The different types of motorcycles
Summary
Summary
There are the 6 main types of motorcycles:
- Street motorcycle, agile and urban
- Sports bike, powerful and athletic
- Cruiser or custom motorcycle, customizable and made for the open road
- Dual-sport bike, which combines street and off-road
- Touring motorcycle, suited for long trips
- Motocross, designed for the sport of the same name
How to choose the right type of motorcycle?
Criteria to consider before buying
Before buying a motorcycle, it is important to consider the different types of bikes. The world of motorcycles is broad and filled with vehicles with very different styles.
The main criteria to consider when choosing your type of motorcycle are:
- Your budget
- Your riding style
- The type of road you plan to take
- Whether you will travel solo or two-up
Your riding style and your needs
Several types of motorcycles, such as sports and cruiser models, have unique riding positions. It is important to get familiar with them and choose a bike that fits your style.
New or pre-owned: which option should you choose?
Riding a new motorcycle is always enjoyable, but pre-owned bikes help you save.
Buying a used motorcycle from a dealer such as Motos Illimitées ensures you get a model that has been maintained and will remain reliable for a long time.
The different types of motorcycles
Street motorcycles: everyday versatility and comfort
Lightweight and easy to handle, on-road motorcycles are designed to simplify urban riding. They are ideal for beginners, although their riding position can be tiring over very long distances.
2026 Triumph street motorcycles are among the best. They are ideal for beginners or veterans alike.
Models available at Motos Illimitées
- Triumph Trident
- Triumph Bonneville
- Ducati Scrambler, etc.
Sports bikes: performance and thrills
Sports motorcycles place the rider in a tucked position to maximize aerodynamics. Combined with powerful engines, this makes a sports bike a fitting choice for thrill seekers.
If you are looking for a sports motorcycle, the best 2026 Ducati motorcycles are excellent starting points. Ducati is known for offering the pinnacle of performance.
Models available at Motos Illimitées
- Ducati Panigale V4
- Ducati Streetfighter V2
- Triumph Rocket 3, etc.
Cruiser and custom bikes: style and relaxed riding
Known for wide customization potential and enough comfort for long rides, cruiser motorcycles are what many picture when talking about an American bike.
However, the riding position on a cruiser, with a lower-than-usual seat, is not for everyone.
Models available at Motos Illimitées
- Triumph Speed Twin
- Triumph Speedmaster, etc.
Dual-sport motorcycles: street and off-road
A dual-sport motorcycle is a street bike with off-road capability. It behaves mainly like an on-road motorcycle, but a chassis with extra protection allows it to tackle rough terrain with confidence.
Models available at Motos Illimitées
- Triumph Scrambler 400
- Triumph Scrambler 1200 X, etc.
Touring motorcycles: long distances and comfort
Comfortable and powerful, a touring bike is perfect for long trips in complete comfort. These are usually the best motorcycles for riding two-up, thanks to premium equipment lists designed for that purpose.
Models available at Motos Illimitées
- Ducati XDiavel
- Ducati Multistrada Rally
- Triumph Tiger Sport Touring, etc.
Motocross: power and off-road riding
Built for the sport of the same name, motocross bikes are rugged machines that usually cannot be used on public roads.
This type of motorcycle is therefore for those who want to practice the extreme sport.
Models available at Motos Illimitées
- Desmo 450 EDX
- Triumph 250-C
- Triumph 450-RC, etc.
Comparison of motorcycle types
Which type of motorcycle is right for you?
It can be difficult to find your way among the different types of motorcycles. To guide you, here are the advantages and drawbacks for each category:
| Types of motorcycles | Advantage(s) | Drawback(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Street motorcycle |
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| Sports bike |
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| Cruiser motorcycle |
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| Dual-sport |
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| Touring |
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| Motocross |
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Explore all the models available at Motos Illimitées Montréal
To discover the best 2026 Triumph and 2026 Ducati motorcycles, you should visit your Triumph and Ducati dealer in Anjou, Motos Illimitées Montréal.
Along with one of the largest motorcycle inventories in Montréal, you can take advantage of our 2nd or 3rd chance credit financing, which adapts to every financial situation.
With us, service does not stop after the purchase. We also offer maintenance and repair services performed by experts in the field.