Motorcycles have become increasingly popular, and the number of on-road vehicles registered has doubled from over 4.2 million in 2002 to 8.5 million in 2021. Motorcycles are a sought-after way to commute, and they come in a variety of models. Whether you are looking for a comfortable highway cruise, a quick and affordable alternative for commuting in the city, or adventurous rides, you will find a motorcycle that suits your purpose.

If you are in the market for a motorcycle, decide on the kind of bike you need based on where you stay, your budget, and your experience as a rider. You also have to find a bike that physically suits your size. Moreover, decide on the engine size and the power of the motorcycle.

Here are the motorcycle types you will commonly find in the country:

Cruisers
Cruisers, as their name suggests, are meant for cruising on the highway. They are longer and lower than standard motorcycles. The seating position is lower, and the rider’s posture is slightly leaned back with the arms more extended. These motorcycles are ideal for riders who are well experienced.

Some examples of the top-selling cruisers in the country include the Kawasaki Vulcan S, Honda Rebel 500, and the Harley-Davidson Superlow. The price of cruisers ranges from $4300 to $24000, and the engine size could be anywhere between 250cc to 1868cc.

Sport bikes
If it’s the adrenaline rush you seek, then a sports bike is a good choice for you. Sport bikes are designed for speed, braking, acceleration, and cornering on roads and racetracks. Their performance is superior, but this often comes at the cost of fuel economy, storage, and comfort in comparison to other motorcycles.   Sport bikes are designed to move fast and have powerful engines, high-performance tires, and agile handling.

Sport bikes are sleek and aerodynamically sculpted to cut through the wind. The rider’s position on sports bikes is hunched forward, making it uncomfortable for long trips. Sport bikes also have high insurance rates as they are for extreme performance. Examples of top-selling sport bikes include the Kawasaki Ninja 650, Suzuki Hayabusa, and the Honda CBR600RR. These sports bikes range from $4500 to $ 40,000, and the engine size is between 250cc to 1440cc.

Choppers
Choppers are the most iconic motorcycles. The extreme construction with modified steering angles, lengthened forks, and flamboyant chrome makes choppers stand out. Choppers are almost like an emblem of the biker community and are the preferred bikes for cross-country riding among rider groups. They are usually built from a standard motorcycle that has been “chopped” or modified.

Many of the choppers are custom-built from scratch by private motorcycle builders. Examples include the Harley-Davidson Panhead and the Knucklehead. The price of choppers ranges from $7000 to $100,000. The engine size is usually 750cc or more.

Touring motorcycles
Touring motorcycles are meant for long road trips. They come with large windscreens to shield you from wind and rain. They also have weather-proof luggage compartments, comfortable seats, security alarms, and in-built navigation systems. They are large and heavy and ideal for experienced riders who love making road trips. Touring bikes such as the Honda Gold Wing come with automatic transmission, cruise control, and smartphone connectivity. The Harley Road King comes with the latest electronic rider assistance technology.

Examples of touring motorcycles available include the Indian Chieftain, Harley-Davidson Road King, Honda Gold Wing, and the Harley-Davidson Street Glide. Prices of touring motorbikes range from $8400 to $44,000, and the engine capacity ranges from 650cc to 1923 cc. 

Dirt bikes
These bikes may be pure dirt bikes or dual sport bikes. Pure dirt bikes have tall seats, high-performance tires, upright rides, and solid suspensions. They are not suitable for street riding, as they do not have lights and other mandatory features. The Yamaha YZ125, Honda CRF250R, and the Yamaha YZ250 are the top-selling dirt bikes. They retail at prices between $900 and $12000, and their engine size ranges from 75cc to 510cc.

Dual sport bikes
Dual sport bikes are also called on-off road motorcycles as they can be ridden on dirt but are also suitable for riding on roads. They are tough, lightweight, and easy to handle. Some other top models with engine capacity between 125cc to 1300cc include the Royal Enfield Himalayan, Honda Africa Twin, and the Yamaha TW200. They are priced between $4500 and $25000. 

Standard motorcycles
These are the most common type of motorcycles, with an ergonomic and understated design that is suitable for everyone. They have an upright riding position for better comfort. These motorcycles are not specialized for any particular riding style and can do well in various riding situations. Examples include the Triumph Street Twin, Honda CB1100R, Suzuki SV650, Ducati Monster 696, and the BMW R Nine T. Their engine sizes range from 250 to 810 cc and are priced between $7000 and $13000.

Now that you know the motorcycle types commonly found in the country, decide on the one you want and buy it without delay.