Types of Motorcycles And Their Best Use Cases
Choosing the Right Bike for Your Riding Needs
The motorcycle culture in India has given birth to an enthusiastic and thriving community, eager to explore India’s nooks and crannies on their thunderbirds. India boasts a large network of roads – most of which are narrow and can only be accessed by smaller vehicles like motorcycles or three-wheelers. However, choosing the right motorcycle for themselves is a major dilemma that most bike enthusiasts face while embarking on their journey of owning one. This article elaborates the different types of motorcycles that are suitable for different riding requirements, which can help those looking to buy one make informed choices.
Different Types of Motorcycles
Different terrains demand different types of motorcycles. Below is a list of the different motorcycle types that can be used for various types of roads in India.
Commuter Motorcycles
If you need a vehicle to shuttle back and forth between home and workplace, you must explore commuter motorcycles. These motorcycles are built for the 9 to 5 bike rider who has to deal with city traffic daily. As the purpose of these motorcycles is to provide the required agility and speed fit for a city commute, they are lightweight and are designed for daily city commutes.
Features to look for in commuter motorcycles:
- Engine capacity: 100cc to 125cc.
- High fuel efficiency.
- Upright seating position for comfort.
Best Use Cases:
- Navigating through heavy traffic.
- Short-distance travel.
Cost-effective transportation.
Popular Models in India: Hero Splendor Plus, Honda Shine, Bajaj Pulsar 125.
Sport Motorcycles
If you are in heavy motorsports or are looking to buy a new motorcycle to pursue your motorsport passion, then sport motorcycles are your cup of tea. These bikes are high-performance motorcycles and are built for speed and agility.
Features to look for in sport motorcycles:
- Engine capacity: 150cc and above.
- Aerodynamic fairings.
- Aggressive riding posture.
Best Use Cases:
- Racing.
- Enthusiast riding.
- Weekend highway rides.
Popular Models in India: Yamaha YZF-R15, KTM RC 200, Suzuki Gixxer SF.
Naked Motorcycles
Naked motorcycles come without any embellishments or covers for engines. These motorcycles have exposed engines and fuel tanks and are more suitable for long-distance rides as well as city rides.
Best Use Cases:
- City commuting.
- Occasional long rides.
- Performance with comfort.
Popular Models in India: KTM Duke 390, Yamaha MT-15, Honda CB300R.
Cruiser Motorcycles
Cruiser motorcycles are the most luxurious of the lot. They are a breeze to sit on and provide a relaxing ride while ensuring the ruggedness of a motorcycle. These motorcycles are fit for long-distance bike rides.
Best Use Cases:
- Long-distance touring.
- Leisure city rides.
- Relaxed riding.
Popular Models in India: Royal Enfield Classic 350, Bajaj Avenger Cruise 220, Jawa Perak.
Adventure (ADV) Motorcycles
Adventure motorcycles are primarily built to provide a mix of comfort and robustness to those who love to take the unexplored path and also use them for their daily office commute. These bikes are more suited to adventure rides over city ones, however, they can also be used for mundane rides like going to the market or short rides within the city.
Best Use Cases:
- Touring across varied terrains.
- Off-road expeditions.
Popular Models in India: Royal Enfield Himalayan, KTM 390 Adventure, BMW G 310 GS.
Touring Motorcycles
Touring motorcycles are majorly used by those who love to embark on cross-country journeys. These bikes come equipped with ample storage space for your luggage, and make for a comfortable ride for you and your partner.
Best Use Cases:
- Cross-country journeys.
- Extended highway cruising.
Popular Models in India: Honda Gold Wing, Indian Roadmaster, BMW R 1250 RT.
Off-Road/Dirt Motorcycles
These motorcycles are specifically designed for off-roading – meaning easier to manage on raw, muddy terrain. Such motorcycles are designed to be lightweight to provide the required traction to the rider and have the required agility.
Best Use Cases:
- Dirt trails.
- Motocross competitions.
- Adventure sports.
Popular Models in India: Hero XPulse 200, Kawasaki KLX 140, KTM 250 EXC-F.
How to Choose the Right Motorcycle in India?
When selecting a motorcycle, consider the following factors:
Riding Needs: Determine whether you need a bike for commuting, touring, racing, or off-roading.
Engine Capacity: Choose based on your experience level; smaller engines are typically easier to handle for beginners.
Fuel Efficiency: Look for models that offer good mileage to save on running costs.
Maintenance Costs: Evaluate the availability of spare parts and overall maintenance expenses.
Test Ride: Always take a test ride to assess comfort and handling before purchasing.
Conclusion
Choosing a motorcycle depends on various factors. Whether you wish to buy a naked motorcycle or a touring one, make sure that the features of the motorcycle chosen by you align with your long term riding goals. It is important to understand that different types of motorcycles are designed for different purpose, hence it is important to go through their specifications carefully before choosing the right fit for you.
