A motorbike or motorcycle is a two-wheeled, single-track motor vehicle powered by an engine. Types of motorbike depend on the task for which they are designed, for example long distance travel, navigating congested urban traffic, racing, cruising etc. In many countries, it is among the least expensive and most widespread form of motorized transport.
Two German inventors, namely Wilhelm MayBach and Gottlieb Daimler were the first to design and build a motorbike in the year 1885 in Bad Cannstatt. However, if we consider a steam operated, two wheel motorbike, then the first such motorbike could be an American one that was built by Roxbury, Massachusetts-based Sylvester Howard Roper in 1867.
The first motorcycle available for purchase was in 1894, and was produced by Hillenbrand & Wolf Muller. As engines and designs began to outgrow their origins in the bicycle, there was a commensurate increase in motorbike producers. Indian was the largest producer of the motorcycle until World War I. In 1920 Harley-Davidson took over, but were quickly surpassed in 1928 by DKW, which was again superseded by BSA Group following World War II. From 1955 until the 1970s a German company, NSU Motorenwerke AG was the world leader, but today the several Japanese manufacturers are the dominant forces including the following: Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha, and Kawasaki.
To get a motorbike construction as desired by the designer, the engineering, manufacturing, and assembly of components and systems must be taken into account. The construction of contemporary mass-produced motorcycles uses a mostly standardized steel or aluminum frame, disc brakes, and telescopic forks to hold the front wheel. They usually have a one- to six-cylinder gasoline-powered engine.
In some bikes, braking hard enough can cause the front or rear wheel to lift off the ground. This happens because the short wheelbase creates excessive torque at the rear wheel (known popularly as a "wheelie") or stopping force in the front (called a "stoppie"). These tricks can end quite well and the other wheel returns to the ground, but if overdone a rider risks "looping" the vehicle and knocking the whole thing over.
Be aware that a number of factors affect motorbike fuel economy. The small size of a bike makes it more economical to operate. Fuel economy also depends upon motorbike riding style. Low acceleration and low cruising speeds can have a dramatic effect. Some riders have even reported that they have been able to double their fuel economy using these methods. This is the exception rather than the rule, however.
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As an avid motorcyclist for over 35 years riding all different types of motorcycles, dirt bikes, sport bikes, cruisers and touring bikes. My many miles of riding in all kinds of weather and conditions gives me extensive expertise in the field of motorcycles , motorcycle motorcycle clothing and accessories. If you would like to see more articles visit me at www.keyleather.com
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