NAKED:
The term “Naked” motorcycles have unique features that make them easier to ride and more comfortable on the road. Among their outstanding features include neutral riding ergonomics (more upright), normally lower insurance costs, relatively light, have less plastic (fairings), but can still have a sporty feel and appearance. Whilst Naked models can match the sport bikes in power, they pose less difficulties in riding for people with less experience.
This makes these models an ideal choice for Learners and Restricted riders as it requires a lot of experience in mastering the controls and balancing of the motorcycles weight. Additionally due to the lack of side fairings it makes it much easier for general commuting especially through traffic and slow speed control.
SPORTS:
Sports bikes on the other hand tend to have a lot more side fairings as well as a front screen as they are designed more for speed and high-speed handling. These features aid the aerodynamics and to give that pronounced sporty look. The downside being the riding posture is a lot more aggressive which can lead to fatigue in the arms legs and wrists with a more leant forward style and feet tucked up and slightly behind.
This posture is perfect for the sporty riding however not conducive for long rides. The lack of handlebar turning movement makes these motorcycles more difficult to perform tight manoeuvring at slow speed.
CRUISERS:
A Cruiser normal displays a more relaxed riding style characteristic with feet forward and hands higher. Whilst this rising position can be quite comfortable on long trips, this ergonomic style and generally larger tires makes slow speed manoeuvring of cruisers more difficult. With a lower centre of gravity and heavier than average weight these styles are great on the open road for “cruising” but can pose difficulties due to width, weight and tire size when being used as a general commuter.
DUAL PURPOSE:
The mixed bag here is the Dual-Purpose which could be classified as a “road / trail” or “adventure” style as it gives the rider the option to switch between road and off-road. Whilst this may then sound like a perfect solution, this flexibility of being able to cover both road and off road means that they have made some compromises overall.
As they can be taken off road, they have a much higher suspension travel to give clearance, but the downside is a much higher centre of gravity and seat height which makes these styles somewhat difficult for those of us who may be vertically challenged.
The riding posture is a more neutral ergonomic, however the tires are generally skinnier and a knobby tire to allow for road and off-road use which can increase stopping distances when riding on the road due to less traction.
Next article: “Hidden dangers of an ill fitting motorcycle” – THE HIDDEN DANGERS OF AN ILL-FITTING MOTORCYCLE – Motorcycle Rider Training Australia
