| This is the second article in our new series titled | | | | these riders. Common to the touring motorcycle |
| Guide for New Riders. It will give you a chance to | | | | models is usually large displacement fairings and |
| learn about different types of motorcycles, so that | | | | windshields (to offer a high degree of weather and |
| you can buy the type that suits your needs. | | | | wind protection), large capacity fuel tanks (for long |
| In the next article in this series I will talk about | | | | ranges between fill-ups), engines offering lots of |
| actually buying your first motorcycle. | | | | low-end horsepower, and a more relaxed, more |
| For now, let's find out more about different types of | | | | upright seating position than sport bikes. Common |
| motorcycles. The very first decision to make would | | | | current examples of full-dress tourers include the |
| be 'what kind of bike do I want to get?' This is going | | | | Honda Goldwing, the BMW K1200LT and the |
| to depend what you want to get out of | | | | Harley-Davidson Electra Glide, all of which have |
| motorcycling. There are several types to choose | | | | become quite popular. |
| from: | | | | A dual-sport, colloquially known as "dualie" or an |
| Touring / Cruiser | | | | "on-off road bike" is a type of street legal |
| Sport | | | | motorcycle that is designed for both on and off-road |
| Dual-sport | | | | use. Popular dual-sport models include the BMW GS |
| Off-road | | | | series, KTM Adventure series, Kawasaki KLR, |
| Let's start with a sport bike, because that's what I | | | | SuzukiDRZ and V-Strom, Honda XL, Yamaha XT and |
| bought ;) According to MSF, a sport bike is a type of | | | | many more. |
| motorcycle under the street classification and | | | | There are several different types of off-road |
| generally emphasizes performance over comfort and | | | | motorcycle, designed and specialized for specific |
| passenger/load capacity. I bought a sport bike back | | | | functions. For off road use they typically, when |
| in June 2007 (Yamaha R6s) and I was not | | | | compared to road going motorcycles have light |
| disappointed. Very quick responsive handling and | | | | weight, small engines, long suspension travel and high |
| throttle control, great maneuverability, awesome look. | | | | ground clearance. They also feature simple, rugged |
| It is though a bit uncomfortable, but only after riding | | | | construction with little bodywork and no fairing, and |
| long distances without a quick stop. Some other | | | | large wheels with knobby tires. |
| great sport bikes are Yamaha R1 (probably not good | | | | So, there are different types of motorcycles to |
| as your first bike-too much power), Kawasaki Ninja | | | | choose from. I chose a sport bike for great handling |
| ZX-6R, Suzuki GSX-R600 and Honda CBR 600RR. | | | | and maneuverability as well as a sporty sexy look, |
| A touring motorcycle is a type of motorcycle | | | | lightweight, and an awesome power to weight ratio. |
| designed for long-distance touring and heavy | | | | Which type will you choose? In the next article we |
| commuting. Although any motorcycle can be used to | | | | will discuss all of the aspects of buying a motorcycle, |
| tour with, manufacturers have brought specific | | | | from buying new or used, buying online, private or |
| models designed to address the particular needs of | | | | commercial purchases, and more. |