Motorcycle Basics

License & Regulations

In order to operate a motorcycle on public streets you need to have a Class M motorcycle license. This typically requires getting a motorcycle instruction permit and taking a skills test. Rider courses are highly recommended for anyone who wants to ride a motorcycle or who wants to improve their motorcycle riding skills.

100% helmet law free	Full helmet laws for all motorcycle riders	Adult riders 18 years old and over are exempt from helmet laws	Adult riders 21 years old and over are exempt from helmet laws
Colorado, Illinois, Iowa and New Hampshire	Alabama, California, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington and West Virginia	Alaska, Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Minnesota, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Utah, Wisconsin and Wyoming	Arkansas, Florida, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and Texas

Types of Motorcycles

Sportbike — A focused motorcycle designed for speed and handling. These machines are usually equipped with aerodynamic bodywork.

Sport-tourer — A motorcycle that combines some of the handling and power of a sportbike, with some of the amenities of a touring bike, like saddlebags, comfortable ergonomics, etc. Not as focused as either a pure sportbike or a pure tourer.

Tourer — A motorcycles designed to tour cross-country. Normally, they have a full fairing, saddlebags, and comfortable ergonomics.

Standard — A style of motorcycle best described a compromise between a sportbike and cruiser. It's designed for everyone who wants performance, but also wants a do-it-all motorcycle.

Cruiser — A style of motorcycle generally equipped with a low seat and pullback handlebars. This style of bike predominantly stems from the customizing of standard American motorcycles in the '60s and '70s.

Chopper — Originally, a motorcycle that has had all non-essential parts removed (or "chopped") to make it lighter and faster. Today, this name generally applies to custom built motorcycles that may have a rigid frame (no rear suspension), an extended fork, and a stretched or elongated appearance.

Dual-sport — Street legal motorcycles that provide varying levels of off-road capabilities. Not as focused as pure off-road or pure street motorcycles. Also known as dual-purpose.

Motocross / Off-road – A motorcycle designed to be ridden off the street onto dirt, trails, sand, woods, hilly terrain, etc.

http://www.ama-cycle.org/roadride/Glossary.asp

Determining Engine Size

Engine size in motorcycles is best understood in terms of displacement; specifically, the total volume found in the cylinders. This is usually expressed in cc (cubic centimeters) or ci (cubic inches). Generally, the larger the displacement, the more powerful the motor. However, displacement benchmarks vary considerably across different types of bikes. Motocross bikes will usually max-out around 500 cc, where as your typical sportbikes will start-out at 600 cc and go up to 1300 cc. This is because different types of bikes have different engine configurations and bike weight that helps define how powerful the engine will be.