So you bought a motorcycle and you think you are pretty cool. It is thrilling and positively empowering riding your own motorcycle down the road, but, have you brushed up on your motorcycle lingo and general motorcycle knowledge? Specifically, do you know what category your bike falls under? Listed below are the basic categories of motorcycles and a brief definition.

Standard Motorcycle - also known as the "naked" motorcycle, the traditional motorcycle, or the muscle bike. This type of motorcycle normally has very little frills, thus the term a standard or naked motorcycle. The rider sits in an upright position allowing more visibility.

Cruiser Motorcycle - the secret to the cruiser type bike is in the style and details. This is the chromed up motorcycle that is frequently shown in bad boy motorcycle movies. The chopper motorcycle also falls in the cruiser category. The rider sits in an upright position and the bike sits low to the ground, providing better balance. Most cruisers have v-twin engines and a little more torque than similar motorcycles. Nicholas Cage is riding a cruiser type chopper in the movie "Ghost Rider".

Sport Motorcycle - also known as the "crotch rocket". These motorcycles are popular with the young and fast because of the maneuver and speed of these motorcycles. The rider leans forward on these motorcycles with their feet slightly to the rear of the bike. These motorcycles differ from other motorcycles because of their lightweight, ease of handling, and sheer horsepower.

Touring Motorcycle - The luxury touring motorcycle, also coined the "road couch" or the "geyser glide" because these motorcycles have all the luxuries and comforts of home with a slightly higher price tag. These motorcycles are the "Cadillac" of motorcycles for touring. These motorcycle types are for travelling comfortably for long distances. The rider sits in an upright position, usually with a larger, more comfortable seat. They normally have large storage compartments, larger gas tanks, stereo systems and many other accessories. If you don't want all the luxury, there are other touring motorcycles available that are also designed for comfort on long distances without all the frills.

Dirt Bikes - Dirt bikes, also known as off-road motorcycles, offer the best in riding on dirt rather than on paved surfaces. These are sturdy, no-nonsense, lighter weight types of motorcycles meant to perform well in off-road situations. The rider sits in an upright position. The Motocross motorcycle is an example of a dirt bike.

Dual Purpose Motorcycle - Dual purpose motorcycles can switch from dirt bikes to street bikes. This motorcycle is designed to ride better than most street bikes in the dirt and better than most dirt bikes in the street. The rider normally sits in an upright position.

The next article in this series is the "Standard Motorcycle".

Until then, ride safe.

Nancy