Buying the Right Sports Bike

Motorcycles come in many shapes and sizes and can be anything from an economical means of commuting to the perfect way to explore the open road. One of the primary reasons people seek out motorcycles, though, is for speed and power—and no bike models exhibit those traits better than sports bikes. We here at Horsepower Harley-Davidson® want to make sure you get the perfect bike for your adrenaline rush needs, so we’ve put together a few tips on buying the right sports bike, below. To learn more, or to see the sports bikes we have for sale, contact our store in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, today!

Common Features

Sports bikes are designed to maximize speed and performance, so every sports bike will have a few common design features that help them do so. For instance, sports bikes are built to be as lightweight as possible, so the materials used in sports bike construction are advanced lightweight materials like carbon fiber and aluminum. Excess weight is only going to get in the way of your thrill rides, after all!

They’re also designed to be aerodynamic, leading to sleek and compact frames as well as a low ground clearance. Because being able to stop safely is more important the faster you go, sports bikes have strong brake pads with multi-piston calipers, and suspension systems are enhanced to keep you comfortable on bumpy roads. Both front and rear tires tend to be wider than you might expect to make cornering easier, which helps offset the lower ground clearance, and the engines are highly tuned for speed.

The Types

Not all sports bikes are created equal, and there are a number of different types that are better for different riders and riding styles. These types are divided by weight, each with their own specialties and benefits.

Lightweight

Also called entry-level, small, and beginner sports bikes, these are best for beginners thanks to the relatively small engine, typically measuring less than 500cc. They’re easier to handle than other classes, but they still pack a punch to make sure you get the rush you’re looking for. They’re also only useful for recreation, so if you’re hoping to race, you may have to aim larger.

Middleweight

These mid-level, mid-sized, or supersport bikes are favored by more advanced riders, but they don’t require perfect expertise. Engine displacement tends to fall between 500cc and 800cc, and they’re perfect for general-purpose riding or casual riding around tracks. They still won’t cut it in a serious competition, though.

Heavyweight

For the highest and most competitive speeds, you want a heavyweight sports bike, or “superbike.” The engine displacements on these tend to be over 1,000cc and are the peak of agility and speed.

Ready to see what the right sports bike can do for you? Contact us at Horsepower Harley-Davidson® for more information, or to see the sports bikes we have available. We proudly serve the people of South Williamsport and Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania—let us serve you today!