THERE ARE MANY TYPES of motorcycle sport and in each, a specialized machine has evolved to perform to specific requirements. Races take place on roads or tracks or “off-road,” in fields, dirt tracks, and even the desert. “Grand Prix” world championships in road-racing are contested by three classes: 125cc, 250cc twostrokes; the top class of 500cc two-strokes; and 900cc four-stroke machines. The latest racing sidecars have more in common with racing cars than motorcycles. The rider and passenger operate within an all-enclosing, aerodynamic fairing. The Suzuki RGV500 shown here, like other Grand Prix machines, carries advertising, which helps to cover the cost of developing motorcycle technology. In Speedway, which originated in the US in 1902, motorcycles operate without brakes or a gearbox. Off-road competition motorcycles have less emphasis on high power output. In Motocross, for example, which is held on rough terrain, they must have high ground clearance, flexible long-travel suspension, and tires with a chunky tread pattern.
Competition motorcycles
in
RAIL AND ROAD
published on 9:48 PM
THERE ARE MANY TYPES of motorcycle sport and in each, a specialized machine has evolved to perform to specific requirements. Races take place on roads or tracks or “off-road,” in fields, dirt tracks, and even the desert. “Grand Prix” world championships in road-racing are contested by three classes: 125cc, 250cc twostrokes; the top class of 500cc two-strokes; and 900cc four-stroke machines. The latest racing sidecars have more in common with racing cars than motorcycles. The rider and passenger operate within an all-enclosing, aerodynamic fairing. The Suzuki RGV500 shown here, like other Grand Prix machines, carries advertising, which helps to cover the cost of developing motorcycle technology. In Speedway, which originated in the US in 1902, motorcycles operate without brakes or a gearbox. Off-road competition motorcycles have less emphasis on high power output. In Motocross, for example, which is held on rough terrain, they must have high ground clearance, flexible long-travel suspension, and tires with a chunky tread pattern.
