As a beginning rider, you may feel overwhelmed by the sheer range of bikes available. There are a wide variety of motorcycles from which to choose, as well as a wide variety of riding styles. You may ride a bike for almost any purpose, whether it’s for sport, transportation, or just plain enjoyment. This includes anything from leisurely cruising to ripping up dirt on rough dirt trails.
You may be unsure about what motorbike is ideal for a novice rider. We hope this handy guide will help you decipher the plethora of motorbike options and strike out into the moto world like an expert.
Once you’ve been riding for a while, you might be ready to move to a bike with a more powerful engine or try out a new kind of motorbike. Everybody has to begin somewhere. It’s up to you to determine whether, when, and what kind of bike you want to buy. There is a wide variety of bikes to choose from when it comes time to upgrade. If you’re in the market for a motorbike, new or secondhand, it’s in your best interest to do some research. Here is a rundown of the main motorbike categories and our top picks for each.
Cruiser
The cruiser, also referred to as a “chopper,” is a type of aircraft that was developed specifically for that purpose. Its lower seat height makes it ideal for “cruising” about town, but the ability to carry extra gear makes it versatile enough to use on the weekends. Again, the engine sizes vary quite a bit from a tiny displacement engine all the way up to 1,000cc or more, depending on the manufacturer. It’s a good choice for riders of all skill levels, however you could feel like you’re sitting on a cruiser rather than riding it.
There is a certain charm in each kind of cruiser that attracts riders. A cruiser is the perfect bike for anyone who wants to turn heads at Sturgis or capture that iconic image of themselves riding out into the sunset in Monument Valley.
Cruisers, like street bikes, come in a wide range of sizes and styles. If you’re just starting off, it’s best to choose for a bike that has a low seat, isn’t too heavy, and has a smaller engine (between 400 and 750 cc). Motorcycles like the Harley-Davidson Sportster Super Low, Honda Rebel 300, and Indian Scout Sixty are great options for learners who want to start off on a cruiser.
Read More About Our Top Picks of Best Cruiser Motorcycles
Cafe Racer
Have you ever pondered the origin of the term “Café Racers” to describe such bicycles? These bikes were commonly used by British teenagers who frequented cafes and raced. So, the name! The fast, nimble vehicles known as Café Racers are renowned for their power and speed. Because of their lack of physique and general lack of coziness, they are not recommended. Café racers are light motorcycles with “Clip-on” handlebars that are mounted low and thin. Café racers are typically converted from standard motorcycles by simply switching off the handlebars. Engine displacements up to and including 900 cc are possible.
Cafe Racer motorcycles also tend to be very affordable, which is another big selling point. And they are just plain fun to ride! Whether you’re zipping around town or hitting the open road, a Cafe Racer is sure to put a smile on your face.
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Touring
Touring motorbikes are larger than standard bikes since they are equipped for long trips to view the sights, such the ocean on both coastlines. They provide enough of space for your belongings and are designed for long periods of riding comfort. They’ll feature the most protective coverings available to keep the rider dry and comfortable in any conditions. It’s common for vehicles to have sizable engines so that they can keep up with traffic on the highway and transport plenty of passengers, luggage, and other necessities. The Honda Goldwing is perhaps the first bike that comes to mind when you think of a Touring motorbike. They are frequent with a hundred thousand kilometers on the odometer, and their current owner may be the first one to ever possess the vehicle. They endure for what feels like an eternity and are fun whether you’re on a short trip or taking a few days to explore the largest ball of yarn in the United States.
Touring motorcycles often have the newest gadgets like stereos, heated seats, and central locking for the baggage, and a good one will make traveling all day at 85mph feel effortless (cruisers, on the other hand, don’t enjoy that at all — they’re happy around 60). No one should be surprised by the high cost of them.
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Sport Motorcycles
Sport motorcycles are a distinct species from cruisers, as their primary focus is on speed and handling. Sport motorcycles are what you’re looking for if you’re a Moto GP fan with aspirations of dragging your knee on a racetrack. Sport motorcycles, though, are more than simply quick and powerful. To ride them with confidence also calls for a high degree of competence, which is best acquired gradually. Choose a sport bike with an engine displacement of less than 500cc if you’re just starting off. Only once you’ve mastered the fundamentals should you invest in a more advanced model. Great sport bike options for new riders are the Honda CBR 125, Yamaha YZF R3, Kawasaki Ninja, and KTM RC390.
Read More About Our Top Picks of Best Sport Bikes
Adventure Motorcycle
You can learn a lot and have a lot of fun on an adventure motorbike. They are versatile, may be ridden on and off road, and feature an upright seating position that makes them ideal for lengthy journeys. They’re quite similar to standard bikes used on the road. They vary in that they come with choices for more robust tires, crash protection, and baggage that can be used for both long trips and daily commutes. There is a lot of ease in riding an adventure bike because of how well balanced they are. They’re exciting whether you’re cruising around town, on a weekend trip, camping out, or cruising down the interstate. These bikes might be great for a beginner because of their versatility. Check out bikes like the BMW GS 650, Yamaha Tenere 700, and Royal Enfield Himalayan to get a feel for the market.
Read More About Our Top Picks of Best Adventure Motorcycles
Electric Motorcycle
Electric motorbikes are still in their infancy, but they are rapidly improving in performance and quality to rival their gas-powered counterparts. Since recharging still takes more time than filling up with petrol, it’s important to factor that into your trip planning if you’re on a lengthy ride. Yet, nothing rivals the convenience of an electric bike for commuting around the city. An electric bike is the ideal vehicle for navigating the city as it is quiet, easy to ride, and, in many cases, rather powerful. While the initial investment in an electric bike may be more than that of a comparable gas-powered bike, keep in mind that you will never need to replace the engine or pay for petrol again. Most electric bikes are beginner-friendly since they don’t require shifting gears, the power output is more manageable, and the bikes themselves are less daunting.
Read More About Our Top Picks of Best Electric Motorcycles
Scooter
Scooters may not be considered “genuine” motorcycles by some, but they are just as capable of getting you where you need to go in safety and stylishly as their larger cousins. Scooters work best in a city environment that does not require freeway speeds. Because of their small size and light weight, they can be steered with little effort through city streets. They are available in displacements ranging from fifty to five hundred cubic centimeters and offer more than enough power for commuting or a night on the town. It’s easy to fit a few essentials in the compact fairing, and they’re perfect for a casual ride about town. When you want to put your own unique spin on things and stand out from the crowd, the Honda Ruckus is a great choice of scooter thanks to its extensive selection of aftermarket parts.
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Moped
Today, the term “moped” is commonly used to refer to any bicycle with an engine capacity of less than 50 cc, even though the technical definition of a moped is a motorbike with pedals. After completing your CBT at age 16, you may get your L plates and ride a moped legally (Compulsory Basic Training). If you have a valid vehicle driver’s license issued prior to February 2001, you do not need to take any further exams or training to operate a moped. Mopeds can only travel up to 30 mph, so they aren’t ideal for lengthy trips, but they’re cheap, convenient in town, and a stepping stone to more powerful two-wheelers.
The United States is seeing a decline in their availability, thus any you come across can be considered “vintage” if in good condition. They have a classic vibe but are weak and underpowered. They have almost no room for storage and almost no protection from the elements, either. If you’re looking for a basic Moped to get you around town, but none of the big motorcycle manufacturers offer one, consider looking at foreign brands like TaoTao.
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Off Road Motorcycle
Motorcycles that can handle riding in the mud are called “off-roaders.” Various sorts of dirt bike competitions exist, such as motocross, enduro, trials, rally, and so on. However, the typical engine size for an off-road motorbike is between 125 and 400 cc. These bikes are the lightest on the market, but depending on the maker, they may not be permitted for use on public roads because of their off-road tires and other features.
These vehicles feature higher seat heights and suspension to smooth out the bumps on the road as you navigate through thicker bush. Most likely, they will need to be trailered to the weekend riding area because they lack basic electrical components such as lights and turn signals. Most people weigh relatively little and are prepared to spend the weekend riding off-road. Kawasaki produces a reliable and reasonably priced series of off-road motorcycles. The KLX110 is equipped with a 4-speed gearbox and clutch-less design, making it comfortable on the hands and wrists throughout the course of a weekend’s worth of hill climbing.