Racing motorcycles of the USSR. How it started (13 photos)

Standard road bikes

Classic

They are the founders of all subsequent types and modifications of this type of transport. The classic bike is universal in its characteristics and is suitable for both beginners and experienced drivers. It is very convenient for use on city streets and does not become very tiring during everyday driving over long distances. Prices for classic bikes are relatively low, and the cost of maintenance and replacement of parts is also low.

The characteristic features of such a motorcycle are the classic design, which ensures a straight seat for the biker, and design. The seat is soft, the steering wheel is straight. The headlight is round, there is a footrest, rear shock absorbers (suspension), and a telescopic fork. Weight is in the range of 150-250 kg.

Classic motorcycles:

• easy to maintain and manage;
• reliable;
• highly maneuverable.

They are distinguished from sports motorcycles by a less agile engine and the absence of fairings, and from a chopper by a less free rider position.

Typical representatives of the classic motorbike: Java 350 type 638-00 (1988), Triumph Bonneville T100.

British classic motorcycle Triumph Bonneville T100 (Triumph Bonneville T100)

Neoclassical

This type includes modern motorcycles made in retro style, carrying the spirit of a bygone era in their design and appearance. This could be a specially conceived project or a consequence of a halt in the development of the motorcycle line (they continue to be produced without any serious modernization).

One example of a neoclassical motorcycle is the Ural cT.

Honda CB 650 R

Price: about 850,000 rubles

Honda CB 650 R. Honda has unveiled another naked machine from the Neo Sport Cafe range, a machine with minimalist, raw styling that beats the four-cylinder heart of the CB 650 F. The R-ce has improved performance, but makes its oven more flexible in the midrange and higher revs (12000 instead of 11000 rpm). The front wheel gets Showa SFF forks with 41mm lag, an adjustable monoshock at the rear, and an anti-slip clutch and HSTC traction control as standard.

Characteristics:

Power ► 95 hp at 12000 rpm Torque ► 64 Nm at 8500 rpm Weight with fluids ► 202 kg

American style motorcycles

Custom

In most cases, this type of bike is made to order in a unique design or in several copies. Most often it is a product of alteration. For this purpose, either one motorcycle of a certain model is used, or several varieties that are mass-produced. Re-equipment can be carried out by both individual craftsmen and workshops.

All motorcycles of this type are original in essence, because they are created according to their owner’s ideas about the “iron trotter” standard and fully meet his needs.

The example is the 1976 Honda CB550F Super Sport from Recast Moto.

A variation of this type of motorcycle is the brat custom , which is based on the developments of Japanese craftsmen “Brat Style”. This workshop is a pioneer in the production of bikes using a mix style (cafe racer, chopper, tracker).

Characteristic features of a Bret Custom:

• average engine capacity;
• shortened suspension;
• narrow fuel tank located closer to the seat;
• narrowed steering wheel;
• shortened rear wheel fender;
• not pretentious, but interesting appearance.

As an example, consider the Honda CX-500.

Scrambler

As a rule, this type includes “classic” style motorcycles, which are intended not only for daily travel, but also for off-road driving. This is achieved by redesigning the bike and reducing its weight. Currently, there are modifications of motorcycles, both custom-made and mass-produced.

The scrambler is distinguished by the presence of:

• studded (embossed) tires;
• shortened frame;
• long travel suspensions;
• spoked wheels;
• raised muffler.

A custom representative of scramblers is the Triumph Street Scrambler (Tramontana project).

Bobbers

They do not have design frills that would impede the rapid driving so necessary for racing competitions. In particular, the bobber lacks a wing over the front wheel, there are no brakes, and there is no dashboard. The frame has been reconstructed and the rear fender has been shortened. Minor fasteners are removed from the bike.

To make it light and maneuverable, many structural elements are replaced with smaller ones: fuel tank, saddle, headlight, battery. Another characteristic feature of a bobber is the identical wheels.

A typical representative of the class is the BMW R75/5 1973 from GT-Moto.

Choppers

A heavy motorcycle in the made in USA style involuntarily evokes associations with true bikers. You can't help but notice him - he simply attracts attention. Technical characteristics allow you to make impressive trips along city streets. The main thing in these bikes is not the engine power, but the appearance.

You can find choppers that are mass-produced, but for true bike enthusiasts and the entire subculture, they prefer do-it-yourself ones. You won’t see a single plastic part on this bike; it contains a large amount of chrome.

Choppers also have the following characteristics:

• seat in two levels, located low;
• the driver's position allows you to stretch your legs forward;
• low speed engine;
• the steering wheel is longer;
• the rear wheel is small in diameter but wide;
• The fuel tank is drop-shaped.

The representative of the new chopper is Custom-Wolf Harley-Davidson.

Dregsters

Heavy class bike with a powerful, highly accelerated engine. Used for mini-races on public roads with a section length of slightly more than 400 meters.

This type of motorcycle is equipped with a long wheelbase and special stabilizing stays that prevent rear tipping. In order to protect against fire, especially in sports models, the tank is made of fire-resistant material, since nitric oxide and nitromethane are often used as fuel.

The main features of a dregster:

• the presence of durable fairings;
• low center of gravity;
• high structural stability;
• small front and large rear wheels.

Examples include Kawasaki VN1500 Drifter, Harley-Davidson V-Rod, and Yamaha Dragstar.

Motorcycle Yamaha Dragstar

Cruiser (cruiser)

A motorcycle with a spectacular American style appearance is used by lovers of long roads. The convenient design allows the biker to sit vertically in the saddle of a steel horse and feel comfortable. His body does not experience tension for a long time.

Thanks to the high-raised steering wheel and low-set seat, the hands are parallel to the road. Equipping a motorcycle with a good suspension softens the shaking on small potholes and potholes.

The cruiser is still not intended for driving on bad roads, nor for driving fast. The motorcycle is not very maneuverable, so you shouldn’t drive recklessly, especially on sharp turns, otherwise you may lose your balance.

In addition to the above features, this motorcycle is different:

• strong brakes;
• powerful engine;
• drop tank;
• wheels of the same size;

Among the disadvantages, significant fuel consumption can be noted.

A representative of this species is the Yamaha Raider S.

Power cruiser

This bike has a more durable design and features similar to a sportbike. The engine exceeds 100 horsepower, has a strong and reliable braking system, and has an inverted fork.

Sample – Yamaha Raider Bullet Cowl.

Lux cruiser

The special equipment the bike is equipped with allows you to comfortably make long trips. Thanks to the spacious trunks, you can take the necessary things on the road. And the presence of a navigator, air conditioning and a stereo system creates additional convenience. Features also include a built-in headlight in a voluminous plastic fairing that protects the motorcyclist and his legs from the wind.

There are very few brands of this motorcycle around the world, as they are produced in small batches. A typical representative of the class is the Indian Chieftain.

Dresser

A type of cruiser that is equipped with additional elements:

• fairings;
• chrome trim;
• voluminous trunks, bags, etc.

Additional accessories began to be offered by Indian and Harley-Davidson in the middle of the last century. There were people who wanted to decorate their bikes with a full dress. Later, such motorcycles began to be called dresser. Currently, among American bikers this is the name given to touring models equipped with panniers and fairings.

First place: Aprilia Tuono V4 Factory 2022

Aprilia Tuono V4 Factory 2021

The platform, which reigned supreme in its segment for the past decade, has once again snatched victory from its rivals. And if the other competitors took diametrically opposite places among different testers, Aprilia was not ranked lower than third place by anyone after the race on the track. The reasons are the same as all these years: a great engine and an ultra-precise chassis.

Well, where to start if not with the engine? The magnificent V4 still sounds like hell, and none of its rivals can beat it in character, not even another V4. Over more than 10 years of existence and development of this motor, literally everything that is important when you are in the saddle has been fine-tuned and worked out. The response is absolutely clear, the motor seems to be directly connected to the right hand.

However, one of the testers noticed that at the bottom, the fuel maps of the Euro-fifth version are not as clear and sharp as on the old Tuono and RSV4. You'll have to take this tester's word for it, because he's the one tuning these bikes. However, even if the Tuono has a slight dip in the bottom end, it is just enough to be noticed by a professional tuner, but not noticed by fully experienced riders. And if you suddenly get bored, you can always jerk the gas to full speed - you’ll immediately cheer up.

A good engine needs a good environment, and the Tuono frame has come just as long as the engine. This is a heavy motorcycle (only Kawasaki is heavier among the seven), which all testers noticed, but Aprilia carries this weight with pride, and turns easily and willingly, especially at good speed. At times it even seems that the Aprilia's main weakness is in the saddle, because its limits are far beyond the capabilities of the average rider.

Excellent brakes, high stability on trail breaking, excellent traction control, wheelie control, ABS - they are there and work, but you hardly notice them (MV, take note). The electronics of the suspensions cause some complaints: the factory algorithms are not fast enough, or rather they are delayed literally by a fraction of a second, especially for the rear suspension. During powerful braking, the shock absorber has time to sag, and only then is it tightened, and at the end of the turn, when you release the brakes, the opposite happens - the rear has time to sag and is tightened in this position.

What to do? Yes, just select manual suspension settings. In manual mode, they work like regular analog ones, only instead of knobs there are buttons. Static suspension settings are optimal for the track, and it is certainly better when the suspensions do not play during braking and acceleration.

A good track bike should excite. And Tuono has been doing this very well for many years now.

Pros of Aprilia Tuono V4 Factory

• Motor!
• High-speed chassis
• Electronics

Cons of Aprilia Tuono V4 Factory

• Doesn't like fools
• Automatic suspension
• Excess weight

Off-road motorcycles

They are produced to conquer off-road terrain, all kinds of jumps and other obstacles. To do this, they are equipped with the appropriate equipment, which allows them to easily overcome areas where ordinary bikes would simply get stuck in a slip.

The following types of motorcycles are considered the most famous off-road vehicles:

• cross;
• enduro;
• motard;
• speedway, etc.

Cross

This type of motorcycle has one purpose - sports. It is not used on public routes, as there are no lighting devices on it. They are not designed for city driving.

Distinctive features are:

• small mass;
• reliable frame;
• long travel suspension.

They are almost always equipped with a two-stroke engine, which is started by a kick starter. All this together makes the bike a good cross racer. There are no excesses.

Examples include:

• Suzuki RM250(2T)/RM-Z250(4T);
• Honda CRF250R;
• Yamaha YZ250.

There are modified models with 450 cubes. There are also miniature versions of this type of bike, which are produced for use in children's motocross races.

Enduro

They are heavier than motocross bikes and have a similar appearance to them, but are not as powerful. The main direction of these motorcycles is off-road tourism over relatively short distances. To do this, they are equipped with excellent suspensions that successfully smooth out road bumps, and a fairly wide seat. The upright seating position does not put as much strain on the torso while riding. At the same time, they have turn signals, headlights, a speedometer, a mirror, a muffler - everything that makes it possible to drive on city streets.

Examples include:

• Yamaha TT250R Open Enduro;
• GEON X-Road 200 BMW;
• Suzuki DR-Z400.

On enduro you can not only maneuver in the bustle of the city, but also learn how to ride a motorcycle. How to choose an enduro for a beginner is described here.

Motards

Designed for regular roads, but can also cope well with off-road conditions. Motards are characterized by a high rider position, ease of control and a fairly powerful engine.

This type of motorcycle includes:

• BM Motard 200;
• BMW G650 X;
• Suzuki 250SB;
• Honda FMX 650;
• Yamaha XT660X.

Speedway

Structurally, it is designed specifically for circuit ice racing. There is no gearbox, brakes, fairings, but there are spikes (almost 3 cm). These motorcycles are integral to the sport. At the same time, manufacturers decided to create a more popular version available to ordinary citizens.

Harley-Davidson was the first to produce the Peashooter (350 cc), which could be purchased by almost anyone. Soon, the Indian company began producing the Prince bike with approximately the same cost and engine capacity. We can’t help but mention the Jawa motorcycle, the legendary winner of many speedway competitions.

Yamaha XTZ Tenere 700

Price: about 880,000 rubles

Yamaha XTZ Tenere 700 . It feels like we've been waiting too long for this bike. The newest Tereska is equipped with a CP2 , that is, two direct engines with a volume of 689 cm 3, known from the MT-07.

In addition to the superb yet almost indestructible engine, there's plenty of room to show off the 240mm ground clearance . The thin plastic, narrow log and vertical display are a tribute to those who like to ride standing up. Off fans will also be pleased to have the option to turn off ABS . The front pivot has an inverted travel of 210 mm, and diameters are 21 and 18 inches with spokes

Power ► 73.4 hp at 9000 rpm. Torque ► 68 Nm at 6500 rpm. Weight with liquids ► rumored to be 205 kg

Sportbikes

This type of motorcycle is the most powerful and fastest. It is designed for road-circuit motorcycle racing. These motorcycles have low fuel consumption. Servicing them is not difficult.

Superbike

A version of a sportbike, but even faster, more powerful, and easier to ride. The most famous representatives:

• Triumph Daytona 675;
• Yamaha YZF-R6;
• Honda CBR 1000RR;
• Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6RR.

Superbikes are often distinguished by the “factory tuning” of the Suzuki GSX-R 1000 sports motorcycle.

Naked (naked)

These motorcycles are completely free of plastic and cladding elements. At first they were made from sports bikes, for this reason they have the same technical data. In most cases, nakeds are driven on city streets, since due to the lack of fairings their speed is not so high, and the aerodynamics leave much to be desired.

An example would be motorcycles from well-known manufacturers: Honda CB1100 EX, Suzuki GS500E, etc.

Suzuki GS500E

Suzuki Katana

Price: about 1,100,000 rubles

Suzuki Katana . By presenting a katana, the Japanese made a beautiful bow to lovers of retro style. The new model references the legendary 1981 Katana GSX 1100 . The work is made of plastic, a square headlight with a characteristic fairing, logo and lettering in an old school style. Since the Katana's engine comes from the well-known GSX-Sa 1000, it's hard to complain about the lack of emotion.

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Power ► 150 hp at 10,000 rpm. Torque ► 108 N m at 9500 rpm. Weight with liquids ► 215 kg

Touring motorcycles

Large motorcycle. Designed for long journeys on motorways and other good roads. It is quite difficult to control, but at the same time it has a comfortable seating position for the motorcyclist and passenger. Other features:

• spacious fuel tank;
• low speed engine;
• equipped with safety equipment, cruise control, speakers.

One of the representatives of this type is Triumph America LT.

Sports tourer

Bikes that combine the features of a sports motorcycle and a tourer. Equipped with a powerful engine and excellent brakes, also high-speed. For such characteristics they are also called hyperbikes. The seating position ensures that the motorcyclist and passenger are comfortable during long journeys on the highway.

An excellent representative of this species is the Yamaha FJR1300AS.

Luxury tourer

Highly comfortable expensive motorcycles. The luxury type of tourist is, first of all, good additional equipment:

• air conditioner;
• wind protection;
• volumetric trunks;
• built-in navigation system;
• Cruise control;
• passenger armrests;
• heated steering wheel.

They are massive and stable, which allows you to comfortably travel long distances on them. Not intended for normal everyday driving.

A typical representative is the Honda GL1800 Gold Wing.

Husqvarna Svartpilen 701

Price: about 880,000 rubles

Husqvarna Svartpilen 701 . Like the Vitpilen 701, it is based on the KTM Duke 690, and its heart is a powerful 693 cc single. This futuristic scrambler's 18-inch wheels are wrapped in Pirelli MT60 RS rubber, and it also features adjustable WP , removable ABS and quickshifter, and, befitting a scrambler, a wide steering wheel.

Characteristics:

Power ►75 hp at 8500 rpm Torque ►72 Nm at 6750 rpm Weight with fluids ► 167 kg

Minibike

The name itself speaks for itself - this is a small-sized motorcycle. Despite its small weight and dimensions, this bike is quite maneuverable and quickly picks up speed. The most difficult thing for a mini-motorcycle owner is learning to maintain balance.

Minibike Honda Monkey

Basically, the minibike is intended for racing on kart tracks. But traveling on public roads is not very comfortable.

Ducati 1199 Panigale Superbike

Fans of modern technology will definitely appreciate this model. The Ducati 1199 Panigale Superbike has perhaps the best performance of any superbike in existence. Ideal for racing enthusiasts.

However, aesthetes who are far from technological progress will also not remain indifferent. This bright motorcycle is able to highlight the temperament of its owner, even if he is not a professional racer.

Children's motorcycles

Their purpose is mainly for the driver to gain off-road driving skills and be able to participate in sports motorcycle competitions. There are the following subtypes of children's bikes:

• moped;
• scooter;
• children's all-terrain vehicle.

A classic type moped has a pedal drive (chain drive to the rear wheel). It has a freewheel. The brake in the hub (rear wheel) is activated by reverse rotation of the pedals. There are mopeds that have a gearbox.

Scooters have smaller wheels than motorcycles. It is better suited for riding than a moped, which is important for beginners.

There is also a scooter, it is located in the middle of a scooter and a classic bike. In Russia this is a rather rare type of transport, but in the world this two-wheeler is almost the most common.

Harley-Davidson LiveWire

Price: about 2,235,000 rubles

Electric Harley-Davidson LiveWire? This has never happened before! The production version debuted at EICMA in Milan and I can't hide it.

The LiveWire will have an SFF-BP fork and a Showa rear pivot . The package also includes Brembo Monoblock brakes, ABS, traction control and various riding modes .

Special purpose motorcycles

They are:

• police officers;
• firefighters;
• army;
• Ambulance.

This type also includes high cross-country vehicles.

Each type has its own characteristics. For example, a Russian electric motorcycle for special services from the Kalashnikov concern is distinguished by its noiselessness and ability to overcome rough terrain. It is used in reconnaissance, raids, and search operations. One charge is enough for 100 kilometers. Speed ​​– no more than 80 km/h. But the heavy concept bike “Izh” has 150 horses and reaches a speed of 240 km/h.

BMW S1000RR

Lightweight and powerful, the BMW S1000RR was designed to achieve great speed. This model is a true benchmark among sports motorcycles. Ideal for racers.

This bike is incredibly easy to ride. Thanks to several modes, the BMW S1000RR can adapt exactly to your driving speed.

Motorcycles with sidecars

They are a heavy type of bike. The design includes a two-wheeled motorcycle and a one-wheeled side trailer (sidecar). It can be either fixed or removable.

In previous years, such a bike often served as a less expensive substitute for a passenger car. As a rule, it is distinguished by its heavy weight, low-speed and powerful engine.

The most famous representatives of the class:

• Dnepr 11, Dnepr 16;
• Yamaha D-Side by Deus 3;
• Ural GEAR-UP, etc.

Ural GEAR-UP
A motorcycle with a sidecar copes well with off-road conditions and transportation of large luggage, which is what it is intended for. During the Great Patriotic War, they were even used to pull cannons. It is not advisable to use it on highways, since the stability is quite low, especially at high speed. The drive can be not only on the rear wheel, but also on the cradle.

Hubless Motorcycle

A completely unique motorcycle with very strange axleless wheels. Despite the very interesting design, the bike is quite functional. Those looking for something truly creative can look no further than this innovative model.

The price of Hubless Motorcycle is about 150 thousand dollars. This perfectly proves that there is nothing more valuable than individuality.

All-terrain vehicle

It resembles a motorcycle and is a small vehicle with the following characteristic features:

• three wheels or more;
• low pressure tires;
• basically a bicycle-like handlebar;
• seating – astride the seat.

This type of all-terrain vehicle can be either single or double. There are varieties:

• ATVs – four-wheeled off-road vehicles;
• trikes - three-wheeled all-terrain vehicles;
• special all-terrain vehicles – equipped with six or more wheels (or tracks).

Such a vehicle is a symbiosis of a car and a motorcycle, with high cross-country ability. This is an excellent technique for hunting or fishing trips, and a useful thing in the village.

The most popular manufacturers of this equipment: Kawasaki, Bombardier, Honda, Suzuki Yamaha.

Uno

An amazing motorcycle with supposedly one wheel (in fact there are two, they just stand so close that they almost touch each other). The bike was invented by a Canadian named Ben Gulak, who was only 18 years old at the time of the creation of this masterpiece.

Many boys like to show off their ability to ride a bicycle on one wheel. Older guys who have mastered motorcycle technology also often surprise passers-by with similar tricks. With the Uno motorcycle, it has become very easy to impress others - after all, it is not so difficult to control, provided that the biker has good coordination and excellent control of his own body.

Dual purpose motorcycle

Designed specifically for driving on asphalt roads, as well as on rough terrain. At the end of the 60s of the last century, the Yamaha concern released the first batch of bikes that combined the properties of road motorcycles and DT-1 SUVs. Subsequently the DR350 was produced.

Enduro Dual Sport BMW 1200 GS (left) and dual-purpose motorcycle Suzuki DRZ400 (right)

The division of motorcycle equipment into types is not always uniform. Some bikes can immediately belong to different types. And although there is no absolutely accurate classification of motorcycles, it is possible, given the current state of affairs, to find the equipment that would suit you best.

Gregory

Blog author

Sixth place: Kawasaki Z H2 SE 2022

Kawasaki Z H2 SE 2021

If you remember, the Z, despite the supercharger, is a purely road motorcycle that has nothing in common with track riding. Moreover, its many shortcomings are made up for by the excellent character of the engine, thanks to which the Z H2 can be driven on the track with great pleasure, without worrying at all about good cornering. Turning on it becomes just an obstacle that you need to go through in order to return to the blessed straight line, or even better - to shoot at it with a slight movement of the throttle.

The Kawasaki Z H2 SE is a heavy motorcycle. The heaviest of all, and at the same time, when you try to ride fast on it, it immediately starts to get under the footpegs, and the seat, so comfortable on the road, turns out to be too prominent and makes it difficult to stick your knee out. In general, this is definitely a road bike, nothing more.

But despite the attempts to get Kawa to do something unusual, a couple of things surprised me. Firstly, the electronically controlled fork works quite well at hard settings, holds perfectly throughout the entire stroke, and especially at the end, when you brake powerfully. Secondly, the quickshifter shifts clearly at full throttle, although it doesn’t seem to have to. The brakes (Stylema) are quite good, although one tester chuckled when asked about them.

But four testers described the behavior of the rear with different synonyms for the word “wobble” - the motorcycle begins to dance when the gas is opened when exiting a turn, not scary, but enough to make it clear that the chassis and shock absorber are trying their best to keep the situation under control. The composure of the chassis is the key to fast riding, but in principle there is something cool in this manner of the Z-ki, if you accept in advance that this motorcycle is not for the track. Most likely, a good track shock will simply transform the Z, and then higher pegs will be needed.

Pros of Kawasaki Z H2 SE

• How much can you praise its engine?
• Not a bad fork
• Good brakes

Cons of Kawasaki Z H2 SE

• Low ground clearance
• Heavy weight
• Weak rear suspension