Motorcycles are a class of automobiles which are essentially two wheeled and single tracked. These are the most affordable modes of motor conveyance available in the markets and in fact owned by a majority of people in some parts of the world. Design features of a motorcycle, an all inclusive term for mopeds, scooters, and motorized bicycles vary depending on the purpose of the vehicle. They are the primary means of transportation in most developing countries and some developed countries like China and Japan.
The first contraption closest to a modern day motorcycle was designed and built in 1868 by a French engineer. With modernization, newer production techniques have come to the fore and hence, millions of motorcycles are manufactured every year.
Motorcycles built to travel long distances for instance have high fuel efficiency and lasting batteries as compared to ones meant for small trips. Those designed for sport and racing are streamlined and can operate safely even at high speeds, have a greater rate of acceleration, higher top speeds and a streamlined body to minimize resistance. Then there are the sturdy ones meant to be ridden even over rough terrains with a little extra support and safety features.
Rider positions
There are certain postures riders can assume while riding their bike. There are basically three of them viz., sport, standard and cruiser. While the rider must lean forward into the wind when he’s riding a sports bike, the standard rider sits upright or leans forward only slightly. Cruiser rider is at a lower height and sits upright like a standard one or leans backwards a bit.
Environmental implications
Motorcycles and scooters with their fuel efficiency are widely acclaimed as being the kindest to environment in terms of the total emissions and pollution causing effluents resulting from travel. They’ve manoeuvrable and sleek, making them the vehicles of choice for traffic choked cities.
Motorcycles
