BLOGS 2023 506107_MY24 KTM 450 SMR_Details_Parts  BLOGS 2023 506107_MY24 KTM 450 SMR_Details_Parts
Back to Blog Listings

A Beginner's Guide to Types of Motorcycles

Motorcycles

When we talk about motorcycles, we are coming from a long history of riding (some of us since childhood). It’s easy to forget, in our enthusiasm, that the passion for riding can come a little later in life. With that, a lot of our valued customers started as novices, investigating their options and working their way through demo days to find the right fit. So, if you’re new to the riding game, or are looking at different ride types for a new experience, here’s a go-to guide to the types of motorcycles Sutto’s can help you with. 


Enduro


Enduro’s are designed, largely, for longer distances and uneven terrain (particularly steep uphill and downhill tracks). They are built for speed on declines and have significant power for inclines that would otherwise slow down a racer. Even if you don’t plan to race, the Enduro will mean you are equipped for almost any off-road adventure you want to take, though it’s important to note that they are typically not street legal.     


Enduro bikes are long-travel bikes designed for going as fast as possible downhill on the hardest trails around. Their geometry is built for speed on the descents, but also for pedalling back uphill to start the next race stage. 


Enduro bikes are designed to be ridden over long distances and on a variety of terrain. This makes them great for exploring off-road trails and routes. However, it also means that they are not always street legal, and while they are great for hill terrain, they are not specifically designed for rough completely off-track riding. 


The Enduro is for you if:

You are looking to ride competitively, or you are aiming to be a keen weekend rider on fun, hilly (though organised and carved out) tracks. And, that you’re prepared to invest in a transport trailer. 


Adventure


As the name suggests, these motorcycles are built for adventuring. However, the name can confuse people a bit, with the expectation that ‘adventure’ means off-roading. While they do cope just fine on some off-road terrain, they are more suited to long distance adventuring on paved roads. They have a good strong frame and subframe, and can carry a passenger plus additional travel gear safely and comfortably. 


For you guys who are in the early stages of motorcycle riding, it’s maybe one to wait for until you have more experience under your belt. These bikes are quite substantial in weight and size and can be difficult to control and be intuitive as a rider when you are lacking experience. However, it is a fantastic bike to aim for!


The Adventure is for you if:


You wait. In time, it’s a really versatile bike that makes for a great value return on your investment. But we wouldn’t suggest it as a first bike option.  


Motocross


Motocross (MX) is a high performing race dirt bike that does its best work within a 5km ride distance. They can ride effectively indoor and outdoor, and are made for tracks with plenty of obstacles, jumps and bermed corners. 


These bikes are agile, full of power, lightweight and are ideal for less sturdy terrain like dirt, sand and mud. They are definitely bikes for play! This is the bike for experienced riders who are ready to take that next step into the racing scene. Separating them from the dirt bike pack is their design, with stiff suspension for impact on jumps and trail terrain, strong acceleration for steep inclines without losing speed and control. By design, they’re impactful and made for masterful handling with ease. 


Overall, motocross bikes are high-performance machines that require skill and experience to ride safely and effectively. They are designed for off-road racing and recreational riding, and they offer a thrilling and exhilarating experience for riders of all skill levels.


Motocross is for you if:


You are already familiar with riding off-road, with power and speed. However, that’s not to say you can’t learn to ride (preferably with someone trained to teach) a Motocross. Just don’t expect to be fanging around a track on your first day. They’re light and make you vulnerable to injury, or worse, if not ridden with the respect their power and speed requires. 


Street


Street bikes are designed for, you guessed it, the street. Well, the roads on the street anyway. With smooth tyres and tread patterns, suitable engine cc’s for a range of rider experiences, and traffic-level speed capacity, this is the beginner go-to bike for most new riders. Largely, because of the reason most people start to ride: cost-effective commuting. 


They are bikes with form over function as their power and capacity is restricted by the road rules everyone has to follow, and they’re not suitable for major off-road riding (though cope just fine on firmer dirt and sand roads if needed).  


These bikes tend to be the baby bear of bikes: just right. They’re mid-weight, easy to steer, stop and start and practice on before you take on more powerful rides. 


Street bikes are you for you if:


You’re here! Yep, this is the best bike for you if you’re a true beginner. They’ll be the safest and most convenient investment for you to take on. You’ll get loads of freedom for adventure rides, and get a lot of experience notched up.


Ready to start your journey to being a bike owner and rider? Come and chat with Sutto’s today! 



You might also enjoy these articles...
 BLOGS 2023 150673_KTM 390 DUKE MY 2017_EU_ Global

Thrill-Seeker's Guide: Summer Dirt Biking Destinations and Tips

Motorcycles

Australia is such a top place to live if adventure runs through your veins. It is a natural theme park for riders who are in their element with the throttle under hand and a range of terrain under foot (or, wheel). Vast and diverse, it’s a dirt biker’s d...
Read More
 BLOGS 2023 506107_MY24 KTM 450 SMR_Details_Parts

A Beginner's Guide to Types of Motorcycles

Motorcycles

When we talk about motorcycles, we are coming from a long history of riding (some of us since childhood). It’s easy to forget, in our enthusiasm, that the passion for riding can come a little later in life
Read More

Join the Sutto's Newsletter