Motorcycle Street

Motorcycle Street

Popular Street Bikes

Shopping for your first street bike can be quite difficult if you have no idea of where to start. You may be familiar with a few different types of bikes, but you could shortchange yourself if you're not considering models that you aren't familiar with but that might be the most appropriate. Even if you have owned a street bike in the past, it may be difficult to keep track of all the makes and models currently on the market and to compare them in order to determine which specific motorcycle is right for you.

Whether you're just considering buying a street bike or whether you're ready to pull the trigger, you'll need to do your homework to ensure you get the most for your money and maximize your consumer satisfaction. One of the best ways to start out is to research the most popular street bike makes and models on the market. The guide below will familiarize you with some well-known and not-so-well-known brands of motorcycles that offer street bike options to consumers like you.

After reading the brief descriptions offered below, narrow down your options to a few that interest you further. After you've come up with a list of viable options for yourself, research the motorcycle manufacturers further by visiting their Web sites, reading consumer reviews, comparing pricing and so on. Finally, decide whether you will purchase a used street bike or a new one and begin to shop around for a reasonable deal on the bike you want.

American Ironhorse

American Ironhorse is mostly known for producing choppers and customs. The Fort-Worth, Texas manufacturer has a reputation for being "high-end," which is also reflected in the price range. American Ironhorse motorcycles cost anywhere from $25,000 to $40,000, though current financial turmoil could soon present the opportunity for negotiation and get you a better deal.

Aprilia

Aprilia has a much wider collection of models under various categories, including off-road and racing bikes. The Italian manufacturer is traditionally known for producing scooters, but has recently earned acclaim by winning sport bike races. Aprilia's street bike collection is about as large as American Ironhorse's, but the price is much lower.

Big Dog

Big Dog is known for it's cruiser-style street bikes and wide range of customizing options. The Wichita, Kansas manufacturer produces five models. Big Dog's street bikes run in the $25,000 range.

BMC

BMC is a smaller motorcycle manufacturer located in Bend, Oregon. The company has earned big attention through its focus on factory customs. Check them out for a DOT-approved street bike that looks totally unique.

BMW Motorrad

BMW Motorrad is the motorcycle division of the German automotive manufacturer BMW. BMW has been producing motorcycles since 1923. Though the company is traditionally known for their original engine configuration, the flat-twin boxer, today's BMW motorcycles include a variety of engine and riding formats.

Bourget's Bike Works

Bourget motorcycles, based in Phoenix, Arizona started out by producing one-of-a-kind bikes in Roger Bourget's garage. The manufacturer is known for its signature oil-in frame/drop seat style chassis, which was actually patented in 1999. The bike maker is known for innovation in motorcycle design and also holds a patent for its jackshaft design.

Buell

Buell Motorcycles was founded by former Harley Davidson engineer Erik Buell. Most Buell bikes contain four-stroke air-cooled V-twin engines, originally built from XR1000 Sportster engines. Many upgrades and performance engineering initiatives have been implemented since then.

Ducati

The Italian motorcycle manufacturer Ducati is best known for high performance street bikes with large capacity four-stroke L-twin engines featuring a desmodromic valve design. Ducati also uses multiple dry clutches in many of their street bikes, which prevents power loss from oil viscosity drag on the engine.

Honda

The Japanese auto manufacturer Honda has been exporting motorcycles to the United States since the 1960's. Today, Honda's line of street motorcycles and scooters include touring bikes, sport-tourers, cruisers, standard street bikes, sport bikes, dual sports bikes, and scooters.

Indian

The Indian Motorcycle Manufacturing Company was once known as the largest producer of motorcycles in the world. This is perhaps the oldest motorcycle manufacturer in the United States, having been around since 1901. Today's Indian Chief motorcycles are produced in limited quantities so the company can focus on quality, performance and exclusivity. The company, under new management, has growth plans through 2011.

Kawasaki

Kawasaki has been producing motorcycles since 1953. Today, the Japanese manufacturer produces a wide collection of street bikes in the following categories: sport, supersport, touring, supersport touring, cruisers, and dual purpose. Kawasaki is also known for off-road and motocross models. Kawasaki is not really in the custom market but produces a fine factory bike.

KTM

The Austrian motorcycle manufacturer KTM is most commonly known for its off-road and sport bikes. In recent years, however, it has expanded into production of street motorcycles as well.

Moto Guzzi

The Italian motorcycle manufacturer, also known simply as "Guzzi," is known as the oldest European manufacturer in continuous motorcycle production. Notably, the Italian police and military and various US police departments (e.g. LAPD) have used Moto Guzzi bikes in their fleets. Guzzi currently offers about 9 different models including street bikes and sport bikes.

Suzuki

Suzuki, which is also the 12th largest automobile manufacturer in the world, started manufacturing bikes in 1952. Suzuki's factory models include the legendary Hayabusa, the GSX-R1000, the GSX-R750, the GSX-R600 and the GSX-R650F (which is their newer sport touring model).

Swift

Swift Motorcycle Company is a newer manufacturer, also based in Phoenix, Arizona. The producer of street bikes focuses on custom entry level, mid range, and high-end choppers, bobbers and pro street models.

Yamaha

Though Yamaha produces mainly factory motorcycles, it is possible to get customs through this Japanese bike maker as well. Yamaha's current lineup includes over 26 models priced anywhere between $6000 and $19,000.

Now that you have learned a little bit about the different manufacturers of street bikes, you can drill into the ones you're interested in a bit further to help narrow down your search.

About the Author

For the best deals on pre-owned motorcycles including
used street bikes
, sport bikes, off-road models and customs visit CycleLeeg, the internet's free
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Street Vest $125.99 EVS Street Vest Adjustable shoulder straps Aerodynamic hump doubles as a hydration pack or storage Adjustable kidney belt Foam impact chest protectors Low-profile design to fit under most jackets

Street Cuff Belt Holster $13.99 Master Lock Street Cuff Belt Holster Holster for Master Lock's Street Cuff

Motorcycle Going Down Street in Small Town $79.99 Motorcycle Going Down Street in Small Town - Premium Photographic Print

Street Skinz $29.95 Moto-Vation Racing Street Skinz Wrap your helmet in a skintight barrier that protects your helmet Lycra? material resists mud and is machine washable Graphics won't fade or peel One size fits most adult and youth helmets

Women's Curve Street Shoes $49.99 Shift Racing Women's Curve Street Shoes Finally, a street shoe that doesn't have that clunky worker boot-look. The Women's Curve Street Shoes from Shift Racing offers a stylish yet protective alternative to wearing tennis shoes when combatting the urban jungle on your motorcycle. Features: Molded outsole for durability and comfort Reinforced interior midsole for additional strength on the foot pegs Breathable, moisture wicking internal materials offer exceptional comfort and cooling Genuine leather/synthetic leather chassis for exceptional stability and protection Lateral plastic ankle protection for impact and abrasion resistance Adjustable Velcro lace strap offers protection and a secure fit Reflective material on the heel for night visibility TPU injected heel reinforcement **Closeouts are limited to stock on hand**

Street Pack $52.99 Scott Street Pack MATERIAL: 900D x 600D Gucci Polyester/210 D Polyester Mesh FEATURES: Main compartment Secondary compartment Cargo pocket Mesh side pocket Audio device pocket Front compression flap Hip belt SIZE: 48 cm (height) / 25 cm (width) / 15 cm (depth) **Closeouts are limited to stock on hand**

Street Boots $200 Sidi Street Boots Low cut casual yet moto protective design Lorica outer construction Perforated Teflon treated nylon lining Composite inner sole Removable arch support Protective internal heel and toe cups Double stitched in all high stress areas Zipper-Velcro closure system Rear of boot heel pull tab for easy entry Lug sole Internal protective ankle ball pads Currently Sidi products can only be shipped to U.S. customers

Max Street Octane Booster $8.5 NOS Max Street Octane Booster NOS maximum performance for the street. Blended with the strongest MMT concentration allowed by law for street use Increases octane effect up to 30 points or 3 octane numbers Restores and improves horsepower Improves gas mileage, eliminates knocks, pings, and hesitation

Optional Collector for Street Legal Slip-On $715.99 Akrapovic Optional Collector for Street Legal Slip-On Optional collector pipes for added performance For Street Legal Slip-On Click Here

Super Street Boot Toe Slider $11.99 Joe Rocket Super Street Boot Toe Slider For use on the Joe Rocket Super Street Boot Metal Toe Slider

Super Street Boots Screw Kit $9.99 Joe Rocket Super Street Boots Screw Kit For use on the Joe Rocket Super Street Boot 32 piece set

Women's Hella Street Angel Jacket $255 Icon Women's Hella Street Angel Jacket The refined Hella chassis is the finest fitting women's motorcycle jacket on the market. So fine in fact that a few have been rebadged with the winged hearts of the Street Angel. For those who don't know - a Street Angel evokes lust at first sight - always has, always will. Perhaps it's this thrill of imminent danger, an insatiable desire for a ride on the crazy train. What else could explain why otherwise sane men desperately pursue these asphalt vixens? In time you'll learn-Street Angels - appreciate from a distance or forever pay the price. Features: Durable nylon textile chassis Removable CE field armor impact protector elbow Removable CE field armor impact protector shoulder Removable dual-density foam back pad Zippered intake and exhaust vents for cooling Removable insulated liner Custom buckle adjustment system Icon women's sport fit

Street T-Shirt $32.99 Joe Rocket Street T-Shirt Wear your riding preference on your sleeve. Well, all over the shirt to be exact. The Joe Rocket Street T-Shirt features a large screen print of a sport bike rider and the Rocket logo. Cotton poly blend Flat screened art

Women's Street Angel Hat $9.99 Icon Women's Street Angel Hat 100% cotton Military style Soft hand print Direct embroidery with rhinstones **Closeouts are limited to stock on hand**

Excel Wall Street Helmet $599.95 Suomy Excel Wall Street Helmet Suomy is the true innovator of new standards in safety, as well as producing the hottest graphics in the industry! Suomy is the world's fastest growing premium helmet line and Excel leads the way. Pushing the boundaries of the top-end helmet market, the excel offers all of the features of the spec-1r, upgraded with a new light-weight carbon/aramid fiber composite shell. Race approved by every major us motorcycle race organization DOT and ECE 22-05 certified. Features: Aggressive styling for greatest visual impact The lightest weight race approved helmet available Dynamically variable resistance crush zone (dvrc) Advanced channeled EPS for optimum venting Sound absorbing polymers 3 shell sizes for ultimate fit Removable washable comfort liner and 3d cheek pads (allows for adjustable custom fit) Interior made with Coolmax? active fabric: light-weight, moisture-wicking, Breathable fabric keeps the rider cool, dry and comfortable. Oversized sponge cervical neck roll Safety lock visor system Permanent anti-fog / anti-scratch face shield treatment

7/8 Street Handlebars $51.99 Renthal 7/8" Street Bars Renthal 7/8 handlebars re-wrote history when they became the first aftermarket aluminium handlebar to be fitted as OEM on a Japanese motorcycle. All Honda CR/CRF and Kawasaki KX/KXF models (except minis) are fitted with a Renthal 7/8" handle bar as original equipment. The exclusive aluminium alloy and the advanced manufacturing processes we use result in a handlebar which is more than capable of withstanding the extreme rigours of motocross and supercross riding and racing. Features: The following features are integral to the Renthal 7/8" handlebars 7/8" (22mm) external diameter to fit most standard sized clamps and controls 7010 T6 Aluminium, which Renthal has exclusive rights to this specially developed alloy, for the manufacture of handlebars High impact strength, lightweight and excellent vibration dampening Shot peened surface finish to help prevent fatigue failure Knurling - Grip end only - increases bonding between bar and grip No knurling in clamp area, this could cause a stress riser and lead to fatigue failure Anodising - a 15 step anodising process forms an integral coating giving protection against corrosion Renthal’s copyrighted, bonded lightweight single bolt clamping system for the cross-brace* , greatly increases strength whilst still allowing flex Laser etched positioning grid The highest quality - 35 individual steps/processes required in the production of each bar and 58 separate quality checks made A specially developed injection moulded crossbar pad is included with every handlebar Please note that Renthal road handlebars do not come fitted with a cross-brace. The cross-brace is fitted to all Renthal 7/8" MX handlebars and the street fighter handlebars

Cush Street Grips $12.95 ODI Cush Street Grips The ODI Cush Street Grips combines an ultra-soft outer layer with a more durable inner layer to provide both exceptional comfort and improved bar adhesion. Extra-soft, tacky outer material over a tough inner layer to help provide better handlebar adhesion without compromising comfort The soft, pillowed pads reduce vibration and help to eliminate arm pump Reinforced ends help prevent grip blowout Open-ended to allow for use on street bikes with end plugs or bar weights For 7/8" handlebars and twist throttles Sold in pairs Made in the USA

Street Cuff Lock $89.99 Master Lock Street Cuff Lock Heat treated lock cylinder Push button kyless locking ABS bumper prevents scratching Pivot design for lock down versatility Folds in half for carrying or storage

Super Street Boots $160.99 Joe Rocket Super Street Boot Leather construction Injection moulded protection on heal, and ankle Padded ankle area Plastic adjuster strap with aluminum buckle Reinforced gear shift area Toe slider

Super Street Boots Metal Heel Protector $11.99 Joe Rocket Super Street Boots Metal Heel Protector For use on the Joe Rocket Super Street Boot Single

Sport and Street Goggle/Sunglasses $25.99 Bobster Sport and Street Goggle/Sunglasses Very functional 6 in 1 interchangeable sunglass/goggle Carry case, removable & adjustable goggle strap, 3 Sets of Lenses (Anti-fog Smoked, Amber and Clear), Microfiber Cleaning Cloth Quickly converts from street glasses to goggles, Ventilation to prevent lens fogging 100% UVA and UVB protection

Street Legal Slip-On Exhaust $436.99 The Akrapovic Street Legal Slip-On Exhaust: State-of-the-art designs and materials provide low weight, legal sound levels and high performance along with the recognizable Akrapovic sound Satisfy all conditions for exhaust system noise levels and safety; conform to the strict EU regulations for street use Improves the performance of your engine Highest quality materials and workmanship Weight savings over stock system Actual product may vary from web image Click Here for Additional Exhaust Information

Women's Pro Street Gloves $62.99 Joe Rocket Women's Pro Street Gloves The Women's Pro Street Gloves offer maximum feel and dexterity without sacrificing protection. This is achieved with an innovative split-knuckle design, allowing the hand to flex and articulate, a movement typically restricted by solid armor panels across the knuckles. Drum dyed leather and span/poly top Molded split knuckle Hinged knuckle High density padding on fingers Double leather wrap around palm Hook and loop wrist strap

Women's Street Vest $80.99 Joe Rocket Women's Street Vest The?Women's Street Vest from Joe Rocket features reflective material integrated into the design so that you are highly visible to fellow motorists. It even comes with the exclusive multi-point SureFit custom adjustment system to ensure a waist hugging fit. Features: Rock Tex? 600 outer shell Removable spine pad with pocket for optional C.E. spine protector 3-point SureFit custom adjustment?at the waist Integrated reflective swatches and striping

Pro Street Boot $99.99 Joe Rocket Pro Street Boot Leather Construction Free-Air™ perforated ventilation system Injection Molded Plastic Reinforcements Inner Slider for Drag Race Launching Padded ankle area Ankle strap with adjustable aluminum buckle Replaceable inner toe slider, heel protector, buckle and buckle straps

Laguna Air Street Gloves $22.99 EVS Laguna Air Street Gloves Vented and light weight air mesh upper provides breathability and comfort Ergonomic finger construction offers excellent fit Synthetic suede palm provides tactile fell Leather palm patch for abrasion resistance Easy pull tab for donning

Street Scene, View of a Motorcycle and Log Truck - Omak, WA $19.99 Street Scene, View of a Motorcycle and Log Truck - Omak, WA - Premium Poster

Chicane Waterproof Street Boots $125.99 Teknic Chicane Waterproof Street Boots Short aggressive street riding waterproof boots Synthetic leather and microfiber upper Screw in Aluminum / Nylon toe slider Quick-lace system Quick drying polyamide liner Durable injected rubber sole with built in anti-crush shank Powerskin™ waterproof, breathable membrane Injected PU ankle protectors Injected PU heel cup Suede instep grip panel Removable foot-bed Hook 'n' loop calf adjustment system Perforated for proper ventilation Microfiber motion panels 3M Scotchlite™ reflective Ankle adjustment strap Injected PU shift plate

Chain Lube 622 Strong Street $8.5 Motorex Chain Lube 622 Strong Street Fully synthetic clear chain lube safe for modern X-ring and O-ring chains The best chain lube for street and touring motorcycles Waterproof and resistant to fling-off Available in 56 ml (refillable) and 500 ml aerosol cans

Street Shield EX $126.99 National Cycle Universal Street Shield EX You asked for it! By popular request, National Cycle has a Quick Release version of the ever popular Street Shield. This Shield is slightly taller and wider than the regular Street Shield, and it also comes with QuickSet? quick release hardware. ACRYLIC -- Includes brand names such as ICI Lucite?, Acrylite?. Acrylic is known for crystal clarity that stands the test of time with UV stabilization that prevents yellowing. Many years ago, during the development of the clear fairing, National Cycle found that ordinary drill mounting methods caused stress cracks and eventual breakage of acrylic shields. That's why they developed and use their patented No-Hole Ballsocket? system on all of their acrylic products. QuickSet Hardware -- This patented mounting system is designed for durability, ease of installation, and hassle-free removal. Permits 10-second windshield removal, and fairing removal in under 1 minute. The QuickSet mounts incorporates their No-Hole Ballsocket system. For 7/8" and 1" handlebars H: 18.00 in. (45.8cm) x W: 19.25 in. (48.9cm)

Pro Street Leather Gloves $71.99 Joe Rocket Pro Street Leather Gloves Designed with drag race legend Rickey Gadson in mind, the ProStreet was constructed around an innovative split hinge knuckle design specifically for maximum "flex" without sacrificing protection, ensuring minimal launch times when the lights go green. Drum dyed leather and span/poly top Molded split knuckle Hinged knuckle High density padding on fingers Double Leather Wrap Around Palm Hook & loop wrist strap

Illuminator Street Backpack $80.99 Fly Racing Illuminator Street Backpack Increases visibility day and night Over 75 square inches of reflective material Internal helmet storage system allows you to carry an extra helmet in the backpack Many handy storage compartments Accepts hydration system bladders to keep you hydrated on long rides MP3 player compatible Adjustable shoulder and chest straps Carabiner loops to hold items extemally Hidden waist strap Foam padding on back for comfort Easy to grab zipper pulls, even with gloves on

Oval Pro Street Mirror $99.95 Pro One Oval Pro Street Mirror Unique stainless steel pivot rides in a special nylon bushing; mirror heads will never lose adjustment or rust at the pivot Unsightly adjustment screws on the back of the mirror head are eliminated Harley-Davidson necessary hardware included Made in the USA Mirror head measures 5" x 2-1/2" Adapters required for use on Metric Cruiser applications (sold separately)

Valencia Street Gloves $31.99 EVS Valencia Street Gloves Vented and light weight air mesh upper provides breathability and comfort Ergonomic finger construction offers excellent fit Synthetic suede palm provides tactile feel Leather palm patch for abrasion resistance Molded foam knuckle patch for impact resistance Molded pads for finger protection Easy pull tab for donning

8th Street Mesh Jacket $143.96 Fly Racing 8th Street Mesh Jacket In the heat of summer, a good mesh jacket is critical in helping you maintain your cool. The 8th Street Mesh Jacket from Fly Racing features 600D ballistic nylon in high impact areas for safety and abrasion resistant mesh for breathability all in one stylish good-looking package. Features: Multi-panel, abrasion resistant mesh design keeps you cool in the hottest conditions Anatomically fitted for the riding position Removable CE approved armor in the shoulders, elbows, with comfort pad in the back 600D ballistic nylon in high impact areas High visibility reflective piping for added safety Lightweight, water resistant, removable liner is great for the occasional rain shower, or a perfect windbreaker for those cool mornings or evenings 3-step adjustable, upper and lower, sleeve volume control, helps keep armor in just the right place Zippered wrist cuff enclosure with security snap Dual Velcro® adjustable waist straps provide a custom fit 2 zipped hand warmer pockets, 1 internal map pocket 8” zipper connects to pants

Street Cargo Pants $159.95 Alpinestars Street Cargo Pants Waterproof and breathable touring/commuter pants, designed in casual, cargo, style for convenience, comfort and practicality. Features: Abrasion resistant 600 Denier fabric outer shell for maximum durability MX styling and vector style waist construction, cut for comfort, on and off the bike Waist adjustment straps for perfecting fit Deep cargo pockets for convenience Removable thermal liner for comfort in colder conditions Side opening, knee protector compartments on legs for easy application of Reflex knee guards Ankle adjustment straps to keep closure secure

Pro Street Pants $266.99 Joe Rocket Pro Street Pants What do you get when you input years of feedback from Rickey Gadson, the winningest pro drag racer in AMA Prostar history, into a riding apparel series? Unmatched drag specific fit, ergonomics, and performance ... The ProStreet series! Features: 1.0mm to 1.2mm leather outer shell Grade "A" C.E. approved?knee armor High density padding in hips Full Flex inner?leg panels Pre-curved leg Removable and washable liner & padding 360? plus 8" zipper for jacket attachment Drag specific over boot cut Reflective stripe

Street Rod Exhaust System $449.99 Cobra Street Rod Exhaust System The Cobra Streetrod Exhaust features two-inch chrome plated steel full-length heat shields fit tip-to-tip Beautiful machined billet end caps produces a great look for your bike Best fit and finish exhaust on the market Power increase with improved rideability Features removable baffles Easy installation with all mounting hardware included Made in the U.S.A Actual product may vary from web image Click Here for Cobra Fuel Processors Click Here for Additional Exhaust Information

Women's Street Racer Coin Purse $12.99 Fox Racing Women's Street Racer Coin Purse Could carrying your change get any cuter than with the Fox Street Racer Coin Purse? Each color option showcases its own distinct pattern: one simple (Pink), and one with an allover floral/stain glass print (Silver). Either way, the Street Racer Coin Purse's style is champion level, accelerating your style straight to 1st place! All-over floral and quilted designs Metal logo pin in center Hinged tab clasp Chain wrist strap with clip end 100% polyurethane 3.75" x 4.75"

Women's Bombshell Street Angel Vest $69.99 Icon Women's Bombshell Street Angel Vest The Bombshell vest redefined the women's sport vest category. And by redefined Icon actually means invented. So adding the winged heart of the Street Angel graphic was a natural category extension. Top quality leather and construction combined with removable internal back armor - the Bombshell Street Angel - like heaven on earth. Features: 1.0-1.2mm premium grade leather chassis Custom embroidered leather applique Removable hard back armor Women’s specific fit **Closeouts are limited to stock on hand**