A motorcycle is a powered two-wheeler that transports one or more people. It is often used for recreation, transportation, or a combination of both. The term is most commonly applied to vehicles powered by an internal combustion engine, but may also include other means of propulsion such as electric power. Three-wheeled variants such as the “hack” (motorcycle plus sidecar) and the moped are sometimes classified separately from motorcycles.
A well-trained and experienced motorcyclist will know local traffic laws and ride safely and defensively. However, all riders should be aware that the majority of multi-vehicle motorcycle crashes are caused by other drivers failing to see them. For this reason, it is important for everyone to follow basic safety procedures, including wearing a helmet that meets Department of Transportation standards, staying alert while driving, avoiding driving when tired or under the influence of alcohol or drugs (including some prescribed medications), and having adequate insurance coverage for both the bike and the driver.
Deleuzian notions of machines, deterritorialisation/reterritorialisation, and the body without organs can be used as theoretical concepts to interrogate different flows of ideas and approaches to motorcycle studies and the Other. These insights can be applied to a range of research projects, including those that explore the history, culture, and politics of motorcycling. The small size of a motorcycle allows it to maneuver in tight spaces and fit into parking spots where a car might not be able to park.