Specialists distinguish several types of motorcycles depending on their characteristics, cross-country ability, equipment, additional features. Among the presented modifications, any user and connoisseur of two-wheeled vehicles will be able to choose the option specifically for themselves. Let's try to understand this variety by studying the parameters and features of bikes of various categories.
Classic
The division of types of motorcycles into categories should start with the classic variation. The technique is a two-wheeled car with a minimal basic design and a simple style design. This model is great for beginners and moving around the city.
The mass of the device, as a rule, is from 140 to 270 kg. The power unit does not have such power as that of sports analogues, but this is not required of it. Most classic types of motorcycles aggregate with a rigid gearbox. The equipment is equipped with a direct wheel (with a minimum load on the driver's hands), a soft seat. There is an option to mount the windshield, the general configuration is comfortable for moving at short and medium distances.
Among the typical representatives of this class is the Honda SV-400, which has the optimal combination of maneuverability and mass for urban conditions. In the classic category, one can distinguish modernized models built under the retro style of the 50–70s of the last century.
Scramblers and minibikes
Scrambler is a type of light motorcycle, focused on movement on urban and country roads of not the best quality. The machine is equipped with a suspension with an increased stroke and high silencers. Similar modifications appeared in the sixties. The most popular brands are Triumph, BSA.
Minimotics are called two-wheeled units with a two-stroke engine, which have a minimum volume, are equipped with small diameter wheels and a chain transmission. Such models are suitable for participation in specific competitions or training races; they reach speeds of up to 100 km / h.
Custom
The name of the types of motorcycles, the photo of which is presented below, is translated as custom-made. They are further subdivided into a number of subspecies, the features of which we will consider below. This designation is inherent in machines that are produced in a strictly limited series or in single copies.
Often, such versions are created by craftsmen who combine in one bike the characteristics of various representatives of two-wheeled vehicles. This allows you to satisfy all the "vagaries" of demanding buyers and collectors. There is an assumption that the category “custom” includes motorcycles assembled by the owner or supplier, which has unique parameters and exterior.
Among the popular serial manufacturers in this area are Harley Davidson and Honda. But the unit from any manufacturer can be redone in such a way that it is ranked as a custom. Among other mass manufacturers of similar models:
- Bourget.
- American IronHorse.
The manufacturer offers the buyer several versions of the equipment of the “iron horse”, including various painting options, engine characteristics, a set of additional options and accessories. In addition, companies provide warranty and service support. It is unlikely to be able to achieve the absolute individuality of the bike, however, the advantages of factory manufacturing and safety will be preserved.
Among the minuses of custom note the following points:
- the high price of popular modifications;
- the need to order spare parts individually.
Choppers
The name of this type of motorcycle is translated from English as hack. The devices are equipped with a significantly elongated front fork and an enlarged frame. On such modifications, a high steering wheel and a no less voluminous backrest on the seat are provided. Footboards for the passenger are traditionally taken forward.
Updated choppers got a wide wheel, a dry frame part without a rear suspension. The devices are distinguished by a drop-shaped fuel tank and the presence of a mass of chrome-plated structural elements.
Domestic craftsmen remodel various types of motorcycles "Ural", "Dnepr", adding power units from "Zaporozhets" or "Oka" to the design, as well as symbols of external equipment. In the serial production of Russian bikes, one can note the Ural-Wolf variation.
Cruisers
This term comes from the English word cruise (translated as travel). This motorcycle is designed for a leisurely ride in cities and towns, designed for a long non-stop resource of work. The machine has a vertical landing with low seating, the steps are far ahead.
Types of motorcycles, photos and names of which are given below, belong to the group of devices equipped with a mass of chrome parts that have a fairly decent weight. Such cars are not designed for high-speed driving, have relatively low engine power, and are not intended for driving on rough terrain. Management of such bikes is characterized by good control, landing is low. Excellent torque at low speeds gives a characteristic, recognizable growling sound. The rear suspension perfectly softens bumps of a different nature (thanks to the powerful design).
Distinctive features
The external equipment of cruisers resembles the versions of the 50-60s, however, they are equipped with modern components. This type of motorcycle (photo below), unlike choppers, has large wings, a large fuel tank, additional light elements, a convenient lowered steering wheel, a shorter fork length and tilt. Such a bike can easily be individualized by adding appropriate accessories and body kit.
The release of the first “cruisers” was launched by Harley Davidson in the early eighties of the last century. Most modern models of the popular brand also belong to this class. Among the popular manufacturers, the following brands are noted: "Suzuki", "Honda", "Ural", "Yamaha".
Disadvantages of vehicles of this category:
- Weak maneuverability indicator.
- Poor handling in tight corners.
- Substantial fuel consumption.
- Reduced aerodynamics.
Types of sports motorcycles
These varieties of two-wheeled "iron horses" are divided into several versions of sports cars: cross-country, super-sport, enduro, speedway. Among the general parameters (compared with road and classic counterparts), the following factors are noted:
- Original catchy exterior.
- High rate of speed and controllability.
- Serious power of the power unit, often exceeding the volume of a thousand cubic centimeters.
- Comfortable fit with the highest possible position of the footrests providing close proximity of the legs and torso.
- Excellent maneuverability.
- Fast acceleration and good aerodynamics.
Among the shortcomings of sports bikes, there is a high fuel consumption, high cost, and difficulty in maintenance.
Types of motorcycle "Minsk"
Consider the performance characteristics of the most popular modifications from the Belarusian manufacturer. Let's start with the classic version of the MMVZ-3 type:
- The class of the model is 3 (up to 125 "cubes").
- Motor power - 9.5 horsepower.
- Speed - 6 thousand rotations per minute.
- The speed limit is 95 km / h.
- Transmission - manual gearbox with foot shift.
- The capacity of the fuel tank is 12 liters.
- Weight - 112 kg.
The next popular representative of the Minsk brand was MMVZ S-125:
- The type of power unit is a gasoline engine with atmospheric cooling and one cylinder for two cycles.
- The working volume is 125 cubic meters. cm.
- The gearbox is a four-speed manual.
- Brake system - drums.
- The speed threshold is 90 km / h.
- Weight - 120 kg.
- The volume of the gas tank is 11 liters.
- Fuel consumption - 3.5 l / 100 km.
What are the types of motorcycles "Minsk" yet? This is indicated below:
- X-200, EPX-250, TPX-300 (SUVs).
- PX-450 (sports model). Characteristics: power - 54 "horses", the volume of a four-stroke single-cylinder engine - 450 "cubes", disc brakes, gearbox on six ranges.
- MMVZ-3.221 (cross version).
Minsk sneakers
The MMVZ-3.221 series should be mentioned in more detail. She appeared in the 80s of the 20th century. Now you can meet many variations in working condition, which indicates the high quality and reliability of the equipment. Unfortunately, spare parts for this model are now quite difficult to find, especially for the original engine.
For its class, the motorcycle can hardly be called high-speed (up to 65 km / h). Power units use gasoline type AI-76/92. The drum brake system has proven itself in practice. The soft suspension does an excellent job with uneven road surfaces. You can move around the city with such a machine in comfort. 14 serial modifications were produced in this line, the third part of which was used directly for motocross.
Izhevsk motorcycles
"IL-1" refers to the heavy category. It is based on a stamped weighted frame of a pair of integral parts. The lower form also plays the role of a silencer. The two-wheeled car is distinguished by its large weight and dimensions.
Brief parameters of this type of motorcycles IL:
- The motor is a two-cylinder four-stroke V-engine.
- The working volume is 1200 cc.
- Power indicator - 24 horsepower.
- Gearbox - a three-stage design with a cardan shaft.
- Operation - in a single mode and with a towed carriage.
IZH-2
This model is focused on off-road movement and difficult sections of the path. Specifications:
- The power unit is a two-cylinder cardan engine with rear-wheel drive.
- The outer frame is a stamped spinal element.
- The lower part of the base simultaneously fulfills the capabilities of an exhaust pipe with a silencer.
- Spring suspension with levers on the rear wheel.
- Manual gearshift type.
- It is possible to connect the traction drive to the stroller.
- Capacity - a driver, a passenger in the back seat and two people in a cradle.
Other modifications of "IL"
Other types and names of motorcycles from the Izhevsk plant are presented below:
- Model under the index 3. A four-stroke engine with two cylinders with a volume of 750 "cubes" is used here. The frame is made of stamped parts, the front suspension is a lever type with a spring shock absorber. The rear axle is fixed rigidly on the base, the drive is a chain with bushings and rollers.
- IZH-4. This car is a version of a light motorcycle with a single-cylinder engine of 200 "cubes". Features: cardan drive to the rear wheel, parallelogram shock absorption fork.
- The fifth "IL". In the parameters of this model, it is worth noting the presence of a four-stroke power unit with a volume of 400 cubic centimeters. This version was the first to receive a lateral emphasis instead of a wheel support.
- IZH-7. The vehicle has a multi-plate dry clutch, an atmospheric-cooled engine and one cylinder.
IZH Planet Sport
In this series from a domestic manufacturer, motorcycles come in several versions. The most popular of these is the classic version of Planet Sport. Transport is focused on moving around the city and other routes with the passenger.
The bike is noted for its comfortable fit, ergonomics and an informative arrangement of indicators, controls. For the first time on domestic motorcycles, a separate motor lubrication system was used on an automatic principle. This allowed to reduce the emission of harmful gases into the environment.
The following modifications were also produced in this series:
- "Planet 4". The vehicle acquired more aesthetic forms, equipped with mechanisms that provide increased safety for passengers and the driver.
- "IL Planet 5". This version applies to road bikes, which are designed to move on roads with different surfaces.
- IZH Jupiter. In this line, several modifications were released that differed in terms of engine power, color, equipment and seat configuration.
Special motorcycles
In this category, two-wheeled vehicles, which are used by public services and are aimed at children, can be noted.
In the first option, models in the following areas come to the rescue of people:
- Emergency rescue service.
- Police.
- Ambulance.
- Fire brigades.
Motorcycle developers have not forgotten about the younger generation either. On the market, you can choose three- and two-wheeled versions with low power, which completely copy well-known brands. They can work both from rechargeable batteries, and from the internal combustion engine.
Total
In addition, there are vehicles like caterpillars, skis, and four-wheelers (ATVs). Among other domestic brands, the Dnepr, Voskhod, Czech JAVA and Delta brands were also popular. Now these modifications can be found on the market under Chinese or other foreign labels, given that the Russian production of two-wheeled vehicles is practically frozen. Anyone can choose a motorcycle, even the most fastidious user.