India is one of the top countries in terms of motorcycle population and usage. They are a youth’s dream, a family’s ride, a comfortable companion and an adventurous aide. With today’s craze for riding and cruising, let us explore a journey on motorcycle types ranging from speed style sports bikes to himalayan cruisers and touring bikes. Not to forget the rising popularity of adventure and dirt bikes in India along with the everlasting need of standard/naked bikes. Last but not the least our comfortable scooters which are our everyday rescuers.
Different Types of Motorcycles
We will go through the types of bikes, according to their different uses in road format, distance, engine capacity and speed. Further, you can find them listed in terms of utility to special category bikes, culture bikes, and lastly, we can’t miss those silent electric bikes.
1. Scooters
India is the largest scooter market in the world. We have seen its presence in old times from movies like 3 Idiots to the popularity of Honda’s Activa. They are lightweight, without gear (i.e. just an accelerator) and ready-to-go compact rides, which we are comfortable with today.
- The best use case for Scooters is easy nearby rides, quick pick-ups, and anytime movers.
- Key Features of Scooters include a long seat, leg rest surface, accelerator control, etc.
- Types of Scooters are as follows: Commuter scooter, Performance scooter, Electric scooter, Maxi scooter, Retro/Vintage scooter, etc.
- Price range: 55 thousand - 2 lakh.
- A scooter can be used by anyone for a quick and short ride. They can be useful for various utility work with a foot rest and space below the seat for keeping daily utilities.
2. Sports Bikes
Sport bikes in India were introduced around the 2000s, and since then, the craze for them has grown. There have been many advancements from track-only bikes being introduced in the form of on-road bikes like the Kawasaki Ninja H2 and Ducati Panigale V4.
- The best uses of a sport bike are for those who like speed and want to explore long-distance rides.
- Key features of sport bikes are top speed, fast acceleration, advanced safety features and cruise control, power-packed delivery, etc.
- Popular sports bikes in India are as follows: Kawasaki Ninja H2, KTM RC 390, Yamaha R15 V4, and BMW S1000RR.
- Price range: 1.2 lakhs - 1.12 crores.
- Sport bikes are for those who like speed, power and performance. Of course, they need high maintenance and a comprehensive two wheeler insurance policy to protect them.
(Fun fact: Sports Bikes, i.e. Superbikes accelerate faster than Formula 1 cars.)
Recommended Link: World's Fastest Bikes
3. Cruiser Motorcycles
Cruiser bikes, as the name suggests, are made for cruising, i.e. made for long, comfortable rides, with style, low seats, and feet-forward riding posture. They are known for high torque, reliable engines, engine revving, and a trusted riding experience.
- They can be used for long highway cruising, city cruising and daily commuting, weekend trips and scenic rides.
- Key features of cruiser motorcycles include low-end rides, customisation-friendly, stable at low speeds, V-twin engines, etc.
- Popular cruiser motorcycles: Royal Enfield Meteor 350, Bajaj Avenger 160, Harley-Davidson X440, Super Meteor 650, etc.
- Price range- 1.2 lakhs - 45 lakhs
- Cruisers are comfortable for those who want heavy riding and enjoy low-end torque with comfortable riding.
(Cruiser fact: Cruiser bikes were inspired by the spirit of rebellion and freedom after World War II!)
4. Touring Motorcycles
Touring bikes are engineered not just for distance but for comfort, luxury, and gadget-packed journeys. Think of them as the first-class cabins of the motorcycling world. Touring motorcycles are like two-wheeled RVs - one even comes with airbags and a reverse gear.
- The best use of a touring bike is to take it on long-lasting planned trips.
- The key features of touring motorcycles are as follows: Comfort focus- ergonomics, wind protection, saddle and storage, infotainment system, airbags, reverse gear, etc.
- Popular touring bikes in India are as follows: Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, BMW G 310 GS, Suzuki V-Strom 800DE, KTM 390 Adventure X, etc.
- Price range: 2 lakh - 45 lakh.
- Touring motorcycles are for those who want to visit Ladakh or any nook and cranny in adventurous style. They have safety, comfort, luxury and long-term riding capabilities.
5. Adventure Motorcycles
Adventure bikes are built for both off-road and on-road exploration while touring bikes focus purely on long-distance comfort and highway cruising. They combine long-travel suspension, upright riding ergonomics, high ground clearance, and rugged builds to handle varied terrains - from highways to mountains to dirt trails.
- Adventure bikes are dual-purpose bikes with more body features and add-ons. They are the perfect balance for highway and off-road cruising with power and style.
- Key features of adventure motorcycles: tall stance, upright posture, skid plate and engine guards, long suspension, etc.
- Popular adventure motorcycles in India are Honda CB200X, Kawasaki Versys X 300, Yezdi Adventure, etc.
- Price range: 1.4 lakh - 20 lakh+.
- Adventure bikes have all-in-one capabilities, ready for a mountain trail, as well as for fast rides and detours.
(Adventure drop: The longest motorcycle journey ever recorded was done on an adventure bike -over 7,50,000 km! How much have you driven your bike?)
6. Dirt Bikes
Dirt bikes are one of the most underrated bikes in the world. They are the perfect combo of off-road, balance and torque. India hosted its first-ever official motocross championship in 1977, and it’s still going strong today.
- Dirt bikes can be used in off-road events, village roads, off-trail, and rocky terrains.
- They have a lightweight frame, strong suspension, high ground clearance, a simple revving engine, wide handlebars and a high seat.
- The following are the popular dirt bikes in India: Hero Xpulse 200 4v, Kawasaki KLX 140 RL, Yezdi Adventure, etc.
- Price range: 1.5 lakh - 12 Lakh+.
- If you want to experience off-roading and a solid nature side trail, some training and experience would be required after you buy your dirt bike.
7. Standard Motorcycles
Naked bikes, also known as standard motorcycles, are the soul of the bike revolution in India. Their production started in the 1960s and 1970s with mileage in mind, and today they have balanced naked motorcycles. They are sports bikes without a suit and normal specifications.
- The standard motorcycles are ready to use for any purpose, with optimised fuel economy and short to mid-term rides.
- Minimal bodywork, good wind exposure, easy maintenance, street-friendly, light weight performance, etc, are the features of naked bikes.
- Popular naked bikes in India are as follows: Unicorn, Bajaj Pulsar NS200, KTM Duke 200/250, Yamaha MT-03, etc.
- Price range: 1.2 lakh - 10 lakh+.
- Naked bikes are bikes for everyone and anyone with multi-faceted use. They are the common man’s first choice among the types of motorcycles.
8. Cafe Racers
A café racer is a type of motorcycle known for its retro styling, minimalist design, and sporty riding posture. Originally built for speed and style in the 1960s by young British riders, cafe racers were all about "racing from one café to another" - hence the name. Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 had its roots in the Cafe racer culture.
- Cafe racers are motorcycles which are a blend of cruising and touring vehicles, thus, they have a balanced approach which can be used for mid or long-term rides.
- Key features of cafe racers are as follows: minimalist design, low handlebars, vintage aesthetic, retro engine styling, etc.
- Royal Enfield Continental GT 650, Honda CB350RS, Triumph Speed Twin 900, Jawa 42 Bobber, etc.
- Price range- 2.3 lakh - 15 lakh.
- Those who are in love with nostalgic design, retro style and still want to connect with the vintage feel, cafe racer motorcycles are for you.
9. Bobbers and Choppers
India didn’t have factory-made bobbers or choppers until 2020 - riders used to build their own by cutting, welding, and improvising. Before the Jawa Perak (India’s first factory bobber) launched in 2020, enthusiasts across the country used to “desi-customise” their Royal Enfields and Bajaj Avengers into bobbers.
- It can be used for city cruising, solo rides, short daily commutes, and highway cruising in a few versions of motorcycles.
- Key features of bobbers & choppers: single seat only, less bodywork, vintage styling, wide rear tyres, etc.
- Jawa 42 Bobber, Royal Enfield Shotgun 650, and Indian Scout Bobber are a few of the popular bobber bikes. Harley-Davidson Breakout, etc, are some of the famous chopper bikes.
- Price range: 2 lakh - 18 lakh.
- Bobbers and choppers in India are for those who want style over speed, customisation, and a shift to leisure riding.
10. Electric Motorcycles
Last but not least, electric motorcycles in India are gaining popularity not just for their eco-friendliness but also for their silent operation. Unlike traditional bikes, electric motorcycles produce minimal noise, allowing riders to enjoy a peaceful ride where the loudest sound might just be the wind or the music in their heads. This quietness enhances the riding experience, especially on serene roads.
- Electric motorcycles are best for short and mid-range journeys, with developing infrastructure and technology.
- Silent rides, power modes, comfortable infotainment, lightweight, and good acceleration are interesting features of electric motorcycles.
- Popular electric motorcycles in India are Ola Roadster Pro, Oben Rorr, Komaki Ranger, Ultaviolette F77 Mach 2 Recon, etc.
- Price range: 2 lakh - 10 lakh.
- Electric motorcycles have been a buzz in the Indian market, due to their effective battery range, power modes and new efficient technology.
Conclusion
Buying a dream bike is one of the first purchases that a young person can make in their life. Further, riding a motorcycle is an emotional experience because you connect with its engine and the daily commute. From owning a cycle to bikes and cars, owning a motorcycle is an accomplishment. We have seen various types of bikes, such as regular ones, also known as naked bikes, and then there are touring and cruising bikes for mid to long-range rides, which will help you decide what type of motorcycle you might need.
With this, buying the right two wheeler insurance cover is another important decision that one takes along with buying the bike. It is like buying a health policy for your motorcycle. Finally, motorcycles are part of our families, and they will forever be.
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Frequently Asked Question
What is the difference between a bike and a scooter?
A bike typically has manual gears and higher speed capability, while a scooter is gearless, easier to ride, and built for city commuting.
Which type of motorcycle is best for long rides?
Touring and adventure motorcycles are best for long rides due to their comfortable ergonomics, larger fuel tanks, and luggage-carrying capacity.
Which type of motorcycle is suitable for high-traffic cities?
Scooters and commuter bikes are best for high-traffic cities due to their lightweight, easy handling, and fuel efficiency.
What are the three basic motorcycle types?
The three basic motorcycle types are cruiser, sport, and touring bikes.
What are small motorcycles called?
Small motorcycles are commonly called mopeds, scooters, or minibikes, depending on their design and engine size.
What is the difference between a bike and a scooter?
A bike typically has manual gears and higher speed capability, while a scooter is gearless, easier to ride, and built for city commuting.
Which type of motorcycle is best for long rides?
Touring and adventure motorcycles are best for long rides due to their comfortable ergonomics, larger fuel tanks, and luggage-carrying capacity.
Which type of motorcycle is suitable for high-traffic cities?
Scooters and commuter bikes are best for high-traffic cities due to their lightweight, easy handling, and fuel efficiency.
What are the three basic motorcycle types?
The three basic motorcycle types are cruiser, sport, and touring bikes.
What are small motorcycles called?
Small motorcycles are commonly called mopeds, scooters, or minibikes, depending on their design and engine size.
