A motorcycle is a two-wheeled, single-track motor vehicle propelled by an engine. It varies considerably, depending on the purpose for which it is designed, such as sports and racing, long-distance travel, or off-road conditions. The first motorcycle was invented by Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach in Germany in 1885. This first petroleum-fueled motorcycle was named after Petroleum Reitwagen. It was designed as a convenient test bed for their new engines. This motorcycle was not practical as a safety bike, because its steering had a zero degree stem angle with no fork offset.
The construction of a motorcycle must be done in a way that can maximize performance at the lowest cost. Motorcycles are now often made of telescopic forks, steel and aluminum frames that hold the front wheels, and disc brakes. Power engines typically consist of four cylinders and, less commonly, up to eight cylinders, coupled with a five- or six-speed manual sequential transmission, which drives the swingarm-mounted rear wheel via a chain, driveshaft, or a belt. You can see the speedometer in the middle of the steering wheel and the headlight in front of the motorcycle. The engine is fixed between both wheels and under the driver’s seat. The silencer is usually fixed on the right side. There are three types of motorcycles, dual, street and off-road. Dual-purpose bikes are made for off-road riding and are comfortable on the street, too. Street bikes are sports bikes and scooters. Off-road motorcycles are used in motocross and dirt racing classes.
Motorcycles are one of the most affordable vehicles for transportation around the world. There are about two hundred million motorcycles in the world, with the majority used in Asia and the United States. As fuel prices rise day by day, because owners are now moving to use motorcycles instead, because they consume less fuel compared to heavy duty vehicles. Motorcycles are usually two-seat vehicles, with a driver and a person sitting behind the driver. Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki and Bajaj are some of the most famous companies. The bikes are available in different powers, from 70cc to 250cc. Heavy bikes are considered to be 125cc to 250cc bikes, which commonly use two mufflers, while others only have one.
The fuel consumption of motorcycles varies in different models. The engine power used in a bicycle also depends on the engine displacement and riding style. In developing countries, motorcycles from 100cc to 200cc show good fuel economy. An Indian company, Bajaj, offers a superior fuel economy model, the XCD125, which consumes one liter of gasoline per 100 km. Now, companies have also introduced electric motorcycles, which are vehicles powered by near-silent, zero-emission electric motors. However, this technology is under development, because electric motorcycles have less mileage and require a high cost of batteries.
One must take some safety precautions when riding a motorcycle as it has a high accident rate, compared to cars. The Fatality Analysis Reporting System showed that motorcycles are involved in dangerous crashes four times more often than cars and other heavy vehicles. Proper training must be obtained before operating any type of motorcycle. Every country should create a campaign to raise awareness of motorcycle accidents. In South Africa, the Think Bike campaign has increased motorcycle safety and awareness of riding motorcycles on the roads.