Shopping on line can be easy, simple and save you lots of money. It can also take a lot of your time, frustrate you, and result in unwanted purchases. Now the same can be said for regular high street shopping, but with the vast opportunity presented by the Internet it will pay you to spend a few minutes reading this and understanding how to better optimize your Motorcycle shopping experience:

1. Compare - without doubt the biggest advantage that the Motorcycle offers shoppers today is the ability to compare thousands of Motorcycle at a time. This is a great thing, but not necessarily all the time! Too much can be daunting at times so take advantage of the great comparison sites and where possible let them do the hard work for you.

2. Research - if it has been said it will be on the internet. Ignorance is no longer a justifiable reason for buying the wrong thing. Take the time to research in detail everything that you could possible want to know about

3. Testimonials - don't know anybody that has bought a Motorcycle? Wrong! If the Motorcycle is good the internet will let you know. Use the Internet as a friend and get testimonials before you buy.

4. Questions - Got a question about Motorcycle then search the Forums, FAQ's, Blogs etc. Don't be afraid to ask .....

5. Reputation - Never heard of the company selling Motorcycle? Don't worry, no reason why you should know every company in the world, but you know someone that does! Use the internet to find out what people are saying about Motorcycle and build up a picture of their reputation for sales, returns, customer service, delivery etc.

6. Returns - still worried that even after all of the above your Motorcycle wont be what you want? Check out the returns policy. There is so much competition now that someone, somewhere is bound to offer the terms that you are comfortable with.

7. Feedback - happy with your Motorcycle then let people know, after all you are depending on others people input in your buying decision, so why not give a little back.

8. Security - check for the yellow padlock on the Motorcycle site before you buy, and the s after http:/ /i.e. https:// = a secure site

9. Contact - got a question about Motorcycle, or want to leave a comment then check out the sites contact page. Reputable companies have them and respond.

10. Payment - ready to pay for your Motorcycle, then use your credit card or PayPal! Be aware of companies that don't accept them, there may be genuine reasons but given the huge amount of choice you have when buying online there is no reason at all not to buy via credit card or PayPal.

A motorcycle or motorbike is a Single track, two-wheeled motor vehicle powered by an engine. Styles of motorcycles vary depending on the task for which they are designed, such as Touring motorcycle travel, navigating Naked bike, Cruiser (motorcycle), Motorcycle sport and Motorbike racing, or off-road conditions. In many parts of the world, motorcycles are among the least expensive and most widespread forms of motorised transport.

History Sokół 1000The inspiration for arguably the first motorcycle was designed and built by the Germany inventors Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach in Bad Cannstatt (since 1905 a city district of Stuttgart) in 1885.The first petroleum-powered vehicle, it was essentially a motorised bicycle, although the inventors called their invention the Reitwagen ("riding car").

However, if one counts two wheels with steam propulsion as being a motorcycle, then the first one may have been American. One such machine was demonstrated at fairs and circuses in the eastern U.S. in 1867, built by Sylvester Howard Roper of Roxbury, Massachusetts.

In 1894, Hildebrand & Wolfmüller became the first motorcycle available for purchase.In the early period of motorcycle history, many producers of bicycles adapted their designs to accommodate the new internal combustion engine. As the engines became more powerful, and designs outgrew the bicycle origins, the number of motorcycle producers increased.

Until the First World War, the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world was Indian (motorcycle), producing over 20,000 bikes per year. By 1920, this honour went to Harley-Davidson, with their motorcycles being sold by dealers in 67 countries, until 1928 when DKW took over as the largest manufacturer.

After the Second World War, the Birmingham Small Arms Company became the largest producer of motorcycles in the world, producing up to 75,000 bikes a year in the 1950s. The German company NSU Motorenwerke AG held the position of largest manufacturer from 1955 until the 1970s.

From the 1960s through the 1990s, small two-stroke motorcycles were popular worldwide, partly as a result of German Democratic Republic Walter Kaaden's engine work in the 1950s.

Today, the Japanese manufacturers, Honda, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Suzuki, and Yamaha Motor Corporation dominate the motorcycle industry, although Harley-Davidson still maintains a high degree of popularity in the United States. Recent years have also seen a resurgence in the popularity of several other brands sold in the U.S. market, including BMW motorcycles, Triumph Motorcycles, Aprilia, Moto Guzzi and Ducati.

Outside of the USA, these brands have enjoyed continued and sustained success, although Triumph, for example, has been re-incarnated from its former self into a modern world-class manufacturer. In overall numbers, however, the Chinese currently manufacture and sell more motorcycles than any other country and exports are rising. The quality of these machines is asserted to be somewhat lower than their Japanese, European and American counterparts .

Additionally, the small-capacity motor scooter is very popular through most of the world. The Piaggio group of Italy, for example, is one of the world's largest producers of two-wheeled vehicles. The scooter culture has, as yet, not been adopted widely in North America.

Technical aspects Construction Motorcycle construction is the engineering, manufacturing, and assembly of components and systems for a motorcycle which results in performance, cost and aesthetics desired by the designer. With some exceptions, construction of modern mass-produced motorcycles has standardised on a steel or aluminum frame, motorcycle fork holding the front wheel, and disc brakes. A one- to six-cylinder gasoline powered motorcycle engine coupled to a manual, five- or six-speed sequential gearbox drives the swingarm-mounted rear wheel by a chain, driveshaft or Gilmer belt.

Fuel economy Motorcycle fuel economy benefits from the relatively small mass of the vehicle, compared to its passengers and to other motor vehicles, and subsequent small engine displacement. However, poor aerodynamics of exposed passengers and engines designed for goals other than fuel economy can work to reduce these benefits. Riding style has a large effect on fuel economy: some riders report being able to double fuel economy by using low accelerations and lower speeds than usual, although this is the extreme case.

Fuel economy varies greatly with engine displacement and riding style ranging from a low of 29 mpg U.S. (8.1 L/100km) reported by a Honda VTR1000F rider,to 107 mpg U.S. (2.2 L/100km) reported for the Verucci Nitro 50 cc Scooter.A specially designed Matzu Matsuzawa Honda XL125 achieved 470 mpg U.S. (0.5 L/100km) "on real highways - in real conditions."

Dynamics Motorcycles must be leaned in order to turn. This lean can be induced by a method known as countersteering, in which the rider turns the handlebars in the direction opposite of the desired direction of turn. In other words, press forward on the handgrip in the desired direction—press right to go right, press left to go left. This concept is counter-intuitive and often very confusing to novices—and even to many experienced motorcyclists.

The primary effect of countersteering is to shift the front tire contact patch such that a lean is initiated. Other methods allegedly used for turning a motorcycle, such as shifting weight to the side or the pegs, only help leaning the body of the motorcycle towards a direction; thus turning the front wheel in the opposite direction due to the preservation of angular momentum, and eventually resulting in countersteering.

Short Bicycle and motorcycle geometry#Wheelbase motorcycles, such as sport bikes, can generate enough torque at the rear wheel and enough stopping force at the front wheel to lift the other wheel off the pavement. These actions, if performed on purpose, are known as wheelies and stoppies respectively. If carried past the point of recovery the resulting upset is known as "looping" the vehicle.

Additions Various additions may be attached to a motorcycle or come as an integral part of a motorcycle from the factory.

Fairing A plastic or fibreglass shell, known as a "fairing", is placed over the frame on some models to shield the rider from the wind, aid in aerodynamics and protect engine components in an accident and also from theft. Drag (physics) is the major factor that limits motorcycle speed, as it increases at the square of the velocity, with the resultant required power increasing with the cube of velocity. As can be seen from the streamlined appearance of new performance motorcycles, there is much aerodynamic technology included in the design. Unfortunately, since the 1958 FIM ban on "dustbin" fairings no major manufacturer has been bold enough to overcome the effect of the turbulence caused by the spinning front wheel, which prevents the motorcycle from cutting a clean path through the air. The "dustbin" fairing can improve aerodynamic performance without unacceptably compromising the rider's ability to control the machine, although with a weight penalty.

In the absence of a fairing or windshield, a phenomenon known as the windsock effect occurs at speeds above 100 km/h, where the rider becomes a major source of drag and is pushed back from the handlebars, tiring the rider. However, these motorcycles still effectively push their way through the atmosphere with brute force. A cabin cycle, which has a hull that wraps around the basic cycle frame, solved the problem of aerodynamics by isolating driver from outside air.

Modern fairings on touring and sport-touring motorcycles dramatically improve a rider's comfort and attention on long rides by reducing the effect of the wind and rain on the body. They also help keep a rider warm in cold weather, reducing hypothermia. Heated hand grips, and even heated seats, also improve rider comfort in cold weather. Motorcycles from a number of manufacturers now have electric windshields, introduced on the 1986 BMW motorcycles K100LT, which raise and lower the windshield with the push of a button to the optimum height for conditions.

Saddlebags or panniers Saddlebags or panniers mount on either side of the rear wheel behind the saddle to carry parts, tools, and/or travel gear. They can be made of fiberglass, Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, leather, Cordura, or other appropriate sturdy material. They are normally standard items on touring motorcycles, but are usually optional on other types of motorcycles. They can be model-specific and available from a motorcycle's manufacturer, or after-market and designed to fit on numerous models.

Heated hand grips/seats As motorcycles lack climate control or proper protection from the wind, some manufacturers offer heated seats or hand grips to relieve the discomfort of wind chill during night riding or the colder months. They can also be added on as after market accessories and are powered by the bike's battery.

Luggage rack A common addition to many bikes is an attachment onto which bags or other luggage can be fastened. This removes the need for rider backpacks and is generally a more secure and safe way to add carrying capacity to a motorcycle.

Sidecar motorcycle with sidecarA sidecar is a one-wheeled device attached to the side of a motorcycle, producing a three-wheeled vehicle. Early sidecars were intended to be removable devices that could be detached from the motorcycle. Sidecars gradually superseded forecars and trailers. The forecar comprised a two-wheeled attachment attached to the front of the motorcycle; the trailer was just that, leaving the passenger to be hauled along behind the vehicle. In neither case could rider and passenger converse easily – this may be why early sidecars were often called 'sociable' attachments.

Trailer hitch A Trailer (vehicle)#Trailer hitch or tow hitch is a device mounted on a motorcycle that enables it to tow a motorcycle trailer, usually in order to haul additional gear. No motorcycle manufacturer recommends that a trailer be towed by one if its motorcycles because it creates additional safety hazards for motorcyclists.

Trunk A Trunk (motorcycle) is a storage compartment in the vicinity of the seat, other than Pannier#Motorcycle panniers or saddlebags. A trunk mounted above and to the rear of the seat is also called a top box.

Social aspects Subcultures Around the world, motorcycles have historically been associated with subcultures. Some of these subcultures have been loose-knit social groups such as the cafe racers of 1950s Britain, and the Mod (lifestyle) and Rockers of the 1960s. A few are believed to be criminal gangs.

Social motorcyclist organisations are popular and are sometimes organised geographically, focus on individual makes, or even specific models. Example motorcycle clubs include: American Motorcyclist Association, Harley Owners Group, Gold Wing Road Riders (GWRRA), and BMW MOA.

Many motorcycle organisations raise money for charities through organised events and rides. Some organisations hold large international motorcycle rally in different parts of the world that are attended by many thousands of riders.

In recent decades, motorcyclists have formed political lobbying organisations in order to influence legislators to introduce motorcycle-friendly legislation. One of the oldest such organisations, the British Motorcycle Action Group, was founded in 1973 specifically in response to helmet compulsion, introduced without public consultation. In addition, the British Motorcyclists Federation (BMF), originally founded in 1960 as a reaction to the public perception of motorcyclists as leather-jacketed hooligans, has itself moved into political lobbying.

Likewise, the U.S. has State Motorcyclist's Rights Organization (SMRO), which, like most such organisations, also works to improve motorcycle safety, as well as running the usual charity fund-raising events and rallies, often for motorcycle-related political interests. Some other lobbying organisations are listed in :Category:Motorcyclists organizations.

Mobility While the reasons for people choosing to ride motorcycles are many and varied, those reasons are increasingly practical, with riders opting for a powered two-wheeler as a cost-efficient alternative to infrequent and expensive public transport systems, or as a means of avoiding or reducing the effects of urban congestion. In places where it is permitted, lane splitting, also known as filtering, allows motorcycles to use the space between vehicles to continue moving through stationary or slow traffic.

In the UK, motorcycles are exempt from the £8 per day London congestion charge other vehicles have to pay to enter the city during the day. Motorcycles are also exempt from toll charges at some river crossings, such as the Severn Bridge, Dartford Crossing, and Mersey Tunnels. Some cities, such as Bristol, allow motorcycles to use bus lanes and provide dedicated free parking. In the United States, those states that have high-occupancy vehicle lanes also allow for motorcycle travel in them. Other countries have similar policies.

In many cultures, motorcycles are the primary means of motorised transport. According to the Taiwanese government, for example, "the number of automobiles per ten thousand population is around 2,500, and the number of motorcycles is about 5,000."

Safety Motorcycles have a far higher rate of crippling and fatal accidents per unit distance than automobiles. According to the U. S. Highway Safety Authority, in 2004 15.0 cars out of 100,000 ended up in fatal crashes while the rate for motorcycles is 69.3 per 100,000 (a ratio of 4.6 to 1). The picture is worse when distance travelled are taken into account: in 2004 in the U.S., there were 0.4 motorcyclist fatalities per million miles compared to 0.012 passenger car occupant fatalities per million miles (a ratio of 33 to 1).

The two major causes of motorcycle accidents in the United States, i.e., (1) motorists pulling out or turning in front of motorcyclists and violating their rights-of-way and (2) motorcyclists running wide in turns and crashing, are made more likely when motorcyclists mix drinking with riding.Motorcyclists can do much to anticipate and avoid these crashes by getting proper training, increasing their conspicuousness to other traffic, and separating alcohol and riding.

The United Kingdom has a number of organisations which are dedicated to improving motorcycle safety by providing advanced rider training over and above what is necessary to pass the basic motorcycle test. These include the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA). Along with increased personal safety, riders with these advanced qualifications often benefit from reduced insurance costs.

Motorcycle Safety Education is offered throughout the United States by a number of organisations ranging from state agencies to non-profit organisations to corporations. The courses, designed by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF), include a Basic Rider Course, an Intermediate Rider Course and an Advanced Rider Course.

In some Australian jurisdictions, such as New South Wales,the Australian Capital Territoryand the Northern Territory,it is compulsory to undertake a rider training course before being issued a Learners Licence.

In Canada, motorcycle rider training is compulsory in Quebec and Manitoba only, but all provinces and territories have Graduated Licensing programs which place restrictions on new drivers until they have gained more experience. Eligibility for a full motorcycle license or endorsement for completing a Motorcycle Safety course varies from province to province. The Canada Safety Council (CSC), a non-profit safety organisation, offers the Gearing Up program across Canada and is endorsed by the Motorcycle and Moped Industry Council.Again, training course graduates often benefit with reduced insurance premiums.

Types of motorcycles There are three major types of motorcycle, street, off-road, and dual purpose. Within these types, there are many different sub-types of motorcycles for many different purposes. Softail Heritage Classic. A typical "cruiser" design underbone motorcycle. ZX-7RR sport bike R1200RT touring bike motocross bike dual-purpose motorcycle Street

Off-road

Dual-purpose

Legal definitions and restrictions A motorcycle is broadly defined by law in some countries for the purposes of registration, taxation or licensing riders as a two-wheel motor vehicle "fit to drive." Other countries distinguish between mopeds and other small bikes and the larger, more powerful vehicles. In Canada and some U.S. jurisdictions, Tricycle#Motorized tricycles fall under the auspices of motorcycle regulations.

In the United Kingdom, the rules on which motorcycle may be ridden by whom are complex.A "moped", which can be ridden at age 16, has a maximum design speed not exceeding 50 km/h (30 mph) and engine capacity no greater than 50 cc. A "learner motorcycle", which can be ridden from age 17, has an engine up to 125 cc with a power output not exceeding 11 kW (14.6 bhp) . A "large motorcycle", which can only be ridden by a person age 21 or older with two years experience on a learner motorcycle, has a power output of at least 35 kW (46 bhp). Otherwise, riders are restricted to riding motorcycles with a power output of not more than 25 kW (33 bhp) for two years after passing their initial motorcycle test.For riders over age 21 there is a direct access route to gaining a licence to ride a large motorcycle, which allows somebody with no motorcycle experience to train and pass a test in around five days. All motorcycle riders in the UK must first take a one-day Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) course, regardless of which class of motorcycle they intend to ride. In addition a theory test must be taken prior to taking a practical test for any type of motorcycle licence.

In New Zealand, "learner" and "restricted" motorcycles need only have a 250 cc engine capacity. This distinction draws some criticism, as it allows 15-year-old learner riders to operate bikes capable of reaching speeds in excess of 250 km/h.

The laws of some countries allow anyone with a car licence to legally ride mopeds not exceeding 50 cc in capacity, meaning that they do not need to show any competency in handling such a vehicle.

The laws and regulations for legal moped usage in the U.S. vary by state.The specifics of the motorcycle and moped laws in the U.S. can be obtained from each individual state's Department of Motor Vehicles' websites.


See also

References External links

A motorcycle or motorbike is a Single track, two-wheeled motor vehicle powered by an engine. Styles of motorcycles vary depending on the task for which they are designed, such as Touring motorcycle travel, navigating Naked bike, Cruiser (motorcycle), Motorcycle sport and Motorbike racing, or off-road conditions. In many parts of the world, motorcycles are among the least expensive and most widespread forms of motorised transport.

History Sokół 1000The inspiration for arguably the first motorcycle was designed and built by the Germany inventors Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach in Bad Cannstatt (since 1905 a city district of Stuttgart) in 1885.The first petroleum-powered vehicle, it was essentially a motorised bicycle, although the inventors called their invention the Reitwagen ("riding car").

However, if one counts two wheels with steam propulsion as being a motorcycle, then the first one may have been American. One such machine was demonstrated at fairs and circuses in the eastern U.S. in 1867, built by Sylvester Howard Roper of Roxbury, Massachusetts.

In 1894, Hildebrand & Wolfmüller became the first motorcycle available for purchase.In the early period of motorcycle history, many producers of bicycles adapted their designs to accommodate the new internal combustion engine. As the engines became more powerful, and designs outgrew the bicycle origins, the number of motorcycle producers increased.

Until the First World War, the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world was Indian (motorcycle), producing over 20,000 bikes per year. By 1920, this honour went to Harley-Davidson, with their motorcycles being sold by dealers in 67 countries, until 1928 when DKW took over as the largest manufacturer.

After the Second World War, the Birmingham Small Arms Company became the largest producer of motorcycles in the world, producing up to 75,000 bikes a year in the 1950s. The German company NSU Motorenwerke AG held the position of largest manufacturer from 1955 until the 1970s.

From the 1960s through the 1990s, small two-stroke motorcycles were popular worldwide, partly as a result of German Democratic Republic Walter Kaaden's engine work in the 1950s.

Today, the Japanese manufacturers, Honda, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Suzuki, and Yamaha Motor Corporation dominate the motorcycle industry, although Harley-Davidson still maintains a high degree of popularity in the United States. Recent years have also seen a resurgence in the popularity of several other brands sold in the U.S. market, including BMW motorcycles, Triumph Motorcycles, Aprilia, Moto Guzzi and Ducati.

Outside of the USA, these brands have enjoyed continued and sustained success, although Triumph, for example, has been re-incarnated from its former self into a modern world-class manufacturer. In overall numbers, however, the Chinese currently manufacture and sell more motorcycles than any other country and exports are rising. The quality of these machines is asserted to be somewhat lower than their Japanese, European and American counterparts .

Additionally, the small-capacity motor scooter is very popular through most of the world. The Piaggio group of Italy, for example, is one of the world's largest producers of two-wheeled vehicles. The scooter culture has, as yet, not been adopted widely in North America.

Technical aspects Construction Motorcycle construction is the engineering, manufacturing, and assembly of components and systems for a motorcycle which results in performance, cost and aesthetics desired by the designer. With some exceptions, construction of modern mass-produced motorcycles has standardised on a steel or aluminum frame, motorcycle fork holding the front wheel, and disc brakes. A one- to six-cylinder gasoline powered motorcycle engine coupled to a manual, five- or six-speed sequential gearbox drives the swingarm-mounted rear wheel by a chain, driveshaft or Gilmer belt.

Fuel economy Motorcycle fuel economy benefits from the relatively small mass of the vehicle, compared to its passengers and to other motor vehicles, and subsequent small engine displacement. However, poor aerodynamics of exposed passengers and engines designed for goals other than fuel economy can work to reduce these benefits. Riding style has a large effect on fuel economy: some riders report being able to double fuel economy by using low accelerations and lower speeds than usual, although this is the extreme case.

Fuel economy varies greatly with engine displacement and riding style ranging from a low of 29 mpg U.S. (8.1 L/100km) reported by a Honda VTR1000F rider,to 107 mpg U.S. (2.2 L/100km) reported for the Verucci Nitro 50 cc Scooter.A specially designed Matzu Matsuzawa Honda XL125 achieved 470 mpg U.S. (0.5 L/100km) "on real highways - in real conditions."

Dynamics Motorcycles must be leaned in order to turn. This lean can be induced by a method known as countersteering, in which the rider turns the handlebars in the direction opposite of the desired direction of turn. In other words, press forward on the handgrip in the desired direction—press right to go right, press left to go left. This concept is counter-intuitive and often very confusing to novices—and even to many experienced motorcyclists.

The primary effect of countersteering is to shift the front tire contact patch such that a lean is initiated. Other methods allegedly used for turning a motorcycle, such as shifting weight to the side or the pegs, only help leaning the body of the motorcycle towards a direction; thus turning the front wheel in the opposite direction due to the preservation of angular momentum, and eventually resulting in countersteering.

Short Bicycle and motorcycle geometry#Wheelbase motorcycles, such as sport bikes, can generate enough torque at the rear wheel and enough stopping force at the front wheel to lift the other wheel off the pavement. These actions, if performed on purpose, are known as wheelies and stoppies respectively. If carried past the point of recovery the resulting upset is known as "looping" the vehicle.

Additions Various additions may be attached to a motorcycle or come as an integral part of a motorcycle from the factory.

Fairing A plastic or fibreglass shell, known as a "fairing", is placed over the frame on some models to shield the rider from the wind, aid in aerodynamics and protect engine components in an accident and also from theft. Drag (physics) is the major factor that limits motorcycle speed, as it increases at the square of the velocity, with the resultant required power increasing with the cube of velocity. As can be seen from the streamlined appearance of new performance motorcycles, there is much aerodynamic technology included in the design. Unfortunately, since the 1958 FIM ban on "dustbin" fairings no major manufacturer has been bold enough to overcome the effect of the turbulence caused by the spinning front wheel, which prevents the motorcycle from cutting a clean path through the air. The "dustbin" fairing can improve aerodynamic performance without unacceptably compromising the rider's ability to control the machine, although with a weight penalty.

In the absence of a fairing or windshield, a phenomenon known as the windsock effect occurs at speeds above 100 km/h, where the rider becomes a major source of drag and is pushed back from the handlebars, tiring the rider. However, these motorcycles still effectively push their way through the atmosphere with brute force. A cabin cycle, which has a hull that wraps around the basic cycle frame, solved the problem of aerodynamics by isolating driver from outside air.

Modern fairings on touring and sport-touring motorcycles dramatically improve a rider's comfort and attention on long rides by reducing the effect of the wind and rain on the body. They also help keep a rider warm in cold weather, reducing hypothermia. Heated hand grips, and even heated seats, also improve rider comfort in cold weather. Motorcycles from a number of manufacturers now have electric windshields, introduced on the 1986 BMW motorcycles K100LT, which raise and lower the windshield with the push of a button to the optimum height for conditions.

Saddlebags or panniers Saddlebags or panniers mount on either side of the rear wheel behind the saddle to carry parts, tools, and/or travel gear. They can be made of fiberglass, Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, leather, Cordura, or other appropriate sturdy material. They are normally standard items on touring motorcycles, but are usually optional on other types of motorcycles. They can be model-specific and available from a motorcycle's manufacturer, or after-market and designed to fit on numerous models.

Heated hand grips/seats As motorcycles lack climate control or proper protection from the wind, some manufacturers offer heated seats or hand grips to relieve the discomfort of wind chill during night riding or the colder months. They can also be added on as after market accessories and are powered by the bike's battery.

Luggage rack A common addition to many bikes is an attachment onto which bags or other luggage can be fastened. This removes the need for rider backpacks and is generally a more secure and safe way to add carrying capacity to a motorcycle.

Sidecar motorcycle with sidecarA sidecar is a one-wheeled device attached to the side of a motorcycle, producing a three-wheeled vehicle. Early sidecars were intended to be removable devices that could be detached from the motorcycle. Sidecars gradually superseded forecars and trailers. The forecar comprised a two-wheeled attachment attached to the front of the motorcycle; the trailer was just that, leaving the passenger to be hauled along behind the vehicle. In neither case could rider and passenger converse easily – this may be why early sidecars were often called 'sociable' attachments.

Trailer hitch A Trailer (vehicle)#Trailer hitch or tow hitch is a device mounted on a motorcycle that enables it to tow a motorcycle trailer, usually in order to haul additional gear. No motorcycle manufacturer recommends that a trailer be towed by one if its motorcycles because it creates additional safety hazards for motorcyclists.

Trunk A Trunk (motorcycle) is a storage compartment in the vicinity of the seat, other than Pannier#Motorcycle panniers or saddlebags. A trunk mounted above and to the rear of the seat is also called a top box.

Social aspects Subcultures Around the world, motorcycles have historically been associated with subcultures. Some of these subcultures have been loose-knit social groups such as the cafe racers of 1950s Britain, and the Mod (lifestyle) and Rockers of the 1960s. A few are believed to be criminal gangs.

Social motorcyclist organisations are popular and are sometimes organised geographically, focus on individual makes, or even specific models. Example motorcycle clubs include: American Motorcyclist Association, Harley Owners Group, Gold Wing Road Riders (GWRRA), and BMW MOA.

Many motorcycle organisations raise money for charities through organised events and rides. Some organisations hold large international motorcycle rally in different parts of the world that are attended by many thousands of riders.

In recent decades, motorcyclists have formed political lobbying organisations in order to influence legislators to introduce motorcycle-friendly legislation. One of the oldest such organisations, the British Motorcycle Action Group, was founded in 1973 specifically in response to helmet compulsion, introduced without public consultation. In addition, the British Motorcyclists Federation (BMF), originally founded in 1960 as a reaction to the public perception of motorcyclists as leather-jacketed hooligans, has itself moved into political lobbying.

Likewise, the U.S. has State Motorcyclist's Rights Organization (SMRO), which, like most such organisations, also works to improve motorcycle safety, as well as running the usual charity fund-raising events and rallies, often for motorcycle-related political interests. Some other lobbying organisations are listed in :Category:Motorcyclists organizations.

Mobility While the reasons for people choosing to ride motorcycles are many and varied, those reasons are increasingly practical, with riders opting for a powered two-wheeler as a cost-efficient alternative to infrequent and expensive public transport systems, or as a means of avoiding or reducing the effects of urban congestion. In places where it is permitted, lane splitting, also known as filtering, allows motorcycles to use the space between vehicles to continue moving through stationary or slow traffic.

In the UK, motorcycles are exempt from the £8 per day London congestion charge other vehicles have to pay to enter the city during the day. Motorcycles are also exempt from toll charges at some river crossings, such as the Severn Bridge, Dartford Crossing, and Mersey Tunnels. Some cities, such as Bristol, allow motorcycles to use bus lanes and provide dedicated free parking. In the United States, those states that have high-occupancy vehicle lanes also allow for motorcycle travel in them. Other countries have similar policies.

In many cultures, motorcycles are the primary means of motorised transport. According to the Taiwanese government, for example, "the number of automobiles per ten thousand population is around 2,500, and the number of motorcycles is about 5,000."

Safety Motorcycles have a far higher rate of crippling and fatal accidents per unit distance than automobiles. According to the U. S. Highway Safety Authority, in 2004 15.0 cars out of 100,000 ended up in fatal crashes while the rate for motorcycles is 69.3 per 100,000 (a ratio of 4.6 to 1). The picture is worse when distance travelled are taken into account: in 2004 in the U.S., there were 0.4 motorcyclist fatalities per million miles compared to 0.012 passenger car occupant fatalities per million miles (a ratio of 33 to 1).

The two major causes of motorcycle accidents in the United States, i.e., (1) motorists pulling out or turning in front of motorcyclists and violating their rights-of-way and (2) motorcyclists running wide in turns and crashing, are made more likely when motorcyclists mix drinking with riding.Motorcyclists can do much to anticipate and avoid these crashes by getting proper training, increasing their conspicuousness to other traffic, and separating alcohol and riding.

The United Kingdom has a number of organisations which are dedicated to improving motorcycle safety by providing advanced rider training over and above what is necessary to pass the basic motorcycle test. These include the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA). Along with increased personal safety, riders with these advanced qualifications often benefit from reduced insurance costs.

Motorcycle Safety Education is offered throughout the United States by a number of organisations ranging from state agencies to non-profit organisations to corporations. The courses, designed by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF), include a Basic Rider Course, an Intermediate Rider Course and an Advanced Rider Course.

In some Australian jurisdictions, such as New South Wales,the Australian Capital Territoryand the Northern Territory,it is compulsory to undertake a rider training course before being issued a Learners Licence.

In Canada, motorcycle rider training is compulsory in Quebec and Manitoba only, but all provinces and territories have Graduated Licensing programs which place restrictions on new drivers until they have gained more experience. Eligibility for a full motorcycle license or endorsement for completing a Motorcycle Safety course varies from province to province. The Canada Safety Council (CSC), a non-profit safety organisation, offers the Gearing Up program across Canada and is endorsed by the Motorcycle and Moped Industry Council.Again, training course graduates often benefit with reduced insurance premiums.

Types of motorcycles There are three major types of motorcycle, street, off-road, and dual purpose. Within these types, there are many different sub-types of motorcycles for many different purposes. Softail Heritage Classic. A typical "cruiser" design underbone motorcycle. ZX-7RR sport bike R1200RT touring bike motocross bike dual-purpose motorcycle Street

Off-road

Dual-purpose

Legal definitions and restrictions A motorcycle is broadly defined by law in some countries for the purposes of registration, taxation or licensing riders as a two-wheel motor vehicle "fit to drive." Other countries distinguish between mopeds and other small bikes and the larger, more powerful vehicles. In Canada and some U.S. jurisdictions, Tricycle#Motorized tricycles fall under the auspices of motorcycle regulations.

In the United Kingdom, the rules on which motorcycle may be ridden by whom are complex.A "moped", which can be ridden at age 16, has a maximum design speed not exceeding 50 km/h (30 mph) and engine capacity no greater than 50 cc. A "learner motorcycle", which can be ridden from age 17, has an engine up to 125 cc with a power output not exceeding 11 kW (14.6 bhp) . A "large motorcycle", which can only be ridden by a person age 21 or older with two years experience on a learner motorcycle, has a power output of at least 35 kW (46 bhp). Otherwise, riders are restricted to riding motorcycles with a power output of not more than 25 kW (33 bhp) for two years after passing their initial motorcycle test.For riders over age 21 there is a direct access route to gaining a licence to ride a large motorcycle, which allows somebody with no motorcycle experience to train and pass a test in around five days. All motorcycle riders in the UK must first take a one-day Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) course, regardless of which class of motorcycle they intend to ride. In addition a theory test must be taken prior to taking a practical test for any type of motorcycle licence.

In New Zealand, "learner" and "restricted" motorcycles need only have a 250 cc engine capacity. This distinction draws some criticism, as it allows 15-year-old learner riders to operate bikes capable of reaching speeds in excess of 250 km/h.

The laws of some countries allow anyone with a car licence to legally ride mopeds not exceeding 50 cc in capacity, meaning that they do not need to show any competency in handling such a vehicle.

The laws and regulations for legal moped usage in the U.S. vary by state.The specifics of the motorcycle and moped laws in the U.S. can be obtained from each individual state's Department of Motor Vehicles' websites.


See also

References External links



Lists of UK motorcycle & scooter stuff: parts, forums, dealers, ...
The definitive UK motorcycle listing.

Motorcycle Insurance (Motorbike Insurance).
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Motorcycles UK, A UK Motorcycling Resource | Motorcycle Dealer ...
Welcome to Motorcycles UK - A UK Motorcycles resource site, Insurance, forums, Dealer Search and more.

HGB Motorcycles Honda
Sell new and used motorcycles and clothing and accessories. Based in Ruislip.

Motorcycle Org UK - club and non-commercial bike listings
Motorcycle.org.uk: All the non-profit UK bike and scooter club links that are fit to print. If its a biker club who actually meet somewhere IRL, its here.

Motorcycle Insurance, Motorbike and Moped, Bike Insurance | Carole ...
Get a motorcycle insurance quote online from Carole Nash, the UK's most used motor bike insurance broker

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Consumer reviews and ratings of motorcycles.

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Premier UK weekly publication and web site. Covers all of the latest road bikes and all major racing activity. Also has product tests, bike and product sales, and follows UK ...

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Its our shiny new motorcycle.co.uk Wiki!

Marriott Motorcycles and Scooters New and Used Honda Suzuki Yamaha ...
Welcome to the new and improved Marriott Motorcycle website. Here at Marriott motorcycles we pride ourselves in being one of the UK's leading dealerships for Suzuki, Kawasaki and ...

 

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