetical order:
Kawasaki Elektrode
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.
Pros: The perfect first “motorcycle” for kids to learn on. Many have adjustable throttle limits that parents can set. All-electric drive train is nearly silent, reliable, and economical. No exhaust pollution. Low weight and adjustable seat height. Can be ridden almost anywhere, even in the back yard, and are easily transported. Gets kids off of their video games for some quality outdoor time.
Cons: Doesn’t teach your kids how to pedal a bicycle, but as motorcycle enthusiasts, we don’t really care. Need to charge the battery. Your kids are going to want bigger and more expensive bikes as they get older.
Triumph Bonneville Bobber Chrome Edition
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.
Pros: Cool, stylish motorcycle. Fun for around-town riding.
Cons: Single seat means no passengers. No wind protection or storage.
Royal Enfield Continental GT 650
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.
Pros: Light and quick handling. Classic styling. Too cool for school. Some newer factory models have modern safety features such as ABS and traction control.
Cons: Possibly uncomfortable ergonomics, although this varies widely among different models. No wind protection.
Honda Fury
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!
Pros: Do your best Peter Fonda impression while cruising the boulevard. Show the Café Racer folks that you’re the one that’s too cool for school.
Cons: Poor turning radius. Won’t be able to keep up with the Café Racer folks, especially in the twisties.
Harley-Davidson Breakout 117
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.
Pros: Great looks, comfortable riding position, low seat, high fun factor.
Cons: Typically heavy, no wind protection.
Suzuki DR650S
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.
Pros: Versatile road-legal bike with some real off-road chops. Low entry price point. Durable.
Cons: Not well-suited for longer highway trips. Single cylinder engine not the smoothest. No real convenience/luxury features.
AJP PR3 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.
Pros: Can take a licking and keep on ticking. Headlight, when so equipped, is good for night riding. Enduro race ready.
Cons: Not as versatile as a Dual Sport. Might be overkill for light off-road riding.
Triumph Rocket 3 R
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.
Pros: Quick acceleration, love it or hate it looks, anti-establishment.
Cons: No wind protection, typically don’t handle all that well, can be a real handful (heavy).
KTM 1290 Super Duke R EVO
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.
Pros: Fast, great handling, cheaper than their sport bike equivalent.
Cons: No wind protection, the stigma of being a hooligan.
Gas Gas MC 250
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.
Pros: The most capable bikes for off-road riding. Available in both 2-stroke and 4-stroke versions.
Cons: Not street legal, so unless you have a riding area in your backyard, you will need to trailer these somewhere. A dual sport may be a better choice for someone just riding on fire roads.
SSR Motorsports SR70 Auto
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.
Pros: The next step up after your kids gets bored with their balance bike. Simple engine is reliable and easy to maintain. Low cost of entry. Available with an automatic transmission.
Cons: Can be cramped for adult riders.
KTM RC 8C
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.
Pros: The best weapon to take to your local race track.
Cons: Expensive. Limited use since it’s a track only bike. Need a trailer. Racing slicks are expensive to replace. Need to budget for race riding gear as well (leathers, etc.).
Kawasaki W800
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.
Pros: Great looks, upright riding position, modern engines with fuel injection, nostalgia.
Cons: Typically no wind protection (but that can be considered a “pro” by some), not as fast or nimble as sport bikes.
Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled
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.
Pros: Cool looking street bike that can also handle light off-road duty. Fun bike to just hop on and go riding. Old-time look with modern technology. Good beginner bike for off-road use due to its lower seat height than Adventure bikes.
Cons: Not suited for long trips, Lack of wind protection, semi-knobby tires are a compromise on both the street and dirt.
Aprilia RSV4 1100
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.
Pros: Ferrari cachet at a Hyundai price. All the speed you could ever want. Great handling. Looks that rival a fighter plane. Lots of technology available including electronic suspension, traction control, quick-shifter, etc.
Cons: With so much power on tap, inexperienced riders can get into trouble quickly. Uncomfortable riding position not suited for long highway cruising (think sore back, stiff legs, and aching wrists). Top models are expensive.
Yamaha FJR1300ES
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.
Pros: The do-it-all bike for road riding. Comfortable enough for long rides, but sporty enough to have fun in the curves.
Cons: Limited selection. This style has become less popular with the rise of Adventure bikes. Not as comfortable as a touring bike. Not as sporty as a dedicated sports bike.
Benelli Leoncino
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 refers to motorcycles made by Japanese manufacturers that made motorcycles more accessible to common people. This style is often interchanged with Retro motorcycles.
Pros: Pretty much the same as “Retro” motorcycles.
Cons: Pretty much the same as “Retro” motorcycles.
Husqvarna 701 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.
Pros: Really good for splitting traffic, light and nimble, easy to work on, durable, the most fun you can have with your clothes on.
Cons: No wind protection or storage, seats are often uncomfortable, small fuel tanks, most have a single cylinder engine which can have vibrations, looks like a dirt bike, tall seat height can be a challenge for shorter riders.
Honda Gold Wing Tour
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!
Pros: No better way to do long distance rides in comfort and style. Engines are smooth and powerful. Lots of electronic gadgetry. Integrated side bags and top cases for storage. Great wind protection.
Cons: Big and heavy, expensive, not great when the road turns twisty (although some models are surprisingly pretty good in this area), showing your age even with a helmet on.
Gas Gas TXT GP 350
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 rider over. If you’ve never seen a trials competition, head on over to YouTube and be amazed.
Pros: Fun for all ages, from 3 up to seniors. You don’t need a lot of space to practice; many people practice in their yards or driveways. Cheap and easy to maintain.
Cons: Not street legal, no seat (but this is by design).
Rokon Scout
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.
Pros: Easy to work on, can traverse the worst terrain, durable, simple, and reliable.
Cons: Highly specialized and not much good for anything else.
Hopefully
you now have a better understanding of the many different motorcycle
styles available. If you’re looking to buy a bike, one of the first
steps is deciding which style(s) you’re interested in. Once you do that,
you can check out the companion article, "How to Choose a Motorcycle".
