There are a lot of different motorcycle riders out there, and here's a list of them
Motorcycle riders - like eggs, toothbrushes, and sofas - come in all shapes and sizes. If you were to attend a community ride or bike meetup, you'd expect to see a bunch of Harleys and your occasional sport bike, but you'd be surprised by the number of different riders there are today. Some have only just formed in the last few years. The average motorcycle has changed dramatically from the first motorcycle rider, and the categories have significantly magnified. The new cliques are easy to identify. These are the top 10 types of motorcycle riders and the bike they are most likely to be riding.
Here we start with the root of the motorcycle industry, the standard cruiser with character and street recognition. Most consumers enter the motorcycle industry with a desire to cruise and experience the open road like their parents did, on the back of a big engine with a relaxed stance. The Indian Scout Bobber delivers this in spades, giving the rider confidence, ample power, and a beautiful package that turns heads on any street. If you are trying to emulate the feeling of the Wild Ones and the theme of Sturgis, look no further. The Bobber is a sure pick for those seeking convenience and technology in a minimalistic package.
The Ducatista is a particular type of person. Arising at the dawn of day with a cup of espresso in their hand, they look at the ticker symbols of the stock market with intrigue and motivation. While the brand advertises to the more wealthy of riders, their quality and bespoke fit to the rider is unmatched. The Ducati V4 was a surefire way to emulate this quality in a modernized, powerful bike. The V4 revolutionizes the superbike category while upgrading previous generations' entries into the Ducati Eco System. This bike, a Hollywood favorite, is sure to impress with its textbook red livery, ferocious sound, and high dollar price tag.
Related: 10 Things That Prove the Ducati Panigale V4 Is a Superbike From the Future
Not all Sport Riders have a pension for dropping a yearly salary on a new vehicle. Most of these riders are interested in speed and power at the best price range. Kawasaki, no stranger to the budget consumer, delivers in this category with the Z900. Designed to replace the Z1000 with a lower-weight alternative and a clear upgrade to the Z650, the Kawasaki Z900 is a fantastic option for the budget-minded interested in pursuing a super sport bike in a compact package. Seek this bike if you admire the Z-class design in a bang-for-your-buck product.
Enter the sport touring rider. The kind of person to wear a full racing suit on a 10-hour coastal ride. This rider wants speed and agility daily and is willing to pay for the privilege. The Kawasaki Ninja H2S is an excellent alternative to the H2 (the fastest production bike on the market) with its upright seating position and touring theme. Although the Goldwing dominates in long-trip comfort, the new rider is now seeking performance and high-speed, futuristic entries into the touring environment. The H2S is sure to impress on the open road.
Related:Bimota is back with a supercharged machine: Tesi H2. Courtesy Kawasaki
Strap on your flip-flops and trade your helmet for a backward snapback; the Street Squid has arrived. Long infamous for their aversion to safety and attraction to high-power street bikes, the Street Squid’s only motivation is high power in a small package. Enter the Suzuki GSX600, the most popular amongst this group. The GSX starts at $11,499 and offers the rider 599cc of four-cylinder output on the rear wheel. With the bike pushing 0-60 mph in three seconds and a pension for customizability, this is a sure-fire pick for the squids of the street. In all seriousness, please wear a helmet and riding gear when riding; your mom wasn't wrong about that.
You are on your way home from work, stuck in highway traffic at 5 pm, dying to get home and rest from the day. Traffic starts to move, finally, and it appears your problems are behind you. Just at that moment, you hear the roar of an engine, and a bike whizzes by you… on its back wheel. There's a maniac doing wheelies down the highway! Who is this guy? You've just had your first interaction with the highway Stunter. This group of ragtag individuals has more in common with unicyclists than motorcyclists, seizing every opportunity to raise the front wheel. Typically, this group will retrofit a dirt bike for the road with street tires, but the ones who seek value in this category will surely appreciate the Yamaha MT09. This 890cc in-line three-cylinder almost encourages the rider to ride like a demon on one wheel. With standard custom rims, flashy livery, and slipper clutch, this is easily one of the best vehicles for a Stunter, in a parking lot or on the highway.
Related:Battle Of The Streetfighters: Yamaha MT-10 Takes On A Kawasaki Z900 In A Drag Race
Smooth jazz fills the air as you cruise through the third town of the day. You've been riding for 8 hours, but you don't mind. The Honda Goldwing intends to provide as many creature comforts as possible to stretch your road time. With heated grips, seat, comfortable riding position, Apple Car Play, Nav System, luggage, and optional DCT Clutchless models, it's like riding a luxury vehicle. Classic Honda Goldwings featured Cassette Tape Stereo Systems (with Tape Deck Storage options), Ham Radios, Air Compressors, and substantial fuel tanks. The Long Range Rider appreciates the Goldwing like a mobile La-Z-Boy, familiar and comfortable. If you want to tour the country without stopping to rest, seek out the Goldwing.
A new class of riders has invaded America’s parking lots and backstreets - The Mini Stunter. Sure to give you a good giggle or two, the Mini Stunter is passionate about its little pony of a steed. The Honda Grom created a whole new segment in the motorcycle industry, focusing on beginner riders and riders seeking simplicity and peculiarity. Sure to be a hit in the streets of Portland and Austin, the Street Stunter attempts wheelies while riding the passenger pegs of the Grom, racing their friends at 40 mph. Interestingly, this is one of the most popular bikes for riders to switch to with its near 100 MPG and low price. Gear up for the most intense, the slowest ride of your life!
Related:Meet The Honda Grom’s Arch Italian Rival - The Benelli TNT 125
The farmer is a simple, honest man with a flair for utility and an interest in durability. In his truck, you'll find a cassette tape of George Strait's Greatest Hits; in his fridge, you'll find a case of Coors Banquet; and in his shed, you'll find an old beat-up Yamaha TW200. The TW200 has been the replacement for the mules of yesterday and the workhorses of old. When a farmer sees an issue in his field or a fence that needs fixing, he merely needs to hop on his TW200 and see it for himself. Well known for its durability and low price, the TW200 is a cult classic with its simplistic styling and old-school approach to dual sport bikes. You will also see these in use at your nearest Rider Education Course as they are low maintenance, long-lasting, and easy to gauge the throttle response. I took my certification course on the back of one many years ago! Used models of this bike are challenging to find unless you search the neighbor's barn, but the newer versions are sure to last even longer with upgraded parts and modern tech.
All types of genres of racing have inspired innovation in automobiles and motorcycles. Sport bikes find inspiration in the Moto GP flagship bikes, and performance cars find inspiration in F1 and Nascar, but there has yet to be a bike in the mainstream market inspired by the flat track racers, at least in production form. Ironically the first of these options was introduced by America's oldest cruiser maker, Indian. Even more ironic, the bike modeled after and inspired by dirt flat track racing is most used in city commuting and general tomfoolery on American highways. The FTR1200 is the perfect fit for the rider seeking speed and acceleration at all points of the power band. Test ride one for yourself; you'll understand the hype. This bike will inspire power and confidence on the road while giving you the option for minor off-road usage. The Speed Demons of today's streets will enjoy this new entry into the production market.
Jean-Luc has been riding a variety of motorcycles over the past few years but tends to lean Kawasaki. He is passionate about rider education, industry innovation, and the open road. Find him riding the twistys in Provo Canyon, or on his yearly ride through Yellowstone. Find his digital content @motowidelens on Youtube.