Motorcycle

A motorcycle (also known as a motorbike or simply bike) is a single-track, two-wheeled motor vehicle. Motorcycles come in wide variety of styles and designs depending on their intended use, which may range from recreational usage to a daily commute.

In many poorer nations, motorcycles are the main form of motorized transportation, as they are cheaper to purchase, operate, and maintain than a larger vehicles.

Fuel efficiency[edit]

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[edit]

Most motorbikes can be put into one of five 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 include Harley-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.

Grand Prix motorcycle racing