The different types of motorcycles for racing

Motorcycle racing is very versatile and offers the right discipline for every riding style and terrain. The selection ranges from lightweight cross bikes and road-oriented superbikes to highly specialized drag racing or speedway motorcycles. Each type of racing sport places its own unique demands on man and machine. In this article, we want to take a detailed look at the different types of motorcycle and the associated areas of application.

If you want to get into racing, you should choose a motorcycle that is easy to control but still has sufficient power.

• Bikes suitable for beginners: Motorcycles suitable for beginners usually have an engine capacity of between 600 and 750 cubic centimetres. They are characterized by good-natured handling and enough power without overtaxing the rider.
• Technical condition: Thorough and regular maintenance and inspection are essential to ensure optimum performance and safety on the racetrack.

Our tip for beginners: Used super sports bikes that have already been optimized for the racetrack are a sensible choice for beginners.

Different motorcycle types for different types of racing

Road racing

This term covers races that take place on closed or special racing courses. There are different classes here.

• Superbike: Motorcycles in this class are based on production models. However, they have been specially modified for racing. They have a displacement of 750 to 1,200 cc and an output of around 180 to 230 hp. Examples: BMW S1000RR, Yamaha R1 or Ducati Panigale V4
• Supersport: These machines are particularly suitable for young riders. Compared to superbikes, they are somewhat smaller, more maneuverable and less powerful. Their displacement is 600 to 800 cc and they deliver 120 to 150 hp on the race track. The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R or a Yamaha YZF-R6 are typical representatives of this class
• MotoGP: These types of racing motorcycles are true horsepower monsters. These are pure prototypes without road approval. With a displacement of 1,000 cc and more than 250 horsepower, speeds of over 350 km/h are achieved. Examples: Ducati Desmosedici GP or Honda RC213V.

Motocross and off-road motorcycles

These bikes are in their element on unpaved terrain with obstacles, mud and the like.

• Motocross (MX): These are lightweight and robust machines with 125 to 450 cubic capacity with short gear ratios for fast acceleration maneuvers.
• Enduro: This is a mixture of motocross and road-going motorcycle, which is also suitable for longer distances over unpaved terrain. Their displacement ranges between 250 and 600 cc.
• Supermoto: The tracks at Supermoto races are made up of asphalt and unpaved sections. Roadworthy tires and powerful brakes are just two of the requirements that these motocross bikes have to meet.

Trial motorcycles - the skill specialists

Bikes for this discipline are specialists for obstacle courses and skill races. This is why these machines are particularly light: they usually weigh less than 75 kg. A minimal seat height ensures maximum freedom of movement and control for the rider. Added to this is a specially tuned chassis.

Dirt track and speedway motorcycles

These races are held on oval gravel tracks. Very light motorcycles with single-cylinder engines with a displacement of approx. 500 cc are used for this purpose. Speedway bikes have neither gearboxes nor brakes. So-called flat-track bikes are similar to their speedway relatives. In contrast, however, they are equipped with brakes. A specially modified chassis allows optimum control of the machine.

Drag racing bikes

The race track for this discipline is straight and asphalted, and the bikes are designed for rapid acceleration.

• Top fuel dragster bikes: In less than a second, the up to 1,500 cc drive units accelerate the machines to 100 km/h. They often use turbochargers or additional nitromethane injection systems for this purpose.
• Pro Stock Bikes: These power packs are based on production models, but have been heavily optimized for this type of racing. A high-performance engine with a displacement of 1,000 to 1,500 cubic meters ensures immense power over short distances.

Rally and endurance motorcycles

Who doesn't know the legendary Dakar Rally? These motorcycles are designed for such extreme conditions and loads.

• With a displacement of 450 to 1,000 cc, an extremely robust design and extra-large tanks, rally-raid bikes such as the KTM 450 Rallye or the Honda CRF450 Rallye are designed for long distances.
• Endurance racing bikes: Road racing bikes designed for long-distance races are used in this class. Thanks to reinforced chassis and special lighting systems, they can withstand the challenges of a 24-hour race.