Sport Bikes: An Overview

If you want a motorcycle that’s primed for speed, acceleration, and superior handling, you’ll want to look into sport bikes. These bikes may not be extremely comfortable to ride, but they’re fun, fast, and ideal for racing. Their superior performance also comes at the cost of fuel efficiency and affordability, so if you want this high-speed bike, be sure to factor that into your budget. 

In exchange for your investment, though, you’ll get advanced designs with optimal suspension systems and ultimate handling. Your local sport motorcycle dealership is Freedom Cycles in Grandview, Missouri, so pay us a visit if you have any questions after reading our breakdown below!

Design Elements

A sport bike is made for fast rides and racing with its lightning-quick acceleration, responsive brakes and superior maneuverability. To achieve these features, a great deal of engineering has gone into the bike’s design. Ergonomics are geared towards function rather than rider comfort, with a forward-leaning riding posture and high footpegs that draw the knees up closer to the body for improved aerodynamics while racing.

Sport motorcycles have high-performance brake pads to stop them on a dime and suspension systems that improve both stability and durability. If there are fairings, they’re aerodynamically designed to reduce drag wherever possible while reducing wind fatigue for the rider. Front and rear tires are larger and wider to provide more road contact for improved cornering at higher speeds.

Types

There are three types of sport motorcycles, although their definitions vary among enthusiasts and even official bodies. The AMA and FIM limit definitions for races. Generally speaking, though, these are the main types you’ll find.

Lightweight

Entry-level or beginner bikes, these feature engines with a displacement of no more than 500cc. These two-stroke motorcycles can sometimes perform better than a comparable four-stroke model.

Middleweight

Mid-level or supersport bikes are not commonly found on the race track. Their 500cc to 800cc engine displacements make them best-suited to freeway rides or leisurely circling the track.

Superbike

Liter-class bikes have engine displacements over 1000cc. These are the ultimate racing machines with the highest speeds and most agile handling. You might also find a subset of this called the open or hypersport bike, which might include bikes over the superbike in speed and displacement.

Visit our location in Grandview, MO, to see our selection of new and used sport bikes and other motorcycles for sale. Freedom Cycles proudly serves the greater Kansas City region, including Overland Park, KS, and Lee’s Summit, MO.