SPORT BIKE

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation groups motorcycles into three separate classes; ''street'', ''off-road'', or ''dual-sport''. 'Sport bikes' are a type of motorcycle that fall under the street classification and generally emphasize performance over comfort and capacity to carry passengers and luggage.

Contents

Overview

Classes

Beginner

Super sport

Super bike

Hyper sport

Sport touring

References

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. It is commonly said of these motorcycles that you can race them on Sunday and ride them to work on Monday.
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 or 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.

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.

Beginner

Beginner sport bikes are entry level motorcycles that are meant to introduce riders 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. Beginner sport bikes can usually accommodate riders of all heights and weights.
Examples include the Suzuki GS500 and Kawasaki Ninja 500R/250R.

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 to 800 cc. Most super sport bikes will carry a wet weight between 375—450 lb and produce 100+ hp. Because of how strongly focused super sport bikes are on race track performance, riders with heights of 5 ft 8 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 ZX-6R, and Triumph Daytona 675.

Super bike

The term ''Superbike'' is a word that is trademarked solely by Ducati Motor Holding, but due to the popularity of the motorcycles in this segment, the super bike term has been generally adopted to describe all bike (regardless of manufacturer) in this classification. Super bikes are large displacement super sport bikes. They have the exact same characteristics as 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 to 1100 cc. A typical super bike will carry a wet weight between 400—480 lb and can produce 140+ hp (many newer models can produce over 180 hp). Super bikes with a displacement very close to 1000 cc are sometimes referred to as ''liter bikes'' as the engine displaces approximately one liter.
Examples include the Ducati 1098, Honda CBR1000RR, and Yamaha YZF-R1.

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 1100 cc to 1400 cc. Hyper sport bikes are bigger and heavier than super bikes with wet weights generally being close to 500 lb. The increased weight compromises race track capabilities in favor of stability at very high speeds that can exceed 180 mph. This compromise also allows manufacturers to design slightly more comfortable rider ergonomics.
Examples include the Honda CBR1100XX, Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14, BMW K 1200 R and Suzuki GSX1300R.

Sport touring

Main articles: 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.

References