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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
