Motorcycle Types Inc Average Costs In 2021. A Helpful Guide

This article will explain the different types of motorcycles available and their average costs in 2021.

The main different kinds of motorcycles can be categorized as follows:

Here are the different kinds of motorcycles including their starting price:

1. Supersport From $4990
2. Street / Naked From $4000
3. Touring From $10,000
4. Sports Touring From $12,999
5. Dual Sport / Adventure From $5000
6. Retro From $4300
7. Cruisers From $5000
8. Off-road/MX From $2,200
9. Electric Motorcycles

Motorcycles are about the best fun you can have on two wheels, and there is a motorcycle out there to suit pretty much every adventure, on the road or in the dirt, that you can think of. But they are not just for fun and can have practical and useful applications as well.

Motorcycles have evolved substantially since their inception in 1885, when the first one was built in Germany by Daimler and Maybach. Since those early days, motorcycles have changed, and various designs have emerged to suit different riding styles, road conditions, and functions.

Some bikes have been created solely for recreation, while others have been created for commuting and some for long-distance riding. Each has its place, and the bike you need to look for will depend on the intended purpose that you want to use the bike for.

Some motorcycles have crossover purposes and can be used in multiple motorcycling disciplines. Within this article, I have detailed the different kinds of motorcycles and their main functions and cost so you can determine which bike suits your requirements best.

Supersport Motorcycles

Superbikes are one of my favorite categories of bikes! The raw power and speed that they offer are unmatched by any of the other categories. A superbike is generally considered a motorcycle with an engine capacity of 750cc to 1200cc and is capable of racing on a track.

The superbike class of racing bikes must be based on a standard production road bike modified for racing. Manufacturers use the design elements discovered in the racing environment to improve the road versions of these bikes.

Many of the new technological advancements of all motorcycles come from the manufacturers’ constant updates, which allow their sports bikes to go faster on the track. These modifications then trickle down over time to the motorcycles we commute on or take out on adventures.

Superbikes are not for the faint-hearted! They are a beast to be tamed and will require nerves of steel to handle on city and suburban roads.

These motorcycles are characterized by their racing style lines, powerful pull-offs, and high top-speeds. Some people do not see them as suitable bikes to commute to work daily because they are heavy, and there is not much space on the roads these days to open the bike up.

I would disagree, and as someone who used a superbike to commute to the city for work for many years, I have some experience on the matter. The power of these bikes lets you get ahead of traffic very easily from a standing start, where it is safer for you.

However, I experienced some overheating issues, so you would have to be aware of this if you were thinking of purchasing a superbike and commuting on it daily.

The extra power that these machines have will allow you a quicker turn of speed to get out of a sticky situation in traffic.

Even though these bikes are quite large compared to other street bikes, they are still surprisingly maneuverable in traffic.

The downside to the superbike is that they are heavy on fuel, they go through tires faster, and they are fairly expensive to service and maintain.

Accidents on these bikes also generally result in more severe injuries because of their higher speed and power capabilities. Let’s face it; if you have that kind of power and speed in the palm of your hands, you are going to use it, right!

Superbikes can be used for recreation, and many riders enjoy using them for bike runs on the weekends where they can stretch their bike’s legs, so to speak, and open up the throttle a bit. If you have a bike racetrack in your area, they often open up the circuit a few times a month to the public, or you could join a club. You can then take your superbike out on the track and test your limits!

Entry Level: These bikes are a steal at the lower end. Bikes like the Kawasaki Ninja 300 ($4,999) and Yamaha R3 ($4,990) come with plenty of cool features. For a little bit more, you can get more power with bikes such as the Honda CBR500RR for $6,499 and the Kawasaki Ninja 650 for $7,199.

Mid Level: At this price range, you’ll see some more power. The Honda CBR600RR is a decent deal at $11,490, as well as the Yamaha YZF-R6. Racetrack favorites such as the Suzuki GSX-R1000 ($13,899) and  Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R ($14,999) cap off this price range.

High-Level: On the splurge end, supersport bikes go from $15k up and can go as high as you imagine. The Yamaha YZF-R1 is a good choice in the lower high-level range at $16,490, while if you want something super luxe, the Ducati Panigale R starts at a staggering $34,695.

Street / Naked Motorcycles

Street bikes are a large category of motorcycles and range from the small 200cc commuters to the mid-range 650cc bikes. They are generally designed as road bikes and do not do well in dirt or off-road environments.

This category of bikes has the largest variety of body styles. Basically, they’re exactly what they sound like: they’re for riding on the street. Standard bikes are commonly known as “naked” bikes, or bikes without a fairing.

Fairings are those plastic body elements that cover the engine and frame. They help to make a bike more aerodynamic, which is absolutely needed for sports bikes. However, street bikes have less of a need to be so aerodynamic, so a naked style is quite popular.

These bikes are often sought after by commuters because they are light and fuel-efficient. In many countries, such as India and Indonesia, smaller street bikes are the main form of transport. However, here in North America, the lower capacity street motorcycles are not so popular yet.

The downside of street bikes, particularly the smaller engine bikes, is that they do not have the power to accelerate out of sticky situations and because they have a relatively limited low top speed, they do not make for good daily commuters, especially if part of your journey includes using the highway.

The modern street bikes with engine capacities of 300 cc and above have a significant turn of speed suitable for urban and suburban traffic conditions.

These bikes are light, nippy, and maneuverable as well as relatively cheap to maintain and service, so they are ideal for navigating a large city or your local busy town cutting through the traffic. They also have less wear on tires and chains than the larger superbikes do.

Most manufacturers offer a street bike, so you’re not going to have any trouble finding one within your budget. Generally, the price will increase with the engine size. Let’s take a look at the price ranges.

Entry Level: A standard street bike is extremely affordable, with bikes going for as low as just $4,000 (like the Honda CB300F) to $8000 (like the Suzuki GSX-S750). The Yamaha FZ-07 is another popular option going for $6,990.

Mid Level: Mid-range standard bikes go from $8 – $12k. The Triumph Street Triple goes for $9,400, and the Kawasaki Z1000 goes for $11,999.

High-Level: If you’ve got the cash, you’ll be spoiled for choice in this category with street bikes from luxury brands. The BMW R1200R is $14,095, Aprilia RSV4 RR goes for $16,499, while the Ducati Diavel is a whopping $18,795.

Touring Motorcycles

Touring motorcycles are bikes that are purpose-built for comfort on long trips on the highway. This kind of motorcycle is built for the open road and are generally physically larger machines with higher capacity engines.

The engines are, however, usually lower revving than the superbike screamers. As a result, the pull-off of touring bikes is at a more sedate pace. However, they can accelerate quickly if the need arises. They can get up to high top speeds but generally get to this level at a slower pace than superbikes with equivalent engine sizes as the engines in sports bikes are tuned more aggressively.

A Touring motorcycles’ riding position is much more relaxed, laid back, and comfortable than most other bikes. They also often have panniers and a top box for packing space and the ability to strap your gear down when using the bike for road trips.

These bikes are heavy and not very nimble on the road. Some people use them as a commuter type bike, but their size and larger turning circle usually make them impractical for this type of riding.

They really come into their own out on the open highway, where they offer a smooth, powerful, comfortable ride. One of my dreams is to make a trip on Route 66 with a Harley Davidson Road King thumping away underneath me!

Price wise, they are among the most expensive because of the luxury features they offer and their durability. Therefore, they’re probably not the best choice for beginners… unless you’ve got quite a budget!

Entry Level: Even at the lower end of the budget scale, you’re looking at around $10k – $15k for a touring bike. The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic LT goes for a little bit less at $8,999, while the Honda NM4 goes for $10,999.

Mid Level: Mid-range touring bikes go from $15 – $20k, and this is the price range you’ll find the most options. BMW’s revolutionized the touring segment with their RT series. We love the R1200RT as a higher-mid range option at a starting price of $18,145. Other solid options are Harley-Davidson Touring Road King ($18,749) if you prefer the classic look or Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager ABS ($17,399).

High-Level: If money is no concern, top of the line tourers go for over $20k with bikes such as Honda Gold Wing Audio Comfort Navi XM ($26,899), Harley-Davidson Touring Electra Glide Ultra Classic ($23,549), and BMW K 1600 GTL ($23,200).

Sports Touring Motorcycles

The Sports Tourer keeps the sportbike feel but offers the ability to add more luggage such as side panniers and a top box. They are usually lighter than a regular touring motorcycle and similar to a sports bike, they can corner well.

Dual Sport / Adventure Motorcycles

Adventure touring motorcycles are an example of a crossover style bike. They can operate in dirt and limited off-road conditions, they can be used as a touring bike, and they work well as a street bike. They do not have the same power and speed as a superbike, but their versatility is superb as an all-rounder.

They have engine capacities from the 600cc to the 1200cc range or so, allowing you to select the type of machine in this range that best suits your needs. The BMW R1250GS is a popular and recognizable motorcycle in this category.

The adventure tourers probably offer the best from a recreation and street commuter aspect, and it performs well in this dual role. You are also not limited to black-top highways as a tourer since the bike handles dirt roads equally well.

If you think of purchasing this kind of motorcycle, make sure you are comfortable with the bike’s weight. Some can be very heavy. A bigger engine and heavier motorcycle are not always the best when in this class of bike. A smaller engine has ample power, and a lighter motorcycle will mean you will be able to take it to more out of reach places easier than a large engined heavy bike.

For example, in my opinion, the BMW 850 GS is much lighter than the 1250 GS, and you won’t be left behind if traveling along the highway as the 850 is a perfectly capable motorcycle and a lot lighter.

Entry Level: You can snag a dual-sport bike for as low as $5,000, though spending a bit more in the $6k range will get you the most value. Popular lower-priced favorites are the Yamaha WR250R ($6,690), Kawasaki KLR650 ($6,599), and the Suzuki DRZ400S ($6,599).

Mid Level: Except to spend about $8-$12k in this price range, with bikes such as the Suzuki V-Strom 650 ABS ($8,399) and BMW F700GS ($9,995).

High-Level: For a pricier dual sports bike, the BMW F800GS starts at $12,295, and the Triumph Tiger 800XC goes for $12,500. And at the very high end, the ever-so-popular legendary BMW R1200GS goes for a cool $16,495.

Retro Motorcycles

Retro motorcycles have a more traditional look. However, instead of having the old engine, mirrors, and electrics, they are kitted out with the latest technology.

Many of these retro motorcycles started their life as a naked bike. They then were given the traditional look of the ’50s and ’60s or older by adding round, simple-looking speedometers and rev counters, old fashioned color schemes such as racing green to name just one, spoked wheels, and enhanced styled seats with cross-stitching, for example, and many other accessories.

In fact, these motorcycles give all the looks of the traditional older bike and none of the problems!

Similar to the retro motorcycles are the Cafe Racers. Good old-fashioned looks incorporating all the latest new technology.

1. 2020 Harley-Davidson Iron 1200 $9,999
2. 2020 BMW R nineT Pure $9,995
3. 2020 Moto Guzzi V9 Roamer $9,990
4. 2020 Ducati Scrambler Icon $9,595
5. 2020 Indian Scout Sixty $8,999
6. 2020 Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 $5,999
7. 2020 Royal Enfield Bullet 500 $4,999
8. 2020 Yamaha TW200 $4,599

Cruisers

Cruisers are those big ol’ clunky machines with the high handlebars and forward footpegs that don’t even particularly go so fast. Basically, they’re the iconic American motorcycle from the 1930s-60s. These bikes are characterized by a low riding position, larger V-twin engines,  and raked-out front forks. Riding a cruiser is not about performance or even the practicality of taking you from Point A to Point B. Rather, it’s all about buying into that carefree lifestyle.

Because of the cruiser’s riding position – one where your hands are raised way up there to reach the handlebars and your feet are stretched way out there to reach the footpegs – they’re not ideal for beginners. The slightly leaned back and low riding position makes it tough to handle and tiring at high speeds.

Entry Level: It is possible to find bikes in the cruiser style in the lower price range, around $5,000 – $8,000, though most likely, you won’t be able to find an American cruiser.  The Honda Rebel is only $4,190, and The Suzuki Boulevard is a bit more at $5,499, while the Kawasaki Vulcan S goes for $6,999. At this range, there will be significant differences in styling and performance.

Mid Level: The next bracket up ($8-$12k) has far more options from both classic American cruiser manufacturers and other brands. Check out bikes such as the Triumph America ($8,400), Victory Gunner ($12,999) the Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two ($11,099).

High-Level: There are also plenty of luxury cruisers for those with money to spend, such as the Harley-Davidson Softail Deluxe ($18,549) and Indian Chief Classic ($18,499).

Off-road/MX

Off-road motorcycles are usually designed for recreational riding in the dirt, but people use road-legal versions of this motorcycle category for urban and suburban use. The most important part of the bike that needs to be customized for road use, besides the lights and turn signals, are the tires.

Knobby off-road tires are notoriously dangerous on roads with tarred surfaces. However, in the dirt, these machines provide an equivalent adrenalin rush as the superbikes provide on the roads!

These bikes’ engines are usually relatively simple, with fewer electronics incorporated into the machines than their road riding counterparts. This makes the engines relatively easy and cheap to maintain and service. The bikes themselves are robust and can handle the bumps and scrapes that come with riding off-road.

Normally, an off-road motorcycle is built for riding where there are no roads, so the bikes do not come street legal. There are kits available that you can fit onto your dirt bike to make it street legal, and in this capacity, it works quite well for short commuter trips.

Some manufacturers produce street-legal dirt bikes, and this kind of motorcycle is often called a dual-sport motorcycle.

Entry Level: Off-road (or dirt) bikes are among the most affordable. Tiny 100-class dirt bikes go for as low as $ 2000’s, like the Kawasaki KLX110 ($2,299) and Honda CRF125F ($2,799). The price goes up as the engine size increases. The Yamaha TT-R230 is $3,990, while the Honda CRF250L goes up to $4,999.

Mid Level:  KTM bikes dominate the dirt tracks, and you’ll find a lot in this range. The 250SX is decently priced at $6,799. Solid comparable models from their Japanese counterparts include the Yamaha WR250R at $6,690 and the Honda CRF250X for $7,410.

High-Level: Even at the higher end, off-road bikes won’t break the budget.  KTM 450 SX-F goes for $9,299, while the BETA 480 RR goes for $9,499.

Electric Motorcycles

The types of motorcycles available for consumers’ needs are evolving all the time. An example of this is the invention of electric-powered motorcycles, with many well-known brands coming out with electric models. These bikes are good to look at, good to ride, and are environmentally friendly.

However, they will not suite everybody at the moment due to their limited range capacity.

Take a look at the Harley-Davidson LiveWire and the Damon Hypersport Premier as examples of phenomenal electric-powered motorcycles.

Milwaukee, WI (January 7, 2019) – Harley-Davidson, the company that has defined the motorcycle industry for the past 115 years, today revealed its next generation of two-wheeled transportation at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. LiveWire™, Harley-Davidson’s first electric motorcycle.

LiveWire™ represents the future of Harley-Davidson, bringing high-performance electric propulsion, evocative design, and cellular connectivity to today’s rider. The first of a new portfolio of motorcycles that provides an all-new two-wheel experience, LiveWire™ delivers thrilling acceleration, nimble, agile handling, premium materials and finishes, and a full suite of electronic rider aids and interfaces for a completely connected experience.

An all-new Riding Experience with Iconic Harley-Davidson Power
Accessible to new motorcyclists and a thrill for accomplished riders, LiveWire™ is the perfect combination of power, performance, and technology. Features include:

• Amazing acceleration: from 0 to 60 mph in under 3.5 seconds. The instant torque provided by the electric motor can produce 100 percent of its rated torque the instant the throttle is twisted, and 100 percent of that torque is always available.
• Twist-and-Go Ease of Use: Electric power requires no clutch and no gear shifting, greatly simplifying operation for new riders. All riders will appreciate the braking effect of the power regeneration mode as it adds charge to the battery, especially in stop-and-go urban traffic.
• H-D™ Connect Service: The LiveWire™ motorcycle is equipped with H-D™ Connect service, the result of its collaboration with Panasonic Automotive. H-D™ Connect pairs motorcycle riders with their bikes through an LTE-enabled Telematics Control Unit coupled with connectivity and cloud services using the latest version of the Harley-Davidson App. With H-D™ Connect, data is collected and transferred to the app to provide information to the rider’s smartphone about:
• Motorcycle status: Information available through H-D™ Connect includes battery charge status and available range from any location where sufficient cellular signal is available. This allows the rider to remotely check the charge status including charge level and time to completion. A charge station location finder is integrated into the H-D App.
• Tamper alerts and vehicle location: Through the H-D App, H-D™ Connect indicates the location of the parked LiveWire™ and alerts can be sent to the rider’s smartphone if the bike is bumped, tampered with or moved. GPS-enabled stolen-vehicle tracking provides peace of mind that the motorcycle’s location can be tracked (Requires law enforcement assistance. Available in select markets).
• Service reminders and notifications: Reminders about upcoming vehicle service requirements and other vehicle care notifications will be provided to the rider through the H-D App. In addition, riders will receive automated service reminders.
• Performance and range optimized for the urban street-rider: with the ability to travel an estimated 110 miles of urban roads on a single charge.
• Handling and control: the LiveWire™ motorcycle chassis is designed to deliver nimble, agile handling for confident control on urban streets and a thrilling ride on curving backroads. The motor sits low in the motorcycle to lower the center of gravity and help the motorcycle handle well at all speeds and make it easier to control when stopped. Standard ABS, traction control and programmable ride modes also enhance the riding experience.
• Distinctive Harley-Davidson sound, minimal vibration: LiveWire™ features an electric powertrain that produces minimal vibration, very little heat, and minimal noise, all of which enhance rider comfort. The LiveWire™ model is designed to produce a new signature Harley-Davidson sound as it accelerates and gains speed; this new futuristic sound represents the smooth, electric power of the LiveWire™ motorcycle.

From Project LiveWire™ to LiveWire™
The vision behind the production LiveWire™ motorcycle began with Project LiveWire, revealed as a prototype in 2014. Through a traveling demo program, Project LiveWire gave potential customers the opportunity to provide feedback on what they would want from a true Harley-Davidson electric motorcycle and shape the evolution of the motorcycle in keeping with the Motor Company’s customer-led approach. The response was very enthusiastic – and the production LiveWire™ incorporates knowledge gained from the development of the prototypes, feedback from customer demos, further design progress at Harley-Davidson, and the latest advanced technology.

There are electric bikes that fall into all bike categories, from superbikes to dirt bikes, so this eco-friendly version of the motorcycle can be found for any of your biking needs.

The downside is that they are fairly expensive compared to combustion engine bikes, and they need specialized maintenance.

1. Zero FX/S From $9,295
2. Zero SR/S From $19,995
3. Zero SR/F From $21,495

Conclusion

There is a motorcycle out there to suit your needs, and in my opinion, there is no vehicle that gives you the same sense of freedom that a motorcycle can.

Of course, there is a safety consideration, but you are pretty safe if you ride sensibly. Always expect the unexpected when you ride and treat every other user on the road as if they haven’t seen you, and your riding experience should be safe and pleasurable.

Motorcycles are quicker as a commuter, more cost-effective than a car, and can be used as a recreational vehicle on the weekends and holidays. So, if you have always shot admiring glances at motorcycles on the road, it is time to scratch that itch, take the plunge, and get yourself a motorcycle!

Happy riding!

Source:

Solomotoparts.com California

Sun Harley Davidson Colorado