A Beginner’s Guide to Sports Motorcycles
During the 1970s, there was a high demand for performance-oriented motorcycles with enhanced speed, acceleration, braking, and tighter cornering capacities on paved roads. The answer was sports bikes. These built-for-speed machines are designed to dominate the tracks and help you get the massive adrenaline rush you seek.
Reiman’s Harley-Davidson® is your local sports motorcycle dealer in Kewanee, IL, and we’re excited to help you select the perfect machine for your adventures. Read on to learn more, and then visit our dealership to explore a few models in person!
Frame
Since sports motorcycles are built to deliver the best speed, acceleration, braking, and agility, the makers pay extra attention to their design and engineering. These bikes are lightweight, powerful, and outfitted with modernized frames made from durable materials, such as carbon fiber and aluminum. This makes them durable, reliable, and incredibly fuel-efficient.
Features
Sports motorcycles have disc brakes with multi-piston calipers that clamp onto oversized vented rotors and advanced suspension systems for improving durability and stability. They also come outfitted with large tires that help enhance contact with the road surface and allow tight cornering at top speeds. Aerodynamically designed fairings reduce drag while still providing rider protection.
Models
Sports motorcycles have various subcategories with a wide range of models in each. This means you have plenty of options to choose from and bring home the perfect model that fits your skill level and riding style. Here are a few alternatives:
Lightweight
Lightweight sports bikes or small bikes are entry-level models for beginners. These 2-stroke motorcycles feature an engine displacement of up to 500cc and can deliver higher performance than their four-stroke counterparts.
Middleweight
Super-sports or mid-sized sports motorcycles aren’t often spotted on the racetracks, as they are more suited for freeway and leisure track riding. They feature displacements ranging from 500cc to 800cc models.
Superbike
Finally, you have superbikes, also known as liter-class or liter bikes. These sports bikes with engine displacements of over 1000cc are perfect for seasoned racers and those with years of experience winning races at competitions.
You can also explore open-class motorcycles, sometimes called hypersports or hyperbikes. These can be larger than the middleweight models and come outfitted with the largest displacement and the highest speeds.
We hope this guide helps you understand sports motorcycles better! If you have more questions or are still searching for the perfect sports bike, visit Reiman's Harley-Davidson®. We are in Kewanee, IL, and proud to serve Peoria and Davenport!