Motorcycle Capacity

Types of Motorcycles & Engine Capacity

If you’re thinking about buying a motorcycle and getting your Georgia motorcycle license, it’s important to know about different types of motorcycles and engine capacity. Choosing the right motorcycle can mean a safer, easier, and more fun ride, while the wrong bike can be dangerous and hard to operate, increasing the potential for a motorcycle accident in Atlanta or other Georgia roadway. The legal team at KWF in Atlanta wants to help you make an informed, thoughtful decision when purchasing a motorcycle.

Basic Types of Motorcycles on the Road

You have many options when choosing a motorcycle, and you’ve likely seen many different kinds of bikes on the road. The most common types of motorcycles include the following:

• Standard motorcycle
• Cruiser
• Touring motorcycle
• Sport bike
• Super-sport bike
• Sport-touring motorcycle
• Dual-sport motorcycle
• Scooter
• Underbone
• Moped

Standard motorcycles (also called naked bikes or roadsters) are the most versatile, general purpose street motorcycles. In most cases, they are also the most practical type of motorcycle for new riders because of their low cost and simple gears. On the other hand, sport bikes are more appropriate for experienced riders—they go very fast and have lots of gears meant for navigating rough terrain.

Accident Rates for Different Types of Motorcycles

Different types of motorcycles are more or less likely to be involved in accidents. According to the Highway Loss Data Institute, standard motorcycles, touring motorcycles, cruisers, and sport-touring motorcycles have the lowest rate of fatal accidents. The highest number of motorcycle crashes involve super-sport bikes and sport bikes.

No matter which type of motorcycle you purchase, use of proper motorcycle safety equipment is essential to avoiding serious injury if you are involved in an accident. A motorcycle helmet, jacket, gloves, pants, boots and protective eyewear should be worn to protect yourself from injury.

Motorcycle Engine Capacity

A motorcycle’s engine capacity is an indicator not only of its power, but also of its dangerousness. Beginning riders may want to avoid buying a motorcycle with a large engine size and high engine capacity, as they are more difficult to operate safely. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that motorcycles with an engine of 1,001-1,500 cc have a higher fatal crash rate than lower cc engines. Engines with 500 cc or above account for 40% of accidents, while engines with 50-125 cc account for only 20% of accidents. Of course, this does not necessarily mean that a larger engine or motorcycle will cause a more serious bike accident, but it may affect a rider’s ability to avoid danger by making an evasive maneuver.

Talk to an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Atlanta

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, talk to an attorney who cares about your rights and your recovery. The legal team at Katz Personal Injury Lawyers with offices in Atlanta and Decatur, has helped motorcycle accident victims obtain compensation for their injuries. Call us at (404) 460-0101 or (404) 460-0101 for a free initial consultation, or contact us online.