| ill of riding with the wind in your face, the roar of the | | | | They also have large, knobby tires built to navigate |
| engine and ease of maneuverability make | | | | uneven surfaces. |
| motorcycles fun. Fuel economy and a lower sticker | | | | Strengths: This type of motorcycle is perfect if |
| price than cars make them even more attractive. | | | | you’re an outdoor adventurer. You can ride |
| There are three main types of motorcycles: street | | | | through trails and up hills and mountains with ease. |
| bikes, off-road bikes and dual-purpose bikes. | | | | You can also ride in competitions like motocross or |
| Street motorcycles: Street bikes are the most | | | | rallies. |
| common motorcycle type. They are designed to be | | | | Weaknesses: Most off-road motorcycles can’t |
| ridden on paved roads. | | | | function as regular transportation. They are missing |
| Features: Street motorcycles feature aerodynamic | | | | certain features, like lights, mirrors and emissions |
| body panels and fenders to cover the functional | | | | standards required to travel on streets. Also, many |
| components of the bike. They also have car-like | | | | states won’t issue license plates to off-road |
| features including cushy seats, speedometers and | | | | motorcycles. |
| odometers, storage areas and smoother tires for a | | | | Types: Off-road motorcycles vary depending on the |
| comfortable ride. | | | | sport or event for which they are intended. |
| Strengths: Street bikes make excellent modes of | | | | Motocross, perhaps the most popular, features bikes |
| regular transportation. They have high fuel economy, | | | | that are exceptionally light so they can easily clear |
| with some bikes getting around 100 miles to the | | | | jumps. Rallies, which are races through the desert, |
| gallon. Certain types of street bikes are even ideal | | | | require heavier bikes with larger fuel tanks to travel |
| for long-distance traveling. Tending to cost less than | | | | long distances. |
| cars and trucks, street bikes are an affordable option | | | | Dual-purpose motorcycle: If you can’t decide |
| for many commuters. | | | | between a street bike and an off-road bike, there is |
| Weaknesses: If you want to take your bike | | | | a compromise: the dual purpose. The dual purpose |
| off-roading, a street motorcycle isn’t your | | | | bike can go off-roading and travel on streets, though |
| best option. The smooth tires and suspension are | | | | it’s not as rugged as an off-road bike, nor as |
| ineffective on rugged terrain. Also, while these bikes | | | | comfortable as a street bike. |
| feature some storage, it’s not as much as | | | | Features: Dual purpose motorcycles resemble street |
| you could get in a car. | | | | bikes with their heavier weights and fuller bodies. |
| Types: Among the many types of street | | | | They also meet road standards by having lights, |
| motorcycles available, these are most common: | | | | mirrors, acceptable emissions standards and license |
| Cruisers: These comfortable bikes are perfect for | | | | plates. Off-road features of dual-purpose bikes |
| driving around town. When seated, your feet are | | | | include higher clearance and rugged tires. |
| forward, your arms are slightly raised and your back | | | | Strengths: These bikes can be used for daily travel |
| is either straight or slightly reclined. A classic example | | | | on paved roads as well as for weekend recreation. |
| of a cruiser is a Harley-Davidson. Chopper-style | | | | They can also handle rougher terrain than some |
| motorcycles also qualify as cruisers. | | | | street bikes. |
| Sport bikes: These racy little bikes are commonly | | | | Weaknesses: Due to heavier weight, these bikes |
| referred to “crotch rockets” for their speed and | | | | can’t climb especially rough terrain like an |
| loud sound. When you ride one of these bikes, | | | | off-road bike. Additionally, sportier versions of dual |
| you’re hunched forward with your legs bent | | | | purpose motorcycles are missing comfort features, |
| and feet slightly behind you. Sport bikes are | | | | making them less suitable for long-distance travel. |
| lightweight and have great speed and | | | | Types: Adventure-touring bikes are the most |
| maneuverability. However, they are less comfortable | | | | common of these dual purpose machines. They have |
| due to the seating position and lack of | | | | the weight and look of a street bike, with larger fuel |
| compartments. | | | | tanks and storage compartments, but can handle |
| Touring: Touring motorcycles are built for | | | | gravel and some off-road scenarios. Bikers who want |
| long-distance travel. The curved seat and high back | | | | even more off-road capabilities out of a dual-purpose |
| support allow you to sit in a relaxed, upright position. | | | | bike should consider enduro and supermoto bikes, |
| They also have plenty of storage compartments for | | | | which resemble off-road bikes in looks and |
| luggage as well as a small windshield, large fuel tank | | | | performance. |
| and spacious bodies. | | | | No matter which type of bike suits you best, |
| Off-road motorcycles: These motorcycles, also called | | | | it’s important to protect your investment with |
| dirt bikes, are best suited to recreational use and in | | | | affordable motorcycle insurance. Nationwide |
| sports such as motocross and rallies. Their rugged | | | | Insurance offers motorcycle insurance coverage |
| designs enable them to travel muddy trails and rocky | | | | tailored to your needs and budget. This lets you |
| terrain. | | | | enjoy riding with peace of mind knowing that |
| Features: Off-road motorcycles are lightweight due | | | | you’re covered in the event of an accident, |
| to their small engines and lack of body features. | | | | damage or theft. |