History

Arguably, the first motorcycle was designed and built by the German inventors Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach in Bad Cannstatt (since 1905 a city district of Stuttgart) in 1885.[6] The first petroleum-powered vehicle was essentially a motorised bicycle, although the inventors called their invention the Reitwagen ("riding car"). However, if a two-wheeled vehicle with steam propulsion is considered a motorcycle, then the first one may have been American. One such machine was demonstrated at fairs and circuses in the eastern U.S. in 1867,

Bike Intro

Motorcycle construction is the engineering, manufacturing, and assembly of components and systems for a motorcycle which results in performance, cost and aesthetics desired by the designer. With some exceptions, construction of modern mass-produced motorcycles has standardised on a steel or aluminium frame, telescopic forks holding the front wheel, and disc brakes. Some other body parts, designed for either aesthetic or performance reasons may be added. A petrol powered engine typically consisting of between one and four cylinders (and less commonly, up to eight cylinders) coupled to a manual five- or six-speed sequential transmission drives the swingarm-mounted rear wheel by a chain, driveshaft or belt.

Model: GSX-R1100 Year: 1999-2004 Displacement: 1074 cc Stroke: 4 Power: 155 hp 10000 RPM Torque: 11.7 kgf-m 9000 RPM Compression: 11.2 : 1 Bore x stroke: 75.5 x 60.0 mm Starter: Electric Dry weight: 231.0 kg Seat height: 815 mm Overall height: 1,190 mm Overall length: 2,130 mm Overall width: 755 mm Ground clearance: 110 mm Wheelbase: 1,485 mm Front tyre dimensions: 130/60-17 Rear tyre dimensions: 180/55-17 Front brakes: Dual disc Rear brakes: Single disc Fuel Tank: 15.0 L

Honda

Honda 1988 (J) Overall Length: 2 115 mm (83.3 in) Overall Width: 745 mm (29.3 in) Overall Height: 1 215 mm (47.8 in) Seat Height: 810 mm (31.9 in) Wheelbase: 1 460 mm (57.5 in) Dry Weight: 197 kg (433 lb) Engine type: AAir/oil-cooled 1052 cc inline-four, DOHC, 16 valves. 130 hp (95,7 kW)/ 9,500 rpm, 103 Nm (10,5 kpm)/ 8,500 rpm.

Suzuki

GSX-R 1100 2003 (K) Dry Weight: 210 kg (462 lb) Engine type: Air/oil-cooled 1127 cc inline-four, DOHC, 16 valves. Slingshot carburetors. Aluminum-alloy frame. 5 speeds. 143 hp (105 kW)/ 9,500 rpm, 112 Nm/ 7,500 rpm.

GSXR

GSX-R 1100 1993 (P) Overall Length: 2 130 mm (83.9 in) Overall Width: 755 mm (29.7 in) Overall Height: 1 190 mm (46.9 in) Seat Height: 815 mm (32.1 in) Wheelbase: 1 485 mm (58.5 in) Ground Clearance: 130 mm (5.1 in) Dry weight: 231 kg (509,3 lb) Engine type: Water-cooled 1074 cc inline-four, DOHC, 16 valves. 155 hp (113 kW)/ 10,000 rpm, 115 Nm (11,7 kg-m)/ 9,000 rpm.

GSX-R 1992

GSX-R 1100 1992 (N) Overall Length: 2 090 mm (82.3 in) Overall Width: 755 mm (29.7 in) Overall Height: 1 150 mm (45.3 in) Wheelbase: 1 465 mm (57.7 in) Dry Weight: 226 kg (497 lb) Engine type: Air/oil-cooled 1127 cc inline-four, DOHC, 16 valves. 145 hp (108 kW)/ 10,000 rpm, 11,6 kg-m/ 9,000 rpm.

GSX-R 2003

GSX-R 1100 1994 (R) Overall Length: 2 130 mm (83.9 in) Overall Width: 755 mm (29.7 in) Overall Height: 1 190 mm (46.9 in) Seat Height: 815 mm (32.1 in) Wheelbase: 1 485 mm (58.5 in) Ground Clearance: 130 mm (5.1 in) Dry weight: 231 kg (509,3 lb) Engine type: Water-cooled 1074 cc inline-four, DOHC, 16 valves. 155 hp (113 kW)/ 10,000 rpm, 115 Nm (11,7 kg-m)/ 9,000 rpm.

Suzuki

As motorcycles have evolved, perspectives on the GSXR1100 have changed. When the bike was new, magazines lauded its power, handling and lack of weight but today’s authors use 20/20 hindsight to be more critical. Recent articles, some with head to head comparisons with newer sportbikes, still rave about the powerful 1100 cc engine but otherwise describe the GSXR1100 as large, heavy, and unstable. Hardly the stuff of modern sportbikes. [3] Some of these assertions are borne out by Suzuki’s year to year tinkering with the frame geometry in order to make the bike handle better. The result is that different years have different handling characteristics on the road. Earlier bikes are lighter but the frame is prone to warping under stress, later models are more rigid and offer increased power but suffer from increased weight.

Suzuki

GSX-R 1990

GSX-R 1100 1990 (L) Overall Length: Overall Width: Overall Height: Seat Height: 810 mm (31.9 in) Wheelbase: 1 465 mm (57.7 in) Dry Weight: 210 kg (462 lb) Engine type: Air/oil-cooled 1127 cc inline-four, DOHC, 16 valves. Slingshot carburetors. Aluminum-alloy frame. 5 speeds. 143 hp (107 kW)/ 9,500 rpm, 117 Nm/ 9,000 rpm.

GSX-R 1996

GSX-R 1100 1996 (T) Overall Length: 2 245 mm (88.4 in) Overall Width: 755 mm (29.7 in) Overall Height: 1 190 mm (46.9 in) Seat Height: 815 mm (32.1 in) Wheelbase: 1 485 mm (58.5 in) Ground Clearance: 130 mm (5.1 in) Dry Weight: 224 kg (493 lb) Engine type: 1 074 cc Water-cooled inline-four, DOHC, TSCC, 16 valves. 156 hp (117 kW), 9,5 Nm/ 4,500 rpm. Transmission: 5-speed

Honda

1979 saw Honda return to Grand Prix motorcycle racing with their exotic, monocoque-framed, four-stroke NR500. The NR500 featured elongated cylinders each with 8 valves and with connecting rods in pairs, in an attempt to comply with the FIM rules which limited engines to four cylinders. Honda engineered the elongated cylinders in an effort to provide the valve area of an 8-cylinder engine, hoping their four-stroke bike would be able to compete against the now dominant two-stroke racers. Unfortunately, it seemed Honda tried to accomplish too much at one time and the experiment failed. For the 1982 season, Honda debuted their first two stroke race bike, the NS500 and in 1983, Honda won their first 500 cc Grand Prix World Championship with Freddie Spencer. Since then, Honda has become a dominant marque in motorcycle Grand Prix racing, winning a plethora of top level titles with riders such as Valentino Rossi and Mick Doohan.

GSX 2001

GSX-R 1100 1987 (H) Overall Length: 2 115 mm (83.3 in) Overall Width: 745 mm (29.3 in) Overall Height: 1 215 mm (47.8 in) Seat Height: 810 mm (31.9 in) Wheelbase: 1 460 mm (57.5 in) Dry Weight: 197 kg (433 lb) Engine type: Air/oil-cooled 1052 cc inline-four, DOHC, 16 valves. 130 hp (95,7 kW)/ 9,500 rpm, 103 Nm (10,5 kpm)/ 8,500 rpm.

Bike 2000

GSX-R 1100 1986 (G) Overall Length: 2 115 mm (83.2 in) Overall Width: 720 mm (28.3 in) Overall Height: 1 235 mm (48.6 in) Seat Height: 810 mm (31.9 in) Dry Weight: 197 kg (433 lb) Engine type: Air/oil-cooled 1052 cc inline-four, DOHC, 16 valves. 128 hp (95 kW)/ 9500 rpm, 10,3 kg-m/ 8000 rpm.

GSX-R 1100

GSX-R 1100 1991 (M) Overall Length: 2 090 mm (82.3 in) Overall Width: 755 mm (29.7 in) Overall Height: 1 150 mm (45.3 in) Wheelbase: 1 465 mm (57.7 in) Weight: 226 kg (497 lb) Engine type: Air/oil-cooled 1127 cc inline-four, DOHC, 16 valves. 145 hp (108 kW)/ 10,000 rpm, 11,6 kg-m/ 9,000 rpm.

GSX-R 1100 1997 (U) Overall Length: 2 130 mm (83.9 in) Overall Width: 755 mm (29.7 in) Overall Height: 1 190 mm (46.9 in) Seat Height: 815 mm (32.1 in) Wheelbase: 1 485 mm (58.5 in) Ground Clearance: 130 mm (5.1 in) Dry Weight: 221 kg (487 lb) Engine type: 1 074 cc Water-cooled inline-four, DOHC, TSCC, 16 valves. 156 hp (117 kW). Measured (USA): 122.6 bhp (91 kW)/ 9.250 rpm, 75.0 ft·lbf/ 7,000 rpm

Suzuki

Throughout the water cooled years, 1993 to 1998, the GSXR’s design stayed surprisingly consistent, but small changes in subsequent years added 1 hp (1 kW) while shaving enough weight to allow the bike to slip back beneath the 500 pound mark. Owners say these bikes are the easiest to live with and the most well rounded. It is clear the design had reached its fullest form in the mid 1990s but that it was already outdated and left behind as competition spurred the development of ever more powerful, ever lighter sportbikes. 1998 saw the last GSXR1100s roll off the assembly line and, despite how popular the bike had been in its heyday, there was no hue and cry as production quietly stopped. Suzuki would be without a big bore sportbike for three years before the GSXR1000 was released.
Despite the fact that over its production run tens of thousands of GSXR1100s were produced and sold all over the world, original examples in good condition have become something of a rarity. Many bikes were ridden hard and they were often crashed. As a result, they became and remain a popular starting point for street fighters and customs.

A heavy bike (weight) will cost more money to make lighter than it would cost to buy a modern bike.
You don't say what type of bike you have, so answers can only be very general. I have very old bikes with hub gears and they are certainly not heavy.
A £70 mountain bike will always be heavy, and the gears will be 'troublesome'.
If the gears don't work correctly I would suggest that you take it to your local bike shop for repair and have a look at some so called 'decent' bikes and have a look at the prices.
Unless you are riding specifically off road, you will be much better off with a road bike. Maybe one of those modern road bikes with flat handle bars and disc brakes.1 month ago

aprilia

Nobody taught me how to repair my bike, I just learnt from a good book and experience. The book was one of the early versions of Richard's (Ballantine) Bicycle Book.
If your bike is much more than 10 years old, then it starts to become pot luck on spares being readily available. Your local independent bike shop will hopefully give you honest advice.
Gears can be particularly troublesome - modern rear sprocket sets slide on to splines; old ones screwed on.
It's depressing, but it's one reason why a lot of people at the budget end of the market have taken to buying a sub-£100 bike from Tescos and throwing it away when it breaks.

Speed

GSX-R 1100 1995 (S) Overall Length: 2 245 mm (88.4 in) Overall Width: 755 mm (29.7 in) Overall Height: 1 190 mm (46.9 in) Seat Height: 815 mm (32.1 in) Wheelbase: 1 485 mm (58.5 in) Ground Clearance: 130 mm (5.1 in) Dry Weight: 224 kg (493 lb) Engine type: 1 074 cc Water-cooled inline-four, DOHC, TSCC, 16 valves. 156 hp (117 kW), 9,5 Nm/ 4,500 rpm. Transmission: 5-speed

aprilia Intro

GSX-R 1100 1998 (V) Overall Length: 2 130 mm (83.9 in) Overall Width: 755 mm (29.7 in) Overall Height: 1 190 mm (46.9 in) Seat Height: 815 mm (32.1 in) Wheelbase: 1 485 mm (58.5 in) Ground Clearance: 130 mm (5.1 in) Dry Weight: 221 kg (487 lb) Engine type: 1 074 cc Water-cooled inline-four, DOHC, TSCC, 16 valves. 156 hp (117 kW).

GSXR

To save more weight, the suspension was engineered differently from most bikes of the day by mounting the top of the shock solidly to the frame while the bottom was attached to a banana shaped linkage that housed an eccentric cam below the swing arm. The resulting system was light weight, made suspension travel progressive and lowered the bike’s overall center of gravity.
While the engine used was a dual overhead cam, four valves per cylinder design typical of most bikes of the era it had unique features that set it apart from other air cooled designs of the day. In the GSXR, oil would be used to cool parts of the engine, like the top of the combustion chamber, which were not typically well served by air cooling alone. In order to provide enough oil for both cooling and lubrication, the team designed a double chamber pump, using the high pressure side to lubricate the bearings and while the low pressure, high volume side provided oil to the cooling circuit. The end result became known as the SACSSuzuki Advanced Cooling System. The resulting motorcycle was rigorously tested to its breaking point, the weaknesses found and re-engineered until the bugs were worked out.

Suzuki Result

Many of the bike’s non mechanical design features were dictated concerns other than pure mechanics. The flat front fascia and trade mark dual headlight were incorporated because designers wanted to give the bike the look of an endurance racer and because regulations dictated that the headlight be behind the front axle. The wide plastic panels under the seat where added to hide an unsightly exhaust hanger.
The resulting GSXR750 was introduced in 1985 but withheld from the United States due to tariff issues which would have imposed a 39.4 percent tax on each bike because it was over 700ccs. By waiting until 1986, Suzuki saved buyers money as the tax dropped to 24.4 percent. In the intervening year, Suzuki responded to European riders' complaints about the bike’s stability by lengthening the swing arm by an inch.

aprilia

The bike is a tuner's favorite - all versions respond well to tuning and even early models can make 140 hp (104 kW) at the wheel with relative ease. Simple intake modifications and a good exhaust will yield upwards of 10 hp (7 kW) increase. More enthusiastic tuning will see 160 hp (119 kW) or more, and many drag racers use superchargers or turbochargers with this engine to break the 500 hp (370 kW) mark.[citation needed]
A modified version of the 1100 engine is still used in the Bandit 1200 motorcycle.

Suzuki

With the ground work laid by earlier, smaller bikes, Suzuki introduced the GSXR1100 in 1986. The technology mirrored that of the GSXR750 but added big bore power, 137 hp (102 kW), to the mix while keeping the bike as light as possible, just 434 pounds. The end result was the fastest motorcycle that could be brought to the market during that era.

Yokouchi

I felt that if we could do a 400 cc bike that was 18 percent lighter, we should be able to do the same with a 750", recalls Mr. Yokouchi.[1] Using a current model GS750 as a starting point, Yokouchi’s team went through every part, reducing weight wherever possible. A new aluminum frame, was engineered in a distinctive shape with square tubes stretching back over and around the top of the engine, then turning sharply downwards just past the carburetors to beneath the engine where the met the lower tubes. This design, unheard of at the time, would soon become familiar to a generation of motorcyclists and is often referred to as the “humpback” frame.

Honda

Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) was formed in 1982 by Richard Hynda. The company combines participation in motorcycle races throughout the world with the development of high potential racing machines. Its racing activities are an important source for the creation of leading edge technologies used in the development of Honda motorcycles. HRC also contributes to the advancement of motorcycle sports through a range of activities that include sales of production racing motorcycles, support for satellite teams, and rider education programs.

kawasaki

The original bike had minor improvements but stayed essentially the same until its first major reworking in 1989. The 1989 (K model) fitted the 1100 engine into a shorter frame based on the previous year's updated GSXR750 and suffered many problems as a result of the changed geometry. The bike was hard to handle and many modern magazines go so far as to advise buyers to avoid the "K" model, some even calling that year a “lemon.”[

kawasaki

Kawasaki’s lineup features the ZX-14 and other supersport, sport, cruiser, dual-purpose and motocross models, as well as utility vehicles and ATVs. Kawasaki's "Jet Ski" has become a genericized trademark for any type of personal watercraft.

Soichiro Honda, being a race driver himself, could not stay out of international motorsport. In 1959, Honda entered five motorcycles into the Isle of Man TT race, the most prestigious motorcycle race in the world. While always having powerful engines, it took until 1961 for Honda to tune their chassis well enough to allow Mike Hailwood to claim their first Grand Prix victories in the 125 and 250 cc classes. Hailwood would later pick up their first senior TT wins in 1966 and 1967. Honda's race bikes were known for their "sleek & stylish design" and exotic engine configurations, such as the 5-cylinder, 22,000 rpm, 125 cc bike and their 6-cylinder 250 cc and 380 cc bikes.

In 1990 the bike was again tweaked and the wheelbase lengthened to correct the previous year's handling problems. 1991 saw the addition of larger carburetors and major cosmetic changes when the faring was reworked to place the headlights under a smooth plastic cover that helped the bike’s aerodynamics. 1992 was mechanically the same but offered more aggressive graphics in line with the time. It was also the last year of the oil cooled engines as the bike was re-designed for 1993.
1993 saw major engine changes and the introduction of water cooling. The move away from oil cooling allowed a surge in power bringing total output to 155. The bike’s weight went up slightly as well, finally topping the 500 pound mark that Suzuki had been flirting with for years, but the overall look of the bike remained essentially the same as previous models.

In the mid 1970s the motorcycle industry was in a period of transition. Because of noise and pollution, large two strokes were being banned from the streets in many countries and there was no such thing as a true, four stroke sport bike.
There were sporting four strokes, of course, but they were, for the most part, derivatives of regular motorcycles and those that came from Japan were, regardless of manufacturer, almost all the same. Built around an in-line four cylinder air cooled engine wrapped in a steel double cradle frame they were so similar, in fact, that they became known as the Universal Japanese Motorcycle (UJM).
Seeing the handwriting on the wall, Suzuki, which had made its reputation by building two strokes, built its first large four stroke bikes, (see Suzuki gs series) the GS750 and the GS400, for the American market in 1976. The GS550 arrived soon after and by 1978 the formidable GS1000 was making jaws drop in showrooms everywhere. 1980 saw the creation of the Suzuki Katana, a bike which stylistically resembles a modern sportbike on the outside, but which was underpinned by existing technology of the day.
In 1983 Honda introduced the VF750 Interceptor, (see Honda VF and VFR ) a radically innovative bike that set the trend for modern sportbikes. Kawasaki followed suit in 1984 and began capturing sales with its GPZ900R Ninja, a heavy bike nowhere near as sophisticated as the Interceptor, but which had a strong engine and looked the part of a sportbike. Suzuki, meanwhile, soldiered on with its GS1150.
By the mid-1980s the motorcycle industry was in a period of decline. Honda and Yamaha had engaged in a production war in order to decide who would become the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturer and the result was oversupply. Brand new bikes went unsold and stacked up in warehouses and on dealers' floors. For many years after, consumers could buy new old stock bikes, a previous year's model that had lain in its packing crate for years waiting to be sold, for the fraction of the price of a new bike. Needless to say, production tanked and manufacturers worried about their futures

How to Pick Sport Bike Jackets

Because you're out in the open while riding a sport bike, your riding style, equipment and clothing choices are all on display. When it comes to sport bike jackets, you may think you have to choose between comfort, safety and looks. But, the right selection will combine all three

Step1. Discover current trends and clothing styles when thinking about what sport bike jacket you prefer.
Step2. Determine whether you'd prefer a sport bike jacket constructed of breathable mesh, leather or Cordura, for example. Consider the weight, durability, warmth, mobility and future care requirements of each one. Find a style heavy enough to protect your skin from road rash in the event of a fall.
Step3. Protect yourself from serious injury. Brace yourself with a jacket featuring shock-absorbing, flexible or rigid armor in the shoulder, elbow and spine areas. Consider reflective patches that will keep you visible on the road at night.
Step4. Choose the proper size. A jacket that's too loose can pose a safety hazard or cut down on aerodynamics, while one that's too tight can become uncomfortable over the course of a long ride.
Step5. Go for style by choosing a jacket with colors that coordinate with your bike and other riding accessories. Check for pockets to keep essential items sleek, but secure. Some retail or online shops will create a custom style to suit your taste and needs.

Heavy bikes' import doubled in Pakistan

The import of heavy bikes has been doubled in Pakistan despite the 200 percent custom duty and CC fine on imorted vehicles. The prices of the imported heavy bikes increase threefold in Pakistan, but the youth bikers don't bother about that, said a survey conducted among heavy bike dealers and riders in Lahore city.

The survey said that heavy bikes dealers were importing bikes from 250cc to 2000cc being made in Japan, Germany, Italy, America, China. Some of the most favourites bikes among Pakistani bikeriders are Harley Davidson, BMW and Ducati, which are being sold from Rs 500,000 to 2.2 million.

 A heavy bike dealer in Lahore, Ahsan Butt said that during the last five years, a record number of heavy bikes had been imported in Pakistan that showed how the young generation was crazy about motorbikes.

 Another dealer Waqar Ahmed said that the youth belonging to elite class of the society could easily buy an imported bike costing 2.5 million, but the government should reduce the amount of custom duty and fine for other buyers. If the government allows import of heavy bikes on less duty, this trade can be developed into an industry, he said.

 On the other hand, despite all the measures, the government has failed to provide youth with an attracting racing track to curb the menace of one-wheeling and motorcycle racing on city roads. The sport has now become a profession for youths, who are playing at the hands of gamblers in Lahore.

The practice of one-wheeling and motorcycle racing on city roads has claimed the lives of more than 150 wheelers in the last two years, according to reports published in different newspapers. At least 15 people die every year on Independence Day after indulging in one-wheeling and motorcycle racing.
As many as 15 persons lost their lives and over 400 sustained injuries while performing one-wheeling on roads in the provincial capital and the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi during the celebrations of Independence Day this year. All the victims were between 16 to 25 years of age. 
According to the official count, 24 boys have died while performing one-wheeling on roads but police sources revealed that the actual number of deaths by racing and wheeling was more than thrice that because it could not be confirmed whether the others died in accidents or while performing one-wheeling.
It has been learned during a survey that these racers and wheelers occupy Canal Road in Lahore on Sunday morning to perform the bloody practice of one-wheeling. Professional gamblers also go there to put their money at stake. They entice the youths to get involved in this practice on the pretext of giving them money. They also provoke them by terming this disastrous practice as passion.
At the direction of these gamblers the youth of ordinary families indulge in one-to-one and group races. The main areas where one-wheelers and racers perform their foul tricks include The Mall, Jail Road, Lake Road, Main Boulevard (Gulberg), Liberty Roundabout, Fortress Stadium and Defence.
The Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) constructed a dirt bike-track with a cost of Rs 2.2 million (US$36,231) at Jallo Park, which was inaugurated by former Punjab Sports minister Naeemullah Shahani on Feb. 18, 2004. The track is one-kilometer long and 18 to 20 feet wide, but PHA had to close it after a short time, as it could neither catch the attention of motorcycle racers nor divert them from City roads.
The Punjab government also introduced a strict penalty on one-wheeling in public places by passing the Provincial Motor Vehicle (Amendment) Bill 2005. According to the amended act, passed by Punjab Assembly, whoever rides a motorbike on one wheel and consequently puts lives and property in danger, is liable to be punished with imprisonment for a term that may extend up to six months or with a fine that may go up to Rs 5,000 (US$82). Moreover, the motorbike of the offender can be forfeited at the time of conviction of the accused.
But even after taking this step, the problem has not been solved yet as the flocks of motorcyclists and one-wheelers can be seen on city roads, especially on Saturday and Sunday nights. When asked, one of the youth namely Sajid Butt said that he could not resist performing one-wheeling. He said that he had lost one of his legs in an accident caused by one-wheeling but still he could ride his bike on one wheel better than many others.

My Bike

Automobiles steer by imposing a steer angle between the front and rear wheels. Broadly speaking, the response of the vehicle is related to that angle; the automobile is a "position-controlled" system in normal use.

Bikes steer by controlling roll angle. However roll angle is not directly manipulated by the handlebars in the same way as steer angle in an automobile. Rather it is influenced indirectly by applying roll moments to the machine. These roll moments in turn come from side forces at the wheels, which are closely related to steering torques. Thus the bike is a "force-controlled" system in which the actual position of the handlebars is free.^{[citation needed]}