Motorcycle 101

Everyone knows what a motorcycle is but not everyone knows the types of motorcycles out there. That will end now. Motorcycles types are usually named for there purpose such as cruiser, touring, and sport bikes.

Cruisers - You got it, are used to cruise. These bikes are very popular with middle aged guys (35 - 50). Cruisers come in many makes and models but have certain characteristics, such as a comfortable riding position and a v-twin motor. There are many accessories available for these bikes; saddlebags, windshields, and a passenger backrest. These bikes are used for everything from commuting to work or traveling cross country.

Touring - These bikes are very large and very heavy. Which is ironic when you look at the demographic that rides these bikes; older guys age 50+. Touring motorcycles come standard with "luggage." This so called "luggage" is two hard case saddlebags and a trunk located behind the passenger seat. The options that are available on touring bikes rival that of a car. You can get anti lock brakes, cruise control, CB radio, AM/FM/CD, passenger-rider intercom, reverse, and the list goes on. When it comes to bikes, touring bikes own the highway.

Sport - These bikes are the smallest and lightest, which makes sense when you want to go fast. I mean really really fast. Sport bikes can rip a 0-60 mph under 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 180-200 mph!! Sport bikes are often referred to as "crotch rockets" because of these insane speeds. These bikes are the least comfortable of the three and come with virtually no options. Who needs options when you can go 180 mph!!

These are just the main types of motorcycles on the road today. There are others out there but they are all just variants of these three types.