To conquer the roads with a two-wheeled vehicle with a motor is very fast and interesting. But there are so many types of motorcycles that the eyes run out. They are designed for different types of roadway and even off-road, the maximum speed is played by 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 to the four main types and information that helps to calculate what type of ride they are suitable for. This will help you choose your model, which will fully meet the specific road conditions and help achieve the goals.
Contents:
- Which company's motorcycle to choose
- The best sports motorcycles
- The best tourist bikes
- The best classics motorcycles
- The best off-road motorcycles
- What motorcycle to buy
Which motorcycle to choose
Traditionally, Asian and European companies are fighting for leadership in the motorcycle production sector. The following companies are doing well:
1. Kawasaki
2. Viper
3. Suzuki
4. Yamaha
5. Honda
The first company appeared in 1896 and had two main offices in the Japanese capital and Kobe. Today, it is the largest concern in the world for the production of ATVs, sports and racing motobikes. In addition to technology, the company is engaged in the production of clothing and equipment for riding on open transport.
The Viper brand is a direct competitor from the neighboring country - China, in whose territory a lot of factories for the production of motorcycle and bicycle products were built. In the design of two-wheeled vehicles they are helped by Italian studio Italdesign.
Suzuki has won the automotive and motorcycle market for more than 100 years, and has a reputation as a reliable manufacturer not only in Japan, but worldwide. Its staff consists of more than 50,000 employees who specialize in the design, construction and testing of vehicles.
Yamaha is focused on motoring with light weight and high speed. Japanese engineers monitor the quality of their units and constantly experiment with the design.
The best sports motorcycles
Among the young people are very popular sports motorcycles, whose main feature is the high speed on the track. This is achieved by a 2 or 4-cylinder engine, which has a large power and a completely streamlined body made of durable plastic, to reduce the air resistance.
The encased skin has a bright design that attracts the attention of others. The technique has good handling at high speed, but produces a loud sound from the operation of the power unit. Here are the best models of this kind according to the reviews of their owners.
Yamaha YZF1000 Thunderace - soft "aircraft"
This model of the Japanese concern has a one-liter engine and a top speed of up to 260 km / h. The design is equipped with a thoughtful frame with a very comfortable fit for the driver. The side paneling branches out around the motor and creates pockets for air cooling. Control is carried out by gearless turning of the front wheel.
The motorcycle is equipped with disc brakes and one silencer to the right. For the passenger a small seat without a stop is provided. To overcome 100 km of the road you will need 6.5 liters of gasoline. In the arsenal of the driver five speeds. The total mass of the unit is 200 kg. When driving on the highway one full tank is enough for 300 km. The power has a limit of 145 hp. The model belongs to the professional category and is not suitable for novice motorists.
Advantages:
- solid frame;
- smooth acceleration dynamics;
- soft grip;
- is easily managed;
- does not roar very much;
- stylish design;
- convenient steering wheel.
Disadvantages:
- heavy;
- brings the rear wheel;
- rubber is quickly abraded;
- in some models fuel consumption is increased;
- when picking up the speed up the front wheel.
Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R - fast samurai
The Japanese model has expressive features and a very sharp front view. Its name "Ninja" fully corresponds to the speed and design of motobike. The unit is equipped with a four-cylinder motor and a total volume of 998 square centimeters. This engine is capable of delivering 200 hp. The motorcycle is endowed with six speeds, which are switched thanks to the multi-plate clutch in the oil bath.
The frame of the structure is made in diagonal design from a durable aluminum alloy. This allowed to reduce the weight, which is 198 kg. But Motobike got a reduced fuel tank for 17 liters. The telescopic suspension can move 120 mm, reducing jumps on a rough road. Despite the cut shape of the tank, the second seat is very short, but allows you to carry the passenger. The speedometer is rated up to 300 km, at which the electronics cuts off the engine from the transmission.
Advantages:
- fast;
- sensitive brakes;
- original design;
- aerodynamics;
- is easy to operate at speed;
- long component life;
- quality plating with plastic.
Disadvantages:
- reduced fuel tank;
- high fuel consumption;
- is lower than other models;The
- windshield is ineffective after 230 km / h.
Aprilia RS 125 - Italian minimalism
The Italian model of the motorcycle sports class competes with Asian models. The plastic sheathing of the body has almost no holes and is integral. Between the driver's and passenger's seat is a clear step-separator. This is an economical option for sports fans. Dial speed up to 100 km is possible in 7 seconds. At the same time, the capacity of the power unit is only 124.8 "cubes".All this allows you to drive at a speed of 175 km / h.
In the motor there is only one cylinder, working in two strokes. The unit has 25 hp. Contrary to common injectors, this motorcycle has a carburetor. For the rider there are six speeds and disc brakes. But the mass of the device is only 130 kg. The front fork with a diameter of 40 mm gives excellent control on the road. The rear mono-shaft damper smooths the unevenness of the track and is adjustable depending on the load.
Advantages:
- is well suited for beginners;
- fast acceleration;
- easy transmission changeover;
- looks much more expensive than it really is;
- effective brakes;
- light weight.
Disadvantages:
- engine sound similar to scooter performance;
- narrow wheels;
- expensive parts;
- high consumption, despite the volume of the power unit.
The best tourist motorcycles
This kind of motorcycles is created for country roads to overcome distances with comfort. Tourist models are equipped with large luggage compartments, and the seats have wide shapes, backrests and even armrests for the passenger. On the functional, such bikes are comparable with cars and have a large mass. They are distinguished by high cost and number of options. Here are their best representatives on user reviews.
Harley-Davidson FLSTC Heritage Softail - expensive tourism in the American way
Among the representatives of the tourist section of motorcycles this American motorcycle stands out. He combined the features of the classic transport of the unchanged species of this brand with the functionality necessary for long trips. At the driver the low landing is kept, baggage departments are very capacious, and on a frame it is a lot of chrome and rivets. The seat and bags are made of genuine leather. The windscreen is unscrewed to make it more convenient to drive around the city.
The motor has a volume of 1.5 square decimeters, and the flow rate is 4.5 liters. In the city this figure will be 6.7 l / 100 km. The motorcycle has six speeds and air cooling. The mass of the assembly is 345 kg. The tank is designed for 19 liters. The ABS system is introduced into the brakes to prevent locking of the rear wheel.
Advantages:
- recognized worldwide style;
- comfort seats for the driver and the passenger;
- anticorrosive material;
- powerful engine;
- brakes with ABS;
- concealed rear suspension;
- thanks to the high handlebar convenient handling.
Disadvantages:
- is very heavy;
- high cost;
- deficit 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 is 2600 mm long and weighs 372 kg. The motorcycle is designed for long-distance comfortable trips and has separate seats for the driver and the passenger. The latter, in addition to a comfortable backrest, provides folding armrests. On the sides there are two luggage compartment closures. At the rear is another large trunk and a frame for securing hand luggage.
The motorcycle consumes 8 liters per 100 km. This is explained by a six-cylinder power unit with 100 hp. But it is possible to disperse up to a hundred apparatus in just 4.5 seconds. The model has 5 highway speeds and one rear speed. The fuel tank holds 23 liters of gasoline.
Pluses:
- high level of comfort;
- split seats;
- high windshield;
- liquid cooling system;
- roomy trunks;
- availability of rear speed;
- additional illumination at the footrest level;
- high speed on the highway( up to 180 km);
- roomy tank;
- powerful engine.
Disadvantages:
- is very heavy;
- poor maneuverability in the city;
- very low driver's seat;
- high cost.
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 motorcycle transport and sports bike. If you detach the rear trunk with the backrest and side tanks for things, you get a lite version, suitable for urban driving. The complete unit weighs 348 kg and has a power of 160 hp.
The engine has a large size, and all six cylinders form a volume of 1649 cubic centimeters. The carburetor is equipped with an electronic injection. The ignition system is controlled by a board with digital signals. The transmission has six gears, with helical gears. The tank can immediately fill up 26.5 liters. The tourist model is moderately compact and is 2490 mm long.
Advantages:
- base is shorter than that of analogues, which increases maneuverability in the city;
- stylish image with high hooded plastic;
- trunk removal transforms the model into a sporty bike;
- large fuel tank;
- light alloy wheels;
- is a powerful motor.
Disadvantages:
- weight;
- low windshield;
- low separator between seats;
- is very expensive.
The best classic motorcycles
This type of transport is designed for movement around the city and close trips along the road to neighboring settlements. It is designed for everyday use and is characterized by simple construction and convenient maintenance( it is not required to remove a lot of plating and frames to get to the parts being repaired).Landing the driver on it does not provide an emphasis on the steering wheel and implies a vertical position. Here are the best of these models from users.
Suzuki Boulevard C50 - Japanese powerful classic
Designers endowed this device with simple, but streamlined forms, with the ability to remove the windshield. The model has a powerful four-cylinder engine, and exhaust chrome pipes are located on one side of the body. The volume of the engine is 805 cubic centimeters.
The rear suspension is built on an oil damper and reinforced with a spring. Front brake - disc, and on the rear wheel are pads inside the drum. The saddle is 700 mm from the floor, which is very convenient for long sitting. Weight of the construction is 277 kg. The tank is designed for 15.5 liters. The driver has five speeds and a power of 53 hp. At a speed of 130 km, five liters of fuel will be spent.
Advantages:
- low fuel consumption;
- good stability;
- thanks to ergonomics is quite compact;
- fast reception of turns from the engine;
- high cross-country capability;
- propeller shaft is easy to maintain;
- good light from the head lamp.
Disadvantages:
- increased oil consumption for fast driving inside the city;
- with a steep road up, speed drops and you have to switch;
- large dimensions, forcing to stand in traffic jams;
- in the rain brings the rear wheel.
Yamaha XJR 1200 SP - classic with a sporty note
This motorcycle belongs to the classic line, but because of the slightly reared rear seat, a bit like a sports bike. The unit is equipped with a four-cylinder engine with exhaust out through two pipes on opposite sides of the body. Japanese engineers supplied it with a motor volume of 1188 cubic centimeters. All the brakes on it are disk type.
The vehicle has a mass of 230 kg, and the driver's seat is located at an altitude of 790 mm, which is suitable for tall people. The capacity of the fuel tank is 21 liters. The motorcycle has five speeds, which use the entire power of the unit in 98 hp. This model is well suited for beginners, due to the ease of management and easy maintenance. Optics is endowed with a bright reflector and allows you to clearly see in the dark.
Advantages:
- thrifty;
- is smoothly moving;
- sporty appearance;
- soft seats;
- gas-oil shock absorbers;
- rapid acceleration to 100 km / h;
- low cost;
- easy to find parts;
- is convenient for tall people.
Disadvantages: The
- has a lot of unclosed space between the seat and the rear wheel;
- the rear passenger does not have anything to hold on.
Racer Magnum RC200-C5B - an affordable alternative to the
This motorcycle is a modern reflection of "Java", which is very similar in shape and characteristics. Round headlamp, speedometer and tachometer on the steering wheel, thin hydraulic shock absorbers on the fork and a solid even seat, serve as its classic features. The model is distinguished by disc brakes and aluminum rims of the wheels.
Power of the power unit is 13.6 hp, which is enough to accelerate to 110 km / h. A small engine volume of 197 "cubes" provides an economical fuel consumption of 2.2 liters. Despite the simple assembly, a kick kicker, an electronic launch system and a Japanese carburetor were introduced into the bike. The weight of the model is 126 kg and it is capable of carrying two people with a total mass of 150 kg. The size of the tank is classic for this type - 18 liters.
Advantages:
- affordable price;
- convenient driver's seat;
- large stroke at the front shock absorbers;
- economical consumption;
- design;
- large tank;
- is hardy;
- five speeds.
Disadvantages:
- uncomfortable rear handle for passenger;
- protector is not suitable for driving on a dirt road;
- there may be interruptions in the wiring;
- plastic outfits quickly bounce off.
The best off-road motorcycles
This transport is characterized by deep protectors and large diameter wheels for high throughput. It is designed for driving on land, sand and gravel. The frame has an elongated shape, and the height of the ground clearance is quite large. Here are the best models of this kind in the opinion of drivers.
KTM 690 Enduro R - will pass everywhere
The bike from Austrian engineers has good shock absorbers to overcome unevenness and jumps. The rear wheel is traditionally wider than the front wheel. The design is maximally facilitated by a small tank of 12 liters, narrow wings, a three-dimensional steel frame and wheels with spokes. The total weight is 140 kg.
The driver's seat is located at an altitude of 935 mm. The motor can hold 690 cubic centimeters and it was this indicator that got the number in the name. 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. Transmission is designed for six gears.
Advantages:
- is very powerful for this class;
- good handling;
- easy;
- high passability;
- transmissions never jumped off;
- easy transition to neutral speed;
- chain does not stretch.
Disadvantages:
- brittle steel frame;
- lacks sharpness of turns;
- expensive parts.
Lifan LF200 gy-5 - budget SUV
This model has a wide demand because of its cheap price regarding imported motorcycles. In Lifan put the most necessary minimum for this class. The power unit was equipped with one cylinder, the volume of 197 cubic centimeters. The maximum power reaches 16.3 hp. But the engine is cooled only by air currents, therefore at long loads it can overheat.
The weight of the whole apparatus is only 122 kg, which is very good for an off-road vehicle. A small narrow tank holds 10 liters of fuel. The pendular rear suspension provides soft jumps on the trampolines. The maximum speed of the bike is not more than 100 km / h. In a mixed cycle, gasoline consumption by the engine is 2.3 liters.
Advantages:
- is very light in its class;
- economical consumption;
- good housing assembly;
- high cross-country capability;
- is easy to maintain;
- keeps the track well.
Disadvantages:
- small tank;
- lacks power;
- loud exhaust;
- clumsy look;
- is more suitable for the transport of one person.
Kayo CRF801-7L Basic 17/14 - parrots like a butterfly
This unit accommodates a four-stroke engine per cylinder. Its operation is cooled by the air flow and oil lubrication in the pan. Of the arsenal of speeds, four gears, all front. For the brakes responds to the hydraulic system, which compresses the wheels on wheels with pads. The frame is presented in a steel version made of tubular elements. The total weight of the motorcycle is 69 kg.
Passage provides a high clearance of 370 mm, and the height from the ground to the saddle is 885 mm. The distance between the wheels is 1225 mm, which in total makes it convenient for tall lean drivers. Rear lights are planted deep under the seat. The control is carried out by almost direct steering.
Advantages:
- 4 cycles;
- is very light and manoeuvrable;
- is easy to repair;
- kick kick starter;
- suspension;
- straight-through silencer;
- power 11 hp
Disadvantages:
- faint headlight headlight;
- the steering wheel bends when falling;
- chain is stretched;
- there is no electric starter.
Which motorcycle to buy
Choosing among such a variety of two-wheeled vehicles the appropriate option, one should start from how and how much it will be used. Other parameters, such as: power, maximum speed and frame size, depend on personal preferences.
Therefore it is worth using the following approach:
1. For daily trips inside the city, whether it's the way to work or visiting relatives, the classic model of a motorcycle, compact, will be suitable to avoid idle time in traffic jams, and not very catchy,invisible "for parking thieves. Of the types of these bikes is to 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 a quick journey through the city, and on the road they have no equal. Pay attention to the Yamaha YZF1000 Thunderace or Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R.
3. Off-road aggregates KTM 690 Enduro R or Kayo CRF801-7L Basic 17/14 are well suited for competition on the ground, hillsides and overcoming other obstacles. This is a great hobby for motorists.
4. In case of the desire to conquer hundreds of kilometers on a two-wheeled vehicle and sit on it alone together without inconvenience, you will need a tourist version of the motorcycle, with its large base, luggage compartments and wide seats. Here it is worth buying the Honda GL 1500 Gold Wing or BMW K1600 GT.