Getting The Right Street Bike

After you’ve made the decision to purchase a street bike, there are several more options to consider!

Remember, a motorcycle is different from a car in many ways, chief among them is that on a motorcycle, how you sit, move and shift your weight directly impacts the bike’s performance. In a car, you can move the seat up or back and be comfortable, it’s different on a motorcycle.

First, you need to decide how the bike is going to be used – are you going to be making short commutes to work or taking long trips, like from Baltimore down to Ocean City? Do you want to have a degree of latitude and purchase a dual sport bike so you can go off road? Maybe you’re looking for the sheer thrill of speed, then it’s time to consider a superbike.

We’ve broken down street bikes among the following classes to help you out.

Standard – these bikes are perfect for commutes to work or play – and you can ride just about all day, thanks to the fact that the seat is perpendicular to the engine. You can add luggage to this bike and take it for an overnight trip.


Cruiser – this is the bike you think about when the movie “Easy Rider” is mentioned. These bikes sport throaty growls, plenty of chrome and attitude. A cruiser has a low seat height, perfect for those with a shorter stature. The cruiser is great for short trips around town or on long windy country roads.

Sportbike – The cheetah of the motorcycle world, sportbikes are designed to move fast and turn on a dime. Aerodynamically built, these hotrods also feature excellent suspension and top quality brakes. These bikes are built of high impact plastic and fiberglass with a “lean forward” design that encourages speed.

Touring – These are the bikes you take on a long journey across the state or across the country. Built for comfort, a touring bike is sturdy and has room for two, plus built in compartments that let riders store a decent amount of luggage. Not necessarily built for speed or cornering, a touring bike makes any trip an adventure.

Dual Purpose – if you want a bike that you can take from the highway to the trail, a dual purpose bike is the answer. Built for both worlds, these bikes feature comfortable seats and suspension so you won’t notice the bumps, whether they’re on the road or the trail.

Hopefully this primer has answered a few of your questions, but like the saying goes, “Seeing is believing!”

To find out more information, and try out a bike, visit us at Pete’s Cycles! You can find locations and contact information here.

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