What's the difference between supersport, sport, and unclad sport motorcycles?
Supersport motorcycles are built on racing platforms but modified for the highway and sold to consumers. They're especially popular with riders younger than 30. Supersports typically have more horsepower per pound than other types of vehicles on the road. A 2006 model Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R, for example, produces 111 horsepower from a 636 cubic centimeter engine and weighs 404 pounds. In contrast, the 2006 model Harley-Davidson Ultra Classic Electra Glide, a touring bike, produces 65 horsepower from a 1,450 cubic centimeter engine and weighs 788 pounds. In the sport bike class, a 2006 Suzuki Katana 750 produces 92 horsepower from a 750 cubic centimeter engine and weighs 465 pounds. Among unclad sports, the 2006 Suzuki SV650 produces 70 horsepower from a 645 cubic centimeter engine and weighs 363 pounds.
Sport and unclad sport motorcycles have more upright riding positions than supersports, with more leg room between the seat and foot pegs. They generally have lower power-to-weight ratios than supersports and also can be equipped with a rear trunk and the capability of carrying side bags. Unclad sport motorcycles are derivatives of sport/supersport motorcycles in design and performance but they don't have the full body panels, fairing coverings, or windscreens typically found on sport and supersport bikes.
