In the first part of my guide to the wonderful world of motorcycles, I tried my best at breaking down the common bikes all riders should have knowledge of. This weekend, I finish off the two-part series with an introduction to Dual-Purpose/Adventure Tourers.
Hope this helps both newcomers and old timers!
Dual-Purpose/Adventure-Tourer (aka DP/ADV)
A dual-purpose motorcycle means its fit for both the road and offroad. An adventurer-tourer, on the other hand, is outfitted for long-distance riding on both the road and offroad.
Most manufacturers produce two variants from a base model, to cater to customers’ riding preferences; for example, the Triumph Tiger 800 XR is biased towards road riding, while the XC is more suited for offroading. The same template applies to the ever popular BMW R 1200 GS vs. the GS Adventure, the Ducati Multistrada 1200/S vs. the Multistrada 1200 Enduro, and the newly launched KTM 1290 Super Adventure S (road) and Super Adventure R (offroad).
Other popular models such as the Honda Africa Twin and Yamaha Super Ténéré, are biased more towards offroad riding, although they perform amazingly well on paved roads, too.
Since they can be ridden offroad, the ergonomics feature straight up sitting position, wide handlebars, narrow(er) tyres, tall ride height and a slim motorcycle body. ADV’s can haul large loads too.
As with sport-tourers, the explosion in the touring trend has driven manufacturers to equip their DP/ADV motorcycles with groundbreaking technologies such as electronically-controlled suspension, lean angle sensor, advanced traction control and ABS, engine power mapping.
Yamaha Super Tenere
Honda Africa Twin
Cruiser
A cruiser means a motorcycles that is more “laid back” in its riding styles: low-slung, low seat height, long wheelbase, and usually lots of “show” for “cruising” down the road to admiring glances.
There are a number of sub-genres within the cruiser segment:
“Sporty”
Shorter wheelbases and slightly more contemporary riding position such as the H-D Sportster, Indian Scout, Yamaha Bolt.
Yamaha Bolt
“Stretched”
Long wheelbases and low seat heights, for example the H-D Dyna and Softail range, Johnny Pag Malibu, the now discontinued Victory Vegas 8 Ball.
“Heavyweight”
Fat tyres, large-sized tank and body such as the H-D Heritage Softail and Indian Chief Classic.
Indian Chief Classic
Tourer/Bagger
Large windshields and bodywork, large overall size with large luggage such as the H-D Road King, Electra Glide, Street Glide and Road Glide, and Indian Chieftain.
Although there isn’t a written convention on how they should be powered, Harley-Davidson has certainly defined the benchmarks by using narrow-angled V-Twin engines, hence almost every cruiser small and large are powered by such engines. Technically, a narrow V-Twin is favoured for its compact packaging and high torque output.
Aesthetically, the V-Twin’s symmetrical cylinders add to the motorcycle’s visual cues, and of course, for that deep, earth-shaking rumble.
Owners usually love to customize their cruisers from mild to wild (even beyond).
Indian Chieftain
Classic
More specifically, modern classics.
The classic motorcycle design never goes out of style because it harks back to the days when the motorcycle constituted an engine, two wheels, a seat and a gas tank; alluding to something unadulterated, creating the right mixture to fire spark plugs in the brain’s pleasure centre. These bikes are also full of “character,” rather than feeling like a “machine.”
This is why cruisers are sometimes regarded as classics, as well.
While modern classics look ol’ school, they utilize new age electrics and components. Triumph is the undisputed leader in modern classics with their Bonneville range. The Ducati Scrambler is also performing well in this segment, although it qualifies as a standard too, as I mentioned earlier.
Another allure of the modern classic is its ability to be customized to each owner’s whims and fancies. Both the manufacturer and aftermarket are enjoying brisk business in supplying the accessories and performance parts.
Triumph Bonneville Bobber