People gather at the International Motorcycle Show in Chicago to look at new motorcycles.

Have you recently received your motorcycle license or maybe are just looking for a new motorcycle that’s right for you? Whether you’re new to riding or are looking for a different type of bike to ride, choosing the best motorcycle for you can be tricky. There are many different motorcycle styles to choose from and it can become overwhelming, especially if you are new to the sport. Being comfortable on your bike is of the utmost importance and it helps you ride safely.

Let’s look at some of the different types of motorcycles and their differences, so you can pick the right one for your riding style.

  1. Cruisers: Cruiser bikes are often seen as being the American style of motorcycles. These bikes feature classic styling, relaxed seating and have a lower seat height. Cruisers are popular with motorcyclists who have a more laid-back riding style. These bikes are often used for short trips or weekend rides, but many riders take them on long cross-country trips as well. Cruisers are often comfortable to ride on pavement that is uneven. Cruisers are also easier to balance and walk in stop-and-go traffic situations. They are also ideal if you’re interested in customizing your bike. Examples of cruisers include the Honda Rebel 500, the Indian Scout and the Harley-Davidson Street Bob.
  2. Sportbikes: Sportbikes are designed to go fast and have great performance. These bike’s bodies are aerodynamic, lightweight and have powerful engines. Sportbikes are very popular among riders that love the thrill of high-speed riding. Advantages of sportbikes are that you will have agile cornering and quick acceleration. They aren’t the best for long-distance rides for many riders due to a seating position that’s not as comfortable as a bike like a cruiser. Some examples of sportbikes are the Kawasaki Ninja, the Honda CBR, the Ducati SuperSport and the Yamaha YZF.
  3. Touring motorcycles: Touring motorcycles are made for long-distance routes. They have spacious seating, a good amount of storage space and advanced GPS/Navigation systems. Touring bikes are popular with riders who want to cover large distances in a single trip while having the comfort and convenience of a motorcycle fully equipped for their ride. Examples of touring bikes include the BMW K1600 Grand America, the Harley-Davidson Road Glide, the Honda Gold Wing Tour and the Kawasaki Vulcan Voyager.
  4. Adventure and Dual-Sport bikes: Adventure and Dual-Sport bikes are designed for both on- and off-road riding, so they offer the best of both worlds. These bikes are popular among riders who want a motorcycle that can handle a variety of riding conditions and terrains with versatility and ruggedness. Most adventure bikes have large engines and are designed for rides with long- distance routes. With long-travel suspension and knobby tires, these motorcycles are very maneuverable on dirt and gravel backroads where other types of motorcycles might have a more difficult time. Some examples of adventure/dual-sport bikes include the Ducati DesertX, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure, the Suzuki DR-Z400S and the Yamaha XT250.

Being comfortable on your bike leads to more confident and safe riding. When choosing a new motorcycle for yourself, it's important to pick a bike that matches your riding style and the type of riding you plan to do. When bike shopping, take a test ride on a few different types of bikes to see which one you like best.

At Hupy and Abraham, we do all we can to help motorcycle riders. Our firm has promoted rider awareness and safety for decades. Hupy and Abraham’s “Watch for Motorcycles” message is spread through billboards, TV ads, stickers and more to help keep riders at top of mind of other drivers and help save their lives. Stay tuned to HUPY.COM for more motorcycle articles, tips and tricks and videos.

As a rider, sometimes even if you do everything right, an accident can still happen. If you’re injured in a motorcycle accident, call us today at 800-800-5678 so we can start fighting for you. Hupy and Abraham has helped over 70,000 clients receive over $1 billion for their injuries.

Jason F. Abraham
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Helping car accident and personal injury victims throughout Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa since 1993.