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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.
One of the most important (and easily overlooked) aspects of motorcycling is safety gear. Though gear can be cumbersome, awkward, and intrusive, it's also the only thing that will protect you from the road in an accident. Imagine sliding across the pavement at 30 mph wearing shorts and a t-shirt, and you'll begin to understand the dangers of riding with inadequate protection.
If you're serious about high-performance motorcycle riding, the first thing you'll want to do is book track time in order hone your skills in a safe environment.
Track days are great ways to explore the limits of your bike and develop performance riding techniques without the threat of traffic, pedestrians, road hazards, or even law enforcement! There is typically an enrollment fee and a few safety modifications you'll need to perform in order to pass inspection, but you'll find that there's no substitute to practicin your skills on the track.
Here's a checklist that will make your track day as fun as possible
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