I'm a beginner, and just getting into motorbikes for the first time, at age 35. :eek: (My older brother got his license last summer at 37, and wished he'd of done it earlier as he enjoys it so much)

I'm interested in a street bike, for some commuting, (75 km each way), however, as I'm getting established with family life, I'd life to also buy a small dirt bike for use when camping (trail rides & gravel roads).

I've noticed that there's a lot of different seating positions, from looking at Harleys & Honda Shadows, and Ninja style crotch-rockets, and even among the 'ninja' style bikes, there's touring and other classifications/styles when buying these bikes.

Can someone break-down the different classifications/styles for me? :confused:

Damn Canadians and your damn questions...oh wait..nm.

I only have my dirtbike, but I am also in the market for a streetbike. The way I see it there are 5 different classes.

1. Dirtbike and offroad inspired.
Dirtbikes vary from little 50cc pit bikes to 450cc race bikes and beyond. Also in this class are the enduros (street legal dirtbikes), supermotos (dirtbikes with street tires) and adventure bikes (big displacement on/offroad bikes with real big gas tanks and on/off road tires)
These bikes usually have a high, narrow seat that is very easy to move around on but will get uncomfortable after a couple hours of riding (I believe the MX crowd calls it monkey butt). The seating position is upright and most comfortable for short rides with frequent breaks.
2. Sport Bikes or Crotch Rockets.
This class is dominated by race replica (RR) bikes these days. The engines vary from 250cc to 1000cc (and a few larger) and make upwards of 200hp. They are fast, loud and, for the most part, uncomfortable. If you want to go 250kph these are the bikes for you. The seating position is pretty cramped, if you are a big guy (>6') you probably won't fit on a 600cc bike (I don't). These bikes are designed for short, fast races and you really can't use them to their full potential unless you go to a track day. However, I know people that frequently ride long distances (>500km/day) on them and swear they are comfortable.
3. Sport Touring.
These bikes have the look of a sport bike but put the rider in a more upright and comfortable position. Often they have a detuned sport bike engine. This class is designed for longer distance rides while still retaining the ability to lean way over in the corner and ride the twisties.
4. Touring.
When you think of riding your bike are you leaning back in your seat, with your feet up, with the cruise control set and listening to the radio? If so Touring is what you want. These bikes are usually big, really big, with all the bells and whistles you take for granted in a car, some have heat (okay I saw one, once, I can't remember what model it was). They are very comfortable, most people I talk to say they are more comfortable than any car. If you ever want to take a summer off to drive around the country on your motorbike, you should look at a touring bike.
5. Cruisers.
I'm not even sure what to say about cruisers. They are pretty much every other bike. They are not necessarily designed for speed, or handling, although some do both very well. Some are comfortable, some are not. I think of cruisers as more of a statement than a mode of transportation.

I'm sure I didn't cover every bike out there with these descriptions, there are just so many different types these days.

Damn Canadians and your damn questions...oh wait..nm.

I only have my dirtbike, but I am also in the market for a streetbike. The way I see it there are 5 different classes.

1. Dirtbike and offroad inspired.
Dirtbikes vary from little 50cc pit bikes to 450cc race bikes and beyond. Also in this class are the enduros (street legal dirtbikes), supermotos (dirtbikes with street tires) and adventure bikes (big displacement on/offroad bikes with real big gas tanks and on/off road tires)
These bikes usually have a high, narrow seat that is very easy to move around on but will get uncomfortable after a couple hours of riding (I believe the MX crowd calls it monkey butt). The seating position is upright and most comfortable for short rides with frequent breaks.
2. Sport Bikes or Crotch Rockets.
This class is dominated by race replica (RR) bikes these days. The engines vary from 250cc to 1000cc (and a few larger) and make upwards of 200hp. They are fast, loud and, for the most part, uncomfortable. If you want to go 250kph these are the bikes for you. The seating position is pretty cramped, if you are a big guy (>6') you probably won't fit on a 600cc bike (I don't). These bikes are designed for short, fast races and you really can't use them to their full potential unless you go to a track day. However, I know people that frequently ride long distances (>500km/day) on them and swear they are comfortable.
3. Sport Touring.
These bikes have the look of a sport bike but put the rider in a more upright and comfortable position. Often they have a detuned sport bike engine. This class is designed for longer distance rides while still retaining the ability to lean way over in the corner and ride the twisties.
4. Touring.
When you think of riding your bike are you leaning back in your seat, with your feet up, with the cruise control set and listening to the radio? If so Touring is what you want. These bikes are usually big, really big, with all the bells and whistles you take for granted in a car, some have heat (okay I saw one, once, I can't remember what model it was). They are very comfortable, most people I talk to say they are more comfortable than any car. If you ever want to take a summer off to drive around the country on your motorbike, you should look at a touring bike.
5. Cruisers.
I'm not even sure what to say about cruisers. They are pretty much every other bike. They are not necessarily designed for speed, or handling, although some do both very well. Some are comfortable, some are not. I think of cruisers as more of a statement than a mode of transportation.

I'm sure I didn't cover every bike out there with these descriptions, there are just so many different types these days.

Dude, that was AWESOME! Thanks. :smokin:

So, would your typical older Harley Davidson & Honda Shadows then fall into the Cruisers class?

Dude, that was AWESOME! Thanks. :smokin:

So, would your typical older Harley Davidson & Honda Shadows then fall into the Cruisers class?

Depends on the previous owner and the model of Harley, but generally yes they would be labeled as cruisers.

Judging by the type of riding you're looking to do (commuting, light offroad, etc) you'd probably fit in well at ADV Rider (http://www.advrider.com) - you'll learn a lot if you do some reading on that forum.

Judging by the type of riding you're looking to do (commuting, light offroad, etc) you'd probably fit in well at ADV Rider (http://www.advrider.com) - you'll learn a lot if you do some reading on that forum.

I'm having a blast reading that forum, thanks for the link. :beer:

There's even one thread, specifically about me:: Who started riding after age 30 (http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=80787) :D


Dammit, I'm so going thru with this learning to ride desire I have... :grinpimp:

Dammit, I'm so going thru with this learning to ride desire I have... :grinpimp:

I am a little ashamed to admit, especially after my post above, that I don't have my license. I was always into motorcycles, and I have driven a few street bikes, but I just never ended up getting licensed. Now I finally have the time and the means to do it and this year is the year.

I get a nice bonus in May or June and I am already shopping for bikes. Just yesterday I saw a nice 2001 Ducati ST4 for sale right in my price range. Not sure what I really want at this point but there are a lot of bikes around 10 years old for less than 5 grand.

I'm sure in the next couple years I will be riding through Abbotsford, see you then.