Street bikes, also known as naked bikes, are a very basic type of motorcycle. They resemble dirt bikes but feature parts designed for street driving rather than off-road use. Street bikes also feature smaller engines and fewer accessories than sport bikes or long-distance cruisers, making them among the least-expensive motorcycle options.
Frame
The center of a street bike is its frame. Motorcycle frames are made from welded metal, and street bikes use lightweight construction to achieve a strong frame at a low cost. A street bike's frame includes connecting points for many of its other parts, including the seat, front forks, handlebars and engine mount.
Engine
Street bikes usually employ a dual-cylinder internal combustion gasoline engine. A four-stroke engine is the most common configuration, operating much like a typical car engine with intake, compression, ignition and exhaust cycles. The engine uses one spark plug for each cylinder and two or more valves per cylinder for intake and exhaust. Street bikes may feature either an air-cooled engine, with fins on its cylinders to create more surface area and keep the engine cool while driving, or liquid-cooled engines, with a front radiator and pump system like that found in a car.
Fuel Tank
The fuel tank on a street bike is positioned directly above the engine, in front of the rider. Street bikes feature small fuel tanks that may only hold a few gallons. However, this may give the rider an even greater effective range than the rider of a larger, heavier bike with a larger fuel tank but poorer fuel economy.
Wheels
Street bikes use wheels in the 15-inch to 18-inch range. Wheels may be forged, cast or spoked, and carry rubber tires with rubber inner tubes and a mild tread pattern for on-road driving. So-called hybrid street bikes may come with a more aggressive tread pattern for off-road performance. Each wheel includes a disc brake with a single caliper for slowing the bike.
Seat
A street bike's saddle is usually designed for a single rider, though dual-rider saddles are also available. The seat-and-handlebar configuration place the rider in an upright position with foot pegs directly below the seat. Street-bike seats may include a storage space for tools and often conceal the battery, which powers the onboard electrical system.
Driveline
A street bike uses a chain for its final drive, and a manual transmission with a pedal shifter and handlebar clutch lever. The transmission may include anywhere between three and six gears. The chain drive attaches the transmission, located near the center of the frame, to the rear wheel, which is the drive wheel.
Controls
A street-bike rider has access to a number of controls. These include a foot brake, a hand brake, the pedal shifter and hand clutch. Street bikes also include switches for engaging the headlight and turn signals. Some models may come equipped with a radio, but such amenities are not common on street bikes.
2012年2月24日星期五
2012年2月16日星期四
The finest motorcycles of 2012
Best Cruiser: Harley- Davidson FXS Blackline
Harleys Softail range has long been a favourite, not just of mine, but a vast mob of Kiwi riders in this country. The Blackline is a new version that is arguably the best-looking American bike ever, and it weighs in 30kg lighter thanks to a new frame that better isolates the rider from engine vibration. However, what really makes the Blackie stand out from the Softail pack is the way the rear indicators also do triple-duty as taillights and brake lights. It is an innovative design feature that cleans up the look of the bike along with the paint-it-black-then- lacquer-it theme of the powertrain and other components. If a cruiser's appeal is always to be judged on its looks first and foremost, the $28,300 Blackline will never disappoint.
Best Tourer: BMW R1200GS
BMW might have added a new fully-equipped 1.6 litre, six- cylinder tourer to its catalogue in 2011, but the twin-cylinder R1200GS would still be my first choice for any inter-island trip around this country. Lighter, more agile, and more tolerant of variations in road surfaces, it still is capable of carting lots of stuff with its well-designed hard luggage, and the weather protection bears comparison with its more expensive new showroom rival. Adaptable electronic suspension, a revised boxer-twin engine that both sounds and performs better, and a long list of options (sat-nav, spotlights, kitchen sink and so on) make the $28,302 R1200GS a bike capable of performing a wide range of exploration duties with considerable verve.
Best Sportsbike: Kawasaki ZX-10R
The Japanese fightback for sportsbike supremacy starts here, with a resurgent ZX-10R that is as rideable and refined as its forebears were vicious, demanding and treacherous. The complete about face in the manners of Kawasaki's flagship sportsbike hasn't come at any loss in performance however.
The Ten is faster than ever, with a 190+bhp engine to propel its reduced mass, and terrific brakes and suspension to match. However, the real progress is found in the increased ease with which the rider can extract the Kawasaki's performance.
Best of the best?
The little Honda, for the CBR250R brings some much- needed spark to a sector of the bike market, where mediocrity and stodginess have become the accepted norm.
Frame
The center of a street bike is its frame. Motorcycle frames are made from welded metal, and street bikes use lightweight construction to achieve a strong frame at a low cost. A street bike's frame includes connecting points for many of its other parts, including the seat, front forks, handlebars and engine mount.
Engine
Street bikes usually employ a dual-cylinder internal combustion gasoline engine. A four-stroke engine is the most common configuration, operating much like a typical car engine with intake, compression, ignition and exhaust cycles. The engine uses one spark plug for each cylinder and two or more valves per cylinder for intake and exhaust. Street bikes may feature either an air-cooled engine, with fins on its cylinders to create more surface area and keep the engine cool while driving, or liquid-cooled engines, with a front radiator and pump system like that found in a car.
Fuel Tank
The fuel tank on a street bike is positioned directly above the engine, in front of the rider. Street bikes feature small fuel tanks that may only hold a few gallons. However, this may give the rider an even greater effective range than the rider of a larger, heavier bike with a larger fuel tank but poorer fuel economy.
Wheels
Street bikes use wheels in the 15-inch to 18-inch range. Wheels may be forged, cast or spoked, and carry rubber tires with rubber inner tubes and a mild tread pattern for on-road driving. So-called hybrid street bikes may come with a more aggressive tread pattern for off-road performance. Each wheel includes a disc brake with a single caliper for slowing the bike.
Seat
A street bike's saddle is usually designed for a single rider, though dual-rider saddles are also available. The seat-and-handlebar configuration place the rider in an upright position with foot pegs directly below the seat. Street-bike seats may include a storage space for tools and often conceal the battery, which powers the onboard electrical system.
Driveline
A street bike uses a chain for its final drive, and a manual transmission with a pedal shifter and handlebar clutch lever. The transmission may include anywhere between three and six gears. The chain drive attaches the transmission, located near the center of the frame, to the rear wheel, which is the drive wheel.
Controls
A street-bike rider has access to a number of controls. These include a foot brake, a hand brake, the pedal shifter and hand clutch. Street bikes also include switches for engaging the headlight and turn signals. Some models may come equipped with a radio, but such amenities are not common on street bikes.
Harleys Softail range has long been a favourite, not just of mine, but a vast mob of Kiwi riders in this country. The Blackline is a new version that is arguably the best-looking American bike ever, and it weighs in 30kg lighter thanks to a new frame that better isolates the rider from engine vibration. However, what really makes the Blackie stand out from the Softail pack is the way the rear indicators also do triple-duty as taillights and brake lights. It is an innovative design feature that cleans up the look of the bike along with the paint-it-black-then- lacquer-it theme of the powertrain and other components. If a cruiser's appeal is always to be judged on its looks first and foremost, the $28,300 Blackline will never disappoint.
Best Tourer: BMW R1200GS
BMW might have added a new fully-equipped 1.6 litre, six- cylinder tourer to its catalogue in 2011, but the twin-cylinder R1200GS would still be my first choice for any inter-island trip around this country. Lighter, more agile, and more tolerant of variations in road surfaces, it still is capable of carting lots of stuff with its well-designed hard luggage, and the weather protection bears comparison with its more expensive new showroom rival. Adaptable electronic suspension, a revised boxer-twin engine that both sounds and performs better, and a long list of options (sat-nav, spotlights, kitchen sink and so on) make the $28,302 R1200GS a bike capable of performing a wide range of exploration duties with considerable verve.
Best Sportsbike: Kawasaki ZX-10R
The Japanese fightback for sportsbike supremacy starts here, with a resurgent ZX-10R that is as rideable and refined as its forebears were vicious, demanding and treacherous. The complete about face in the manners of Kawasaki's flagship sportsbike hasn't come at any loss in performance however.
The Ten is faster than ever, with a 190+bhp engine to propel its reduced mass, and terrific brakes and suspension to match. However, the real progress is found in the increased ease with which the rider can extract the Kawasaki's performance.
Best of the best?
The little Honda, for the CBR250R brings some much- needed spark to a sector of the bike market, where mediocrity and stodginess have become the accepted norm.
Parts of a Street Bike
Street bike, also known as naked bikes, are a very basic type of motorcycle. They resemble dirt bikes but feature parts designed for street driving rather than off-road use. Street bikes also feature smaller engines and fewer accessories than sport bikes or long-distance cruisers, making them among the least-expensive motorcycle options.Frame
The center of a street bike is its frame. Motorcycle frames are made from welded metal, and street bikes use lightweight construction to achieve a strong frame at a low cost. A street bike's frame includes connecting points for many of its other parts, including the seat, front forks, handlebars and engine mount.
Engine
Street bikes usually employ a dual-cylinder internal combustion gasoline engine. A four-stroke engine is the most common configuration, operating much like a typical car engine with intake, compression, ignition and exhaust cycles. The engine uses one spark plug for each cylinder and two or more valves per cylinder for intake and exhaust. Street bikes may feature either an air-cooled engine, with fins on its cylinders to create more surface area and keep the engine cool while driving, or liquid-cooled engines, with a front radiator and pump system like that found in a car.
Fuel Tank
The fuel tank on a street bike is positioned directly above the engine, in front of the rider. Street bikes feature small fuel tanks that may only hold a few gallons. However, this may give the rider an even greater effective range than the rider of a larger, heavier bike with a larger fuel tank but poorer fuel economy.
Wheels
Street bikes use wheels in the 15-inch to 18-inch range. Wheels may be forged, cast or spoked, and carry rubber tires with rubber inner tubes and a mild tread pattern for on-road driving. So-called hybrid street bikes may come with a more aggressive tread pattern for off-road performance. Each wheel includes a disc brake with a single caliper for slowing the bike.
Seat
A street bike's saddle is usually designed for a single rider, though dual-rider saddles are also available. The seat-and-handlebar configuration place the rider in an upright position with foot pegs directly below the seat. Street-bike seats may include a storage space for tools and often conceal the battery, which powers the onboard electrical system.
Driveline
A street bike uses a chain for its final drive, and a manual transmission with a pedal shifter and handlebar clutch lever. The transmission may include anywhere between three and six gears. The chain drive attaches the transmission, located near the center of the frame, to the rear wheel, which is the drive wheel.
Controls
A street-bike rider has access to a number of controls. These include a foot brake, a hand brake, the pedal shifter and hand clutch. Street bikes also include switches for engaging the headlight and turn signals. Some models may come equipped with a radio, but such amenities are not common on street bikes.
Supercross returns to Anaheim on Saturday
Four races. Four winners. All former champions.
Parity prevails among supercross racing's top riders as the series makes its second and final season stop at Angel Stadium on Saturday night.
After reigning champion Ryan Villopoto won the season opener Jan. 7 at Angel Stadium, 2010 champion Ryan Dungey won in Phoenix, two-time champ Chad Reed captured the Dodger Stadium race and another two-time title winner, James Stewart, won last weekend in Oakland.
The sport knew it had one of the deepest fields in history this year, but the early results still have surprised. The last time there were four different winners through four races was in 1976, before any of the current top riders was born.
As a result, all four are in contention again for this year's championship in the 17-race Monster Energy AMA Supercross series, the stadium version of motocross, or off road motorcycle racing.
Dungey and Reed are tied for the lead with 85 points each, while Villopoto is only two points behind and Stewart — who posted mostly mediocre finishes in the first three races — is now 12 points behind.
"We'll just keep building from here," Stewart said. "It was a rough three weeks for us but it was definitely good to come back at Oakland and get a victory."
Stewart's win in Oakland was his first since the 26-year-old Floridian moved this year to the Yamaha motorcycle team at Joe Gibbs Racing of NASCAR fame.
Stewart also will have extra incentive Saturday night. He's currently tied for the most career wins in Anaheim, eight, with seven-time supercross champion Jeremy McGrath and another victory would give Stewart the record outright.
McGrath also holds the career record for total supercross wins, 72, followed by Ricky Carmichael's 48 and Stewart's 43.
Villopoto, meanwhile, hopes for a repeat of his Anaheim win last month, when the 23-year-old Kawasaki rider from the Seattle area cruised to a 12-second victory over the second-place Reed.
Parity prevails among supercross racing's top riders as the series makes its second and final season stop at Angel Stadium on Saturday night.
After reigning champion Ryan Villopoto won the season opener Jan. 7 at Angel Stadium, 2010 champion Ryan Dungey won in Phoenix, two-time champ Chad Reed captured the Dodger Stadium race and another two-time title winner, James Stewart, won last weekend in Oakland.
The sport knew it had one of the deepest fields in history this year, but the early results still have surprised. The last time there were four different winners through four races was in 1976, before any of the current top riders was born.
As a result, all four are in contention again for this year's championship in the 17-race Monster Energy AMA Supercross series, the stadium version of motocross, or off road motorcycle racing.
Dungey and Reed are tied for the lead with 85 points each, while Villopoto is only two points behind and Stewart — who posted mostly mediocre finishes in the first three races — is now 12 points behind.
"We'll just keep building from here," Stewart said. "It was a rough three weeks for us but it was definitely good to come back at Oakland and get a victory."
Stewart's win in Oakland was his first since the 26-year-old Floridian moved this year to the Yamaha motorcycle team at Joe Gibbs Racing of NASCAR fame.
Stewart also will have extra incentive Saturday night. He's currently tied for the most career wins in Anaheim, eight, with seven-time supercross champion Jeremy McGrath and another victory would give Stewart the record outright.
McGrath also holds the career record for total supercross wins, 72, followed by Ricky Carmichael's 48 and Stewart's 43.
Villopoto, meanwhile, hopes for a repeat of his Anaheim win last month, when the 23-year-old Kawasaki rider from the Seattle area cruised to a 12-second victory over the second-place Reed.
2012年2月6日星期一
Off-Road Funding Set For Approval
Renewed funding for motorized trails and a ban on funding for motorcycle-only checkpoints are included in a major federal transportation bill being considered by a key U.S. House committee, according to the AMA.
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee is expected to vote tomorrow on a transportation funding authorization bill - H.R. 7, the "American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act of 2012." If approved, the measure would go to the full House for a vote before moving to the Senate for consideration.
Since the Senate has its own version of the bill, the spending plan would eventually end up in a House-Senate conference committee where differences would be worked out before going back to both chambers for final approval, the AMA says.
The House measure includes $85 million a year through fiscal year 2016 for the Recreational Trails Program (RTP), which provides money to states to develop and maintain trails. Federal lawmakers had been looking at eliminating the dedicated funding for the program, which threatened to end the RTP.
"Motorcyclists and all-terrain vehicle riders by the thousands spoke, and federal lawmakers listened," said Wayne Allard, AMA vice president for government relations. "We want to thank the members of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for their hard work in putting together this massive transportation bill, and for including provisions that benefit our members."
Funds for the RTP come from the federal Highway Trust Fund and represent a portion of the federal motor fuel excise tax collected from non-highway recreational fuel use. In other words, taxes generated by fuel used for off-highway vehicle recreation - by snowmobiles, ATVs, off-highway motorcycles and off-highway light trucks - fund the RTP.
The RTP provides funds to the states to develop and maintain recreational trails and trail-related facilities for both non-motorized and motorized recreational trail uses. The RTP is an assistance program of the U.S. Transportation Department's Federal Highway Administration. The RTP program benefits hiking, bicycling, in-line skating, equestrian use, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, off-road motorcycling, ATV riding, four-wheel driving, or using other off road motorcycle motorized vehicles.
Besides including RTP funding, the House measure bars the U.S. transportation secretary from providing grants to states and local governments for motorcycle-only checkpoints, which are opposed by the AMA. The AMA has been tracking the disturbing development of motorcycle-only checkpoints since they first appeared in New York several years ago.
"The AMA believes that strategies to promote motorcycle safety must be rooted in motorcycle crash prevention, and don't include arbitrarily pulling over riders and randomly subjecting them to roadside inspections," Allard said.
The House bill also provides funding for state motorcycle safety programs. The AMA has long promoted motorcycle rider education and motorist awareness programs as essential strategies to prevent cub motorcycle crashes.
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee is expected to vote tomorrow on a transportation funding authorization bill - H.R. 7, the "American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act of 2012." If approved, the measure would go to the full House for a vote before moving to the Senate for consideration.
Since the Senate has its own version of the bill, the spending plan would eventually end up in a House-Senate conference committee where differences would be worked out before going back to both chambers for final approval, the AMA says.
The House measure includes $85 million a year through fiscal year 2016 for the Recreational Trails Program (RTP), which provides money to states to develop and maintain trails. Federal lawmakers had been looking at eliminating the dedicated funding for the program, which threatened to end the RTP.
"Motorcyclists and all-terrain vehicle riders by the thousands spoke, and federal lawmakers listened," said Wayne Allard, AMA vice president for government relations. "We want to thank the members of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for their hard work in putting together this massive transportation bill, and for including provisions that benefit our members."
Funds for the RTP come from the federal Highway Trust Fund and represent a portion of the federal motor fuel excise tax collected from non-highway recreational fuel use. In other words, taxes generated by fuel used for off-highway vehicle recreation - by snowmobiles, ATVs, off-highway motorcycles and off-highway light trucks - fund the RTP.
The RTP provides funds to the states to develop and maintain recreational trails and trail-related facilities for both non-motorized and motorized recreational trail uses. The RTP is an assistance program of the U.S. Transportation Department's Federal Highway Administration. The RTP program benefits hiking, bicycling, in-line skating, equestrian use, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, off-road motorcycling, ATV riding, four-wheel driving, or using other off road motorcycle motorized vehicles.
Besides including RTP funding, the House measure bars the U.S. transportation secretary from providing grants to states and local governments for motorcycle-only checkpoints, which are opposed by the AMA. The AMA has been tracking the disturbing development of motorcycle-only checkpoints since they first appeared in New York several years ago.
"The AMA believes that strategies to promote motorcycle safety must be rooted in motorcycle crash prevention, and don't include arbitrarily pulling over riders and randomly subjecting them to roadside inspections," Allard said.
The House bill also provides funding for state motorcycle safety programs. The AMA has long promoted motorcycle rider education and motorist awareness programs as essential strategies to prevent cub motorcycle crashes.
2012年1月16日星期一
Marco Melandri Trains with Husky TC 250
BMW Motorrad factory rider Marco Melandri (ITA) still feels the need for speed on two wheels, even during the winter break from the FIM Superbike World Championship. His preparation programme for the 2012 season includes off-road training sessions on a Husqvarna TC 250. In order to be fit for his World Championship outings on the BMW S1000RR, Melandri can regularly be found on the Husqvarna 250cc Motocross bike.
“I ride a lot, almost every week,” says Melandri. “I like riding with friends, mainly just to have fun. We find nice routes, enjoy the views and stop somewhere for lunch. I really enjoy riding the bike. I love it. It is perfect for me – it is easy to ride. I also like the fact that it does not have a kick-starter, but an electric start, as I am quite small.”
Off road motorcycle tours on the Husqvarna TC 250 are more than just a pleasant leisure activity for Melandri: they also play an important role in his preparations for the Superbike World Championship. “It is the best way to train my concentration,” Melandri explains. “In the gym you can chat with other people or think about other things. On a bike, however, you have to remain focussed. While the test ban is in place during the winter, riding an off-road bike is the best opportunity to practice this.”
Away from off-road riding, Melandri has resumed his intensive fitness regime following a short Christmas break. “Let the season begin, I am ready,” says the Italian. The first races of 2012 will be held in Phillip Island, Australia, on 26th February. Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport will also be testing at the same venue in the week running up to the season’s curtain-raiser.
Husqvarna Motorcycles is a 100 per cent owned subsidiary of the BMW Group and oversees the off-road motorcycle sector within the group. In 2011, Husqvarna launched a product offensive in the on-road sector. Having won 82 World Championship titles, Husqvarna is already one of the most successful off-road motorcycle constructors in the world.
“I ride a lot, almost every week,” says Melandri. “I like riding with friends, mainly just to have fun. We find nice routes, enjoy the views and stop somewhere for lunch. I really enjoy riding the bike. I love it. It is perfect for me – it is easy to ride. I also like the fact that it does not have a kick-starter, but an electric start, as I am quite small.”
Off road motorcycle tours on the Husqvarna TC 250 are more than just a pleasant leisure activity for Melandri: they also play an important role in his preparations for the Superbike World Championship. “It is the best way to train my concentration,” Melandri explains. “In the gym you can chat with other people or think about other things. On a bike, however, you have to remain focussed. While the test ban is in place during the winter, riding an off-road bike is the best opportunity to practice this.”
Away from off-road riding, Melandri has resumed his intensive fitness regime following a short Christmas break. “Let the season begin, I am ready,” says the Italian. The first races of 2012 will be held in Phillip Island, Australia, on 26th February. Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport will also be testing at the same venue in the week running up to the season’s curtain-raiser.
Husqvarna Motorcycles is a 100 per cent owned subsidiary of the BMW Group and oversees the off-road motorcycle sector within the group. In 2011, Husqvarna launched a product offensive in the on-road sector. Having won 82 World Championship titles, Husqvarna is already one of the most successful off-road motorcycle constructors in the world.
2012年1月3日星期二
How to Install Off Road Lights
Installing off road motorcycle lights is a great way to improve what you can see in your rig on the trail. They can go just about anywhere--in the bumper, on the roll bar, on a roof rack. However, there are incorrect ways to hook them up to electricity that can make them dangerous.
1 Find the area you wish to mount the light, and drill a hole to accomodate the bolt.
2 Mount the light securely in the hole with the supplied nut.
3 Connect the red and black wires to a toggle switch, mounted somewhere in the passenger compartment. Route them safely, making sure they don't rub on things, including each other.
4 Connect the black and red wires from the toggle switch to the battery--DO NOT mix up the polarity here. Red is POSITIVE, black NEGATIVE.
5 Turn the lights on, and aim them using a garage door, wall or equally flat surface. Once they are where you want them, tighten everything up and away you go.
Just go to the company:
Company name：Chongqing Yujue Electrical-Mechanical Co., Ltd
Contact us：Phone: 86-23-66224319
Fax:86-23-66236997
Web site：http://www.yujuemotor.com/
The main products： Cheap Off-Road Motorcycle Latest Street Bike
1 Find the area you wish to mount the light, and drill a hole to accomodate the bolt.
2 Mount the light securely in the hole with the supplied nut.
3 Connect the red and black wires to a toggle switch, mounted somewhere in the passenger compartment. Route them safely, making sure they don't rub on things, including each other.
4 Connect the black and red wires from the toggle switch to the battery--DO NOT mix up the polarity here. Red is POSITIVE, black NEGATIVE.
5 Turn the lights on, and aim them using a garage door, wall or equally flat surface. Once they are where you want them, tighten everything up and away you go.
Just go to the company:
Company name：Chongqing Yujue Electrical-Mechanical Co., Ltd
Contact us：Phone: 86-23-66224319
Fax:86-23-66236997
Web site：http://www.yujuemotor.com/
The main products： Cheap Off-Road Motorcycle Latest Street Bike
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