Motorcycle Bikes

For an outsider, the world of motorcycle bikes and their owners may seem very foreign.

Cars are warm and comfortable places whereas motorcycle bikes put you out there in the rain.

At one time you could ride a motorcycle bike wearing “street clothes” Nowadays, because of too many bad experiences, motorcyclists are partially compelled by law and hopefully more due to common sense to wear helmets and all other kinds of protective gear and especially crash helmets.

This takes a lot of the spontaneity out of the sport of motorcycle bike riding. You would think that this would reduce the number of people who ride motorcycles. Yet the fact is that the numbers are rising.

On paper, buying a motorcycle bike should be straightforward. Two wheels, engine and some brakes should cover it. The fact is choosing the right motorcycle bike is complicated. Probably more complicated than buying a family car. For those in the know it is easy. For those who don’t, there are around a dozen variations on the motorcycle theme to get your teeth into.

For those who look upon the motorcycle bike as an alternative or ancillary means of transport to the motor car, then they are thinking of the standard motorcycle. Functional good looking, relatively powerful and reasonably comfortable.

Engine capacity for a standard motor cycle bike is typically less than 750cc, these bikes are fine for city commuting around town, but much less than for on the open road. Market leaders in this category are Yamaha, Suzuki, Honda, and Kawasaki.

If you are looking for less functionality and more action, the next step up for you will be the sport bike.

Usually lighter then the standard motorcycle bikes, they come with engines between 650cc to 1000cc in size as well as increased maneuverability and braking power.

Ideal when speeding along asphalt and concrete but much less maneuverable on dirt than a standard motorcycle, sports bikes again are principally manufactured by Yamaha, Suzuki, Honda, Kawasaki among others.

Touring on motorcycles has always been a popular hobby for many motor cyclists, especially those built for comfort other than speed. An average day for a touring motorcyclist can involve traveling more than 1,000 miles and they need a motorcycle bike that will take them where they want to go, in as comfortable a manner as possible.

Touring motorcycle bikes are larger than their standard counterpart, with longer wheelbases. Designed to protect the driver and passenger, seats are designed for comfort as well as aligning to the position of the handlebars in a different manner.

As well as helmet, windscreens are essential to keep any insects from blocking the vision of the driver and the passengers. BMW and Honda are generally regarded as the best touring bikes.

Cruiser motor cycles are a major part of American folklore. Cruiser bikes are renowned for being big, heavy and solid. Seats on these bikes are usually lower, with larger engines and longer wheelbases.. 1400cc engines are common among cruising motorcycle bikes and their low rumbling exhausts have become their symbol.

The legendary Harley Davidson has held its place as king of the cruising bike, and will probably always be. Suzuki and Kawasaki do offer some competition especially among the 1500cc engine bikes.

These are the main categories of motorcycle bikes to choose from. However there are so many permutations available, as well as the ability to customize, especially in the cruiser category. The world of motor cycling is a world apart in many ways.


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