If you made a firm decision to buy a motorcycle, then which brand should you prefer? Reassure their point of view can relatives, friends and colleagues. Each manufacturer spends millions of dollars on advertising their own products. In order to approach the choice of a motorcycle with skill and acquire a reliable vehicle for many years and kilometers of the way, we have prepared an overview of the most important parameters of this technology that affect operation.
Content:
The best motorcycle manufacturers - which company to choose
If laziness or no time to delve into the details, then turn to the world's best motorcycle manufacturers, which are:
- Honda;
- Kawasaki;
- Yamaha;
- Viper;
- Suzuki.
But these firms have so many models that it is better to consider them more specifically in ranking of the best motorcycles. Here we will continue to delve into the details and characteristics in order to choose a motorcycle solely by its parameters.
The principle of operation and the device motorcycle
"Two-wheeled horse" with a motor can be a faithful companion for many years. People go to work, relax, travel or go in for extreme sports.
A motorcycle has many advantages over other vehicles:
1. Economical fuel consumption;
2. High speed;
3. Maneuverability in urban environments;
4. Easy maintenance;
5. On most models, two adults fit easily;
6. There are luggage compartments.
The principle of the motorcycle includes the interaction of several components and assemblies. It all starts with a motor that has several cylinders for compressing the air-fuel mixture and burning it. Recently, more and more electrical models that run on battery power are emerging.
Torque from the power unit is transmitted to the gearbox. It consists of a set of gears of different diameters and a switch. All items are immersed in oil to ensure long and trouble free operation. As the engine accelerates, the rotation changes to smaller stars, which increases the speed of the vehicle.
After that, the gearbox enters the work, where the rotation enters the chain attached to the rear wheel. That it performs the pushing function and starts the movement of the motorcycle on the road. To stop the brake is used, which can be inside the wheel drum or outside, in the form of a disk and pads. The same system is present on the front wheel.
Suspension is responsible for the softness of movement, which can be telescopic or on a monoamortizer. Most models are reinforced with additional springs in these places. So, overcoming bumps and grooves occurs more smoothly for the driver and passenger.
On the frame is a battery and a generator. The first has enough energy to start the rotation, and the second produces it for further needs: head light, rear lights, direction indicators, radio, etc.
The vehicle is controlled by turning the steering wheel. The higher the speed, the lower the degree of angle required to wrap, but the radius of the circle increases to accomplish the maneuver.
Thus, the following important elements enter into the motorcycle device:
1. Frame;
2. Gas tank;
3. Motor;
4. Transmission;
5. Suspension;
6. Battery and alternator;
7. Exhaust system;
8. Wheels;
9. Brakes;
10. Steering;
11. Optics.
Types of motorcycles
Sports
They have a streamlined design and beautiful design. Designed for one passenger landing, implying a strong tilt of the body forward and focus on the steering wheel. The second person can fit in the back, but will hang on the very edge.
Sports models are characterized by high speed and aerodynamics. Suitable for people of all ages who love to drive fast on the highway.
Advantages:
- stylish;
- powerful;
- speed up to 300 km / h;
- big wheels;
- suitable for city and highway;
- high saddle.
Disadvantages:
- to repair, it is necessary to remove a lot of skin;
- the second person is not very comfortable to sit;
- a small windshield doesn’t protect against blackflies;
- A long ride in a forward tilted position is exhausting.
Classic
They have a compact size and a comfortable vertical fit. They are easier to repair and maintain, because they do not have so much aerodynamic fairing. Two people sit pretty loose.
Such motorcycles are chosen for commuting or small trips to the neighboring town, for fishing. They are suitable for young and adult people for everyday use, to save on transport and not to stand in traffic jams.
Advantages:
- comfortable fit;
- full two places;
- sufficient tank capacity;
- short base, increasing maneuverability;
- acceptable price;
- soft seats;
- power, convenient for fast overtaking with saturated traffic.
Disadvantages:
- most models have no windshields;
- there are no handles for the passenger;
- not designed for long distances.
Tourist
These are models for conquering roads. They are designed to maximize comfort when traveling significant distances. They are chosen by people of middle and old age who want to travel in an active way.
Tourist motorcycles have a large weight, roomy size of luggage compartments and wide seats designed for hours of riding.
Advantages:
- huge fuel tank;
- many little things for comfort;
- liquid cooling system;
- high speed;
- large compartments for things;
- powerful;
- windshields are well protected from midges and dust.
Disadvantages:
- high fuel consumption, like a car;
- long base, increasing the turning radius;
- very heavy.
Off-road (motocross)
These bikes are made for extreme sports. High tread, saddle and huge wheels allow you to ride it on the ground and sand, to perform jumps and turns. This is a transport for young people who want to learn a new hobby or real athletes.
Advantages:
- long shock absorber operation, providing softness when jumping;
- large wheels;
- high tread with good side hooks;
- sufficient power for fast acceleration;
- suitable for tall people;
- there are models with six speeds;
- good cross.
Disadvantages:
- one place for the driver;
- loud engine operation;
- low fuel capacity.
Motorcycle selection options
Power
This parameter varies from 6 to 160 hp. The more powerful the device, the more speed it can develop in a straight line or go to a steep hill. More power is needed for a quick set of revolutions, when you need to abruptly move or overtake another vehicle on a limited stretch of road.
If the power is not enough, then the engine has to revolve for a long time and wait for a sufficient length of the free oncoming lane to drive around the car ahead. At traffic lights, it will promise a delay in the movement than will use more powerful cars, and wedge forward.
Therefore, the following recommendations are available:
1. For sports on the sand does not require high performance and fit a bike with a capacity of 6-10 hp
2. Everyday quiet trips to work will be easy with a 10-12 hp engine.
3. If time is priority, then motorcycles with 20-30 hp will be indispensable in the city.
4. For long-distance cruise trips choose 60-80 hp.
5. Fans of high speeds on sports models should look for motors with the indicator of 100-160 hp.
Engine capacity
The second parameter affecting the acceleration and thrust is the volume of all cylinders of the power unit. It is from 80 to 1800 cm3.The larger the size of the internal compartments of the engine, the higher its power.
1. For a quiet movement around the city enough volume of 80-125 cm3.
2. Fishing trips or other difficult conditions are easy to overcome with an indicator of 150-250 cm3.
3. Vigorous driving on the city loaded with transport is convenient at a rate of 320 cm3.
4. Road trips are carried out on models from 600 cm3, and sports bikes are equipped with a volume of 800 to 1300 cm3.
engine's type
The motorcycle is equipped with various power units and by their appearance:
1. 2-stroke motors have a simple structure and easier to repair. They have high power that is suitable for trips to the village, fishing or hunting. It is convenient to overcome them short distances in the city or highway.
2. 4-stroke vehicles have a stable level traction and are better suited for long trips on the highway.
3. Electric motors are gaining more and more popularity due to their cost-effectiveness and noiselessness, as well as ecological clean work. They allow you to drive about 50 km, after which it takes several hours to recharge.
Max speed
This parameter is from 90 to 300 km / h. It is important to consider when planning time to overcome a particular route.
1. Now, many series of motorcycles are equipped with low-power engines for high savings in fuel consumption, which allows their use only in the city for short trips. Their maximum limit is 90-100 km / h, but this is quite enough, because the speed limit is 60 km / h.
2. With regular exits to the highway (small trips, business in the neighboring town, visiting relatives), models with an indicator of 130-180 km / h can be watched. This will allow you to travel at a cruising speed of 110-130 and carry out quick overtaking if necessary.
3. Those who plan to get on the motorways need motorcycles with the ability to accelerate to 260-300 km / h, which will allow you to not feel discomfort and significantly save time.
Cooling type
The longer the engine runs, the more it heats up. If it is not cooled, the internal metal elements will expand and stick. This will lead to costly overhaul. The longer trips are planned, the more important the type of cooling.
1. For use inside the city or off-road conditions (jumps, sand) air cooling of the power unit is suitable.
2. For traveling at high speeds (frequent trips at speeds of 200 km / h and above) it is worth looking for engines with oil-type cooling.
Fuel supply
Fuel injection into the engine cylinders can be done in two ways:
1. Through the carburetor. This is a simple knot with channels that is easy to clean when clogged. It gives high power, but is not always stable in operation. The flow must be adjusted periodically. This is the best option for the city, fishing or hobby.
2. Injector. Gives a more fine injection, which significantly saves consumption and stabilizes the flow. Thanks to the injector, the power unit delivers the necessary speed for a long time without jerking or “choking”. This type of injection is more needed for a long journey on the highway.
Transmission
1. The mechanical box allows you to create a drive and stretch longer at lower revs for a sharper start and acceleration. It is suitable for city driving and time saving lovers. But here you need to constantly monitor the operation of the motor and perform the switch.
2. The automatic option does not require the participation of the driver and automatic controls their own speed, increasing or decreasing the speed. This is convenient for long distances with ups and downs, where the driver only remains to follow the road. But you can forget about sharp starts here. This system consumes more fuel.
Brakes
To feel safe on a motorcycle, it is important to have good brakes that will work effectively under any conditions.
By type they are as follows:
1. Mechanical disc - work by pressing the handle on the steering wheel, from which the cable pads around the disc on the wheel. Suitable for relaxing trips around the city.
2. Hydraulic discs function in the same way as described above, but the degree of pressing is much higher, since it is regulated not by hand, but by hydraulic drive. This is a good option for the highway.
3. Drum - have an internal system in the drum, where the semicircular pads are moved apart by springs to the walls and inhibit rotation. Their work is not affected by rain and snow, as well as wet tall grass, which makes them optimal both for the city and for fishing and hunting.
Windshield height
A small glass panel protects the driver's face from midges and small debris. Thanks to this part of the motorcycle, when moving, a stream of air is created that rises up without touching the person and carries away small particles. Otherwise, this would lead to rapid contamination of the helmet.
1. For the daily route to work and back, with a good helmet, the windshield is not required or may be minimal for design.
2. Long journeys, on the contrary, require a high transparent barrier that would completely cover the driver.
3. Racing models of any height lose their effectiveness at speeds above 260 km / h, but it is important that the user's helmet is closed by at least half of this element.
Suspension
For the softness of the suspension is responsible. Without it, motorcycle enthusiasts would be much less because of frequent strikes in the saddle with bumps and pits.
There are several types of suspension:
1. Telescopic - has cylinders located on the plug. They compensate for the irregularities of the road pulling in or sticking out their working part so that the position of the body itself remains constant. It is more suitable for smooth asphalt and speed bumps.
2. Mono-shock absorber - the pendulum system is attached to the frame from the rear and works almost horizontally. This gives great opportunities for the height of the wheel (up to 20 cm) on irregularities, and makes it applicable to barriers and jumps.
3. Racks with springs - this is another type of suspension located at the rear. This design is more rigid and is suitable for smooth roads and roads.
Battery capacity
For electric models, battery capacity is an important parameter. Charging time and travel distance depend on it. Values can be from 15 to 25 A / h. Which is proportional to the path in 40-70 km. Idle time when charging varies from 4 to 6 hours.
When choosing such a motorcycle, you should carefully calculate your route to make sure that the capacity is enough for the final goal and there will be time and the opportunity to recharge it.
Weight
Motorcycle weight can be from 70 to 350 kg. This is affected by its equipment, engine size, tank capacity, etc.
The greater the weight, the more stable the device is on the track at high speed (the nose will not lift up). But the impressive mass adds complexity while maintaining balance at traffic lights and slow corners.
1. For jumps and tricks you need light models of 70-80 kg.
2. Getting into a busy city for work or school is easier on a lightweight 90-110 kg motorcycle.
3. Long trips on the highway require a mass of 300 kg.
4. High speed on the autobahn is well tolerated with a mass of at least 200 kg.
Saddle height
In a motorcycle, besides maneuverability, the convenience of the driver is also important. A long stay in an uncomfortable position delivers only pain and prevents you from enjoying the ride. This is influenced by the height of the saddle.
1. To jump from springboards you need very high models of 960 mm.
2. On the track, a vertical fit on a 700-800 mm bike, or lower (500-600 mm), is convenient, provided the base is long and the supports are located far in front of the legs.
3. For sporty motorcycles, a recumbent landing is provided, where the legs are placed slightly behind. Here the height can vary from 500 to 700 mm.
Fuel tank capacity
This indicator on various motorbikes can be from 3 to 23 liters. Its capacity affects the distance of the trip without refueling, as well as the total mass of the vehicle.
1. For jumping, small stocks are needed, because training takes place close to you, and a lot of weight prevents tricks. Here choose a capacity of 3.5-4 liters.
2. For inside urban use, where there are many opportunities to refuel, choose light motorcycles with a tank of 6-8 liters.
3. Periodic fishing trips or between cities need an adequate supply of fuel, which is 11-14 liters.
4. For traveling and conquering many hundreds of kilometers, a volume of 20-23 liters is needed.
Length
The motorcycle can have dimensions in length from 1600 mm to 2600 mm. This affects maneuverability. The larger the base, the wider the turning circle. On the highway it is hardly noticeable, but it comes in handy in the city loaded with transport, where it is necessary to leave a place squeezed by cars.
Luggage compartment size
This criterion should be considered if you have to transport any items.
1. To work with a take a small bag or briefcase that does not require a trunk.
2. Fishing and hunting involves the transport of gear and need a place under the seat for inventory. It does not hurt here and side bag.
3. Long journeys are always associated with a certain number of things, and such motorcycles need two side compartments and one rear.
Wheel size
The diameter of the wheels of a motorcycle is from R12 to 18 inches. This value affects the speed - with the same number of revolutions, the wheels of larger diameter will pass on, which means the movement will be faster. It also affects the overcoming of small fossae. They are not so noticeable.
1. For a city where speed plays a secondary role and there is good coverage, R12-14 wheels will do.
2. Cruise tours on an iron horse is best done with a diameter of R15-16.
3. Autobahn racing will require a maximum value of R17-18.
Which bike to choose
1. For tricks, the young man will need an off-road cross-country motorcycle with a power unit of 200 cm3, 4 strokes for 18 hp, carburetor injection type, mechanical transmission, landing height of 980 mm, weight 120 kg, front disc and rear drum brakes, wheels on R18, air cooled.
2. To work, study or fishing, you can ride on an apparatus with a volume of 125 cm3, an output of 11 hp, a maximum speed of 100 km / h, a carburetor feed, a manual gearbox, air cooling, with a total length of 2040 mm, wheels R15, hydraulic disc brakes in front and the rear drum, telescopic suspension, 6 liters tank.
3. Traveling in the country or outside it is carried out on a cruise tourist model with an engine capacity of 1200 cm3, 150 hp capacity, 22 liter tank, fuel injection, automatic gearbox, hydraulic disc brakes, 760 mm saddle height, oil-type cooling, three luggage compartments, high windshield, wheels R17, weighing 350 kg.
4. Autobahn races will require a sports version with a 600 cm3 power unit, 131 hp, operating on 4th cycle, with a liquid cooling system, fuel injection, manual transmission, a telescopic fork in front and a single shock absorber at the rear, wheels R18, disc brakes with hydraulically driven, with a maximum speed of 260-300 km / h, a 14-liter tank and a total weight of 200 kg.
How much is a motorcycle
1. Off-road cross models can be bought from 24,000 to 90000 rubles.
2. For use inside the city, classic motorcycles are bought for 44000-185000 rubles.
3. Cruise bikes cost from 150,000 to 3,500,000 rubles.
4. Sports models are sold from 300,000 to 1,000,000 rubles.
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