The Basics of Motorcycles

Motorcycles are one of the most popular forms of personal transportation in the world. Their use is widespread across Asia, Europe and America. Their popularity is driven by cheaper operating costs, engineering improvements and more accessible routes. Aid organizations like Doctors Without Borders also rely on skilled motorcyclists to deliver medical aid to remote areas.

The layout of a modern motorcycle is pretty simple, a gasoline engine converts reciprocating piston motion into rotary motion that is transferred through a transmission system to the back wheel that propels the bike forward. The rider steers the bike via handlebars that are connected to a rear axle by a chain. The rounded design of the wheels allows riders to lean the bike to lower its center of gravity and thus change its direction. The handlebars feature a clutch and brake control that the rider operates using hand levers. The braking system is also operated by foot pedals.

There are many different types of motorcycles, ranging from small-displacement models that can be ridden with a motorcycle license to high-performance race bikes. The number of motorcycles is growing rapidly, as is the demographic of people who ride them. In addition to younger people, more women are starting to ride and the industry is seeing a boom in smaller, retro-styled bikes.

Around the turn of the 20th century, a few major manufacturing companies started producing motorcycles. The English Royal Enfield, the Triumph, and Indian all began production, but the company that changed everything was American Harley-Davidson. Several other firms, including Germany’s Hildebrand and Wolfmuller, began mass-producing motorcycles after the premiere of the Daimler Reitwagen.