| A motorcycle is typically a two-wheeled vehicle run | | | | Scooter-Motor Scooters are short-distance |
| by a small, loud engine. These vehicles are basically | | | | motorcycles with small wheels (357 mm or 14 in. in |
| motorized bicycles, but are structured with heavier, | | | | diameter) and engines in the swing arm. Typically, |
| sturdier and more complex parts, implying that a | | | | these run less than 125cc, but some larger scooters |
| motorcycle is more machine than bicycle. | | | | exceed 250cc. One popular scooter is the Honda |
| Motorcycles have various uses, but the obvious | | | | Lead 80. |
| primary use is to ride, to serve as a form quick | | | | Moped-a bicycle/motorcycle hybrid with a two-stroke |
| transportation. Other uses: military and law | | | | engine that goes up to 50cc. These have demanding |
| enforcement, sports/racing, touring, and serving as a | | | | licensing in some localities. Their popularity dropped in |
| symbol of freedom, depending on who is riding it. | | | | mid-1980s, but they are still used today. |
| Motorcycle conventions also allude to yet another | | | | Off-road bikes-these include dirt bikes and are built |
| purpose for the motorcycle: a show piece! | | | | for rougher terrain. They have larger, deeper-treaded |
| Motorcycles, like automobiles, are also works of art | | | | tires, small engine, long suspension travel and high |
| for those who are mechanically inclined or like to | | | | ground clearance, and no street accessories. These |
| showcase their unique and innovative machines | | | | motorcycles have engines that comprise two-strokes |
| (concept bikes). | | | | at a single cylinder or four-strokes at a single cylinder, |
| Motorcycles: Types | | | | and can go as low as 50cc or as high as 750cc, |
| Road Motorcycles: motorcycles built for riding on | | | | depending on age of the riders and the size and style |
| paved and public roads. These motorcycles have | | | | of the engine. Trial bikes, which go no more than |
| shallow treads and 125cc engines capable of reaching | | | | 250cc, are off-road motorcycles. These are used for |
| 100 mph (160km/h). Some can go over 125 mph (200 | | | | Motocross and Enduros. |
| km/h). These aren't designed for racing, but merely | | | | "Dual-Sport" and Adventure-Touring-these are "on-off |
| for public transportation. They have license plates, | | | | road" bikes. They are similar as the "off-road" |
| blinkers, and other accessories necessary for riding | | | | motorcycles, but they are equipped to ride on public |
| on public roads. | | | | roadways as well. |
| Cruiser-reminiscent of the style of American machines | | | | Farm bike-a variant of the trial bike, this motorcycle |
| during the 1930s through the 1960s. These | | | | was used by dairy farmers in New Zealand during the |
| motorcycles are designed for long distance riding and | | | | early 1960s. These are low-pressure motorcycles |
| provide some comfort. Harley Davidson, Excelsior, | | | | used for easy transportation. |
| Henderson, and the Chopper are cruisers. | | | | Derny bike-a specialized motorcycle used in track |
| Sports bike-performance bikes that are usually lighter | | | | cycling for blocking air-resistance for racing bicycles. |
| and smaller in structure than the cruiser. These | | | | Towing bike-designed by a Swedish company, this |
| motorcycles are racing bikes and have four-cylinder | | | | motorcycle has a high-torque engine and retractable |
| engines ranging 600cc to 750cc. "Super bikes" can | | | | trailer for towing cars and light trucks. The only one |
| also provide up to 1,000cc. | | | | in existence is the Retriever, an altered form of the |
| Touring bike-these motorcycles offer large | | | | Honda GL 1800 old Wing. |
| displacement parts, to protect from inclement | | | | Concept bike-these are prototypes created to |
| weather and heavy winds; high-torque engines; | | | | measure the response to innovative designs, new |
| comfortable, upright seating positions; and large | | | | and unique technologies, cost effectiveness, and |
| capacity fuel tanks for long-range mileage. Types of | | | | other factors. Most are never realized, but a small |
| tour bikes include: Full-dress Tourers, Standard | | | | few are released in compromised combination form, |
| Tourers, Global On+off Road Tourers, and Sports | | | | taking into consideration marketing realities, public |
| Tourers. | | | | reaction and preference, and manufacturing |
| Naked bike-reduced in parts to its essentials, this bike | | | | capabilities. |
| emphasized function, performance, and ergonomics | | | | Motorcycles are the rage of the road-and off the |
| over the appearance that is a preferred feature of | | | | road. These machines are as inspirational as they are |
| the sports and tour bikes. These motorcycles are | | | | dangerous, and they require as much respect as they |
| also referred to as "street" bikes. The Yamaha Seca | | | | do training and practice to operate. If treated well, |
| II is a fine example. | | | | motorcycles will treat riders well. |