We take a look at the pros and cons of different types of motorcycles
Different Types Of Motorcycles
Before we begin let’s make it clear that there are way too many types of motorcycles. But to make things simple and understandable we divide it into four major categories – naked/street, cruiser, adventure, and sporty/faired motorcycles. While these categories do have multiple sub-categories, almost all the motorcycles can be bifurcated within the four. However, we shall not be discussing scooters as it is a completely different and important type of 2-wheeler transport.
Naked Motorcycles – The naked category of motorcycles has multiple names, they are often called standard motorcycles or even street motorcycles. This category of motorcycles is the oldest and the most simple among all. This category also records the most number of sales in India too. The Hero Splendor or the Royal Enfield Classic 350 both can be considered naked motorcycles. The sub-categories can be commuters, sport-commuters, scramblers, hyper-naked, and quite a few more.
Pros – The advantages of having or riding a naked motorcycle is that it is very simple and understandable for everyone. Maintenance isn’t an issue as it has the least number of body panels and most of the mechanicals are exposed. These motorcycles are suitable for tall as well as short riders while the seating posture commonly is upright and decently comfortable for the rider as well as pillion.
Cons – There are not many disadvantages that can be highlighted but these motorcycles have the least amount of wind protection. Styling is rather limited as they don’t have many body panels but manufacturers are smart enough to give coloured portions for the exposed chassis. As most of the electrical and mechanical parts are easily accessible, naked motorcycle are the most prone to theft.
Cruiser Motorcycles – This category is dominated by the Bajaj Avenger in India as there aren’t really any other cruiser motorcycles with such great demand. This category is full of comfort and lifestyle rather than practical and efficient bits. The Suzuki Intruder is yet another example in the entry-level sub-category but then this category also caters to the bikes with the largest engines. The sub-categories include choppers, bobbers, power-cruisers and a few more.
Pros – The advantage of having or riding a cruiser motorcycle is in its name, they are meant for cruising and comfort. Most of these cruiser motorcycles have a low seat height and are quite comfortable for short people. Anyone who wants to cruise to their destination, doesn’t like much speed and wants all the comfort in the world can pick this type. The complete line-ups of Harley-Davidson and Indian Motorcycles are made up of cruiser bikes. These bikes are comfortable for the rider as well as a pillion for most of the times.
Cons – There are a very limited number of cruiser type of motorcycles in India, namely the Suzuki Intruder and Bajaj Avenger are the only two on sale and within a budget. The Royal Enfield Thunderbird can be included in this type but it hasn’t seen any good sale numbers. If you want to get premium or power cruisers than it is Harley-Davidson and Indian but they are very costly. Riding dynamics of cruiser motorcycles aren’t the best as riding comfort is at the maximum focus.
Adventure Motorcycles – The adventure motorcycle category has been all over the world for quite some time but we started accepting these motorcycles in the last decade. This category is based on street/naked motorcycle but the bikes here have long-travel suspension and capabilities to ride anywhere possible. These motorcycles are made to be ready for adventure and hence the name, adventure motorcycles. It has quite a few sub-categories which include motocross, enduro, trial, rally and almost all the dual-purpose motorcycles.
Pros – The advantage of having an adventure bike is that the motorcycle is capable of a lot of off-road riding and fun. The long-travel suspension serves a purpose of comfort while it manages bad surfaces pretty well too. Adventure bikes have a special type called the adventure-tourers, which are quite spacious and have the ability to travel the distance and carry extra equipment too. The Royal Enfield Himalayan is a very good example of a do-it-all adventure motorcycle.
Cons – First of the cons are that these motorcycles are tall and have a higher than the normal seat height. Average height riders mostly tip-toe on adventure bikes while some bikes like the motocross or enduro aren’t even street legal. There are very few options in the adventure category in India while we are too late to accept these motorcycles. As we missed the old gems like the Hero Impulse, Hero-BMW Funduro F650 and even the Bajaj SX Enduro.
Sporty or Faired Motorcycles – The most beautiful looking category of motorcycles is sporty or faired motorcycles. These motorcycles are mostly aggressive and sportier versions of the naked counterparts. However, in most cases, it is exactly opposite like the Yamaha R15 was launched and updated first and then the MT-15 came as a naked version of it. These faired motorcycles have multiple sub-categories like hypersport, supersport, sport-touring and a few more.
Pros – The first pro of a faired motorcycle is the looks! These motorcycles have dedicated and purposeful body panels which look good and obviously attract more attention. The big bikes in this category have their pedigree coming from races like the MotoGP which makes them achieve more speed. Bikes in this category are made for the tarmac and they can definitely go fast as the fairing works cuts through the wind blasts. Handling and riding feedback is very sharp while these motorcycles have the highest possible top-speed too.
Cons – Although these motorcycles look good, the seating posture is way too aggressive and demanding. There are sport-tourers with slightly comfortable ergonomics but pillion duties aren’t the best on such motorcycle. There are some bikes in this category which don’t even have a pillion seat. The difficulty to maintain is more too as the fairing is the first thing that gets damaged in a crash. These motorcycles can cause backaches with the committed riding posture.