There’s a world of excitement among motorcycles for many different people. From the thrill of acceleration to the challenges of trials riding, motorcycling is definitely a sport for those who seek excitement and exhilaration.
Motorcycle road racing is one of the most exciting among motorcycle sports. The motorcycles used are typically fast, purpose-built track machines such as the Kawaski Ninja and the Suzki Hayabusa. Capable of extreme braking, cornering and speed, these machines test the limits of a rider’s mental agility and stamina. The courses used almost always include many curvy, technical sections as well as one or two straight sections. International motorcycle road racing, such as Moto GP and World Superbike, take place at famous race courses worldwide.
Motocross racing is very different from motorcycle road racing. The motorcycles used for motocross racing are designed to work extremely well off-road. The motocross courses don’t use pavement; they include many jumps and often also feature steep uphill and downhill sections. The bikes themselves, such as the Kawaski KX 450F and the Suzki RM-Z450, are built to take tons of abuse. They are strong and are designed to handle extremely rough terrain while being pushed to their limits. Motocross racing places extreme physical demands on the riders. Regular fitness training is a must for riders who wish to remain competitive in the sport.
An unusual new area of motorcycle sports has recently emerged. Called supermoto, this type of racing usually blends both paved sections of track with off-road sections. The motorcycles used in supermoto racing are usually modified motocross bikes, however, recently motorcycle manufacturers began offering purpose-built supermoto bikes straight from the factory. The main differences between motocross bikes and supermoto bikes are the wheels and brakes. Supermoto bikes use wheels slightly smaller in diameter, are equipped with street-oriented tires and have larger brakes than their motocross cousins.
A unique form of motorcycle competition that demands finesse, balance and concentration, called trials, uses entirely purpose-built machines. Riders navigate their trials bikes over many obstacles. These might include large boulders, narrow bridges, crates and even mountain sides. The rider is required to accurately use a combination of throttle and brake inputs to wheelie, hop and jump the machine from one spot to another through the obstacle course.
With such a variety of competition, motorcycles appeal to a wide audience. There is also ample recreational uses for motorcycles that mirror their racing counterparts.