The reign of the sportsbike appears to be waning, while cruisers and adventure bikes are on the rise. While sportsbikes have sold well in the past because of their speed and glamor, they're often optimized for track running. Unless you're young, supple and injury-free, they can be a pain in the neck, shoulders, wrists, hips and knees, which about covers most places where pain arises. This is particularly so if you ride them around town.

Those who've instead opted for a cruiser probably thought they'd be set. They're likely getting fewer speeding tickets, and their pillion friends will be happier. However, we've found that cruisers can also be a pain to ride long distance. Most don't have weather or wind protection, so you're forced to hang on harder and ride more slowly, which is probably no bad thing given cruisers don't handle that well. Moreover, the design of these motorcycles puts you in a riding position that's just as likely to cause aches and pains as a sportsbike. Your legs are stretched forward, and arms are up high, which can result in mid-back pain. On top of which, many such motorcycles have a rigid-feeling back end and can be unforgiving over harsh bumps – which can play hell with a bad lower back. Sure, not all examples are like this, but beware that buying a cruiser is no guarantee of a comfortable long-distance touring motorcycle.