Different types of motorcycles
At a glance
There are six types of motorcycles:
- The street bike (also called standard or naked bike) that delivers a balanced experience, perfect for beginners.
- The sport motorcycle focused on performance.
- The cruiser (or custom) bike, customizable and with a unique style.
- The touring motorcycle, comfortable and convenient.
- Motocross, built for off‑road riding and extreme sports.
- The dual‑sport motorcycle, a motocross bike that is street‑legal.
How to choose the right type of motorcycle?
To choose the right type of motorcycle, start by identifying your own needs, then match them with the motorcycle that best fits your goals thanks to this guide.
Street motorcycles
A street bike, also called a standard or naked bike, is ideal for daily urban commuting.
It is lighter than a touring motorcycle but not as powerful as a sport motorcycle. It lands squarely between those two ends of the spectrum.
This is a balanced type of motorcycle that works well for both beginners and experienced riders.
At Estrie Marine, discover the best 2026 street motorcycles, such as the 2026 Indian Pursuit or the 2026 Indian Scout Bobber.
Sport motorcycles
Sport bikes put performance first. They are powerful and agile, delivering some of the highest speeds you can achieve on a motorcycle.
However, the forward‑leaning riding position is not very comfortable over long distances.
As a result, they primarily appeal to experienced riders who seek strong thrills.
Cruiser/custom motorcycles
A cruiser, also called a custom or boulevard cruiser, is a type of motorcycle that encourages personalization and motorcycle culture.
Although not performance‑focused, cruisers are typically powerful enough for intercity trips. Some also offer luggage compartments, although these are more limited than on a touring motorcycle.
Another type of bike that works well for both a beginner and an experienced rider, cruisers often come as highly customizable models, such as the Indian 101 Scout or the Indian Chief.
Dual sport
A dual‑sport bike is a motocross‑type bike that is also equipped to be street‑legal.
Like motocross bikes, they are light and feature small displacements, and they are durable, since they are designed for rough terrain.
Although the idea of motocross can be intimidating for beginners, they can serve well as a first motorcycle for a new rider.
Touring
Touring motorcycles specialize in comfort and convenience, usually at the expense of weight and manoeuvrability.
They feature a relaxed riding position and large luggage compartments to make long trips straightforward and exciting.
They are powerful bikes that require a base level of experience to handle, which makes them less suitable for beginners.
In short, experienced riders will enjoy models like the Indian Challenger or the Indian Roadmaster.
Motocross
Designed for sports riding, motocross motorcycles are not legal for use on public roads. Like dual‑sport machines, they are nimble and robust, capable of jumps and landings without too much difficulty.
Less powerful than dual‑sport motorcycles, they can be a good fit for a beginner rider. However, the extreme sports they are built for are better left to experienced motorcyclists.
There are many motocross brands and models, such as GasGas and its MC125 or EC 300.
Summary table of the different types of motorcycles
Here is a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of each type of motorcycle:
| Type of motorcycle | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Street bike |
|
|
| Sport motorcycle |
|
|
| Cruiser motorcycle |
|
|
| Dual‑sport |
|
|
| Touring |
|
|
| Motocross |
|
|
Come find your new motorcycle at Estrie Marine
To discover one of the largest motorcycle inventories in Estrie, stop by Estrie Marine Sports, your motorcycle dealership in Sherbrooke.
FAQ
What are the main differences between a sport motorcycle and a cruiser?
The main differences start with the riding position. A sport motorcycle requires a forward‑canted position that is unique to this type of bike.
In addition, sport motorcycles are generally more powerful and are focused on outright performance.
Which motorcycles are best for street riding?
For everyday riding, street motorcycles such as the Indian FTR models are a great fit. They strike a middle ground between the raw performance of sport bikes and the comfort of touring motorcycles.
Which type of motorcycle is best for a beginner?
For a beginner, it is recommended to choose a balanced bike, such as a street motorcycle, a cruiser or a dual‑sport.
What are the different types of motorcycles?
The different types are: street, sport, touring, cruiser, motocross and dual‑sport.
What are the advantages of a touring bike for long trips?
Touring motorcycles focus on comfort and convenience. They offer a comfortable riding position and generous storage to make trips as practical as possible.
SOURCES: