Difference between revisions of "Category:Motorcycle types"

Sportbikes are almost invariably capable of very high speeds as compared to most vehicles, with great stability in corners. Large-[[engine displacement|displacement]] sports bikes offer large power-to-weight ratio with explosive acceleration; most bikes reach 100 km/h from stand still at or about 3 seconds and can do a quarter mile under or about 10 seconds. They are difficult to manage by those not experienced in their operation; for the less-experienced or who have requirements of a smaller, lighter vehicle, smaller-displacement, sub-75 horsepower (56 kW) motorcycles are also manufactured. The 2006 [[Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14]] (stock) can reach 100 km/h (62 mph) under 2.5 seconds and does a quarter mile in 9 seconds flat with an experienced rider, however top speed is restricted to 300 km/h (186 mph).The many engine-sizes available often reflect the difference professional and amateur racing classes which adhere to strict engine-size and weight rules. The late 1990s saw "power wars" between various motorcycle manufacturers that culminated in [[Suzuki]]'s 1300 cc [[Suzuki GSX1300R|GSX-1300R Hayabusa]], the first production motorcycle to exceed 300 km/h (186 mph) , and [[Kawasaki motorcycles|Kawasaki]]'s [[Kawasaki ZX-12R|ZX-12R]], designed to exceed 320 km/h (200 mph). The Japanese manufacturers have allegedly had "[[gentlemen's agreement]]s" to limit production motorcycle engines to a maximum output of 125bhp in the 90s & later a maximum speed of 300 km/h (186 mph) in an effort to promote safety - typically accomplished with an electronically-controlled speed governor.  Aftermarket manufacturers, however, do not hesitate to satisfy the need for even greater speeds - several produce  parts or systems designed to defeat the factory-installed speed limits.

Although any motorcycle can be so equipped and used to tour with, manufacturers have brought specific models designed to address the particular needs of long-distance touring and heavy commuting riders to market. Common to the touring market is usually large displacement fairings and [[windshield]]s (to offer a high degree of weather and wind protection), large capacity fuel tanks (for long ranges between fill-ups) and a more relaxed, more upright seating position than sport-bikes. These motorcycles can be further subdivided into multiple sub-categories, which are commonly used terms within the motorcycle industry.  

Full-Dress touring motorcycles are generally characterized by extremely large fairings and bodywork compared to other forms of tourers, the integration of hard luggage into the design of the motorcycle (often including both saddlebags and a top-mounted box), very large displacement, torque-rich engines, and a very upright, comfortable riding position. Additionally, standard and optional amenities on full-dress tourers often encompasses equipment not normally offered on other motorcycles, such as complete stereos (AM/FM plus CD or cassette is standard, and now satellite radio is becoming more common), heated seats and hand-grips, GPS navigation systems, selective venting, power [[windshield]]s, electrically controllable [[windshield]], and for certain models in certain model-years, such oddities as integrated air compressors, air conditioning and air bags. Full-dress tourers are designed specifically for riding on pavement, although they may be taken onto hard, compacted dirt roads; they are specifically not designed for off-road duties. Debatably, the title of the original Full-dress production tourer was the [[BMW]] [[BMW motorcycles|R100RT]], introduced in 1978.

Also known as the "naked" bike or "street" bike, this is the basic form of the motorcycle stripped down to its fundamental parts, with the front wheel visible from the rider's position. The emphasis is on functionality, performance and [[ergonomics]] rather than flashy body panels and exaggerated riding positions that are most common on sport bikes. This style of motorcycle saw a resurgence at the end of the 1990s, driven in large part by the European market, with many manufacturers releasing new models with minimal or no fairings. The Yamaha FZ1, [[Honda 919]], Honda Hornet (599), and Suzuki GSF600 Bandit are popular examples of this style of motorcycle.  Large [[engine displacement]] versions of the "naked" type of motorcycle, especially those built in [[:Category:Japanese motorcycles|Japan]], are often referred to as "muscle" bikes.

[[Motorscooter]]s are similar to motorcycles and are also designed for being ridden on the road. Scooters have the engine as part of the swingarm, ie. their engines travel up & down with the suspension. They are often have smaller wheels (generally less than 14 in (357 mm) diameter), automatic transmissions, small (generally less than 125 cc) engines, and a [[step-through]] configuration allowing the rider to ride with both feet on a running-board and knees together. In Mediterranean Europe, particularly Italy, scooters are very popular. In the United States scooters have long been a fixture on college campuses and strapped to the back of Recreational Vehicles due to their portability and exceptional fuel economy. However much larger scooters with engine displacements greater than 250 cc are becoming more popular. The Honda Silver Wing, Honda Reflex, and Suzuki Burgman are the most popular "maxi-scooter" models available in the United States.

A [[Derny]] is a specialized type of motorcycle that is designed and built for use in track cycling events where a derny driver blocks the air-resistance for a racing bicycle riding close behind the derny.

Although there are aftermarket trailers that allow motorcycle to tow, factory-made motorcycles specialized for towing are rare.  The only known vehicle for towing is ''Retriever'' by a Swedish company named [[Coming Through]], which is a modified version of [[Honda]] GL 1800 GoldWing.  With the use of a high torque engine, low centre of gravity design, and retractable trailer, towing motorcycles can reduce response time for retrieving cars and light trucks on congested roads.

Examples of recent concept bikes can be see in the press release for any of the major global motorcycle exhibitions, including the [http://tokyo2005.suzuki.co.jp/motor/EN/cm/index.html [[Tokyo Motorcycle Show]]], the various primary European Motorcycle Shows ([[InterMot]],[[ Paris Motorcycle Exhibit]], [[Milan Motorcycle Show]]).