Motorcycles or bikes, what we call in general have different
shapes and sizes and designs. Having two wheels with an engine doesn’t make all
of them the same; each type has its own characteristics and purpose. A bike’s the behavior will drastically change if the distance between the wheel riding
position, how powerful and how power is delivered to the wheel each and every
part looks design technical makes what the bike is and for what they were
made.
This article will tell you, just because you can go buy a
bike from a showroom and take her for off-roading, hear me, just because you
can, it doesn’t mean the bike is made for off-roading. As I have seen many pics
of superbikes going through off-road tracks and crossing rivers, and all
ridiculous things people do online. Are you sure sports bikes are made to take
for long-distance touring and even further where there are no roads? Are you
sure you can go for long drives on your budget bike to Himalaya as it runs long
distances with less juice? Are you the guy who uses his cruiser for daily
commute to office in the traffic-ridden city?
Now next reason I want you all to be careful about if that
bike personality matches with ur not just physical but driving style. There are
so many people who want to buy a Royal Enfield bullet or classic who doesn’t
even weigh 50 kilos, nor can they put RE on the center stand, and just forget about
picking it up if in an unfortunate scenario it falls down. I am not making fun
of thin and short guys, it is just a reality that RE requires somebody shape
and weight to ride it which makes it look good and comfortable for both rider and
viewers. Again, I’m not saying everybody can’t ride an RE, yes, everybody can,
but should one do it because he can?
Standard
The bike which is suitable for all purposes and widely used
by almost everyone, the standard 125cc-1000cc bikes. It can be modified,
colored, customized, etc.. These are not bought with the fairing on the front or
cool metal designs but simple style and moderate looks. Ergonomics are normal
and seating is either forward-leaning or backward leaning(of course). These
bikes are perfect for town/city and casual trips around/out of the city.
Sport Bike
These bikes are meant for speed and agility with the forward-leaning ergonomics ready to cut some corners smoothly. One outstanding feature
of these bikes is the weight. The manufacturers make sure that the bike is
light-weight which helps in side to side maneuverability. Aluminum and other
lighter materials are used in production. The seat height is usually on
higher-end which enables us to lean the motorcycle farther without scraping
footpegs or fairing.
The trend of Sportbikes may have started by Suzuki when it
launched GSXR line up in the 1980s. Still going strong with this line, GSXR 600
is a good example of these bikes.
Sometimes long tours on sport bikes can be tiring as the
weight of you focused on your wrist and shoulders will also be hurting. A
smooth road helps when riding a sportbike.
Touring
Those who want to go cross country to see the beaches and
forest, these bikes offer you a large amount of storage and easy ergonomics
that allows you hours of riding without tiring. Typically larger in size, as it
has to accommodate amenities for long-distance traveling. The large fairing
can be seen on bikes to block wind and weather while on road. Engine sizes are
generally larger to take the long journey.
You will surely hear lots of stories of travelers and are
interesting enough to keep on listening. They will be showing off their Honda
Goldwing is one common touring bike. Touring bikes have comfortable,
upright positions and it can be adjusted also, or customized.
Off-Roading
Yeah, it is exactly what it sounds like, to go places that
very few go and sometimes where nobody has gone. They have higher seating to
accommodate deeper brush and high suspension to handle a few bumps on the way.
Most are lightweight and lack the lights and turn signals, I mean, we don’t
really need those in the place we go. The Kawasaki has a good range of off-roading motorcycles that don’t break the bank. The KLX110 has a 4-speed transmission
with a clutch-less design which allows you to have it easy on hands and wrists,
yeah even after climbing the hills and rocks. Rugged, lightweight, simple, long
suspension travel and high ground clearance all will give you happy
off-roading.
Dual Sport (Dual Purpose or Adventure Sport)
These bikes are supposed to go anywhere and do anything with
us, just like our childhood friend. They have on-road features of normal bikes
like lights and horns but also have off-roading features like aggressive
off-roading suspension and tires.
Seat height usually taller to navigate back roads and
unusually tough roads. The extra bag storage option is included for long off-road
or on-road journeys and camping.
The KTM 1090 Adventure R is a great combo of off-road
ability and looks, and also comfortable for long rides though it has a taller
seat. The dual-sport has high seats and a better high center of gravity for
better handling. The dual-sport has the required types of equipment attached to it
which will make it street legal like the mirrors, lights, lightweight frame, etc.; which is the major difference from just the off-roading bikes. Remember,
dual-sport can go anywhere but dirt bikes can only go off-road.
Cruiser
This is the one which is also called chopper apart from the
real choppers as these are also designed for cruising in a comfortable sitting
position. It has a little lower seat height which makes it good for cruising in
town, with little luggage. The engines are of varied sizes from 1000cc to more
as per brands. For a good example, look at the Harley Davidson Low Rider. It’s
a low slung motorcycle that can travel for many kilometers with enough
equipment for a weekend trip. The high handlebars and forward footpegs
allow the rider to slightly lean back in a “cruising” position.
Chopper
These are made for the show, Harley Davidson is probably the
first bike you think about when I say chopper and not that chopper in the movie
Arnold Schwarzenegger asks for(pun intended). Yeah, Panhead from Easy Rider is
also a popular one.
They tend to have raked forks, reclined seats, and showy
chrome. The defined look doesn’t give good comfort, but most are ok for short
to medium distance rides.
Cafe Racer
It is a lightweight, powerful bike optimized for speed and
handling rather than comfort. For fast rides for short distances, it is the best
choice. The bodywork and control layout will remind you of early 1960s Grand
Prix racing motorcycles. Cafe racers are known for their visual minimalism,
featuring low- mounted handlebars, elongated fuel tank, and prominent seat
cowling. It is most suitable for trash fun or small distance show rides; not
comfortable or because small tanks with strong engines make the range too small.
Scrambler
These are incredibly versatile because of the way you can
use it as both on and off-road bike. Commonly known as dirt bikes, scrambler
motorcycles feature unique specs geared towards off-road adventure and sports.
Off-road refers to any road that isn’t paved or is conventional, in short, you
won’t take your slow floor sports car there, not even your city luxury car.
Unlike dual sport in which off-road bikes are modified for street use, while
these are street standard bikes converted for off-roading. These can tackle
loose-surface and dirty muddy paths. The scramblers are given a retro look to
give it more presence on the road.
If you are a scrambler fan, check this series out, David
Beckham going for an adventure in his Triumph Scrambler into the Amazon forest
in BBC Earth (BBCPlayer):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imDBrrvBM-c
In the end, each bike has its own natural presence or style,
even in the same category two bikes can look different and a person on one bike
may look like a fool while the other one dashing in style with a perfect
match. Another thing is riding position, each type has a bit different riding
position, some might like and are comfortable with an aggressive riding
position while others not. Some bikes are heightened so people with small height
don’t go for it, fat people won’t look good on slim bikes and the reverse is
also applicable. Don’t just go with the bike just because someone said it or
everyone is going for it, else you will end up with regret and a pile of scrap
in your garage.
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