Sport bike
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The Motorcycle Safety Foundation groups motorcycles into the following three separate classes: street, off-road, and dual-sport. A sport bike is a type of motorcycle under the street classification and generally emphasize performance over comfort, passenger/load capacity, and other broad capability.
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[edit] History
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Some of the early sport bike examples included the Honda CB750K and Kawasaki Z1
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Up until the late 1960s, motorcycles came in three basic formats:
- Working bikes: Generally below 250 cc (15.3 cu in) and low powered for the average working gentleman to get to work.
- General bikes: Generally below 500 cc (30.5 cu in) / 650 cc (39.7 cu in) for use as a working bike, but with a higher power output so it could also be used for fun on the weekends.
- Touring bikes: Anything above working/general bike sizes and built mainly for touring.
The first company to crack this mold was arguably Vincent Motorcycles. Designed as a gentleman's touring bike, their model's turn of speed was astounding for days when motorways and freeways didn't exist. However, its handling was basic, and its shortcomings became clear when faced by a motorway - girder forks.
Then in the 1960s, two bikes were developed which could be both daily commuter as well as weekend racer. These were the first sport bikes. The first was the BSA Rocket 3/Triumph Trident, which was closely followed by the Honda CB750K.
It was the 1971 Kawasaki Z1, however, with its 900 cc (54.9 cu in) DOHC engine which finally ushered in the era of the modern sport bike. The Z1 was so successful in sales that by the end of that decade the Japanese manufacturers were all building competing machines that were copying the Z1 formula and its DOHC inline-4 engine configuration. The resulting "bike war" among the Japanese manufacturers and required investment in modern engine manufacturing contributed to the demise of the flagging British motorcycle industry.
[edit] Overview
With the emphasis of a sport bike being on speed, acceleration, deceleration, and maneuverability, 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 less as wind protection for the rider. The performance of some stock sport bikes is so great 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. There is little in the way of extra features or creature comforts like those present on touring motorcycles such as center stands, provisions for saddle bags, large windshields, or fairings providing protection from rain. Rider position and ergonomics are compromised in favor of weight distribution and aerodynamics. This generally means higher foot pegs that move the legs closer to the body and more of a reach to a lower set of hand controls which positions the body and weight forward and over the tank.
The term crotch rocket is slang for some types of sport bikes, mainly super sport and super bikes. The name is derived from the way the rider sits on the bike and from the speed and acceleration of which these bikes are capable. 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.
[edit] Classes
Although not officially recognized by any major motorcycle organization, the different variations of the sport bike can generally be grouped into several different classes, each containing unique features to that class.
[edit] Entry-level
Entry-level sport bikes are motorcycles that are meant to introduce motorcyclists to the sport bike design. They are relatively inexpensive, lightweight, and durable. There are minimal to no fairings installed to cut down on cost and maintenance if the motorcycle were to be dropped. Although capable of more power, the engines are usually detuned for longevity and durability. Entry level sport bikes can usually accommodate riders of all heights and weights.
Examples include the Suzuki GS500 and Kawasaki Ninja 500R/250R.
[edit] Small capacity
Small capacity sport bikes are typically of engine sizes ranging from 125 cc (7.6 cu in) to 400 cc (24.4 cu in), but are also produced in as little as 50 cc (3.1 cu in) (sometimes designed/tuned for persons carrying a restricted/learner's license). Small capacity sport bikes are available in both 2-stroke and 4-stroke cycles. Not as commonly produced now are 2-stroke sports bikes, largely restricted in production due to tight emission laws and agreements. Generally small in size, they can suit the shorter rider and the usual light weight means that although they output less power than larger sports bikes they can perform comparatively similar. Short wheelbase and lack of weight means handling characteristics are often on par with that of the typical high-capacity sport bike.
Examples include the Aprilia RS250 and Honda CBR125R.
[edit] Super sport
Super sport bikes (also known as middleweight sport bikes) are sharply focused for optimal performance on a race track. They are generally built around a high revving, small displacement powerplant that is usually sized around 600 cc (36.6 cu in) to 800 cc (48.8 cu in). Most super sport bikes will carry a wet weight between 375 lb (170 kg) to 450 lb (204 kg) and produce 100 bhp (75 kW). Because of how strongly focused super sport bikes are on race track performance, riders with heights of 5 ft 2 in and below will generally find trouble being able to flatfoot (the placement of both feet completely flat on the ground while sitting on a motorcycle) these types of sport bikes. In turn, taller riders and heavier riders may find the rider ergonomics in the default position to be cramped and uncomfortable.
Examples include the Honda CBR600RR, Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R, Suzuki GSX-R600 and Triumph Daytona 675.
[edit] Super bike
Super bikes are large displacement super sport bikes. They have characteristics similar to the smaller super sport bikes which are mainly focused on race track performance, but are powered by larger engines that are usually sized around 800 cc (48.8 cu in) to 1,200 cc (73.2 cu in). A typical super bike will carry a wet weight between 400 lb (181 kg) to 480 lb (218 kg) and can produce 180 bhp (134 kW). Super bikes with a displacement very close to 1,000 cc (61.0 cu in) are sometimes referred to as liter bikes as the engine displaces approximately one liter. Motorcycles in this class are usually eligible to participate in Superbike racing.
Examples include the Ducati 1098, Honda CBR1000RR, and Yamaha YZF-R1.
[edit] Hyper sport
Hyper sport bikes are very large displacement sport bikes with a strong emphasis on top speed and acceleration. They typically are powered by motors displacing 1,100 cc (67.1 cu in) to 1,400 cc (85.4 cu in). Hyper sport bikes are bigger and heavier than super bikes with wet weights generally being close to 500 lb (227 kg). The increased weight compromises race track capabilities in favor of stability at very high speeds that can exceed 180 mph (290 km/h). This compromise also allows manufacturers to design much more comfortable rider ergonomics.
Examples include the Honda CBR1100XX, Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14, BMW K1200S and Suzuki Hayabusa.
[edit] Sport touring
Sport touring bikes are designed with a longer distance riding emphasis. They typically feature more creature comforts than that of the average sport bike. Sport touring bikes are typically heavier, less powerful, and less performance oriented than super sport bikes, but have the added capabilities of storage, more comfortable rider ergonomics, and better practicality. Depending on the amount of emphasis on these touring capabilities, sport touring bikes can range from super sport bikes with more comfortable rider ergonomics to full-featured touring motorcycles with sport bike-like capabilities and features.
Examples include the Honda VFR800, Triumph Sprint ST, and Yamaha FJR1300.
