THE ANTI-SPECIALIZED MOTORBIKES

I consider it amusing to visit the notion of what a “standard” motorbike is.  The trend toward specialization has resulted in greater and greater segmentations and sub-segmentations of motorcycles over the decades. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying this is a bad thing.  The consumer ultimately wins on this, if he/she can survive the dizzying array of available bikes.  It can be particularly tough for a newbie who wouldn’t have the experience to realize which general class of bikes might be best suited to their riding pleasure.

It’s almost a moot point anyway, because as long as a rider starts learning on something they can control and enjoy, then they’ll eventually gain enough experience to appreciate the differences amongst motorbikes and figure out what segments might best serve them.  (Having said that, it’s better for a new rider to start out with ANY SMALL bike, instead of a big one, regardless of what type of motorcycle it might be.)

STANDARD MOTORCYCLES ARE STREET MACHINES

Anyway, what is a “standard motorcycle”? First of all, it’s a street bike.  So it’s not a dirt bike, nor a dual-sport.  It’s also not a touring bike with lots of extra luggage and other goodies.  It’s a simple motorcycle and the rider’s position on such a bike is a reflection of the type of bike it is.  A standard bike would position the rider in a more “upright,” or “neutral” position.  This would be in opposition to a “leaning forward” position, typical of sportbikes, and would also not be a leaning a little “rearward,” which is reflective of a “cruiser” style.

Additionally, the rider’s knees would be lower than the hips, and his/her feet would be positioned roughly below the rider’s centre of gravity.

STANDARD BIKES AND UPRIGHT RIDER POSITION

On a standard bike, this upright position presents the rider with excellent visibility.  On the other hand, that same upright position translates into contending with greater wind resistance.   Furthermore, unless you have a taller stature, you are less likely to be able to place both feet flat on the ground at a stop, which for some riders can reduce their confidence and comfort level.  Cruisers, which have lower seat heights, are the easiest bikes to manage by putting both feet flat on the ground when stopped.

Several decades ago, a standard motorcycle was common currency among many manufacturers.  Rider’s simply customized the bikes to their liking by swapping out parts and adding accessories.  Of course customization is a never-ending passion for bikers to this day, but nowadays, one can buy, right off the showroom floor, some rather remarkable machines that may be pretty darn close to what you could wish for on a bike.

Actually, now that I’ve written that, it seems to me the more I ride the more particular I get, hence, I’m always looking for ways to tune any bike more closely to my evolving preferences.

Regardless, I’m pleased to see standard motorcycles making their way back onto the showroom floor in a bigger way.  Especially some of the retro-styled standards. Does that preference mean I’m getting old?

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