Motorcycle enthusiasts know there’s more to their machines than two wheels and an engine. Your local motorcycle dealer offers countless options for frames, motors, and accessory configurations. Still, the basic styles of bike can be broken down into three categories, each with its own set of uses and features. Here’s a quick primer.

The Main Styles of Motorcycle

1. Street

Street bikes are designed to travel paved roads with both comfort and performance. This category includes standard motorcycles, basic machines with mid-range, all-around capabilities. They boast comfortable, upright seating and a variety of engine sizes. Handlebars and foot-peg positions are designed for an effortlessly ergonomic ride.

Touring motorcycles are more specifically engineered for comfort on longer rides. They’re heavier than standard bikes due to their larger engines and accessories like windscreens and storage bags. Meanwhile, cruisers sport classic chopper styling with swept-back handlebars, forward footrests, and low-slung saddles.

Sport bikes are devoted to high performance on pavement. These lighter, more aerodynamic machines specialize in acceleration, cornering, and braking. They’re sometimes not as comfortable, and their power can challenge novice riders. At the other end of the spectrum, scooters are small-wheeled motorcycles designed for fun but offering less stability and low power unsuited to main-road riding.

2. Off-Road

Off-road motorcycles are adventure-seeking machines designed to handle everything from hilly trails to grueling mogul courses. They feature knobby tires to grip the earth and long-travel suspensions to handle jolts.

Their frames often carry single or two-cylinder engines for tough, low-end torque. They usually feature minimal plastic bodywork with pronounced fenders to protect against flying debris. Motorcycle dealers can offer multiple configurations for a thrilling, bare-bones ride.

3. Dual-Purpose

Dual-purpose motorcycles serve riders who want basic street-bike features that can also go off-road. These versatile motorcycles often resemble off-roaders with sleek aerodynamic fairings, but they also come equipped with headlights, horns, signals, and side-view mirrors that make them street legal. Tires easily grip both pavement and dirt. Upright seating and high ground clearance deliver moderate comfort plus the ability to hit the trails at will.

Whether you’re looking for off-road excitement or highway comfort, the experts at Beechmont Motorsports in Cincinnati, OH, will match you with the perfect bike. Specializing in machines from Honda®, Sea-Doo PWC®, Yamaha®, and more, this trusted local motorcycle dealer has provided top-quality bikes, parts, and services since 1979. Call (513) 752-0088 to chat with a representative, or visit them online to learn more about their inventory and services.