Where did the names of motorcycle companies come from?

Rating of sports motorcycles for beginner bikers

The list is presented starting from 10th place. As you get acquainted, you can understand why the models are given different rating lines.

• In 10th place is the Kawasaki Ninja 250 sport bike of the EX250L series. The motorcycle is characterized by a 2-cylinder 250 cc engine with fuel injection. The rear tire is slightly wider than the front, which makes it easy to handle. The weight of the bike is 172 kg. The tank can hold 17 liters of fuel. Maximum speed - 152 km. A characteristic feature is good traction at low and medium speeds. The downsides are the lack of an ABS system and a non-adjustable fork. This is a compact 32 horsepower motorcycle that is suitable for oversized guys and gals. One of the undeniable advantages is cost.

• In 9th position is an improved version of the Kawasaki Ninja 250 ABS. The motorcycle took a higher position than the same Kawasaki Ninja 250, but of the EX250L series due to the presence of an anti-lock braking system indicated in its markings. This feature made it 2 kg heavier - 174 kg. Also in the designated version, the Ninja 250 has a softer ride and less vibration: the result of changes in the suspension tuning. More safety with the same characteristics as its predecessor Kawasaki Ninja 250 EX250L from position 9 allowed it to take a higher place.

• In 8th place is the Yamaha YZF-R25, presented in 2014. It is characterized by almost 36 horsepower and a 249 cc engine. The place in the ranking is ensured by the commendable ratio of engine power and cubic capacity. For comparison: some models with 300 “cubes” have only 3 more horsepower than this “baby”. One of the nuances is the 14-liter tank, which limits the driver over long distances. However, this feature is compensated by a soft telescopic fork and pendulum suspension, which soften jerks when braking. A weight of 166 kg is just right for very young motorcyclists: such a unit is easier to hold and steer during drifts. The Yamaha YZF-R25 is unlikely to be suitable for high-speed acceleration, but for maneuvers on city streets and overtaking passenger cars in traffic jams and at traffic lights - it’s easy. A separate line about the design: it repeats in detail the “appearance” of liter and one and a half liter motor vehicles, which allows its owner to create the image of a respectable reckless driver.

• 7th place goes to Yamaha FZ6 Fazer. With a 600 cc engine, the motorcycle weighs 186 kg. This is partly due to the solid steel frame. It is characterized by excellent handling due to the wide steering wheel and massive tires. The attention of passers-by is attracted by the expressive design: the front of the bike resembles a flying wasp. The downside is the lack of front fork travel, so street riding requires good road surfaces. The ABS system is only available in European models, and is not available in Asian editions.

• 6th place is occupied by the Yamaha YZF-R3 with 42 horsepower contained in a 320 cm3 engine. The weight of the motorcycle is 169 kg: the average among top models. This line was given to him for his capabilities on the track, because the line of sports bikes was created specifically for high-speed riding on specialized sites. The Yamaha YZF-R3 corners perfectly, which is invaluable for such a “baby.” There are some nuances: the angle of inclination is limited by the footrest. For a novice racer this is not a hindrance. The model is good for solo driving without passengers. There is little space in the back and it is difficult to keep your feet on the pegs for long due to their narrowness. This motorcycle is worth buying for those bikers who intend to improve their sports handling skills on the track and adhere to speed limits on the streets. They can surprise their colleagues at the wheel precisely on turns. The YamahaYZF-R3 is unbeatable in its category.

• 5th place goes to the British bike Triumph DAYTONA 675. The average place in the overall ranking is due to the early release of the model - 2005. More than 10 years of driving experience have shown that this is a reliable, fast motorcycle. 125 horsepower is enough to feel the power of a sports model. The design looks retro, but this is not a hindrance to those motorcyclists for whom the “filling” is more important than the “skin.” Powerful brakes, adjustable racing suspension and a 4-stroke 675cc engine are what the “British” admires. Maximum acceleration reaches almost 250 km/h. It's a shame that UK motorcycles aren't as common as Asian brands.

• In 4th place is the Kawasaki Ninja 400R. Almost 400 cm3 and 44 horsepower is the optimal ratio of parameters, suitable for beginners and at the same time cautious motorcyclists. The Kawasaki Ninja 400R ranks higher than bikes with more power due to its digital ignition and ABS braking system. It is characterized by a simply awesome sporty design: it is impossible not to turn around at a passing Kawasaki Ninja 400R. The weight reaching 200 kg prevented us from taking the line higher.

• The 3rd position in the rating of sports bikes for beginners is given to the “Japanese” - Honda CBR650F. The Japanese released the first copy in 2014. The 650 cc engine is an excellent option for both beginners and experienced motorcyclists. The first will be able to learn how to squeeze the gas on the court, and the second will be able to apply their skills on the track. Smooth power delivery and ABS are what beginners need and allow experienced bikers to enjoy. A smooth, linear increase in speed is the result of a two-way connection of current to the valves. This feature makes it a virtually fail-safe mechanism in terms of feedback from the front wheel. I am pleased with the relatively low cost of the motorbike - the result of assembly in Thai factories.

• No. 2 in the top is the small-capacity sportbike KTM RC390. A compact model with sporty characteristics, which has become an excellent option for young people. The weight of 147 kg and the high maneuverability of the motorcycle allow you to traverse the surface of the highway onto motorcycle tracks on weekends and deftly maneuver through traffic jams in everyday megacities. The seating here is not for everyone: a low driver's angle and the presence of a “humpbacked divider” between the driver and passenger seats. This position is unlikely to be suitable for a long drive, but for a spectacular appearance in city traffic, yes. The anti-lock brake system will allow you to hold the bike in case of road force majeure, which is so necessary for novice bikers. At the same time, the design of the KTM RC390 allows for the improvement of skills over several years. For example, a narrow front wheel with grippy Metzeler Sportec M5 tires is an opportunity to learn how to pilot the bike, tilting it almost all the way to the stand.

• The first position in the rating is the Suzuki GSX-R 600. People call it Jixer because of the model’s abbreviation. 600 “cubes” allow you to accelerate to 100 km/h in 3 seconds, and its maximum speed is 250 km/h. The motorcycle is produced from 1997 to 2011+. The weight is 187 kg, but the excellent braking system with a 4-piston caliper on the front wheel and a 2-piston caliper on the rear makes braking fast and smooth. The combination of aggressive design, excellent handling and trouble-free operation brought it to the first line of the top.

What are fast cars and motorcycles for?

As for achievements in speed, it can be said that even the capabilities of the vaunted German Autobahn are greatly exaggerated . I've driven there many times, both by car and on a motorcycle, and there really is room to accelerate to 200, 250 or more kilometers per hour. But often there are still restrictions on them, and sometimes you just run into some grandpa overtaking another grandpa at a speed of 100 kilometers per hour. I have to slow down.

Of course, the driving culture in Germany is not the same as in Russia. There, no one will slow you down, deliberately not let you pass, or change lanes in front of you when you are driving much faster in the adjacent lane. But due to the fact that you are usually not alone on the road, it is simply not possible to drive for a long time at high speed. So it turns out that you can drive 250 km/h or more , but you are constantly accelerating and braking. As a result, you get tired of it, lower your speed to 160-200 km/h, depending on the traffic, and drive calmly. Especially after you have thoroughly enjoyed freedom from restrictions, and the road becomes just a way for you to get to your destination.

The motorcycles with the highest top straight line speed are not always the fastest in real world use. They can lose a lot in turns.

So it turns out that the speed of a car or motorcycle can be enormous, but most often it is needed to show everyone that “ I have this ,” to amuse one’s vanity, or to use it for sporting purposes. But in sports, speed is not always everything. Often other characteristics of the technology are much more important.

The introduction turned out to be long, so let's move on to the topic of the article and talk about the fastest motorcycles. I will only add that their characteristics may differ , since the behavior of the motorcycle is greatly influenced by the weight and position of the pilot, as well as some other parameters. Therefore, we are not dealing with an exact rating, but rather with a set of models - the fastest of those that can be bought in the store. Sports models can be much faster, but their real capabilities are rarely revealed and are highly dependent on the settings for a particular race.

8 myths about cars imposed on us by cinema.

The best sports motorcycles

Sports motorcycles, whose main feature is high speed on the highway, are very popular among young people. This is achieved through a 2 or 4 cylinder engine that has more power and a fully streamlined body made of durable plastic to reduce air resistance.

The hooded trim has a bright design that attracts the attention of others. The equipment has good controllability at high speed, but produces a loud sound from the operation of the power unit. Here are the best models of this type according to reviews of their owners.

For newbies

A motorcycle of the sport-tourist class is a priori something very peppy, even if we are talking about bikes produced back in the 90s of the last century. However, several “four hundred”, produced for the Japanese domestic market, are quite suitable for beginner motorcyclists due to their moderate technical characteristics and generally flexible character.

• Kawasaki ZZR 400. The most popular and widespread option, you can buy it for a modest amount of 120-130 thousand rubles . There are plenty of spare parts on sale, as well as tuning, but this popularity also has a downside: many beginners buy a bike with the intention of replacing it with something more powerful in a year, and therefore save on maintenance. As a result, many “Zizers” are in a rather depressing technical condition, and besides, age takes its toll. They also have a weak point - the second gear in the gearbox , which sooner or later fails and requires repair.
• Suzuki RF 400 . A much less common sport tourer than the ZZR 400, but still its only competitor. The RF 400 was also produced only for the domestic Japanese market, but many copies came to Russia through the efforts of various motorcycle dealerships. It costs comparable to the Zizer, has no characteristic weak points, but spare parts for it are more difficult to find.

Which brand of motorcycle to choose?

Traditionally, Asian and European companies compete for leadership in the motorcycle production sector. The following concerns succeed in this:

Kawasaki, Viper, Suzuki, Yamaha, Honda

The first company appeared back in 1896 and had two main offices in the capital of Japan and Kobe. Today, it is the largest concern in the world for the production of ATVs, sports and racing motorbikes. In addition to equipment, the company produces clothing and equipment for driving open vehicles.

The Viper brand is a direct competitor from a neighboring country - China, on whose territory many factories have been built to produce motorcycle and bicycle products. The Italian studio Italdesign helps them create the design of two-wheeled vehicles.

Suzuki has been conquering the automobile and motorcycle markets for over 100 years, and has a reputation as a reliable manufacturer not only in Japan, but throughout the world. It has more than 50,000 employees who specialize in vehicle design, engineering and testing.

Yamaha focuses on lightweight, high-speed motorcycle products. Japanese engineers monitor the quality of their units and constantly experiment with design.

Kawasaki

Kawasaki

Kawasaki's origins date back to 1878. At that time, Shozo Kawasaki created a shipbuilding company, and a few years later the Kawasaki shipyard. The company was mainly engaged in the construction of ships until 1906. In subsequent years, new companies and new assembly lines were created within the group, including for the assembly of cars, carriages and equipment for railways.

It was Kawasaki that produced the first Japanese metal airplane. The aviation division quickly became another independent company called Kawasaki Aircraft. It is worth knowing that it was this company that built the first Kawasaki motorcycle in 1961.

The individual subsidiaries, independent companies, were reunited in 1969 and have operated as Kawasaki Heavy Industries ever since. Although today we associate the Japanese brand mainly with motorcycles, the company's income comes mainly from the construction of ships, cars and large construction projects.

Kawasaki's founder was originally a buyer from Nagasaki, at the time the only place in Japan open to the West. At the age of 27, Shozo Kawasaki created a shipping company in Osaka, which, however, failed when his cargo ship sank during a storm. Kawasaki studied shipping routes for the Treasury Department and was also vice president of the maritime mail service, which operated out of steamships.

Shozo Kawasaki also survived several naval disasters, which dissuaded him from poor Japanese ships and pushed him towards much better European and English designs. Hence the subsequent interest in the shipbuilding industry and the construction of such units. Perhaps if Shozo Kawasaki had never been shipwrecked, Kawasaki motorcycles would never have been made.

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Yamaha YZF1000 Thunderace – soft “airplane”

This model of the Japanese concern has a one-liter engine and a maximum speed of up to 260 km/h. The design is equipped with a well-thought-out frame with a very comfortable fit for the driver. The side trim branches out in the engine area and creates pockets for air cooling. Control is carried out by gearless rotation of the front wheel.

The motorcycle is equipped with disc brakes and one muffler on the right. A small seat without a restrictor is provided for the passenger. To cover 100 km of travel you will need 6.5 liters of gasoline. The driver has five speeds at his disposal. The total weight of the unit is 200 kg. When driving on the highway, one full tank is enough for 300 km. Power has a limit of 145 hp. The model belongs to the professional category and is not suitable for beginner motorcyclists.

Advantages:

durable frame; smooth acceleration dynamics; soft grip; easy to control; does not roar very much; stylish design; comfortable steering wheel.

Flaws:

heavy; the rear wheel skids; rubber wears out quite quickly; some models increase fuel consumption; When picking up speed, the front wheel lifts.

MV Agusta F4 RP – 299 km/h

An Italian motorcycle passes along the road like a knife cutting through butter. The design features a modern technological suspension, and instead of the heart there is a powerful high-tech 1000 cc engine. According to ratings, this is the fastest liter serial sportbike on the market. In appearance, it is no less futuristic, like the technology from “The Fifth Element” or “Futurama”.

Characteristics

Additional options: ABS; suspension adjustment; immobilizer

Price: from 2,740,000 rubles.

BMW S 1000RR

The superbike produced by BMW Motorrad was first presented to the general public in 2008. The company's designers have always approached their developments with pedantry, characteristic only of the Germans. This applied to both cars and motorcycles. The BMW S 1000 RR became the world's first track sports bike that can be ridden on regular tracks.

The model's capabilities were tested by the BMW Motorrad Motorsport team at a worldwide competition. The agile superbike can reach speeds of up to 289 km/h and accelerates to 100 km/h in just 3.1 seconds. An enthusiastic public waited for mass production a year later, and already in 2012 the company presented the second generation HP4. The model is equipped with a calibrated ECU for increased mid-range power and a new DDC suspension system.

HP4 became an intermediate modification, the production of which lasted only one year. In 2014, in Cologne, BMW presented the latest version, which was strikingly different from the previous two. Engine power and torque were increased, the weight of the superbike was reduced, the cylinder head was redesigned, a larger airbox was installed and two new riding modes were added. Although the first generation BMW S 1000 RR required improvement, German designers managed to significantly raise the bar in the sportbike class.

Travel models

Long trips involve transporting some luggage. For these purposes, use touring bikes that have a large luggage compartment and additional compartments for carrying things, increased suspension travel for a comfortable ride and increased ground clearance. Purchase options:

• Kawasaki VN 1700 Vulcan;

• Honda NT650V Deauville;

• Honda GOLD WING 1800;

• Yamaha XTZ 1200 SUPER TENERE.

Ducati 1199 Panigale

The Ducati 1199 Panigale is another superbike motorcycle that the Italian company mass-produced between 2011 and 2015. It can reach speeds of up to 300 km/h. Acceleration to 100 km/h takes 3.6 seconds. After a short break, during which restyling was carried out, the new model 1299 Panigale, which has a larger engine displacement, rolled off the assembly line.

This series rightfully claims to be the best in its class, but let’s return to the 1199 Panigale, which at the time of its release was considered revolutionary not only for Ducati, but also for the entire motorcycle industry as a whole. The new product was presented at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan. Connoisseurs and connoisseurs were amazed by the amazing combination of power (195 hp at 10,750 rpm), compactness, lightness and Italian elegance. 1199 Panigale is like a beast of prey: graceful and strong, under whose deceptive fragility lies steel muscles. The strong combination of black and red makes the appearance of Ducati's creation striking, but not devoid of grace.

The dry weight of the superbike is only 164 kg. When developing the two-cylinder engine, a special magnesium alloy was used, which made the motorcycle lighter and increased strength. The model's interchangeable modes are switched with just one click of a button and allow the motorcyclist to fully control the control process.

To achieve such an amazing effect, the company's designers introduced almost all the leading technologies in the superbike class into the model: DTC, ABS, DES, EBS, RbW, DQS. Subsequently, two more versions were released: the Ducati 1199 Panigale S and the Ducati 1199 Panigale S Tricolore. The first comes with an updated suspension, while the second has been updated with carbon fiber parts and has a bright paint job.

Kawasaki ZZR 1400 (ZX 14R) – 299 km/h

In terms of form factor and appearance, the Japanese monster outperforms the bikes of BMW and other competitors. At its core, it is pure strength, speed and functionality. The manufacturer did not spare any goodies in the form of electronics - you can control and control the bike at the touch of a button.

The ZZR1400 carries all of Kawasaki's passion for excellence. Any adventurer will appreciate its thoughtful design and incredible capabilities. Go the distance on the best Hypersport motorcycle.

Characteristics

Additional options: ABS; Traction Control; engine adjustment; immobilizer

Price: from 1,194,000 rubles.

Harley-Davidson CVO

The American manufacturing company has become a living legend. Beginners invariably associate its products with cool bikes, bearded motorcyclists wearing leather, and free riding with only the wind whistling in their ears. Arthur Davidson and William Harley could not even imagine that in the distant future their workshop in a shed behind the house would turn into a world-famous company, and the red sign, carefully drawn by Arthur’s aunt, would become a recognizable brand and a sign of quality.

Harley-Davidson sells several series in parallel: Touring, Sportster, Trike and CVO. The latest line of motorcycles (Custom Vehicles Operations) are produced in limited editions. They are located at the very top of the hierarchical ladder of the brand’s products. The reason lies in the peculiarities of production: models of the CVO series are produced at a special Harley-Davidson plant, whose employees are engaged in customization (tuning) - they manually assemble motorcycles and make individual adjustments to them.

For products of the CVO family, unique accessories and original color solutions are selected. They are manually decorated with graphics. Another special technical component of the family members is the most powerful engine (Milwaukee-Eight, V-shaped, two-cylinder) among all Harley-Davidson series models, which is equipped only with CVO motorcycles. In 2022, the company plans to introduce a trio of updates in the exclusive family: Road Glide, Street Glide and Limited.

Sportbikes

The equipment is lighter in terms of aerodynamics, therefore it is designed for speed and maneuverability. Seat with good forward lean. Wheels turn smoothly and have wide enough tires for confident traction. The tires have smooth treads of the “slick” or “semi-slick” type. High boost, V-shaped engines with 1-4 cylinders - this is what is typical for a sportbike.

We can say that this is a good option for moderate driving around the city: the equipment is designed for daily use and is equipped with lighting devices and signals. You can also race on the track, but then don’t tune the bike’s weight. The design is specially designed for high-speed driving - it is made lightweight.

Honda CB77

It was reliability that created and strengthened the reputation of this wonderful motorcycle in the realities of the Western world. This iron horse can easily accelerate to 180 km/h, carrying a person weighing a hundredweight. At the moment, it is simply impossible to find a model of this motorcycle, since production was stopped 51 years ago.

Budget options for experienced bikers

Sometimes you already have skills and experience, but money is tight. In such cases, honored road veterans with good performance characteristics and an affordable price come to the rescue. In the end, both 600 cubic meters and 1000 cubic meters are quite enough for comfortable travel on normal roads. The disadvantage of most older models is their gluttony , but this is partly compensated by their unpretentiousness to fuel quality and the large volume of gas tanks. But they can be bought for 150-180 thousand rubles , sometimes a little more, and for many motorcyclists this is a decisive argument.

• Suzuki RF600R . The older brother of the aforementioned RF 400, which differs from it only in the engine and some small details. Both bikes are designed on the same platform, it’s just that the Japanese traditionally produce “four hundred” for the domestic market, and “six hundred” are exported. Like other similar motorcycles, the sport-tourer from Suzuki is distinguished by advanced wind protection and good ergonomics, thanks to which the body does not become so stiff during a long ride.
• Kawasaki ZZR 600 . It differs from its 400 cc brother only in the engine, and therefore almost all spare parts between them are interchangeable. It is less common on sale than the “four hundred”, but still the choice on the secondary market is quite good. True, its gearbox is the same as on the ZZR 400, and the problem with second gear is also present on this bike.
• Honda VFR 750 . Honda is good, Honda is reliable © No, seriously - despite its advanced age, the 750 cc Vyfer should not be discounted. This owner of a V-shaped “four” drives briskly, and categorically does not want to break down during normal maintenance. If you hang side cases on it and install a topcase, you can take a whole bunch of things with you on the road, even if you have a passenger.
• Yamaha GTS 1000 . A very unusual motorcycle. The sports tourer GTS 1000 immediately catches your eye because of the non-standard mounting of the front wheel - it is cantilever, that is, there is no fork at all! However, it handles excellently. True, the GTS 1000 was not produced for long, from 1993 to 1996. The reason for its discontinuation was low popularity - the public did not appreciate the innovative approach of Yamaha engineers to the design of sports and touring motorcycles. Among the minuses, we can mention the high gasoline consumption, which on the highway when driving quickly easily exceeds 10 liters per 100 km.

Indian motorcycles

Founded in 1897 by George M. Handee, the company originally manufactured bicycles and was called the Hendee Manufacturing Company. It is worth noting that Handy was an avid cyclist who already held the title of amateur cycling champion at the age of 16, winning the US National Amateur High Roller Championships. This was the beginning of extraordinary success. Hendee was America's first cycling champion and won 302 of 309 races!

In 1892, the American retired from racing and began building bicycles based on his experience. The first models were called Silver King, Silver Queen and American Indian. The name of the brand was taken from the name of the latter, later shortened to Indian. Interestingly, Handy became interested in the in-frame engine option because he wanted the bikes to be faster. This was the impulse that brought the small manufactory to the very top.

Tourist (so-called adventure touring) motorcycles

Touring motorcycles designed for long trips, both off-road and on-road. These vehicles have high durability, large fuel tanks and large luggage compartments. However, their off-road capabilities are a bit limited due to their heavy weight, size and sometimes tires.

Examples:

BMW 1200GS

Suzuki V-strom 650

Kawasaki KLR650

These are the most popular types of motorcycles, although there are others. However, in my opinion, people who just want to “get into” the topic may well limit themselves to the list above.