What Kind of Motorcycle Should I Get?

The adventure touring bike is a newer style of bike. It’s a dual-sport motorcycle that rides comfortably on almost any terrain. Take it down Route 66 or hit the road less traveled. Heck, the road doesn’t even have to be paved! Adventure touring motorcycles are designed with on- and off-road capabilities, with higher ground clearance and reliable engines that’ll serve you well on long and short trips alike. Adventurer tourers come in all shapes and sizes. Gear Patrol’s top picks for adventure motorcycles include the KTM Adventure 790 Adventure R, which costs about $13,499.

You might want to buy an adventure touring bike if…

• You want to spend equal time on- and off-road.
• You enjoy trail riding.
• You rarely ride with passengers.

Choppers

You don’t have to know motorcycles to spot a chopper from a mile away. Choppers are a type of custom motorcycle that was first made in California in the late 1950s. Choppers gained popularity in the 1960s, thanks to Peter Fonda and his chopper named “Captain America” in Easy Rider.

Choppers are designed to look “extreme,” with long front ends, raked forks, reclined seats, hardtail frames (frames without rear suspension), and lots of shimmery, flashy chrome. One chopper does not fit all, so make sure you know what you’re getting into when you buy this type of custom motorcycle. Axle Addict has a great quiz that will help you figure out which type of chopper is right for you: Classic Bobber, Pro-Street, Fat Bob, or Bagger.

You might want to buy a chopper if…

• You want to turn heads everywhere you ride.
• You enjoy riding in comfort and style.
• You want your passengers to be comfortable.

Cruisers

Cruisers are one of the most common types of motorcycles and are a true American icon. A cruiser looks like a toned-down chopper and is designed for comfortable, relaxed riding. The rider usually sits with their feet forward and hands up, with their spine erect or leaning back slightly. Cruisers focus on rideability, not horsepower, and traditionally have V-twin engines. They’re a great option if you’re buying your first motorcycle. But if you’re looking for a cruiser with more oomph, consider a Power Cruiser. Power Cruisers often comes with upgraded brakes and suspensions, premium finishes, and more horsepower.

You might want to buy a cruiser if…

• You value soul over speed—cruisers are nostalgic!
• You want to relax while riding.
• You always want the option to carry passengers and luggage.

Dirt Bikes/Off-Road Motorcycles

“Life is short, so grip it and rip it.”

Does that sound like your philosophy on life? If so, you might be destined to ride a dirt bike. This type of motorcycle is specifically designed for off-roading. It features knobby off-road tires, long suspension, high ground clearance, and a minimal frame. Dirt bikes are used in competitions like Enduro, Motocross, and Trials.

You might want to buy an off-road motorcycle if…

• Travis Pastrana is one of your heroes.
• You’re after adrenaline.
• You love riding hard and getting dirty.
• You value speed and agility.

Scooters

Alright, so some readers are going to say that scooters don’t belong on this list, but hear us out! A scooter is a lightweight, economical option for many riders. It’s a small bike that makes it easy to get around town and run errands, and many can be purchased for a couple thousand dollars. Plus, the majority of modern scooters don’t require manual shifting—motorcycles mostly do!

You might want to buy a scooter if…

• You want something that’s cheaper than a motorcycle.
• Gas mileage is top priority.
• You don’t want to get a special license.
• You don’t plan on hitting the highway.

Next step? Compare motorcycle financing

Hit the open road on the motorcycle of your dreams. Heck, maybe you want to hit the motocross track! Either way, myAutoloan can help you finance all types of motorcycles. Apply for motorcycle financing today, even bad credit motorcycle loans.