When it comes to choosing the right motorcycle, the variety can be overwhelming. From the bustling city streets to the rugged off-road trails, each type of motorcycle serves a unique purpose. This guide will help you navigate through the different types and find the perfect ride for your adventures.

Standard Bikes

Standard motorcycles, known for their simplicity and versatility, are excellent all-rounders. They typically feature neutral ergonomics, making them comfortable for various body types. With engine sizes ranging from 125cc to 1,000cc, they are suitable for beginners and experienced riders alike. These bikes are adaptable to various accessories, including luggage and different seat types, making them ideal for city rides and occasional long-distance travels.

Cruisers

Cruisers, often synonymous with the iconic Harley-Davidson, are designed for comfortable, laid-back riding. Characterised by lower seat heights and larger engines (up to 1,000cc or more), they are perfect for both city cruising and longer weekend trips. The seating position in a cruiser is more reclined, offering a relaxed ride.

Sport Bikes  

Sport bikes are the epitome of speed and agility. Known for their forward-leaning position, they are lighter and designed for high maneuverability. With taller seat heights, sport bikes are suitable for more experienced riders who enjoy an adrenaline-filled ride. They are not typically the best choice for long journeys due to their sporty ergonomics.

Touring Motorcycles

Touring bikes are built for long-distance travel, offering large storage capacity and comfortable ergonomics for hours of riding. They usually have large fairings to protect against the wind and are equipped with large engines to handle extra gear. These bikes are ideal for riders who love long, exploratory journeys.

Sport Touring

Sport Touring bikes combine the best of both sports and touring worlds. They have better luggage options than sport bikes and are usually taller than touring motorcycles. Suitable for both short rides and long trips, they offer mid-range to large engine sizes.

Dual Sport (Adventure Sport)

Dual Sport motorcycles are designed for versatility, capable of handling both on-road and off-road conditions. They usually feature taller seat heights and off-road tires. These bikes are perfect for riders who enjoy both city commutes and adventurous off-road excursions.

Scooters

Scooters are ideal for city environments, offering easy maneuverability and efficient fuel consumption. They are light, low to the ground, and perfect for navigating through traffic. With engine sizes ranging from 50cc to 500cc, scooters are great for short, urban commutes.

Choppers

Choppers are custom motorcycles known for their unique, exaggerated features like wide tyres and high handlebars. Originating in the 1950s, choppers prioritise style, often at the expense of handling and safety. They are a favourite among enthusiasts who value personal expression in their rides.

Enduros

Enduros are designed for off-road and on-road versatility. They have high seat heights and agile handling, suitable for both smooth roads and rough terrains. Big touring enduros also offer ample luggage space, making them ideal for long, adventurous rides.

Naked Bikes

Naked bikes, popular since the 1990s, are known for their minimal fairing. They expose more of the bike's technology, offering a raw and authentic riding experience. These bikes are favoured by riders who appreciate the aesthetics of motorcycle engineering.

Dirt Bikes

Dirt bikes are specifically designed for off-road use, particularly motocross. They are not suitable for public roads and are often used as sports equipment. These bikes feature tuned suspension and rough tyres, tailored for open-terrain riding.

In conclusion, the type of motorcycle you choose should align with your riding needs and preferences. Whether it's a leisurely ride through the city on a scooter, a long-distance journey on a touring bike, or an adventurous off-road experience on a dirt bike, there's a motorcycle out there for every rider. Remember, the journey is as important as the destination, and choosing the right motorcycle can make all the difference.      

Sources:

- Information on motorcycle types from the Motorcycle Legal Foundation: A Beginner's Guide to Types of Motorcycles

Information on motorcycle types taken from autodoc.co.uk

article supplied

The British Motor Museum has launched a brand-new scheme which allows members of the public to ‘adopt’ one of the cars in their collections. From the Albion A1 8hp dog cart to the Wolseley 2200 (last of line), cars that form part of the Museum’s permanent collections will be available to adopt. 

Anyone interested in adopting a car just needs to look at the Museum’s Online Collections and choose the ‘adoptable’ filter. Adoptions cost between £25 & £100 and adopters get a digital adoption certificate and their name added to the car’s listing in the Online Collections.

Cat Boxall, Curator at the British Motor Museum, said, “By sponsoring one of the iconic vehicles in the collection, people can play a vital role in preserving this important collection for the next generation to discover and enjoy. These adoptions make the perfect gift for anyone who worked in the British motor industry or has always loved a particular British classic”.

This new scheme helps to support the overall work of the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust. It could help with the restoration costs of recent additions to the collection, support the preservation of historic documents in the Archive, or fund outreach community work. Most importantly, it will help the British Motor Museum to continue to tell the story of the Britain’s motor industry, the people's industry, now and in the future.

For more information, please visit the website at https://www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk/support-us/adopt-a-car

To explore the Online Collections please visit https://www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk/online-collections

The British Motor Museum has Christmas wrapped up with a host of festive lunches in the roof-top Sky Suite, a selection box of family-friendly Christmas activities, and a wide choice of Christmas gift ideas.

Christmas lunches are available from 12pm – 2pm on 8, 11, 12, 13 and 14 December. Visitors can enjoy a seasonal two-course or three-course lunch with all the trimmings, glass of wine or soft drink and crackers for £29.95 for 2 courses or £34.95 for 3 courses. (Member discounts apply). Entry to the Museum is included for all diners on that day, and lunches must be pre-booked.

Christmas activities take place from 8-23 and 28-30 December when the Museum is open from 10am – 5pm each day. Children can take part in the Great Elf Hunt to search for the elves hiding amongst the cars! Younger visitors can also enjoy Christmas Crafts, including making a motoring-themed Christmas Tree decoration, designing a personalised Christmas card/thank you card and colouring in festive-themed sheets. There’s also the opportunity to make a Princess Mary box. In 1941, during WW1, Princess Mary wanted to ensure all soldiers on the front line would have a gift for Christmas and these boxes were filled with treats including chocolate, a card and pictures of the Royal Family. All activities are suitable for 5 plus years and included within the Museum entry fee.

‘New Year Family Fun with LEGO’ runs from the 2 – 8 January. Children can tackle the ultimate LEGO car-building challenge, and search for car parts in the family trail - the perfect way to get 2024 off to a flying start! Activities are suitable for children aged 4 plus. 

Looking for inspiration for that perfect Christmas gift? Home to over 400 iconic classic and vintage cars, the Museum offers a great day out for petrolheads, culture seekers and lovers of all things British, so why not give a Gift Voucher, which is available to purchase online, and every purchase supports the charity. Museum Membership gives Members free entry to the Museum, including all special weekend show days. Members are also offered exclusive opportunities to preview great new exhibitions, take a private tour and attend Members only events. Membership is available from just £42 per year.

Heritage Certificates are an ideal gift for anyone who owns a cherished classic car and are available for just £48 plus P&P. The Certificate is an official ‘Certified Copy of a Factory Record’ showing the car’s specification as it left the production line. Details are taken from the original production records created by many of the leading British motor manufacturers. Deadline for UK orders is 15 December.

Other fantastic items available from the online shop include a Replica Tax Disc priced at £26, Mini and Land Rover 32GB USB sticks priced at £14 and £16, respectively, a reversible Land Rover Scarf priced at £14, an archive image tea towel at £7.99, a fine bone China mug at £9, and a bespoke 1000 piece British Cars of the 60’s Jigsaw priced at £18.70.

Brand new for this Christmas is the chance to gift your child an unforgettable creative experience at the “Let’s Animate Saturday Club”! Run by professional animator Gemma Foy, this 5 week animation club offers budding animators a place to develop and sharpen their skills, inspired by the Museum’s stunning collection of cars. Tickets are now on sale for the 5 weekly sessions, from 24 February to 23 March 2024, at £100 per child. There are only 16 places available, so act quickly to avoid disappointment!

To find out more about the festive lunches visit https://www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk/whats-on/festive-lunches

For more information about Christmas activities visit https://www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk/whats-on/driving-home-for-christmas

To see the full range of gift ideas, please visit https://shop.britishmotormuseum.co.uk/

All shop purchases and visits help support the Museum as a registered educational charity No 286575.

Don’t Walk By
It’s important that we all look out for those who may be vulnerable during very cold conditions, including rough sleepers.

“StreetLink” London exists to help end rough sleeping in the capital

People sleeping on the streets will be at risk of life-threatening conditions, such as cold exposure and hypothermia. If you are concerned about someone sleeping rough, send an alert to “StreetLink” by going to their mobile app or by calling 0300 500 0914, or at this link.

 See you at the Ace !