Motorcycle Brands and types

Honda

motorcycles are highly dependable, long-lasting, and super cheap to maintain, as is evident by the ancient Goldwings still plying the freeways.

Kawasaki

Shozo founded Kawasaki Heavy Industries in 1896. It wasn't until much later, in 1949, when Kawasaki would enter the motorcycle industry.

Ducati

Considered the "Harley Davidson" of Italian-made motorcycles, this bike has been a source of Italian pride since it raced onto the motorcycle scene

Yamaha

Founded by Genichi Kawakami on the motto, "If you are going to make it, make it the very best there is." They completed their first motorcycle model

Suzuki

Much like Yamaha, Suzuki didn't start off as a motorcycle brand. And yet, the popularity of its motorized bicycle revived the company after World

KTM

is one of the largest European motorcycle brands, and among the best motorcycle brands worldwide.

Triumph

a motorcycle brand that was created in 1902, always standing out for creating high-performance and quality motorcycles

Harley Davidson

There is nothing quite as symbolic as the mighty Harley motorcycle. Although certainly the most notorious and recognizable brand

Honda Super Cub

is the most popular motorcycle in the world, with over 100 million units sold since its introduction in 1958. It is known for its reliability, simplicity, and affordability.

Harley-Davidson Sportster

one of the most popular motorcycles in the United States. It is known for its classic design, powerful engine, and customizability.

Yamaha R1

is one of the most popular sport bikes in the world. It is known for its high-performance engine, advanced electronics, and aggressive styling.

Kawasaki Ninja

another popular sport bike, known for its sleek design and high-performance engine. It is a popular choice for both street riding and track racing

Suzuki GSX-R

a popular sport bike with a long history of high-performance racing. It is known for its powerful engine, lightweight frame, and aggressive styling.

BMW R1200GS

one of the most popular adventure bikes in the world. It is known for its rugged design, advanced technology, and excellent off-road capabilities.

Indian Scout

a popular cruiser motorcycle known for its classic styling, powerful engine, and comfortable ride. It is a popular choice for long-distance touring.

Ducati Monster

a popular naked bike known for its aggressive styling, high-performance engine, and precise handling. It is a popular choice for both street riding and track racing.

Triumph Bonneville

a popular retro-style motorcycle known for its classic design, comfortable ride, and reliable performance. It is a popular choice for casual riders and vintage motorcycle enthusiasts.

Honda Gold Wing

a popular touring bike known for its luxurious features, comfortable ride, and excellent long-distance capabilities. It is a popular choice for riders who want to travel in style and comfort.

Cruisers

One of the most popular motorcycle types in the world, and for good reason. Cruisers are known for being comfortable, varietal, and popular. Top cruiser brands include Harley-Davidson, Indian, and most metric manufacturers (like Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha, and Kawasaki). Typically cruisers are heavier bikes, with resulting lower power to weight ratios, and a focus on comfort and low-end torque.

Sportbikes

One of the most well-known and varietal categories of motorcycles, sportbikes can be cost-effective, reliable, powerful, and fast. These easily customizable bikes come in a variety of sizes, making them popular with riders of all types. Metric manufacturers dominate the market for sportbike production, while premium brands include BMW, Aprilia, and Ducati. Popular models worldwide include the Honda CBR, Kawasaki Ninja, and Yamaha YZF.

Standard & Naked

The "naked" bike is arguably one of the most versatile and simple types of motorcycles that a rider can buy. Also termed "standard" bikes or "streetfighters," these motorcycles typically have no fairings, minimal to no windshields, and a more upright body positioning. Naked bikes tend to cross over into the "sportbike" column, with most bikes functioning on the track just as well as the street.

Adventure (ADV)

Adventure bikes were designed for exactly what their name suggests— adventures! These sturdy bikes are typically outfitted with a tall seat height, tall windshield, ample suspension travel, upright seating positioning, and plenty of luggage options. Most ADV bikes will also come equipped with on-road/off-road tires

Dual Sports & Enduros

Dual sports and enduros are about as close as you can get to a true dirtbike while still being street legal. These motorcycles are usually tall, narrow, lightweight, and feature upright seating and low to no windshields. Models can be ridden with street tires, dirt tires, or a mix of both depending on rider preference.

Dirtbikes

True dirtbikes typically come in either 4-stroke, 2-stroke, or electric models. These motorcycles are designed solely for off-road riding, and lack the headlights, taillights, mirrors, and turn signals to make them street-legal.

Electric

Though not many electric models currently exist for sale by major manufacturers, their popularity is undoubtedly on the rise. These bikes come in a variety of styles, and are the ultimate choice for environmentally-focused riders, or those who just love modern tech.

Choppers

One of the most iconic looking motorcycles in the sport, choppers are a fan favorite due to their unique styling and classic place in riding culture. However, they're often a difficult bike to ride. Some manufacturers produce chopper-style motorcycles straight off the factory floor, while many are made in custom motorcycle shops. Most will have limited rear suspension, and all will be challenging in corners due to the dramatic fork rake

Touring

The sportier cousin to Cruisers, Touring motorcycles were designed to go the extra mile. A more upright body positioning, luggage compartments, smooth handling, and motorcycle features like heated grips, seats, cruise control (and even cup holders!) take comfort to the extreme in these models.

Sport Touring

Sport Touring bikes are one step even further in the "sportiness" direction. These bikes will typically have a slightly more aggressive body positioning, higher power outputs, and taller seat heights.

Vintage & Customs

Both vintage and custom motorcycles will come with their own unique challenges and strengths. For example, most vintage bikes will be carbureted, potentially making them easier to work on for riders who are mechanically inclined. However any major motorcycle customization can compromise the safety or change the handling of a bike, so savvy buyers should be wary of in-depth custom work when purchasing a vintage motorcycle.

Modern Classics

Lately, there's been a boost in the popularity of modern motorcycles that look vintage, but have all new components. Major manufacturers have noticed, and a complete line of "new-old" models have been released. These bikes are typically fuel injected (though some feature fake carburetors!), have low seat heights, modern components, and a more upright seating position.