Deciding what motorcycle style is right for you is almost as important as deciding where you want to go! Even if you are just out for a cruise in your hometown, it is important that you have the right type of motorcycle. No one wants to be on a speed racer while trapped in traffic! Make sure you are equipped for all possibilities with some tips on finding the best choice for your exact needs. (To see if we have it in your state or destination, just rent one here.)

Even if you have been riding for a long time, whenever you are on a new motorcycle, you should be comfortable and stable. The best way to know if a bike is the right size for you is to make sure you can easily touch the ground, reach the handles, and maintain the correct posture. And as always, remember your protective gear.

Ready? Check out these motorcycle styles to determine which is the best for you.

Standard Motorcycle Style

These no-frills basic motorcycles are an excellent choice for a new, casual rider or someone who wants to start learning how to play with customizations. Relatively simple and easy to learn, this is a smart pick for an urban rider for their commute. If you need to dash from place A to place B, the standard motorcycle will get you there with no issues.

The look of the standard, also called a naked bike, has been pieced together from almost every edition of motorcycles in history. The tricked-out, ultra-customized motorcycle in American culture has actually been called a unique form of folk art. If that’s true, then the standard motorcycle is a perfectly primed, blank canvas. You can style these bikes to dramatically change their look, function, or comfort.

Usually, a standard motorcycle has a mostly-upright posture, medium-sized tanks, and no windshield. Riders should sport a full-coverage helmet.

Pros

• versatile
• great choice for learners
• comfortable for commute

Cons

• basic
• no windshield or gadgets built-in
• tanks usually only get 40-50 mpg
  

Cruiser Motorcycle Style

Powerful, classic and cool, these legendary motorcycles are by far the most popular choice for many riders. Also known as choppers or hogs, this type of bikes actually originated back in 1889 when motorcycles were just being invented. Because of Harley-Davidson and popular movies like Easy Rider, cruisers are an iconic image in American culture.

With a little bit of everything in them, a cruiser is an excellent motorcycle for a rider who has graduated beyond the standard style. They are also an essential permanent addition for anyone’s collection, as they are capable of tons of customizations and additions.

Although they are not the most forceful motorcycles, what they lack in speed they make up for in durability and comfort. Cruisers are meant to be enjoyed, so you’re able to sit fairly comfortably for long periods of time on these bad boys. And although they aren’t quite the perfect choice for an extended road trip, you can still enjoy a sunny day on a highway. Lean back, put your feet up, and feel the wind around you while you enjoy the powerful and smooth V-twin engine, luxurious low seat, and gorgeous build. 

Pros

• aesthetically pleasing
• adaptable
• low-maintenance

Cons

• relatively slow
• uncomfortable for very long trips
• loud engine
  

Adventure Motorcycle Style

Once you know your way around a motorcycle, this versatile style is definitely the way to go. Ideal for intermediately-experienced riders, you can use this motorcycle for both on and off-roading. However, you might find you like them best when there’s nothing but an open dirt road ahead! 

Durable, adaptable and fast. On these bikes, you’re able to sit upright and the pegs allow for standing during jumps. The posture isn’t quite as demanding as other types of bikes, so your body won’t be too sore too quickly…but it’s not exactly ideal for cross-country visits.

In recent years, ADV bikes have become more popular as innovations have allowed for bigger, more reliable gas tanks and increasingly powerful engines. These motorcycles are truly meant to be used. As the name implies, ADV bikes are an excellent choice for pretty much all routes. Open to possibility with the resources to thrive in a variety of settings, ADV bikes are usually highly-customizable and have been designed ready to tackle any and everything. Plus, they can go up to 10,000 miles before needing maintenance. Compared to the recommended check-in every 500 miles for other motorcycles, adventure bikes could mean a lot less trips to your local shop.

Pros

• multi-functional
• durable
• pegs allow for standing

Cons

• low storage capacity
• small frame 
• uncomfortable for extended riding
  

Sport Motorcycle Style

Fun, but requires significant experience and skill. When you need to get some adrenaline, hop on these racers. These bullet-fast sports motorcycles will get you to where you’re going almost as soon as you can think of it-some of them can shoot you from 0-to-60 in under five seconds, and those are the slow ones.

The posture of a sport bike is pretty extreme, making it unsuitable for both traffic and long distances. Save this one for when you need some excitement. Due to their intensity, it makes sense that these motorcycles have some of the highest insurance premiums. 

Those fast speeds mean fast turns, too. Maneuverability on these slick bikes is so quick that you really need to have the skill to be able to control it. With just a small turn of the throttle, you’ll be blazing–and it’s best to make sure you know what you’re doing when that happens. Save this one for the pros if you haven’t had proper training.

Pros

• very fast
• fun, thrilling ride
• relatively quiet

Cons

• higher cost
• dangerous without proper training or skill
• uncomfortable posture

Touring Motorcycle Style

Large, heavy, luxurious. These regal machines provide style and support for a long trip and lots of wind protection while you drive through highways and valleys. 

Perfect for checking out the countryside, traveling with a partner, or taking extended journeys, touring motorcycles are a very nice ride. They prioritize comfort over speed, allowing you to catch a glimpse of whatever scenery you’re passing by. Capable of withstanding a relatively large amount of weight, these “dresser” motorcycles can be outfitted with all sorts of decorations and customizations.

Although their weight is one of their benefits, it also impedes mobility and can be a real pain if the bike tips over. But these big motos are capable of carrying lots of heavy luggage, so you can take it from coast-to-coast if you like. And while you might think these big boys would just eat up a ton of gas, they actually boast over 60 mpg due to their huge tanks. Not a bad deal for luxury, comfort, and a long leash from the gas station.

Pros

• stylish
• customizable
• large gas tanks

Cons

• very heavy
• inconvenient for traffic
• difficult maneuverability
  

Other Motorcycle Styles

Although sport and cruiser motorcycles are becoming the most popular choices in recent years, the rise of electric bikes is looming large on the horizon. 

Electric boast silent, high-powered speeds with no fumes. Some snazzy electric bikes can reach over 200 mph–making them a formidable contender for most popular motorcycle in coming years. E-bikes have actually been around for quite some time, but recent editions have made these futuristic bikes more and more of an attainable option. With better design and functionality (in addition to more companies across industries choosing to focus on sustainable products) the motorcycle world is undoubtedly heading towards a remarkably electric future. 

And as adrenaline-packed adventure sports are becoming more popular, people are developing their off-roading skills like never before. Although ADV motorcycles work too, dirt bikes are a great choice if you’re looking to get down and dirty. 

Lastly, the classics. The vintage editions. The ones we know and love, and the ones we have been tinkering with in our garage for too many summers. These are a great choice for collectors, but to the savvy rider they’re also a great choice for experimenting with your mechanical skills, especially if you can find a bargain. Additionally, many manufacturers are putting out motorcycles that offer the best of both worlds: an old-school design with nifty gadgets and state of the art engineering.

Rent Your Motorcycle Today!

Now that you have some idea of what we offer, you can make the best decision about what your ride will be. All of these choices are available with Twisted Road, so check out your city’s availability to rent one today! 

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