12 best motorcycles

Conquering the roads with a two-wheeled vehicle with a motor is very fast and interesting. But there are so many types of motorcycles that it’s dizzying. They are designed for different types of roadways and even off-road; a big role is played by the maximum speed of the motorbike, the number of passengers, its weight, fuel consumption and stability. All these characteristics divide motorcycles into four main categories, each of which has its own purpose and price niche. The article gives clear definitions of the four main types and information to help you figure out what type of riding they are suitable for. This will help you choose your model, which will fully comply with specific road conditions and help achieve your goals.

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:

1. Kawasaki

2. Viper

3. Suzuki

4.Yamaha

5.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.

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.

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.

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R – fast samurai

The Japanese model has expressive features and a very sharp front view. Its name “Ninja” fully corresponds to the speed and design of the motorbike. The unit is equipped with a four-cylinder engine and a total volume of 998 square centimeters. This engine is capable of producing 200 hp. The motorcycle has six speeds, which are switched thanks to a multi-plate clutch in an oil bath.

The frame of the structure is made of diagonal design from durable aluminum alloy. This allowed us to reduce the weight, which is now 198 kg. But the motorbike received a reduced fuel tank of 17 liters. The telescopic suspension can move up to 120mm, reducing bounce on rough roads. Despite the reduced shape of the tank, the second seat is very short, but allows you to carry a passenger. The speedometer is designed for up to 300 km, upon reaching which the electronics disconnects the engine from the transmission.

Advantages:

• fast;
• sensitive brakes;
• original design;
• aerodynamics;
• easy to control at speed;
• long service life of components;
• high-quality plastic covering.

Flaws:

• reduced gas tank;
• high fuel consumption;
• lower than other models;
• the windshield is ineffective after 230 km/h.

Aprilia RS 125 – Italian minimalism

The Italian sports class motorcycle competes with Asian models. The plastic casing of the case has almost no holes and is solid. There is a clear step separator between the driver and passenger seats. This is an economical option for sports bike lovers. It is possible to gain speed up to 100 km in 7 seconds. At the same time, the volume of the power unit is only 124.8 cubic meters. All this allows you to drive at a speed of 175 km/h.

The engine contains only one cylinder, operating in two strokes. The unit has 25 hp. Contrary to common injectors, this motorcycle has a carburetor. The rider has six speeds and disc brakes. But the mass of the device is only 130 kg. The 40mm front fork gives excellent control on the road. The rear monoshock absorber smoothes out road unevenness and is adjustable depending on the load.

Advantages:

• good for beginners;
• fast acceleration;
• easy transmission shifting;
• looks much more expensive than it actually is;
• effective brakes;
• a light weight.

Flaws:

• the sound of the engine is similar to the operation of a scooter;
• narrow wheels;
• expensive spare parts;
• high consumption, despite the volume of the power unit.

The best touring motorcycles

This type of motorcycle is designed for country roads to cover distances in comfort. Tourist models are equipped with large luggage compartments, and the seats have wide shapes, backs and even armrests for the passenger. In terms of functionality, such bikes are comparable to cars and have a large mass. They are distinguished by their high cost and number of options. Here are their best representatives according to user reviews.

Harley-Davidson FLSTC Heritage Softail – expensive tourism, American style

Among the representatives of the tourist section of motorcycles, this American motorcycle stands out. It combines the features of a classic vehicle with the unchanged appearance of this brand with the functionality necessary for long trips. The driver's position is kept low, the luggage compartments are quite spacious, and the frame has a lot of chrome and rivets. The seat and bags are made of genuine leather. The windshield unscrews to make driving around the city more convenient.

The engine has a volume of 1.5 square decimeters, and consumption on the highway is 4.5 liters. In the city this figure will be 6.7 l/100 km. The motorcycle has six speeds and is air cooled. The assembled weight is 345 kg. The tank holds 19 liters. The brakes are equipped with an ABS system to prevent the rear wheel from locking.

Advantages:

• a style recognized throughout the world;
• comfortable seats for the driver and passenger;
• anti-corrosion material;
• powerful engine;
• brakes with ABS;
• hidden rear suspension;
• Thanks to the high steering wheel, comfortable handling.

Flaws:

• very heavy;
• high price;
• shortage of spare parts in the CIS countries.

Honda GL 1500 Gold Wing – a “car” on two wheels

This Japanese model is considered one of the most prestigious in the touring vehicle section. It is 2600 mm long and weighs 372 kg. The motorcycle is designed for long, comfortable trips and has separate seats for the driver and passenger. The latter, in addition to a comfortable backrest, has folding armrests. There are two lockable luggage compartments on the sides. At the rear there is another large trunk and a frame for attaching hand luggage.

The motorcycle consumes 8 liters per 100 km. This is due to the six-cylinder power unit with 100 hp. But the device can be accelerated to hundreds in just 4.5 seconds. The model has 5 highway speeds and one reverse. The fuel tank holds 23 liters of gasoline.

Advantages:

• high level of comfort;
• split seats;
• high windshield;
• liquid cooling system;
• spacious trunks;
• presence of reverse speed;
• additional lighting at the level of the footrests;
• high speed on the highway (up to 180 km);
• spacious tank;
• powerful engine.

Flaws:

• very heavy;
• poor maneuverability in the city;
• very low driver position;
• high price.

BMW K1600 GT – the most expensive tourist

The German concern produces one of the most expensive motorcycles in this class. The model successfully combines the characteristics of a touring motor vehicle and a sports bike. If you detach the rear trunk with a backrest and the side storage tanks, you get a lightweight version suitable for city driving. When fully equipped, the unit weighs 348 kg and has a power of 160 hp.

The engine is large in size, with all six cylinders producing a volume of 1,649 cubic centimeters. The carburetor is equipped with electronic injection. The ignition system is controlled by a board with digital signals. The transmission has six gears, with helical gears. You can immediately fill the tank with 26.5 liters. The tourist model is moderately compact and measures 2490 mm in length.

Advantages:

• the wheelbase is shorter than its analogues, which increases maneuverability in the city;
• stylish look with high hooded plastic;
• removing the racks transforms the model into a sports bike;
• large fuel tank;
• cast aluminum wheels;
• powerful motor.

Flaws:

• low windshield;
• low divider between seats;
• very expensive.

The best classic motorcycles

This type of transport is designed for moving around the city and short trips along the highway to neighboring settlements. It is designed for everyday use and has a simple design and easy maintenance (no need to remove a lot of trim and frames to get to the parts to be repaired). The driver's seat on it does not include support for the steering wheel and implies a vertical position. Here are the best of these models from users.

Suzuki Boulevard C50 – Japanese powerful classic

The designers endowed this device with simple but streamlined shapes, with the ability to remove the windshield. The model has a powerful four-cylinder engine, and chrome-plated exhaust pipes are located on one side of the body. The engine capacity is 805 cubic centimeters.

The rear suspension is based on an oil shock absorber and reinforced with a spring. The front brake is a disc brake, and the rear wheel has pads inside the drum itself. The saddle is 700 mm from the floor, which is very convenient for long sitting. The weight of the structure is 277 kg. The tank holds 15.5 liters. The driver has five speeds and a power of 53 hp. At a speed of 130 km, five liters of fuel will be spent.

Advantages:

• low fuel consumption;
• good stability;
• due to ergonomics it is quite compact;
• quick acceleration from the engine;
• high cross-country ability;
• the cardan shaft is easy to maintain;
• good light from the headlight.

Flaws:

• increased oil consumption when driving briskly within the city;
• on a steep road up, the revs drop and you have to shift;
• large dimensions, forcing you to stand in traffic jams;
• When it rains, the rear wheel skids.

Yamaha XJR 1200 SP – a classic with a sporty twist

This motorcycle belongs to the classic line, but due to the slightly raised rear seat, it looks a bit like a sports bike. The unit is equipped with a four-cylinder engine with exhaust exhaust through two pipes on opposite sides of the body. Japanese engineers equipped it with an engine capacity of 1188 cubic centimeters. All brakes on it are disc type.

The vehicle weighs 230 kg, and the driver's seat is located at a height of 790 mm, which is suitable for tall people. The fuel tank capacity is 21 liters. The motorcycle has five speeds that use the full power of the 98 hp unit. This model is well suited for beginners due to its ease of operation and easy maintenance. The optics are equipped with a bright reflector and allow you to see clearly in the dark.

Advantages:

• economical in consumption;
• starts smoothly;
• sporty appearance;
• soft seats;
• gas-oil shock absorbers;
• fast acceleration to 100 km/h;
• low cost;
• easy to find spare parts;
• Convenient for tall people.

Flaws:

• a lot of open space between the seat and the rear wheel;

Racer Magnum RC200-C5B – an affordable alternative

This motorcycle is a modern reflection of the Java, which is very similar in shape and characteristics. The round headlight, speedometer and tachometer on the handlebars, thin hydraulic shock absorbers on the forks and a solid, flat seat serve as its classic features. The model features disc brakes and aluminum wheel rims.

The power of the power unit is 13.6 hp, which is enough to accelerate to 110 km/h. The small engine volume of 197 cubic meters provides economical fuel consumption of 2.2 liters. Despite the simple assembly, the bike was equipped with a kick starter, an electronic starting system and a Japanese carburetor. The weight of the model is 126 kg and it is capable of carrying two people with a total weight of 150 kg. The tank size is classic for this type - 18 liters.

Advantages:

• affordable price;
• comfortable driving position;
• long travel of front shock absorbers;
• economical consumption;
• design;
• large tank;
• hardy;
• five speeds.

Flaws:

• uncomfortable rear handles for the passenger;
• the tread is not suitable for driving on dirt roads;
• There may be breaks in the wiring;
• plastic body kits quickly bounce off.

Best Off-Road Motorcycles

This vehicle is distinguished by deep treads and large diameter wheels for high cross-country ability. It is designed to ride on earth, sand and gravel. The frame has an elongated shape, and the ground clearance is quite high. Here are the best models of this type according to drivers.

KTM 690 Enduro R – goes everywhere

The bike from Austrian engineers has good shock absorbers for overcoming bumps and jumps. The rear wheel is traditionally wider than the front. The design is as lightweight as possible due to a small 12-liter tank, narrow fenders, a spatial steel frame and spoked wheels. The total weight is 140 kg.

The driver's seat is located at a height of 935 mm. The engine holds 690 cubic centimeters and it is for this indicator that it received the number in the name. The power of the power unit is 66 hp. But, despite such data, the engine has only one cylinder. But the system is equipped with liquid cooling and copes well with overloads. The transmission is designed for six gears.

Advantages:

• very powerful for this class;
• good handling;
• easy;
• high cross-country ability;
• gears never slip;
• easy transition to neutral speed;
• the chain does not stretch.

Flaws:

• fragile steel frame;
• lack of sharpness of revolutions;
• expensive spare parts.

Lifan LF200 gy-5 – budget SUV

This model is in wide demand due to its low cost relative to imported motorcycles. The bare minimum for this class was placed in Lifan. The power unit was equipped with one cylinder with a volume of 197 cubic centimeters. Maximum power reaches 16.3 hp. But the engine is cooled only by air flows, so it can overheat under prolonged loads.

The weight of the entire device is only 122 kg, which is very good for an off-road vehicle. A small narrow tank holds 10 liters of fuel. The pendulum rear suspension provides soft jumps on springboards. The maximum speed of the bike is no more than 100 km/h. In the combined cycle, gasoline consumption by the engine is 2.3 liters.

Advantages:

• very light in its class;
• economical consumption;
• good body assembly;
• high cross-country ability;
• easy to maintain;
• holds the track well.

Flaws:

• small tank;
• not enough power;
• loud exhaust;
• clumsy appearance;
• more suitable for transporting one person.

Kayo CRF801-7L Basic 17/14 – flutters like a butterfly

This unit contains a four-stroke engine with one cylinder. Its operation is cooled by air flow and oil lubrication in the pan. The arsenal of speeds includes four gears, all forward. The brakes are controlled by a hydraulic system that compresses the discs on the wheels with pads. The frame is made of steel and made of tubular elements. The total weight of the motorcycle is 69 kg.

Cross-country ability is ensured by a high ground clearance of 370 mm, and the height from the ground to the saddle is 885 mm. The distance between the wheels is 1225 mm, which in total makes it comfortable for tall, thin drivers. The taillights are set deep under the seat. Control is carried out almost directly by the steering wheel.

Advantages:

• 4 bars;
• very light and maneuverable;
• easy to repair;
• kick starter;
• suspension;
• straight-through muffler;
• power 11 hp

Flaws:

• weak headlight light;
• the steering wheel bends when dropped;
• the chain stretches;
• no electric starter.

Which motorcycle to buy

When choosing the right option among such a variety of two-wheeled vehicles, you should start from how and how much it will be used. Other parameters, such as power, maximum speed and frame size, depend on personal preference.

Therefore, it is worth taking the following approach:

1. For everyday trips within the city, be it on the way to work or to visit relatives, a classic motorcycle model is suitable, compact to avoid idle time in traffic jams, and not very flashy, ala “invisibility” mode for parking thieves. Among the types of such bikes, it is worth buying the Yamaha XJR 1200 SP or Racer Magnum RC200-C5B.

2. If motorcycles are a lifestyle, and you need speed and reliability from them, then there is nothing better than sports models. They are perfect for quickly driving around the city, and on the highway they have no equal. You need to pay attention to the Yamaha YZF1000 Thunderace or Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R.

3. For competitions on dirt, jumping on hills and overcoming other obstacles, the KTM 690 Enduro R or Kayo CRF801-7L Basic 17/14 off-road units are well suited. This is a great hobby for motorcycle enthusiasts.

4. If you want to cover hundreds of kilometers on a two-wheeled vehicle and sit on it together without inconvenience, you will need a touring version of the motorcycle, with its large wheelbase, luggage compartments and wide seats. Here you should buy a Honda GL 1500 Gold Wing or a BMW K1600 GT.