Conquering the road with a two-wheeled vehicle with a motor is very fast and interesting. But the types of motorcycles there are so many that the eyes diverge. They are designed for different types of carriageway and even off-road, an important role is played by the maximum speed of the motorbike, the number of passengers, its weight, fuel consumption and stability. All these characteristics divide motorcycles into four main categories, each of which has its own purpose and price niche. The article gives clear definitions of the four main types and information that helps calculate for what type of driving they are suitable. This will help you choose your model, which will fully meet the specific road conditions and will help you achieve your goals.
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Motorcycle which company choose
Traditionally, Asian and European companies compete for leadership in the motorcycle industry. The following concerns succeed in this:
1. Kawasaki
2. Viper
3. Suzuki
4. Yamaha
5. Honda
The first company appeared in 1896 and had two main offices in the capital of Japan and Kobe. Today, it is the largest concern in the world for the production of ATVs, sports and racing motorbikes. In addition to technology, the company is engaged in the release of clothing and equipment for riding on open transport.
The Viper brand refers to a direct competitor from a neighboring country - China, in whose territory many factories for the production of motorcycle and bicycle products have been built. The Italian studio Italdesign helps them in creating the design of two-wheeled vehicles.
Suzuki has been conquering the automobile and motorcycle market for over 100 years, and has a reputation as a reliable manufacturer not only in Japan, but throughout the world. Its staff includes more than 50,000 employees who specialize in the design, construction and testing of vehicles.
Yamaha focuses on motorcycle products with light weight and high speed. Japanese engineers monitor the quality of their units and constantly experiment with the design.
Top sport bikes
Among young people are very popular sports motorcycles, whose main feature is the high speed on the track. This is achieved through a 2 or 4 cylinder engine, which has great power and a completely streamlined body made of durable plastic, to reduce air resistance.
Captured skin has a bright design that attracts the attention of others. The technique has good handling at high speed, but makes a loud sound from the work of the power unit. Here are the best models of this type according to reviews of their owners.
Yamaha YZF1000 Thunderace - soft "plane"
This model of the Japanese concern has a one-liter engine and a maximum speed of up to 260 km / h. The design is equipped with an elaborate frame with a very comfortable fit for the driver. The side trimming branches in the motor area and creates pockets for air cooling. Control is done by gearless front wheel rotation.
The motorcycle is equipped with disc brakes and one muffler on the right. For the passenger has a small seat without a limiter. To overcome the 100 km path will require 6.5 liters of gasoline. In the driver's arsenal of five speeds. The total mass of the unit is 200 kg. When driving on the highway one full tank is enough for 300 km. Power has a limit of 145 hp The model belongs to the professional category and is not suitable for beginners motorists.
Advantages:
- strong frame;
- smooth dynamics of acceleration;
- soft grip;
- easy to manage;
- not very much roaring;
- stylish design;
- comfortable steering wheel.
Disadvantages:
- heavy;
- rear wheel;
- tires wear out pretty quickly;
- some models increase fuel consumption;
- when picking up speed lifts the front wheel.
Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R - Fast Samurai
The Japanese model has expressive features and a very sharp front view. Her name "Ninja" is fully consistent with the speed and design of the motorbike. The unit is equipped with a four-cylinder engine and a total volume of 998 square centimeters. This engine is capable of producing 200 hp. The motorcycle is endowed with six speeds, which are switched due to the multi-disc clutch in the oil bath.
The frame design is made in a diagonal design of durable aluminum alloy. This made it possible to reduce the mass, which is now 198 kg. But the motorbike got a reduced fuel tank of 17 liters. Telescopic suspension can move 120 mm, reducing jumps on uneven roads. Despite the trimmed shape of the tank, the second seat is very short, but allows you to carry the passenger. The speedometer is designed to 300 km, when reached, the electronics disconnects the engine from the transmission.
Advantages:
- fast;
- sensitive brakes;
- original design;
- aerodynamics;
- easy to drive on speed;
- long service life of components;
- high-quality plating plastic.
Disadvantages:
- reduced gas tank;
- high fuel consumption;
- below other models;
- windshield ineffective after 230 km / h.
Aprilia RS 125 - Italian Minimalism
Competition for Asian models is Italian sports class motorcycle. The plastic sheathing of the case has almost no holes and is solid. Between the driver and passenger seat there is a clear step-divider. This is an economical option for bike enthusiasts. Speed up to 100 km is possible in 7 seconds. The volume of the power unit of 124.8 "cubes". All this allows you to drive at a speed of 175 km / h.
In the motor is hidden only one cylinder, working in two cycles. At the unit 25 hp Contrary to common injectors, this bike has a carburetor. For the rider, there are six speeds and disc brakes. But the mass of the device is only 130 kg. A front fork with a diameter of 40 mm gives excellent control on the road. Rear monoshock smooths out the roughness of the track and is adjusted depending on the load.
Advantages:
- good for beginners;
- fast acceleration;
- easy transmission shift;
- looks much more expensive than it actually is;
- effective brakes;
- a light weight.
Disadvantages:
- engine sound is similar to the work of a scooter;
- narrow wheels;
- expensive parts;
- high flow, despite the volume of the power unit.
Top tourist motorcycles
This type of motorcycle is designed for country tracks, to cover the distance with comfort. Tourist models are equipped with large luggage compartments, and the seats have wide shapes, backs and even armrests in the passenger. In terms of functionality, such bikes are comparable to cars and have a large mass. They have a high cost and number of options. Here are their best representatives for user feedback.
Harley-Davidson FLSTC Heritage Softail - expensive tourism in American
Among the representatives of the tourist section of motorcycles this American motorcycle stands out strongly. He combined the features of a classic transport of the same type of brand with the functionality necessary for long journeys. The driver has a low seating position, luggage compartments are very roomy, and there is a lot of chrome and rivets on the frame. The seat and bags are made of genuine leather. The windshield is unscrewed to make it easier to drive around the city.
The motor has a volume of 1.5 square decimeters, and consumption on the highway is 4.5 liters. In the city, this figure will be 6.7 l / 100 km. The motorcycle has six speeds and air cooling. Mass assembly is 345 kg. The tank is designed for 19 liters. The brakes have an ABS system, to prevent the rear wheel from locking.
Advantages:
- internationally recognized style;
- comfortable driver and passenger seats;
- anti-corrosion material;
- powerful engine;
- brakes with ABS;
- hidden rear suspension;
- thanks to the high steering wheel easy handling.
Disadvantages:
- very heavy;
- high price;
- lack of spare parts in the CIS countries.
Honda GL 1500 Gold Wing - "car" on two wheels
This Japanese model is considered one of the most prestigious in the section of tourist vehicles. It has 2600 mm in length and a mass of 372 kg. The motorcycle is designed for long-distance comfortable trips and has separate seats for the driver and passenger. The latter, in addition to a comfortable back, provides folding armrests. On the sides there are two luggage closed compartments. Another large trunk and frame for securing hand luggage are attached to the rear.
Motorcycle consumes 8 liters per 100 km. This is due to the six-cylinder power unit with 100 hp. But you can overclock up to a hundred in just 4.5 seconds. The model has 5 road speeds and one back. The fuel tank holds 23 liters of gasoline.
Advantages:
- high level of comfort;
- split seats;
- high windshield;
- liquid cooling system;
- spacious trunk;
- presence of rear speed;
- additional lighting at the level of footrests;
- high speed on the highway (up to 180 km);
- capacious tank;
- powerful engine.
Disadvantages:
- very heavy;
- poor maneuverability in the city;
- very low seating position;
- high price.
BMW K1600 GT - the most expensive tourist
The German concern produces one of the most expensive motorcycles of this class. The model successfully combines the characteristics of tourist motorcycles and a sports bike. If you detach the rear trunk with the back and side tanks for things, you get a lightweight version suitable for city driving. In the complete set the unit weighs 348 kg and has a power of 160 hp.
The engine is large, and all six cylinders form a volume of 1,649 cubic centimeters. The carburetor is equipped with electronic injection. The ignition system is controlled by a digital signal board. The transmission has six gears with helical gear shape. In the tank you can immediately fill 26.5 liters. The tourist model is moderately compact and is 2490 mm long.
Advantages:
- the base is shorter than the analogs, which increases the maneuverability in the city;
- stylish image with high plastic bonded;
- removing the trunk transforms the model into a sport bike;
- large fuel tank;
- aluminum alloy wheels;
- powerful motor.
Disadvantages:
- weight;
- low windshield;
- low divider between the seats;
- very expensive.
Top classic motorcycles
This type of transport is designed to get around the city and close trips along the highway to neighboring settlements. It is designed for everyday use and is characterized by a simple design and convenient maintenance (it is not necessary to remove a lot of trim and frames to get to the parts being repaired). Landing the driver on it does not provide emphasis on the steering wheel and implies a vertical position. Here are the best of these models from users.
Suzuki Boulevard C50 - Japanese powerful classics
Designers endowed this device with simple but streamlined forms, with the ability to remove the windshield. The model has a powerful engine on four cylinders, and chrome exhaust pipes are located on one side of the body. The volume of the motor is 805 cubic centimeters.
The rear suspension is created on an oil damper and reinforced by a spring. The front brake is disc, and on the rear wheel there are pads inside the drum itself. The seat is 700 mm from the floor, which is very convenient for long sitting. The weight of the structure is 277 kg. The tank is designed for 15.5 liters. The driver has five speeds and 53 hp power. At a speed of 130 km five liters of fuel will be spent.
Advantages:
- low fuel consumption;
- good stability;
- due to ergonomics rather compact;
- fast reception of turns from the engine;
- high permeability;
- the driveshaft is easy to maintain;
- good light from the headlamp.
Disadvantages:
- increased oil consumption during fast driving inside the city;
- when the road is steep upwards, turnovers are falling and you have to switch;
- large dimensions, forcing to stand in traffic jams;
- during the rain brings the rear wheel.
Yamaha XJR 1200 SP - a classic with a sporty touch
This bike belongs to the classic line, but due to the slightly raised rear seat, it looks a bit like a sports bike. The unit is equipped with a four-cylinder engine with exhaust emission through two pipes on opposite sides of the hull. Japanese engineers supplied it with a motor volume of 1,188 cubic centimeters. All the brakes on it are disc type.
The vehicle has a mass of 230 kg, and the driver's seat is located at a height of 790 mm, which is suitable for tall people. The capacity of the fuel tank is 21 liters. The motorcycle has five speeds that use the full power of the unit at 98 hp. This model is well suited for beginners due to its ease of operation and easy maintenance. The optics is endowed with a bright reflector and allows you to see clearly in the dark.
Advantages:
- economical on consumption;
- smoothly gets under way;
- sporty appearance;
- soft seats;
- gas-oil shock absorbers;
- fast acceleration to 100 km / h;
- low cost;
- easy to find parts;
- suitable for tall people.
Disadvantages:
- plenty of uncovered space between the seat and the rear wheel;
Racer Magnum RC200-C5B - an affordable alternative
This bike is a modern reflection of "Java", which is very similar in form and characteristics. A round headlight, speedometer and tachometer on the steering wheel, thin hydraulic shock absorbers on the fork and a solid level seat, serve as its classic features. The model is distinguished by disc brakes and aluminum wheel rims.
The power unit capacity is 13.6 hp, which is enough for acceleration up to 110 km / h. A small engine capacity of 197 "cubes" provides an economical fuel consumption of 2.2 liters. Despite the simple assembly, they introduced a kick-starter, an electronic launch system and a Japanese carburetor in the bike. The weight of the model is 126 kg and it can carry two people with a total weight of 150 kg. The size of the tank is a classic for this type - 18 liters.
Advantages:
- affordable cost;
- comfortable fit driver;
- long stroke at the front shock absorbers;
- economical consumption;
- design;
- large tank;
- hardy;
- five speeds.
Disadvantages:
- uncomfortable handles behind the passenger;
- tread is not suitable for driving on a dirt road;
- breaks in the wiring may occur;
- plastic skirts bounce off quickly.
Best off-road motorcycles
This transport is characterized by deep treads and large diameter wheels for high traffic. It is designed for driving on land, sand and rubble. The frame has an elongated shape, and the height of the ground clearance is quite large. Here are the best models of this type according to drivers.
KTM 690 Enduro R - will travel everywhere
The bike from the Austrian engineers has good shock absorbers to overcome irregularities and jumps. The rear wheel is traditionally wider than the front. The design is as easy as possible due to a small tank of 12 liters, narrow wings, a spatial steel frame and wheels with spokes. The total weight is 140 kg.
The driver's seat is located at a height of 935 mm. The motor holds 690 cubic centimeters and it is for this indicator that it received a number in the title. The power of the power unit is 66 hp But, despite such data, the engine has only one cylinder. But the system is equipped with liquid cooling and copes well with overloads. The transmission is designed for six gears.
Advantages:
- very powerful for this class;
- good handling;
- light;
- high throughput;
- programs never come off;
- easy transition to neutral speed;
- the chain does not stretch.
Disadvantages:
- frail steel frame;
- not enough sharpness revolutions;
- expensive parts.
Lifan LF200 gy-5 - budget SUV
This model has a wide demand because of its cheap cost relative to imported motorcycles. In Lifan placed the most necessary minimum for this class. The power unit was equipped with one cylinder, a volume of 197 cubic centimeters. Maximum power reaches 16.3 hp But the engine is cooled only by air flow, so it can overheat during prolonged loads.
The weight of the entire unit is only 122 kg, which is very good for an off-road vehicle. A small narrow tank holds 10 liters of fuel. Pendulum rear suspension provides soft jumps on the springboards. The maximum speed of the bike is not more than 100 km / h. In the combined cycle, the consumption of gasoline engine is 2.3 liters.
Advantages:
- very light in its class;
- economical consumption;
- good body assembly;
- high permeability;
- easy to maintain;
- keeps track well.
Disadvantages:
- small tank;
- not enough power;
- loud exhaust;
- clumsy view;
- more suitable for the transport of one person.
Kayo CRF801-7L Basic 17/14 - fluttering like a butterfly
This unit accommodates a four-stroke engine for one cylinder. His work is cooled by air flow and oil lubrication in the pan. From the arsenal of speeds four gears, all front. For the brakes meets the hydraulic system, which compresses the wheels on the wheels pads. The frame is presented in steel execution from tubular elements. The total weight of the motorcycle is 69 kg.
Permeability provides a high ground clearance of 370 mm, and height from ground to saddle - 885 mm. The distance between the wheels is 1225 mm, which together makes it comfortable for tall, thin drivers. The rear lights are set deep under the seat. Management is carried out almost direct wheel.
Advantages:
- 4 bars;
- very light and maneuverable;
- easy to repair;
- kick starter;
- suspension;
- straight through muffler;
- power 11 hp
Disadvantages:
- low headlight light;
- wheel bends when falling;
- the chain is stretched;
- there is no electric starter.
Which bike to buy
Choosing among such a variety of two-wheeled vehicles suitable option, you should build on how and how much it will be used. The remaining parameters, such as: power, maximum speed and frame size, depend on personal preferences.
Therefore it is necessary to apply the following approach:
1. For everyday trips inside the city, whether it is a way to work or to visit relatives, the classic motorcycle model, compact, will be suitable to avoid idle traffic jams, and not very catchy, ala “invisible mode” for parking thieves. Of the types of such bikes should buy a Yamaha XJR 1200 SP or Racer Magnum RC200-C5B.
2. If motorcycles are a lifestyle, and they need speed and reliability, then there is no better than sports models. They are perfect for fast travel through the city, and on the highway they have no equal. Pay attention to the Yamaha YZF1000 Thunderace or Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R.
3. Off-road units KTM 690 Enduro R or Kayo CRF801-7L Basic 17/14 are well suited for competitions on the ground, jumping on hills and overcoming other obstacles. This is a great hobby for motorists.
4. If you wish to conquer hundreds of kilometers on a two-wheeled vehicle and sit on it alone without inconvenience, you will need a tourist version of the motorcycle, with its large base, luggage compartments and wide seats. It is worth buying a Honda GL 1500 Gold Wing or BMW K1600 GT.
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