The Basics of a Motorcycle

A motorcycle is a two-wheeled motor vehicle, steered by a handlebar from a saddle-style seat. The engine, usually a two or four-stroke, provides power. The chassis, which may be made of steel or aluminum, holds the rider and controls the movement of the wheels. Brakes, a headlight, a taillight and turn signals are standard on most motorcycles. Other safety features include crash bars and a windshield.

People often want to get a motorcycle because they want to feel free and adventurous. They feel as though they can go anywhere on a motorcycle, which is true if you’re in the right mindset and know how to use it correctly.

For those who aren’t used to driving a motorcycle, it takes some practice to get comfortable. You have to keep your balance, lean into turns and shift gears with the throttle control. You should also be aware of the weather and road conditions before you set out on a ride. Alcohol and drugs (including some prescribed medications) impair judgment, coordination, balance and throttle control, which can cause you to lose control of the bike and get into a crash.

Most of the time, a motorcycle has excellent acceleration performance. Even modest sports bikes can easily out accelerate a lot of cars, with most being able to reach 60 mph in less than three seconds. However, they are not very aerodynamic, with the exposed engine and wheels creating messy airflow, resulting in high levels of drag compared to a smooth, streamlined car design. This doesn’t matter so much at lower speeds, but as the speed increases, the amount of energy needed to maintain a given velocity rises with the square of the velocity.