A mean machine for sheer thrill and rushing adrenaline is what a sports bike is all about. Racing a sports bike down the road is a feeling that is to be ‘experienced’ and not ‘reading it.’ This series explores the power of sports bikes.
Words just can’t put together the sense of freedom and thrill one experiences zooming on a classic sports bike. They are fundamentally racing mean machines used primarily in motor grand prix competitions. Designed for cruising at super speeds they are head turners and coveted for the love of the sport. On an average the speedsters move well above the 200 Kmph mark. A few accelerate to 100 kmph in a blink.
The designs of a few brands are masterpieces and cannot be replicated. In spite being able to clock such super speeds, they are fairly safe when it comes to balance and breaking capabilities. These bikes are designed to negotiate turning with ease, even at high speeds during a racing competition.
There are three basic categories of motorcycles: dual sport, off road and street class. Sports bikes are a perfect example of motorcycles of the street class. They are usually traffic-friendly to avoid injury or accident to the rider or other drivers in the same space. The street legal models have alternative design with enhanced safety features. They are additionally engineered for super speed. Only an experienced rider is able to take advantage of the thrill it can give.
Certain design characteristics are common to almost all sports bikes . These include a high performance engine and good quality horse power. These elements are often comparable to 4-wheel automobiles. The engines are mounted on lightweight aerodynamic frames. To achieve a streamlined design, the rider seat is positioned lower than the ordinary bikes. It ensures higher aerodynamic quality for racing on tracks. To further reduce the aerodynamic drag, the footrest are placed further back. The rider can easily lean forward and focus on winning the competition. Well known racists also add their own elements to make the 2-wheeler adaptable for competitive sports.
The braking systems have multi-piston calipers for stability when a sudden stop occurs. The brake pads clamp on the vented discs for the safety of the rider. The superior suspension systems are stable at high speed and while navigating turn and twists.
Sports bikes possess wider rear and front tires as compared to ordinary bikes. Wider road grip ensures higher lean angles can be adapted with ease.
Sports bikes are not classified by any motorcycle organization. Yet they are classified as entry level, small and middle weight or super sports bikes.
Classic examples of entry level sports bike is the Kawasaki Ninja 500R/250R or Suzuki GS500E. They ] are lightweight and inexpensive yet have heavy duty functionality. Such bikes are perfect to introduce motorcyclists who have a passion for Sports Bikes. The small size, typically, has an engine capacity between 150 cc to 400 cc. Smaller variants come with an engine capacity as low as 50 cc for regular riders. These variants are available in two stroke and four stroke engine designs. The middle weight or super sports bikes are built with engines capacities above 600 cc and are known for power. These bikes perform best on race tracks.