A Introduction To Motorcycles

Motorcycle use can be divided in three main categories: Commuting, leisure riding and a combination of the two. Different types of motorcycles are chosen by different groups of motorcyclists for different
purposes:


Touring
Large, often very expensive motorcycles with luggage capacity and weather protection, designed to transport rider and passenger in comfort. Touring bikes are heavy with moderate power outputs. Theirintended purpose is comfortable, long-distance travel.

Standard
Traditional motorcycles mainly designed as practical transportation. This category falls in the middle of the spectrum in most areas ofergonomics and performance, including power, handling and braking.

Sport-Touring
These motorcycles combine the comfort and some of the luggage capacity of touring bikes with the responsive handling of sportbikes. Usually powerful with high-performance brakes. The ideal mission of a sport-touring machine is medium and long-distance travel via challenging roads.

Cruiser
Once dominated exclusively by Harley-Davidson, the cruiser category has now attracted competition from all major manufacturers. The profile is long with a low saddle hight. The emphasis is onappearance, style and sound, with less emphasis on performance.

Multi-Purpose
With long suspension travel, these machines are designed to be used both on asphalt and unmade roads. The category is groving more and more popular and are often called “adventure bikes”, as they offer the comfort, luggage capacity and durability needed for long-distancetouring.

Supersport
Styled and constructed in the manner of road-racing motorcycles with streamlined bodywork and forward-leaning riding position. The emphasis is on handling, acceleration, top speed, braking and cornering. Often lighter and more technologically advanced than othertypes of motorcycles, they are favoured for riding on twisting roads.

Scooters
These two-wheeled vehicles are often small, mostly low-power designs in moped and light motorcycle categories with small-diameter wheels suitable for use on surface streets in urban environments. Their appearance differs significantly from motorcycles because of their bodywork and the "step-through" frame design. Although less common, a new generation of super scooters with engine capacities of up to 650 cc is becoming increasingly prevalent. They combine the virtues of traditional scooters with a long distance capability.