Sport bike

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Sport bikes are characterized by having a more streamlined, aerodynamic design when compared to other types of motorcycles. The footpegs are located further back on the bike than conventional motorcycles, which enables the rider to position himself in a lower, more aerodynamic stance. Sportbikes are designed with performance being the primary goal. As a result, a typical characteristic of a sportbike is the ability to travel at extreme speeds with explosive acceleration. Most sportbikes can accelerate to 100 km/h (approx. 60 mph) in 3 seconds or less. Some sportbikes can achieve top speeds of approximately 260 km/h (160 mph) to over 300 km/h (186 mph) depending on engine displacement. Several sportbike manufacturers are known to be in a Gentlemen's agreement which limits sportbike speeds to approximately 300km/h. Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha, Ducati, Aprilia, MV Agusta, and to a lesser degree Buell are the main manufacturers of sport bikes, although Buell are yet to produce a pure sportbike.

Sportbikes most commonly have an inline 4-cylinder engine or a V-twin. Engine displacements can range from 600cc's to 1400cc's, however the most common sizes in street models are 600cc, 750cc, 1000cc, 1300cc, and 1400cc. A factory build "stock" sportbike will typically weigh between 365lbs to 430lbs, with some of the larger models weighing slightly more.

[edit] Trivia

Sport bikes are frequently nicknamed "crotch rockets". The name is derived from the way the rider sits on the bike and from the speed and acceleration these bikes are capable of. A sport bike's foot pegs and shifter are located farther back than a conventional or 'cruiser' motorcycles; this puts the rider in a position that is more streamlined and aerodynamic and places the rider's crotch in very close contact with the seat.

The terms "Crotch-Rocket" and "Bullet-Bike" are often derogatory terms used to reference sport bikes. It is more appropriate to refer to them as "Sport Bikes" (not 'sports' bike(s)).

Unlike cruisers, sport bikes are usually designed with tall riders in mind. People shorter than 5'8" are generally unable to "flatfoot" most sport bikes ( "flatfooting" means sitting on a bike with soles of both feet flat on the ground. While flatfooting is not a requirement for riding a bike, it is important for low-speed confidence and it helps to avoid dropping the bike ).

Sport bikes can also be to referred to differently depending on their engine displacement. 600cc Sportbikes are commonly referred to and raced as 'supersports'. 1000cc bikes are often referred to as 'superbikes', and 1200cc and above are commonly referred to as 'hypersports'. Hypersports are typically heavier than the 600 and 1000cc bikes, but have increased power and top speeds. Due to increased weight and slightly decreased handling capabilities, hypersports typically aren't used in road-racing competitions, instead finding their way onto the dragstrip. For this reason, they are also commonly classed as 'sport touring' models, as they have a slight bias towards ride-comfort rather than all-out performance.