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Type of Motorcycles

Generally, motorcycles are divided into three categories by use:

street, off-road, and dual purpose. 

But even these categories are broken down into smaller groups. 

STREET

TOURING;

Large, with fairing and luggage. Designed for carrying two people and luggage, or to go long distance. 

CRUISER;

Low, stepped seat and pullback bars. "Custom" styled motorcycles. 

SPORT;

Low handlebars, rear-set pegs. Designed and styled for performance. The "sports cars" of motorcycles.

STANDARD;

General all-round street use.

 

DUAL PURPOSE

Combination bikes have lights, signals, etc., in addition to off-road equipment. Although the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has approved certain tires on/off road use, these tires give less traction on pavement. Street legal.

    OFF-ROAD

MOTOCROSS;

Motocross and enduro-type motorcycles are designed for competition and recreation off-road use only. They are not street legal.

    DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ENGINES 

There are two basic types of motorcycle engines two-stroke and four-stroke

TWO-STROKE;

Two-stroke engines are also commonly used in outboard-motors. They develop power on every downward stroke of the piston. Their lubricating oil is either mixed with or injected into the gasoline and is burned during combustion. Due to emission regulations, most two-stroke engines are confined to off-road use.

FOUR-STROKE;

Four-stroke engines are the type used in automobiles. They develop power on every other downward stroke of the piston. This is the most common type of street-motorcycle engine. Motorcycle engines range in size from 50cc (chainsaw size) to 1500cc (compact-car size) may have from one to six cylinders and are cooled by air or water.

 

 

NEXT MONTH;

SELECTING YOUR MOTORCYCLE 

 

 

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