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:

Adventure



Moto Guzzi V85 TT 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.

Pros: Allows for a mix of street and dirt riding. Typically have large gas tanks for extended riding. Tall seat height good for tall riders. Really cool looking! Built tough, they can take a spill. These are the bikes you want for your trip across Nepal.

Cons: Compromises both long-ride comfort and off-road capabilities. Tall seat height isn’t good for short riders. Very heavy. If you’re not going to take it off-road, then you’re like that guy with the 4WD jacked-up truck that only drives on the street

Bagger

Indian Chieftain Limited

A Bagger is a bit like porn; 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.

Pros: Comfortable, low seat height, laid-back riding position, good storage.

Cons: Heavy, low ground clearance, expensive, not meant for high-speed canyon carving.

Balance Bikes

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.

Bobber

Pros: Cool, stylish motorcycle. Fun for around-town riding.

Cons: Single seat means no passengers. No wind protection or storage.

Café Racer

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.

Chopper

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.

Cruiser

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.

Dual Sport

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.

Enduro

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.

Muscle

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).

Naked