Difference between revisions of "Category:Motorcycle types"

These motorcycles mimic the style of American machines from the [[1930s]] to the early 1960s, such as those made by [[Harley-Davidson]], [[Indian (motorcycle)|Indian]], [[Excelsior]] and [[Henderson]], even though they have benefited from advances in metallurgy and design. The riding position places the feet forward and the hands up, with the spine erect or leaning back slightly, which many find to be more comfortable for long-distance riding. The riding position of American style Cruisers and Choppers evolved from the saddle and riding position used by Western Cowboys (See [[Western Saddle]]). This position allows greater long distance comfort, with some compromise of control.  

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.