The different types of motorcycle: how to choose the right two-wheeler?

May 17, 2019

All motorcycles have their own particularities. Depending on the categories of two-wheelers, behavior, handling defined by its ergonomics but also its mechanical characteristics differ.

Sometimes we flash for a model even before having obtained the motorcycle license. It should be borne in mind that some motorcycles, depending on their power, require to hold a category A2 or A driving license. Still, before buying an enduro for motocross, a neo – retro or a supermoto, it is crucial to try as many different motorcycles as possible to find the category of motorcycle that suits us best.

The different types of motorcycle: how to choose the right two-wheeler?

Scooters

Not all bikers think of the scooter as a motorcycle. However, scooters over 125 cm3 are popular, especially in large cities because they are more manoeuvrable due to their smaller wheels.

The maxi scooter combines the advantages of comfortable and manoeuvrable motorcycles with the fun and performance of the larger displacement motorcycle. The most popular models like the Yamaha Tmax 530 and Xmax 250 benefit from GT or Touring-type chassis and engines..

Roadsters

They are versatile motorcycles, used for the road and everyday urban journeys. Appreciated for its handling, the roadster also gives feelings of nervousness during acceleration. It represents a good compromise between the road and the sport.

Due to its absence of fairing, it is also lighter than the road or the sports car, but can tire the driver during long journeys on roads and highways.

600-700 cc roadsters ideal for beginners because they are easy to handle, light and above all affordable.

The best-selling are the Yamaha mt07 motorcycle, the Kawazaki Z650 and the replacement CB500F of the indestructible CB500. Drivers with A license are turning to larger displacement roadsters in the order of 1000-1300cc.

Their horsepower doesn’t have to be high, but they do have a good amount of engine torque, ideally suited for duo riding..

The road

Appreciated for its driving comfort, the road motorcycle is designed for long journeys. It is characterized by a driving position close to the vertical to allow to keep the back straight, the arms outstretched and the legs extended. Pleasant to drive as a duo, it also accommodates a large luggage room.

They are also equipped with a tank allowing a range of several hundred kilometers. Most models have a large displacement engine greater than 1000 cm³, a fairing more or less enveloping.

Some even have a car radio, cruise control, and some even have reverse gear. Only drawbacks: the price and the weight.

Motorcycles in this category are available in specialized ranges that start from grand touring to road, and finally sporty road. The best known are the BMW k1600GT or the K1200 LT, Yamaha FJR 1300 and the Honda Goldwing 1800 motorcycle.

The trails

Trail bikes can be used both on and off-road. Before the Trail, there was the Scrambler which was a roundabout road bike, equipped with large handlebars, a raised muffler, and versatile tires..

A trail is in fact the intermediary between an enduro cross motorcycle and a road. Then were created the long-distance trails for competition such as the Paris-Dakar rally.

BMW’s R80 G / S becomes the first twin-cylinder, equipped with a disc brake and a cardan shaft. Today, the BMW R 1200 GS is one of the best-selling motorcycles.

Be careful, do not confuse Trail and trial, the latter being competition motorcycles purely reserved for crossing obstacles.

Sports and hyper sports

The sports bike is derived from racing models, but homologated to be able to be driven on the roads. She is usually very powerful but also difficult to learn. It can be dangerous, because bikers can tend to speed.

The saddle is high, almost the same height as the handlebars. The pilot is therefore in the frog position. The tapered fairing offers both protection and great aerodynamics.

Among the most powerful, we distinguish the GSX-R series from Suzuki, in particular with the Hayabusa GSX 1300 R, the first production motorcycle to have exceeded 300 km / h in its unconstrained version. These models are expensive to buy and their maintenance is also expensive.

Customs

They are also called "Cruiser", cruise in English. "Moto custom" reminds us that you can customize them as you wish. Bobbers, choppers are types of custom bikes.

These are generally uncomfortable two-wheelers, equipped with large twin-type engines (two cylinders), but also unwieldy and relatively expensive. They are distinguished by a driving position with the feet forward. The most famous custom brand is the unmistakable Harley Davidson, bikers symbol.

We also distinguish the Ducati Diavel, the CMX500 Rebel or the Bonneville Speedmaster.

Be careful, these two-wheelers are noisy. However, annoying noise is one of the traffic violations on a motorcycle.

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