MOTORCYCLE
Motorcycles have, in recent years, become more focused and specialized in their function. Here are definitions of a few key types of bikes; to get a visual sense of the differences between these motorcycles.
Since 1998, the number of motorcycles in the United States has increased by 34 percent . Why the sudden spike in popularity? Unlike cars, motorcycles allow riders to connect intimately with the driving experience. But it's not just about adventure and freedom. With gas prices soaring, motorcycles, which can achieve fuel economies as high as 85 miles per gallon, provide an attractive alternative to gas-guzzling cars.
In this article, we'll learn how the modern motorcycle operates, how motorcycle design has evolved over the years and how motorcycles might change in the near future.
Motorcycle engines work the same way that car engines do. They consist of pistons, a cylinder block and a head, which contains the valve train. The pistons move up and down in the cylinder block, driven by explosions of a fuel-air mixture that has been ignited by a spark. Valves open and close to allow the fuel-air mixture to enter the combustion chamber. As the pistons move up and down, they turn a crankshaft, which transforms the energy from the pistons into rotary motion. The rotational force of the crankshaft is transmitted, via the transmission, to the rear wheel of the motorcycle
A motorcycle engine can create an enormous amount of power, which must be delivered to the wheels of the vehicle in a controllable way. The motorcycle transmission delivers power to the rear wheel through a series of structures that include the gearset, the clutch and the drive system.
The motorcycle chassis consists of the frame, suspension, wheels and brakes. Each of these components is described briefly below.
Driving a motorcycle is very different from driving a car. Since motorcycles are two-wheeled vehicles, they topple over when they stop moving. A moving motorcycle is affected by gyroscopic forces that are unique to two-wheeled machines. As a result, new motorcyclists must develop the skills necessary to handle their machines and must be licensed before they can drive their motorcycles on the street. In particular, motorcycle riders must master the art of steering, braking and changing gears.
Motorcycles evolved from the "safety" bicycle, a bicycle that offered many advantages in stability, braking and ease of mounting. The essential features of a safety bike included:
Spoked front and rear wheels of the same size - roughly 30 inches in diameter (compared to the "ordinary" bicycle, which had a 48-inch front wheel and a 30-inch rear wheel)
A chain-driven rear wheel
A front chainwheel roughly twice as large as the rear sprocket
A low center of gravity
Direct front steering
Although the basic design of the motorcycle remains the same, motorcycle engineering continues to enjoy innovation and gradual evolution. Consider the two vehicles shown below. The B91 Wraith from Confederate Motor Company is a $50,000 motorcycle with a carbon-fiber frame and a molded carbon-fiber fuel container placed under the engine. The Dodge's Tomahawk is not even a motorcycle in the strictest definition. To handle the massive V10 Viper engine, Tomahawk designers had to add two more wheels. They also had to move the gas tank to the front fender to shield it from the engine's heat.
So you've always wanted to know how to ride a motorcycle? Welcome to our step-by-step tutorial!
While motorcycling is a great deal of fun, it's important to approach learning how to ride with the respect and caution it deserves; taking that attitude not only will ensure that you're entering this high risk activity with thoughtfulness and self-preservation, but it will make the whole process even more enjoyable.
So you want to ride a motorcycle? Here's a checklist you'll want to consider before you jump on the saddle.
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