Honda introduced a new touring motorcycle NT1100

Power, weight, torque, fuel consumption, seat height, practicality. Today we are not interested in this.

Motorcycles are usually designed in such a way that their wheels always touch the ground at the same time. This is probably why they leave the factory with two wheels installed. However, one day, while standing in one place, the rider released the clutch too quickly, gave the gas too much, and it turned out that the motorcycle was riding vertically. Which is quite interesting. This got us thinking. There are often motorcycle selections that are “top” in some way. The fastest, the strongest, the most beautiful, the ugliest. What about the best wheelie bikes? Jokes aside! This is an important aspect of the buying process. Some devices don't want to rear up, while others do it without the driver's consent, filling his pants with bricks in direct proportion to the distance of the front wheel from the ground.

Standard road bikes

Classic

They are the founders of all subsequent types and modifications of this type of transport. The classic bike is universal in its characteristics and is suitable for both beginners and experienced drivers. It is very convenient for use on city streets and does not become very tiring during everyday driving over long distances. Prices for classic bikes are relatively low, and the cost of maintenance and replacement of parts is also low.

The characteristic features of such a motorcycle are the classic design, which ensures a straight seat for the biker, and design. The seat is soft, the steering wheel is straight. The headlight is round, there is a footrest, rear shock absorbers (suspension), and a telescopic fork. Weight is in the range of 150-250 kg.

Classic motorcycles:

• easy to maintain and manage;
• reliable;
• highly maneuverable.

They are distinguished from sports motorcycles by a less agile engine and the absence of fairings, and from a chopper by a less free rider position.

Typical representatives of the classic motorbike: Java 350 type 638-00 (1988), Triumph Bonneville T100.

British classic motorcycle Triumph Bonneville T100 (Triumph Bonneville T100)

Neoclassical

This type includes modern motorcycles made in retro style, carrying the spirit of a bygone era in their design and appearance. This could be a specially conceived project or a consequence of a halt in the development of the motorcycle line (they continue to be produced without any serious modernization).

One example of a neoclassical motorcycle is the Ural cT.

DIY Bobber

For example, take the renowned Deep Creek Cycleworks, who created the perfect vintage concept based on a 1969 Guzzi V7 750 Special.

From the base, the craftsmen left the frame, engine, suspension with wheels, as well as other small parts.

In addition to the base, other elements were taken for work:

1. "Dime City Cycles": tires, handlebars, various levers and switches, as well as lowered shock absorbers;
2. seat;
3. Small in size battery, technical parameters superior to the original one;
4. Hull repainting and decoration.

No matter how logical it may sound, the driver should first of all think about safety, and not about appearance.

Shoes and pants should not allow moisture to pass through, and dust and dirt should also be easily wiped off.

The driver must also have a helmet on his head. It is recommended to wear turtle motorcycle protection.

American style motorcycles

Custom

In most cases, this type of bike is made to order in a unique design or in several copies. Most often it is a product of alteration. For this purpose, either one motorcycle of a certain model is used, or several varieties that are mass-produced. Re-equipment can be carried out by both individual craftsmen and workshops.

All motorcycles of this type are original in essence, because they are created according to their owner’s ideas about the “iron trotter” standard and fully meet his needs.

The example is the 1976 Honda CB550F Super Sport from Recast Moto.

A variation of this type of motorcycle is the brat custom , which is based on the developments of Japanese craftsmen “Brat Style”. This workshop is a pioneer in the production of bikes using a mix style (cafe racer, chopper, tracker).

Characteristic features of a Bret Custom:

• average engine capacity;
• shortened suspension;
• narrow fuel tank located closer to the seat;
• narrowed steering wheel;
• shortened rear wheel fender;
• not pretentious, but interesting appearance.

As an example, consider the Honda CX-500.

Scrambler

As a rule, this type includes “classic” style motorcycles, which are intended not only for daily travel, but also for off-road driving. This is achieved by redesigning the bike and reducing its weight. Currently, there are modifications of motorcycles, both custom-made and mass-produced.

The scrambler is distinguished by the presence of:

• studded (embossed) tires;
• shortened frame;
• long travel suspensions;
• spoked wheels;
• raised muffler.

A custom representative of scramblers is the Triumph Street Scrambler (Tramontana project).

Bobbers

They do not have design frills that would impede the rapid driving so necessary for racing competitions. In particular, the bobber lacks a wing over the front wheel, there are no brakes, and there is no dashboard. The frame has been reconstructed and the rear fender has been shortened. Minor fasteners are removed from the bike.

To make it light and maneuverable, many structural elements are replaced with smaller ones: fuel tank, saddle, headlight, battery. Another characteristic feature of a bobber is the identical wheels.

A typical representative of the class is the BMW R75/5 1973 from GT-Moto.

Choppers

A heavy motorcycle in the made in USA style involuntarily evokes associations with true bikers. You can't help but notice him - he simply attracts attention. Technical characteristics allow you to make impressive trips along city streets. The main thing in these bikes is not the engine power, but the appearance.

You can find choppers that are mass-produced, but for true bike enthusiasts and the entire subculture, they prefer do-it-yourself ones. You won’t see a single plastic part on this bike; it contains a large amount of chrome.

Choppers also have the following characteristics:

• seat in two levels, located low;
• the driver's position allows you to stretch your legs forward;
• low speed engine;
• the steering wheel is longer;
• the rear wheel is small in diameter but wide;
• The fuel tank is drop-shaped.

The representative of the new chopper is Custom-Wolf Harley-Davidson.

Dregsters

Heavy class bike with a powerful, highly accelerated engine. Used for mini-races on public roads with a section length of slightly more than 400 meters.

This type of motorcycle is equipped with a long wheelbase and special stabilizing stays that prevent rear tipping. In order to protect against fire, especially in sports models, the tank is made of fire-resistant material, since nitric oxide and nitromethane are often used as fuel.

The main features of a dregster:

• the presence of durable fairings;
• low center of gravity;
• high structural stability;
• small front and large rear wheels.

Examples include Kawasaki VN1500 Drifter, Harley-Davidson V-Rod, and Yamaha Dragstar.

Motorcycle Yamaha Dragstar

Cruiser (cruiser)

A motorcycle with a spectacular American style appearance is used by lovers of long roads. The convenient design allows the biker to sit vertically in the saddle of a steel horse and feel comfortable. His body does not experience tension for a long time.

Thanks to the high-raised steering wheel and low-set seat, the hands are parallel to the road. Equipping a motorcycle with a good suspension softens the shaking on small potholes and potholes.

The cruiser is still not intended for driving on bad roads, nor for driving fast. The motorcycle is not very maneuverable, so you shouldn’t drive recklessly, especially on sharp turns, otherwise you may lose your balance.

In addition to the above features, this motorcycle is different:

• strong brakes;
• powerful engine;
• drop tank;
• wheels of the same size;

Among the disadvantages, significant fuel consumption can be noted.

A representative of this species is the Yamaha Raider S.

Power cruiser

This bike has a more durable design and features similar to a sportbike. The engine exceeds 100 horsepower, has a strong and reliable braking system, and has an inverted fork.

Sample – Yamaha Raider Bullet Cowl.

Lux cruiser

The special equipment the bike is equipped with allows you to comfortably make long trips. Thanks to the spacious trunks, you can take the necessary things on the road. And the presence of a navigator, air conditioning and a stereo system creates additional convenience. Features also include a built-in headlight in a voluminous plastic fairing that protects the motorcyclist and his legs from the wind.

There are very few brands of this motorcycle around the world, as they are produced in small batches. A typical representative of the class is the Indian Chieftain.

Dresser

A type of cruiser that is equipped with additional elements:

• fairings;
• chrome trim;
• voluminous trunks, bags, etc.

Additional accessories began to be offered by Indian and Harley-Davidson in the middle of the last century. There were people who wanted to decorate their bikes with a full dress. Later, such motorcycles began to be called dresser. Currently, among American bikers this is the name given to touring models equipped with panniers and fairings.

Off-road motorcycles

They are produced to conquer off-road terrain, all kinds of jumps and other obstacles. To do this, they are equipped with the appropriate equipment, which allows them to easily overcome areas where ordinary bikes would simply get stuck in a slip.

The following types of motorcycles are considered the most famous off-road vehicles:

• cross;
• enduro;
• motard;
• speedway, etc.

Cross

This type of motorcycle has one purpose - sports. It is not used on public routes, as there are no lighting devices on it. They are not designed for city driving.

Distinctive features are:

• small mass;
• reliable frame;
• long travel suspension.

They are almost always equipped with a two-stroke engine, which is started by a kick starter. All this together makes the bike a good cross racer. There are no excesses.

Examples include:

• Suzuki RM250(2T)/RM-Z250(4T);
• Honda CRF250R;
• Yamaha YZ250.

There are modified models with 450 cubes. There are also miniature versions of this type of bike, which are produced for use in children's motocross races.

Enduro

They are heavier than motocross bikes and have a similar appearance to them, but are not as powerful. The main direction of these motorcycles is off-road tourism over relatively short distances. To do this, they are equipped with excellent suspensions that successfully smooth out road bumps, and a fairly wide seat. The upright seating position does not put as much strain on the torso while riding. At the same time, they have turn signals, headlights, a speedometer, a mirror, a muffler - everything that makes it possible to drive on city streets.

Examples include:

• Yamaha TT250R Open Enduro;
• GEON X-Road 200 BMW;
• Suzuki DR-Z400.

On enduro you can not only maneuver in the bustle of the city, but also learn how to ride a motorcycle. How to choose an enduro for a beginner is described here.

Motards

Designed for regular roads, but can also cope well with off-road conditions. Motards are characterized by a high rider position, ease of control and a fairly powerful engine.

This type of motorcycle includes:

• BM Motard 200;
• BMW G650 X;
• Suzuki 250SB;
• Honda FMX 650;
• Yamaha XT660X.

Speedway

Structurally, it is designed specifically for circuit ice racing. There is no gearbox, brakes, fairings, but there are spikes (almost 3 cm). These motorcycles are integral to the sport. At the same time, manufacturers decided to create a more popular version available to ordinary citizens.

Harley-Davidson was the first to produce the Peashooter (350 cc), which could be purchased by almost anyone. Soon, the Indian company began producing the Prince bike with approximately the same cost and engine capacity. We can’t help but mention the Jawa motorcycle, the legendary winner of many speedway competitions.

Sportbikes

This type of motorcycle is the most powerful and fastest. It is designed for road-circuit motorcycle racing. These motorcycles have low fuel consumption. Servicing them is not difficult.

Superbike

A version of a sportbike, but even faster, more powerful, and easier to ride. The most famous representatives:

• Triumph Daytona 675;
• Yamaha YZF-R6;
• Honda CBR 1000RR;
• Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6RR.

Superbikes are often distinguished by the “factory tuning” of the Suzuki GSX-R 1000 sports motorcycle.

Naked (naked)

These motorcycles are completely free of plastic and cladding elements. At first they were made from sports bikes, for this reason they have the same technical data. In most cases, nakeds are driven on city streets, since due to the lack of fairings their speed is not so high, and the aerodynamics leave much to be desired.

An example would be motorcycles from well-known manufacturers: Honda CB1100 EX, Suzuki GS500E, etc.

Suzuki GS500E

Streetfighters

Relatively small group. The technical parameters are reminiscent of sports motorcycles, but all the extra plastic is missing. Very often, street bikes become sports motorbikes that have been involved in a traffic accident. The models are ideal for performing various tricks. Their main differences are a smaller dashboard, a powerful headlight, and the absence of fairings. All mechanisms are as open as possible.

Touring motorcycles

Large motorcycle. Designed for long journeys on motorways and other good roads. It is quite difficult to control, but at the same time it has a comfortable seating position for the motorcyclist and passenger. Other features:

• spacious fuel tank;
• low speed engine;
• equipped with safety equipment, cruise control, speakers.

One of the representatives of this type is Triumph America LT.

Sports tourer

Bikes that combine the features of a sports motorcycle and a tourer. Equipped with a powerful engine and excellent brakes, also high-speed. For such characteristics they are also called hyperbikes. The seating position ensures that the motorcyclist and passenger are comfortable during long journeys on the highway.

An excellent representative of this species is the Yamaha FJR1300AS.

Luxury tourer

Highly comfortable expensive motorcycles. The luxury type of tourist is, first of all, good additional equipment:

• air conditioner;
• wind protection;
• volumetric trunks;
• built-in navigation system;
• Cruise control;
• passenger armrests;
• heated steering wheel.

They are massive and stable, which allows you to comfortably travel long distances on them. Not intended for normal everyday driving.

A typical representative is the Honda GL1800 Gold Wing.

Cruisers

Such road motorcycles are the complete opposite of sports models. Such bikes are suitable for a calm and measured ride. Often choppers are also included here. A distinctive feature is the low seat height, so that even people with short stature can reach the ground with their feet quite comfortably.

It may also be interesting: Yamaha YBR 125 is great for beginner motorcyclists

Such bikes lend themselves well to tuning, so they can be modernized and customized to suit you. The models are well suited for both city driving and long trips. Some say that such a motorcycle is quite difficult to control, but the greater mass increases stability. The cost of maintenance can be either low or quite high - it all depends on the specific model. No special equipment is needed; your choice should be made based on your preferences.

Minibike

The name itself speaks for itself - this is a small-sized motorcycle. Despite its small weight and dimensions, this bike is quite maneuverable and quickly picks up speed. The most difficult thing for a mini-motorcycle owner is learning to maintain balance.

Minibike Honda Monkey

Basically, the minibike is intended for racing on kart tracks. But traveling on public roads is not very comfortable.

The history of bobbers

Motorcycles of this class appeared even earlier than choppers, even before the Second World War. At that time, amateur racing on dirt tracks was very popular in the United States, and the participants in the races used mainly motorcycles made by Indian, Harley-Davidson, Cleveland and other similar brands. They were heavy, and in order to lighten them and thereby gain an advantage in power supply, the owners removed everything from them except what was needed for the actual process of movement. The front fender was usually discarded as unnecessary, the rear fender was cut to the middle, and even the kickstarter was often dismantled! And there were no electric starters at that time, so the first bobbers were motorcycles that started exclusively “from the pusher.” That is why the sissybar backrest took root on them, since the rider’s assistants pushed him out of his seat, resting against it. Choppers, however, also usually lost all the “optional” parts, but bobbers still have a number of differences from them. Here are the main features characteristic of bikes of this class:

• A fork with a slight reach angle, similar to classic road bikes;
• The seat is a la “bicycle”, usually spring-loaded;
• No front wing;
• Short rear wing;
• Low handlebars, like on road motorcycles;
• Backrest, most often mounted on a frame;
• Lack of passenger space.

Children's motorcycles

Their purpose is mainly for the driver to gain off-road driving skills and be able to participate in sports motorcycle competitions. There are the following subtypes of children's bikes:

• moped;
• scooter;
• children's all-terrain vehicle.

A classic type moped has a pedal drive (chain drive to the rear wheel). It has a freewheel. The brake in the hub (rear wheel) is activated by reverse rotation of the pedals. There are mopeds that have a gearbox.

Scooters have smaller wheels than motorcycles. It is better suited for riding than a moped, which is important for beginners.

There is also a scooter, it is located in the middle of a scooter and a classic bike. In Russia this is a rather rare type of transport, but in the world this two-wheeler is almost the most common.

Suzuki Bandit 1200

Someone once said some really smart things about this bike: “Everyone talks about the B12 wanting a flat tire. I always want to check if this is true. And damn it, it is so! "It's not a very complicated motorcycle. Many manual agricultural machines have a more complex and sophisticated design. The capacity doubled from 600 produced impressive results. The gearing is fast and incredibly flexible, but what's most impressive is the ease with which this quarter-ton bike lifts the front end. The power of the oil stove, coupled with the relatively short wheelbase, makes you rear up in the first two gears, and in the next two you just need to release the clutch. You might as well place the donor of the mighty GSX-R1100 stove here,

Special purpose motorcycles

They are:

• police officers;
• firefighters;
• army;
• Ambulance.

This type also includes high cross-country vehicles.

Each type has its own characteristics. For example, a Russian electric motorcycle for special services from the Kalashnikov concern is distinguished by its noiselessness and ability to overcome rough terrain. It is used in reconnaissance, raids, and search operations. One charge is enough for 100 kilometers. Speed ​​– no more than 80 km/h. But the heavy concept bike “Izh” has 150 horses and reaches a speed of 240 km/h.

Kawasaki ZX10R

Let's start off trivially. The top ten debuted in 2004 with Silicon Valley computing power, twelve-speed traction control. And an electronic nanny who makes sure that the driver does not harm himself. She looks like a psychopathic killer who accidentally ends up in Medjugorje. The ZX10R never entertains candlelit dinners or says goodnight. It’s not a matter of numbers, although it’s difficult to call 175 km a linden. Kawasaki is very brutal. Explosions in specific spin ranges are a feature attributed to a lot of green equipment, but it's the ZX10R that stamps the theory. Here you can rear up in 1st, 2nd, 3rd or even 4th gear by simply opening the throttle faster, even at 150 km/h.

Motorcycles with sidecars

They are a heavy type of bike. The design includes a two-wheeled motorcycle and a one-wheeled side trailer (sidecar). It can be either fixed or removable.

In previous years, such a bike often served as a less expensive substitute for a passenger car. As a rule, it is distinguished by its heavy weight, low-speed and powerful engine.

The most famous representatives of the class:

• Dnepr 11, Dnepr 16;
• Yamaha D-Side by Deus 3;
• Ural GEAR-UP, etc.

Ural GEAR-UP
A motorcycle with a sidecar copes well with off-road conditions and transportation of large luggage, which is what it is intended for. During the Great Patriotic War, they were even used to pull cannons. It is not advisable to use it on highways, since the stability is quite low, especially at high speed. The drive can be not only on the rear wheel, but also on the cradle.

All-terrain vehicle

It resembles a motorcycle and is a small vehicle with the following characteristic features:

• three wheels or more;
• low pressure tires;
• basically a bicycle-like handlebar;
• seating – astride the seat.

This type of all-terrain vehicle can be either single or double. There are varieties:

• ATVs – four-wheeled off-road vehicles;
• trikes - three-wheeled all-terrain vehicles;
• special all-terrain vehicles – equipped with six or more wheels (or tracks).

Such a vehicle is a symbiosis of a car and a motorcycle, with high cross-country ability. This is an excellent technique for hunting or fishing trips, and a useful thing in the village.

The most popular manufacturers of this equipment: Kawasaki, Bombardier, Honda, Suzuki Yamaha.

Dual purpose motorcycle

Designed specifically for driving on asphalt roads, as well as on rough terrain. At the end of the 60s of the last century, the Yamaha concern released the first batch of bikes that combined the properties of road motorcycles and DT-1 SUVs. Subsequently the DR350 was produced.

Enduro Dual Sport BMW 1200 GS (left) and dual-purpose motorcycle Suzuki DRZ400 (right)

The division of motorcycle equipment into types is not always uniform. Some bikes can immediately belong to different types. And although there is no absolutely accurate classification of motorcycles, it is possible, given the current state of affairs, to find the equipment that would suit you best.

Gregory

Blog author

Custom

Custom is a non-serial motorcycle that was created in a single copy at the request of the customer. We can confidently say that custom models were born at the same time as classic models. It is impossible to accurately identify the types and characteristics of such motorcycles, because this group includes all motorcycles that are not mass-produced.

A custom can be created on the basis of a chopper or sports bike. This group includes the same dragsters with jet traction that give victory in the race. This also includes types of custom motorcycles such as bobbers and racers.