Motorbike is a word that has specific meaning in certain countries. In other places it is used synonymously with motorcycle. A motorbike can be thought of essentially as a lightweight motorcycle, in countries where there is a difference between a touring machine and a sports bike.
In actuality, bikes classed as motorbikes can tread close on their motorcycle cousins. With classifications such as supersport bikes, sport bikes, trail and enduro bikes, "naked" bikes, and finally heading down into the truly lightweight scooter range -- you'll find that "lightweight bike" is a matter of perception, if not actual physical weight.

When we think of a motorbike, essentially what comes to mind is the sports bike. These small, fast, light bikes are the ones that we see experienced (and perhaps not so experienced) young people control on bike ranges, in contests, up ramps, and in all sorts of acrobatic endeavours. When the kids ride them, they are known as crotch rockets and demand an almost mystic-like bonding between rider and bike to properly control. In other words, in the hands of the inexperienced, they can get away from you very quickly!

For the beginner, the "naked" or standard bike is recommended. Unlike the sports bike, they are not covered with cool plastic bits, instead are designed to be dropped and picked up again. Motorbikes, if you use the term to refer basically to the vehicles that are not really "street bikes" are off-road vehicles. There are hybrid classes, such as dual-sport bikes, that can go anywhere a street bike can, and almost anywhere an off-roader can. All riders must of course have motorbike insurance.

For racing, you have the motocross and Enduro class bikes. Enduros are road legal, and can be tricked out with features like horns, lights, and mufflers. They are used to race in Endurocross racing, which is usually a long-term, long course version of a motocross race with a few twists.

A final class of motorbike is the trail bike, which doesn't usually have a seat, is truly a much lighter machine with a low performance engine. Trail bikes are for trail riding, in off-road situations that other bikes cannot handle, and over obstacles that have to be seen to be believed in some competitions.

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For your requirements - be them on road, off road, sports bike and classic bikes, look no further than the expert advice from Carole Nash.