A motorcycle is a motor vehicle with two wheels that has a steering wheel, brakes and a seat. People who ride motorcycles often join clubs or organizations based on location or their specific type of bike. Motorcycles can be used for transportation, recreation, and racing. People who ride motorcycles usually wear protective gear, including helmets.
In the early days of motorcycles, they were essentially just small internal combustion engines that replaced the pedals of the bicycle. Combined with engineering that had been fine-tuned in the war years, this meant that factory workers could now afford their own personal transport – with the added bonus of speed, acceleration and excitement that rivalled fighter planes that they might have been battling in the skies only a few years earlier.
Modern motorcycles are highly complex machines with multiple safety features. They also have a high power-to-weight ratio that can surprise inexperienced riders. It is important that a rider choose a bike that matches their experience level to avoid dangerous riding situations.
As a rider, you must always follow all state and local traffic laws. Observe speed limits, use turn signals and obey all lane markings. Always ride defensively – most multi-vehicle accidents involving motorcyclists are caused by other drivers simply not seeing them. Be especially vigilant at intersections, and keep an eye out for large trucks. It is also a good idea to visibly inspect your bike before every ride to ensure that everything is functioning properly.