1.3.1 There are a wide variety of machines available today all of which have there own characteristics covering design, typical engine size, handling and style. Similarly, the riders of a given type of machine may be very diverse. In law, a motorcycle is a twowheeled vehicle that is not a moped (see below); riders must be aged 17 or over.

Standard or Naked. Triumph Motorcycles Ltd.

Custom. Triumph Motorcycles Ltd.

Trail/Enduro/Adventure sport. Honda (UK).

Touring. Honda (UK).

Sports. Yamaha UK.

Scooters. Piaggio Ltd.

Standard or Naked

1.3.2 These vehicles cover a wide range of the performance spectrum of power, handling and braking. Sometimes called “retro” machines they are typically used as practical transport, but with no fairing (or a small handlebar fairing) and have an upright riding position.

Custom

1.3.3 Also known as “cruisers” or “choppers” they are long with a low saddle height and typically have high handlebars with forward footrests.

The emphasis is on appearance, and style,with polished chrome much in evidence.

Trail/Enduro/Adventure sport

1.3.4 Also known as “Dual-Sport” bikes, they combine features needed to ride on or off road. Larger machines are often similar to those included in the ‘touring’ category, for example fairings and larger luggage compartments.

Touring

1.3.5 These machines generally have large engines and are designed for relaxed, long-distance riding.

Typical features include a more comfortable seating position for rider and pillion, luggage capacity and weather protection, such as fairings with a fixed or adjustable windscreen.

Sports

1.3.6 These machines may be designed to mimic racing motorcycles, with full fairings and low handlebars, or may have partial fairings and more practical rider and pillion seating, with medium-rise handlebars for longer distance travel.

They tend to have medium to large capacity engines.

Scooters

1.3.7 Representing about 25% of motorcycles on the road, scooters differ significantly from most other motorcycles because of their bodywork and ”step-through” chassis design. Engines are usually small to medium capacity, integral to the rear suspension and normally with automatic transmission.

Mopeds

1.3.8 In law, mopeds are motorised two-wheel vehicles with an engine capacity of less than 50cc and a maximum speed of 30mph.

Riders must be aged 16 or over.

Most electric-powered machines (not to be confused with electrically-assisted bicycles) are akin to mopeds.