How to choose a motorcycle

For residents of large cities, a motorcycle is the preferred mode of transport, allowing you to move quickly, economically and emotionally, even in conditions of heavy traffic and traffic jams. Compared to a car, a motorcycle is cheaper to operate, does not require special costs for storing and searching for a parking space, is more economical and emotionally more efficient.

Content

1. Top Motorcycle Manufacturers
   
2. Types of motorcycles
3. Motorcycle selection options
4. What to look for when choosing a bike

Top Motorcycle Manufacturers

Among bikers, traditionally, the best products of Japanese and American concerns are considered:

1. Yamaha;

2. Suzuki;

3. Kawasaki;

4. Harley-Davidson;

5. Honda;

In the low-end segment of motorcycles, popularity began to be conquered by equipment made in China and other Asian countries. Pulling up in terms of quality, manufacturers from the Middle Kingdom still offer affordable prices, which directly affects the popularity of such products among consumers.

Types of motorcycles

Modern two-wheeled vehicles include a great variety of models designed for operation in a variety of conditions.

City motorcycles

Two-wheel vehicles designed for urban use and short country trips. It has a compact size and suggests the possibility of using both alone and for a couple with a passenger. Landing is always vertical, not involving the implementation of sharp maneuvers and accelerations.

Virtues

• Compact dimensions;

• Affordable price;

• Acceptable dynamics;

• Tank with a capacity of 20-25 liters;

• Maneuverability and speed;

• Wheels with a developed tread;

disadvantages

• Not suitable for high speed driving;

• Not suitable for long distance travel;

• Assume operation on asphalt and dirt road;

Sportbikes

Motorcycles designed for highway operation. They have an aggressive design and aerodynamics design. Allow to move at high speed, while remaining maneuverable while doing so. To ensure the minimum frontal air resistance assume a recumbent landing.

Virtues

• Spectacular appearance;

• Resistant tires of large diameter;

• Phenomenal dynamic characteristics;

• Advanced brake system;

• High speed and maneuverability;

• Maximum aerodynamics design;

disadvantages

• The complexity of the repair and maintenance;

• Minimum windshield;

• Great gas mileage;

• High cost - both the motorcycle, and accessories and consumables;

Tourist motorcycles

Designed and designed specifically for use in highway mode and travel over long distances. Soft suspension, comfortable seat design, proper fit and ergonomic control are the main strengths of motorcycles of this class. The constant design element is the presence of a spacious luggage compartment at the rear of the motorcycle, as well as a high windshield.

Virtues

• Quality frame;

• The presence of a large number of different support systems;

• Developed luggage compartment;

• High windshield;

• Comfortable suspension;

• Powerful engines with liquid cooling system;

• Soft suspension;

• High driving comfort;

• Easily travel long distances;

• Equipped with advanced security systems;

disadvantages

• Costly;

• Wide turning radius;

• Consumption can reach 10-12 liters of gasoline;

• Great weight;

Motocross motorcycles

The models intended for operation in a sports rhythm, on full impassability and on lines for motocross. Compact size combined with a powerful engine, a developed system of shock absorbers and powerful mud tires. Do not assume operation on the asphalted covering, and therefore about daily operation of the speech does not go.

Virtues

• Powerful engines;

• Robust and reliable construction;

• Developed rubber with mud tread;

• Active suspension and shock absorbers with a wide stroke;

• Compact power frame;

disadvantages

• Not intended for use in the city;

• Small tank capacity;

• Noisy;

Motorcycle selection options

In order to have at its disposal the most functional option, the purchase of a motorcycle should be considered from the position of a combination of the following factors:

Power, type and engine size

The higher the power - the better the dynamics of the motorcycle. Modern models can develop from 6-8 to 160-170 horsepower, while showing phenomenal dynamic characteristics. It should be remembered that not everyone can cope with powerful motorcycles, and therefore it is necessary to choose a bike with an engine over 30-40 horsepower only for those who have enough experience and are confident in their abilities.

Motorcycles mounted on engines can have a push-pull and four-stroke design. The first is simpler and more reliable, it does not have a separate lubrication system and is unpretentious in operation, however, it has a low environmental friendliness, consumes a lot of fuel and makes a lot of noise. In turn, four-stroke engines are quieter, more economical and more environmentally friendly, but less reliable and whimsical to service and fuel quality.

Engine capacity is a parameter that is directly related to power and also affects fuel consumption. Beginners should prefer motorcycles with an engine capacity of no more than 100 cubic centimeters, advanced bikers can navigate to 250-500 "cubes" of volume, while professional riders and thrill-seekers will most likely choose a sport bike with an engine capacity of 800-1200 cm3.

Maximum developed speed

The parameter that displays the ability to accelerate on a straight and level road. Depending on the type of bike, can vary greatly.

1. Cross-country motorcycles are not able to reach speeds of more than 60-70 kilometers per hour;

2. Tourist bikes without any problems travel at a speed of 120-140 kilometers per hour;

3. The sport bike can be accelerated to 280-300 kilometers per hour under appropriate conditions;

Power reserve

A parameter that is influenced by engine power and consumption, as well as the volume of the fuel tank. Many manufacturers follow the path of the "golden section" and try to reach the power reserve figure of 500 kilometers.This does not apply to cross-country motorcycles, in their case, the power reserve is calculated based on the complexity of the race track

Fuel Mix Algorithm

1. Carburetor motorcycles - the most budget models. The fuel is supplied by the suction of a special device. It works is not always stable, and its functionality depends on many different factors;

2. Injection system more fault tolerant and ensures proper mixing. As a result, the thrust increases, the dynamics and the quality of the engine work improve, regardless of the operating conditions. Injectors put on the model of the middle and upper price range.

Transmission type

Manual Transmission allows you to switch gears manually, using a special foot. Provides maximum comfort and completeness of motorcycle driving sensations. The best option for racing and track exploitation, as well as in the mode of motocross competitions.

Automatic transmission those who often travel long distances or use the motorcycle in the city choose not to constantly click on the gears. It is considered optimal for tourist, classic and most sporty motorcycles.

Suspension design

1. Mono-shock absorber - a special device that is installed in the rear almost in a horizontal position. The key feature is the long, about 30 centimeters, suspension travel, which makes it suitable for performing all kinds of tricks and operation on rough terrain;

2. Telescopic suspension is a movable construction, the height of which varies with the overcoming of obstacles and irregularities so that the position of the frame and the rider remained stationary. Widely used in urban and road models;

3. Spring struts are a popular type of suspension designed for use on even asphalt pavements. It is widely used in tourist and highway motorcycles, as well as sport bikes;

Features of the brake system

1. Mechanical brakes. Similar to those on sports bikes. The brake disc compresses the pads, which are driven by a cable mechanism and handles, compressed by hand. The simplest system installed on low-end models and low-power motorcycles;

2. Drum algorithm. The role of the brake pads perform a semicircular shape, rubbing against the drum. Due to the fact that the pads are inside, protection against rain and debris is provided;

3. Disk hydraulic system. As in the case of the mechanical algorithm, the pads brake on a special brake disc, but the drive here is not manual, but hydraulic. It is considered the most functional and provides a quick stop at any speed;

Availability and design of the luggage compartment

It is not installed on all models of bikes and is the prerogative of classic bikes and their touristic counterparts. It is one or several containers installed in the back of the motorcycle and allowing you to carry small hand luggage. Actual option for those who often travel on a motorcycle.

Wheel size and design

The diameter and width of the wheel directly affect the speed and developed speed of movement, as well as the stability of the motorcycle on poor-quality coating.

1. For everyday urban exploitation, wheels with a diameter of 12-14 inches are sufficient;

2. Tourist motorcycles, designed for long road runs, involve the use of wheels 15-16 diameter;

3. Sportbikes, developing a huge speed, require the installation of wheels with a diameter of 17-19 inches.

What to look for when choosing a bike?

Features of the choice of a road bike

A good road bike should have the following features:

1. Engine displacement - 250-500 cm3;

2. Four-stroke design with water cooling;

3. Wheels with a diameter of 12-14 inches;

4. Automatic transmission;

5. Disc hydraulic brakes;

6. Compact luggage compartment for hand luggage;

7. Suspension consisting of a spring-loaded plug in the front and a telescopic rack in the back;

Features of the choice of the Chinese motorcycle

Characteristics taken into account when choosing a motorcycle made in China, do not differ from those taken into account when choosing a model released in Japan or America. Attention should be paid to the above criteria as a whole and to the quality of each element separately, comparing the obtained information with the total cost of the bike. The value of Chinese motorcycles is a combination of low prices and excellent performance, otherwise you should prefer a more eminent manufacturer.

Choose a motorcycle, choose a newbie.

There is no point in choosing a powerful and functional motorcycle for a beginner due to lack of operating experience and injury risk as a result. For this reason, the choice should be given in favor of a compact urban motorcycle with an engine of no more than 125 cubic centimeters equipped with ABS and traction control systems, as well as hydraulic disc brakes and high-quality suspension. Transmission is better to prefer an automatic, which does not allow stall when starting off or changing gears.

Choosing a motorcycle for traveling

In order to feel comfortable in a long journey, preference should be given to motorcycles of the “tourist” class with a developed luggage system in the rear part. The engine must have a volume of at least 750 cubic centimeters in order to ensure the possibility of performing high-speed maneuvers and overtaking large-sized vehicles on highways. Hydraulic brakes, a developed system of shock absorbers, anti-lock braking system and cruise control, as well as an automatic transmission are required. And in order not to build your route around gas stations, a spacious tank should be installed on a motorcycle, the volume of which will be 30-35 liters.

Choosing a motocross bike

A cross-country motorcycle is a device designed for operation in specific conditions, and therefore its key features are:

1. Engine capacity of 250-500 cubic centimeters;

2. Powerful short base frame;

3. A developed system of shock absorbers that allows you to perform various tricks;

4. Manual transmission;

5. Powerful mud tires with a developed tread;

 

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Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a guide to purchase.