Riding a motorcycle is a thrill that's hard to beat. From the freedom of the open road to the roar of the engine - motorcycle owners have plenty to boast about.
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In Australia, more than 40,000 motorcycles were sold between January and June , which shows just how keen Aussies are about their two-wheelers.[1]
And there are plenty of benefits from cheaper running costs to ease of parking - there's a lot to love.
So whether you're looking to shave time off your daily commute or enjoy long, cruising rides on the weekend, we've compiled a pros and cons list of different types of motorcycles to help kickstart your journey.
The standard motorcycle is the oldest motorcycle style and a true classic. Also known as a 'naked bike' or 'roadster,' they're perfect as a starter bike or for a daily commute.
The seating position is upright and neutral, and as the name suggests, they're designed to be more lightweight, having little to no fairings (panels) or added storage space.
Standard motorcycle engines can range between 125cc and cc, and they're a great all-rounder. Good for fuel efficiency, maneuvering through traffic congestion and they'll get you from A to B - and probably even to C.
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If you're after timeless style and a laid back riding position, then the cruiser motorcycle might be for you.
These are the types of motorcycles you'd find in a s Hollywood tough-guy movie. Cruisers have an emphasis on style, often fitted with polished chrome panels and sleek fairings - they tend to attract attention wherever they go.
Cruisers can have larger engines, ranging from around 500cc to cc. The seat is low, with the rider's position slightly inclined to the back, allowing for an upright but relaxed riding position. With cruisers, it's all about taking time to enjoy the ride.
American manufacturer Harley Davidson remains a popular choice for those after a cruiser model, winning the Canstar Review for best-rated motorcycle where it was voted five stars for style, comfort, reliability, technology features and overall satisfaction.[2]
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Sport bikes are geared toward power and performance - made with a large engine and a lighter frame, they're designed to accelerate and hit top speeds quickly.
Everything about them is built for speed, from the aerodynamic panels to the low tread tyres to the aggressive riding posture which minimises wind resistance. A sports bike allows for side-to-side maneuverability and agility.
If you're after a thrill, then a sport bike will take you there. If you're new to riding, however, these bikes can be challenging due to the high amount of horsepower and skill required for handling turns. It's worth noting that learner drivers might not even be able to legally drive certain sport bikes as some motorcycle types aren't allowed on a learner licence.
But that's not to say sports bikes can't be mastered with the correct training and safety measures. Many local race tracks offer recreational ride days where you can test out your bike's capacity in a controlled environment.
Just make sure you have the appropriate safety gear, including a helmet, gloves, boots and a leather suit. You can also learn more about Budget Direct's Motorcycle Insurance cover options to protect your ride.
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Touring bikes are the ultimate long-haul companion. Perfect for road trips with friends or out solo on the open road, riding for hours on end. Touring bikes will take you cross-country in comfort.
Built for long-distance, they come equipped with comfortable seats, often room for a rear passenger, good wind protection and plenty of storage capacity.
Touring motorcycles are designed to go that extra mile, optimised with add-ons that might include heated grips and seat warmers, navigational display features and Bluetooth connectivity. You can ride comfortably into new territory.
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Sport touring motorcycles combine all the benefits of a touring bike and a sport bike. They're ideal for long-distance trips but optimised for speed and agility.
Sport touring bikes come with middle to large-range engines, designed for both long and short distance rides. The seating position is somewhere between a regular touring bike and a sport bike and they're fitted with aerodynamic panels.
Sport-touring motorcycles may sacrifice slightly on luggage capacity to stay lightweight, but they more than make up for it with the combination of speed and comfort - perfect for a long-haul adventure.
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Adventure bikes are like the 4x4s of the two-wheeled world. Also known as dual-sport motorcycles, these bikes can handle almost any terrain you throw at them - from pavement to dirt tracks, to muddy plains and even water.
While adventure motorcycles are great on-road, they also fall into the off-road bikes category which also include dirt bikes and motocross bikes.
Dual-sport bikes are an offshoot of the early Enduro mountain bike, which is designed for cross-country endurance racing. An adventure bike has high-ground clearance, increased suspension and grippy, durable tyres.
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There are some key differences between a standard motorcycle and a scooter. There are also so many benefits that make scooters a worthy candidate in the two-wheeled world.
Scooters are light, easy to ride and relatively inexpensive to run. Scooters may be the ultimate urban companion, especially for those who are new to riding or looking for something easy to get to work or ride around town with.
The riding position on a scooter is relaxed and upright, usually with a step-through frame (and easy footrest) so they work well if you have difficulty mounting or dismounting traditional motorcycles.
In terms of engine capacity, they usually range between about 50cc-500cc, which is on the lower end of the scale in terms of power, but it's still certainly enough to get you from A to B on paved roads.
Scooters are perfect for zipping around town but are not really built for off-road riding or long distance trips.
Scooter Insurance is also available to cover you for loss or damage in an insured event. With Budget Direct, you can choose between multiple scooter insurance options to find a level of cover that suits your individual needs.
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There's no telling what the future holds when it comes to electric vehicles and popularity is certainly growing, as evidenced by the sheer number of them on the roads.
Electric motorcycles are hitting impressively high speeds on the track and the performance gap between petrol and electric is closing quickly.
In some states, Australians are even being offered government incentives for the purchase of e-scooters and e-bikes, as well as the installation of Electric Vehicle (EV) chargers, in a bid to reduce emissions.
Electric motorcycles are considered zero-emission vehicles as they do not produce exhaust pipe emissions. But that doesn't stop them from being incredibly powerful and reliable. Here are some factors to consider though, should you make the switch from petrol and diesel, over to electric:
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Motorcycle Insurance plays an important part in keeping your motorcycle safe; whether it's damaged, broken or beyond repair as a result of an insured event. The type of insurance policy you choose will determine how you are protected in case of an accident.
Before purchasing insurance, make sure you have a valid motorcycle licence, and if you're a beginner and yet to obtain one, you might want to check out our guide on how to get your motorbike licence.
While all motorcycles share some key similarities, each type has strengths, weaknesses, and unique features to fit just about every kind of rider out there (and for the rest, there are customs!). Check out the complete list of motorcycle types below:
Cruisers
Pictured: Harley-Davidson Deluxe, MSRP $18,399 USD
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.
Pros: Comfort, ease, widely varietal models, community gatherings.
Cons: Weight, power:weight ratio, costs (some models).
Sportbikes
Pictured: Honda CBR650F, MSRP $8,749 USD
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.
Pros: Varying sizes (125cc-1,000+), nimble, lightweight, cost-effective.
Cons: Comfort (aggressive body positioning), steep rake angle.
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Standard & Naked
Pictured: Yamaha MT-09, MSRP $9,399
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.
Pros: Nimble, comfortable, versatile, lightweight, low seat height.
Cons: Lack of fairings, little to no windshield, minimal luggage options.
Adventure (ADV)
Pictured: BMW R GS Adventure, MSRP $20,345 USD
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
Pros: Versatile, luggage capacity, comfort.
Cons: Possibly heavy, limited off-road capabilities.
Dual Sports & Enduros
Pictured: Suzuki DR-Z400S, MSRP $6,799 USD
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.
Pros: Upright seating, off-road capabilities, lightweight, nimble.
Cons: Tall seat height, low/no windshield, possible small gas tank (dependent on model).
Dirtbikes
Pictured: Yamaha YZ125, MSRP $ USD
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.
Pros: Lightweight, nimble, varietal model types and sizes.
Cons: Limited to offroad riding, tall seat heights (some models), kickstarts (some models), small gas tanks (some models).
Electric
Pictured: Zero SR/S, MSRP $19,995 USD
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.
Pros: Environmentally conscious, quiet, modern design.
Cons: Price, battery range, maintenance/repair costs (some models).
Choppers
Pictured: Honda Fury, MSRP $10,599 USD
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.
Pros: Iconic styling, low set height.
Cons: Fork rake, difficult handling, rear suspension limitations.
Touring
Pictured: Honda Goldwing, MSRP $23,000+ USD
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.
Pros: Smooth, stable, comfortable, spacious.
Cons: Weight, bulk, possibly overwhelming for new riders, cost (some models).
Sport Touring
Pictured: Kawasaki Concourse14 ABS, MSRP $15,799 USD
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.
Pros: Agile, powerful, spacious, versatile.
Cons: Taller seat height, weight, bulk, more aggressive body positioning.
Vintage & Customs
Pictured: Honda CB 750F, $7,000 USD
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.
Pros: Cost-effective, simple, plentiful, varietal, heavily customizable.
Cons: May need repairs/updates, customization could cause safety and handling concerns.
Modern Classics
Pictured: Bonneville T100, MSRP $10,450
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.
Pros: Low seat, moderate pricing, modern components (brakes, fuel injection, wiring, etc).
Cons: Low power, limited suspension (some models), limited power (some models).
Commuters & Minis
Pictured: Honda Monkey, MSPR $3,999 USD
Covering a broad category, commuters and/or 'mini' bikes are usually low-cc smaller motorcycles capable of nimbly navigating traffic and saving on both costs and fuel consumption. Many of these bikes have 125-250cc's, making them perfect for new and city riders.
Pros: Small, nimble, lightweight, low seats, cost-effective.
Cons: Limited power, possible low visibility (due to motorcycle size).
Pictured: Vespa Sprint 150 CC, MSRP $5,649 USD
Though not technically a motorcycle, scooter owners account for a significant amount of rider populations worldwide. Scooter models will typically feature step-through seating, automatic shifting, 10-inch (25cm) tire diameters, and a maximum of 150ccs (though larger models can reach up to 500cc's).
Pros: Small, lightweight, automatic shifting.
Cons: Limited power, limited stability, possible low visibility (due to scooter size).
The motorcycling world contains a wide variety of not only bikes, but riders as well. And despite the mechanical differences in make, models, CCs, body positioning, and more ' our similarities as bikers are what unites us. The feeling you get when you swing a leg over the seat of a motorcycling and start the engine isn't something that can be replicated in any other way, and any rider who appreciates it is part of a worldwide family, no matter what they ride!
No matter which motorcycle you choose, enjoy the ride and ride safe!
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