Motorcycles have been produced in myriad configurations for innumerable purposes. Most motorcycles fall into one of three main categories — street, off-road, and dual-purpose — depending on the surface they are intended to be used on. A few specialty machines do not fall into one of these categories. Each configuration offers either specialized advantage or broad capability, and each design creates a different riding posture.

Road motorcycles are motorcycles designed for being ridden on paved roads. They feature smooth tires with a light tread pattern and engines generally in the 125 cc and over range. Most are capable of speeds up to 100 mph (160 km/h), and many of speeds in excess of 125 mph (200 km/h).