Difference between revisions of "Motorcycle"

Revision as of 02:48, June 3, 2011

A motorcycle, or motorbike, is a single-track, two-wheeled motor vehicle powered by an engine.

In many poorer nations, Motorcycles are the main form of transportation, as they are cheaper to purchase and run than larger vehicles.

Fuel efficiency

Many standard 4-stroke motorcycles get 55 miles or better to the gallon, but require regular maintenance similar to most automobiles. 2 stroke motorcycles, however produce much more pollution, can achieve great mileages, over even 100-170 mpg. Their rudimentary design achieves twice the power, but are less refined than four strokes.

Types of Motorcycle

Most motorbikes can be put into one of three categories:

Street bikes are meant for riding on streets.

Off-road bikes are meant for riding through unpaved areas too rough for a street bike.

Dual-purpose bikes are a middle-ground between the two other classes, functioning well in both areas. However, the requirements for both often conflict, so the bikes are usually better at one than the other. Choppers Motorcycles based on a cruiser-style frame with longer front forks.

Sport bikes Fast and sleek motorcycles created to give maximum performance for racing or spirited road riding.

Popular brands of motorcycles includeHarley-Davidson, Honda, Yamaha, Kawazaki, Suzuki, Aprilia etc. Minor brands include Royal Enfield, BSA, Sybian and Triumph. Harley-Davidson is the only major American manufacturer of motorcycles.