If there is no official classification of the different styles of motorcycles, we can still notice that the different models of motorcycles can be placed in several major categories.

Thus, there are 6 motorcycle categories : road, roadsters, sports, cruisers, off-road motorcycles and dual sports (or dual use). However, take into account that this classification is only indicative, and that a model may well belong to several motorcycle categories, or to a completely separate category.

The different motorcycle models

1/ The road cars

2/ Sports

3/ Roadsters

4/ Cruisers

5/ All-terrain vehicles

6/ Dual-sport or dual-use

1/ Road motorcycles

There are three different types of roadways :

– The roads themselves

– Grand Touring (GT) motorcycles

– Sports roads

Road motorcycles are designed for long trips . In this, they have more protection (especially against wind or bad weather) than other motorcycles. In addition, the motors can withstand several hours of high-speed driving. They are generally larger in size and can store a significant amount of luggage.

(examples: the Goldwings…)

GTs are ideal for long trips : they combine optimal comfort, longevity and performance. Thus, you will find the advantages of road cars, but much more advanced, such as the presence of increased protection and plenty of storage space . It should therefore be borne in mind that they have an imposing size and weight, and also cost more.

(examples: the Goldwing touring, the Tracer 900 GT…)

As for sports road cars , they are a mix between lambda road cars and sports motorcycles. The seat is usually higher than road bikes, like sports cars, and has a more powerful engine . On the other hand, they have more space to store your belongings, like the road ones. They are therefore used both for walks and for travel .

(examples: the VFR800F…)

The road

The road

The GT tourer

The GT tourer

The sports road

The sports road

2/ Sports motorcycles

Panigale V4

Sports motorcycles are derived from racing motorcycles , with the difference that they are approved to be driven on the roads.

The saddle is high and almost the same height as the semi-handlebar. We therefore have a frog position when we drive it . The tapered fairing offers both protection and great aerodynamics.

(examples: Panigale V4, GSX-R100R, CBR1000RR, Ninja 400…)

3/ Roadster motorcycles

BMW S1000R Roadster

Roadsters are motorcycles that are versatile and used for everyday road and urban commuting . It is a type of motorcycle that can be suitable for beginners as well as for riders with more experience .

They represent the amalgam between sports and road. They are, for example, lighter than road cars and are characterized by their lack of fairing or almost, which can tire the driver during long journeys on the road.

Roadsters are also called “naked” in English because there is no fairing.

(Examples: GSX-S1000, SV650 Scrambler, CB1000R, CB RS, CB500F, G 310 R, S 1000 R, Bonneville Bobber, Speed ​​Triple, Monster 821, KTM 790 Duke.. .)

4/ Cruiser motorcycles

GV650 Aguila

Cruiser means cruise in English, and this name takes on its full meaning when you think of the iconic cruiser motorcycle: the Harley Davidson . They are what we visualize when we think of bikers. Cruisers are also called custom motorcycles because they can be customized as desired. Café Racers are a type of custom motorcycle .

Originally, the goal was to design motorcycles that could move quickly and easily between two cafes, hence their name. Technically, they are modified to have very little fairing and little comfort, in favor of low weight (and therefore maneuverability) and speed. There are also other types of cruisers like the Bobber or the Chopper .

(Examples: Harley Davidson, CMX500 Rebel, Bonneville Speedmaster…)

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5/ All-terrain competition motorcycles: cross, enduro and trial

Previous motorcycle models were mainly used on the road. From now on, we will see what are the different categories of off-road motorcycles . We can see the emergence of 3 main styles of off-road motorcycles : the cross , the enduro , and the trial .

Motocross motorcycles are motorcycles used for motocross, a motorcycling sport practiced on an off-road circuit made of sand and dirt, and involving jumps and bumps. To be able to withstand all these shocks, the crosses are equipped with strong suspensions and tires with large studs .

(Examples: the 4550 SX-F, the RM-Z450…)

As its name suggests, the enduro motorcycle is made for endurance and touring . It is also an all-terrain motorcycle that is used in the practice of enduro, a discipline whose circuits are both on roads and on circuits . It is therefore necessary that they be registered, homologated and that they have headlights . They have lower suspensions than the crosses .

(Examples: the 500 EXC-F Six days…)

The trial motorcycle is a motorcycle that allows the practice of crossing obstacles such as rocks, holes or tree trunks. They must be very light and have great maneuverability , so some do not have saddles .