Motorcycles have been produced in myriad configurations for innumerable purposes. Most motorcycles fall into one of three main categories — street, off-road, and dual-purpose — depending on the surface they are intended to be used on. A few specialty machines do not fall into one of these categories. Each configuration offers either specialized advantage or broad capability, and each design creates a different riding posture.
Road motorcycles are motorcycles designed for being ridden on paved roads. They feature smooth tires with a light tread pattern and engines generally in the 125 cc and over range. Most are capable of speeds up to 100 mph (160 km/h), and many of speeds in excess of 125 mph (200 km/h).
In India and Pakistan, motorcycles are more popular than cars as means of transport due to low operating and ownership cost. Typical displacements are small (50–450 cc), and as a result these motorcycles give better fuel efficiency — reportedly 1.25–2.5 litres/100 km (94–188 mpg) being common.
Road motorcycles are themselves broken down into several sub-categories.
These motorcycles mimic the style of American machines from the 1930s to the early 1960s, such as those made by Harley-Davidson, Indian, and Excelsior-Henderson, even though they have benefited from advances in metallurgy and design. The riding position always places the feet forward. Usually the hands are up and the spine erect or leaning back slightly, which some riders find to be more comfortable for long-distance riding. This position allows greater long-distance comfort, with some compromise of control. Chopper-style motorcycles would be categorized as a type of cruiser.
Some cruisers may have limited performance and turning ability because of a low-slung design. Riders who enjoy cornering at higher speeds may need to customize to enhance lean angle, or start with a performance or sport cruiser. Cruisers are often custom projects that result in a bike modified to suit the owner's ideals, and as such are a source of pride and accomplishment. Cruisers are sometimes called custom even in the absence of aftermarket modifications (see Custom (motorcycle)).
Sport bikes, sometimes called performance bikes or "crotch rockets," emphasize speed, acceleration, deceleration, and maneuverability. Because of this, there are certain design elements that most motorcycles of this type will share. Sport bikes have comparatively high performance engines resting inside a lightweight frame. The combination of these help maintain structural integrity and chassis rigidity. Braking systems combine higher performance brake pads and multi-piston calipers that clamp onto oversized vented rotors. Suspension systems are advanced in terms of adjustments and materials for increased stability and durability. Front and rear tires are larger and wider than tires found on other types of motorcycles to accommodate higher cornering speeds and greater lean angles. Fairings may or may not be found on a sport bike. When used, the fairings are shaped to reduce aerodynamic drag as much as possible, and generally offer less wind protection for the rider. The performance of some stock sport bikes is so high that they can be used on a race track right off the showroom floor.
These overall design traits mean sport bikes are generally less practical for street use when compared to most other types of motorcycles. They offer few of the extra features and creature comforts common on touring motorcycles, such as center stands, provisions for saddle bags, large windshields, or fairings that provide protection from rain. Rider position and ergonomics are compromised in favor of weight distribution and aerodynamics. This generally means higher foot pegs, which position the legs closer to the body, and a longer reach to the hand controls, which positions the body and center of gravity forward, above the fuel tank.
The sport bike type can be broken down further into different classes: Entry-level sport bikes are motorcycles that are meant to introduce motorcyclists to the sport bike design. Small-capacity sport bikes typically have engine sizes ranging from 125 cc (7.6 cu in) to 400 cc (24 cu in), but are also produced with engines as small as 50 cc (3.1 cu in). Some entry-level bikes are actually full-featured super-bikes with some sort of performance-limiting mechanism. Super-sport bikes (also known as middleweight sport bikes) are sharply focused for optimal performance on a race track and are built around a high revving, small displacement powerplant that is usually sized from around 600 cc (37 cu in) to 800 cc (49 cu in). Super bikes have characteristics similar to the smaller super sport bikes, but are powered by larger engines that are usually sized around 800 cc (49 cu in) to 1,100 cc (67 cu in). Hyper sport bikes emphasize top speed and acceleration and are typically powered by large motors displacing from 1,100 cc (67 cu in) to 1,400 cc (85 cu in). Sport touring bikes are sport bikes designed with greater emphasis on long-distance riding.
Although any motorcycle can be equipped and used for touring, manufacturers have brought to market specific models designed to address the particular needs of long-distance touring and heavy commuting riders. Touring motorcycles commonly have large displacement fairings and screens that offer a relatively 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.
Road motorcycles are motorcycles designed for being ridden on paved roads. They feature smooth tires with a light tread pattern and engines generally in the 125 cc and over range. Most are capable of speeds up to 100 mph (160 km/h), and many of speeds in excess of 125 mph (200 km/h).
In India and Pakistan, motorcycles are more popular than cars as means of transport due to low operating and ownership cost. Typical displacements are small (50–450 cc), and as a result these motorcycles give better fuel efficiency — reportedly 1.25–2.5 litres/100 km (94–188 mpg) being common.
Road motorcycles are themselves broken down into several sub-categories.
These motorcycles mimic the style of American machines from the 1930s to the early 1960s, such as those made by Harley-Davidson, Indian, and Excelsior-Henderson, even though they have benefited from advances in metallurgy and design. The riding position always places the feet forward. Usually the hands are up and the spine erect or leaning back slightly, which some riders find to be more comfortable for long-distance riding. This position allows greater long-distance comfort, with some compromise of control. Chopper-style motorcycles would be categorized as a type of cruiser.
Some cruisers may have limited performance and turning ability because of a low-slung design. Riders who enjoy cornering at higher speeds may need to customize to enhance lean angle, or start with a performance or sport cruiser. Cruisers are often custom projects that result in a bike modified to suit the owner's ideals, and as such are a source of pride and accomplishment. Cruisers are sometimes called custom even in the absence of aftermarket modifications (see Custom (motorcycle)).
Sport bikes, sometimes called performance bikes or "crotch rockets," emphasize speed, acceleration, deceleration, and maneuverability. Because of this, there are certain design elements that most motorcycles of this type will share. Sport bikes have comparatively high performance engines resting inside a lightweight frame. The combination of these help maintain structural integrity and chassis rigidity. Braking systems combine higher performance brake pads and multi-piston calipers that clamp onto oversized vented rotors. Suspension systems are advanced in terms of adjustments and materials for increased stability and durability. Front and rear tires are larger and wider than tires found on other types of motorcycles to accommodate higher cornering speeds and greater lean angles. Fairings may or may not be found on a sport bike. When used, the fairings are shaped to reduce aerodynamic drag as much as possible, and generally offer less wind protection for the rider. The performance of some stock sport bikes is so high that they can be used on a race track right off the showroom floor.
These overall design traits mean sport bikes are generally less practical for street use when compared to most other types of motorcycles. They offer few of the extra features and creature comforts common on touring motorcycles, such as center stands, provisions for saddle bags, large windshields, or fairings that provide protection from rain. Rider position and ergonomics are compromised in favor of weight distribution and aerodynamics. This generally means higher foot pegs, which position the legs closer to the body, and a longer reach to the hand controls, which positions the body and center of gravity forward, above the fuel tank.
The sport bike type can be broken down further into different classes: Entry-level sport bikes are motorcycles that are meant to introduce motorcyclists to the sport bike design. Small-capacity sport bikes typically have engine sizes ranging from 125 cc (7.6 cu in) to 400 cc (24 cu in), but are also produced with engines as small as 50 cc (3.1 cu in). Some entry-level bikes are actually full-featured super-bikes with some sort of performance-limiting mechanism. Super-sport bikes (also known as middleweight sport bikes) are sharply focused for optimal performance on a race track and are built around a high revving, small displacement powerplant that is usually sized from around 600 cc (37 cu in) to 800 cc (49 cu in). Super bikes have characteristics similar to the smaller super sport bikes, but are powered by larger engines that are usually sized around 800 cc (49 cu in) to 1,100 cc (67 cu in). Hyper sport bikes emphasize top speed and acceleration and are typically powered by large motors displacing from 1,100 cc (67 cu in) to 1,400 cc (85 cu in). Sport touring bikes are sport bikes designed with greater emphasis on long-distance riding.
Although any motorcycle can be equipped and used for touring, manufacturers have brought to market specific models designed to address the particular needs of long-distance touring and heavy commuting riders. Touring motorcycles commonly have large displacement fairings and screens that offer a relatively 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.