Motorcycle

Many interest groups form around a particular type of riding or style of bike:. He was ranked as the #1 Factory Driver for Nissan for 7 years, as well as two IMSA GTS Driving Championships and two IMSA GTS Manufacturer's Championships. BMW Motorrad has no national owners clubs, but, uniquely, has many independent clubs in different countries, such as BMW Motorcycle Owners of America (BMWMOA) and BMW Riders Association (BMWRA). From 1990 to 1995, the 300ZX (Z32), who was campaigned by Clayton Cunningham Racing was championed by Steve Millen in the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) and its GT and GTS classes. Groups also organise themselves to offer support and advice. The VG30ET was making upwards of 800HP, with a power band that extended from 4000 to 9000 RPM. Such clubs include:. The new Electramotive (later to become NPTI) chassis was easier to work on, more robust and technically superior to the T810.

Most manufacuturers subsidize a club to foster a sense of community between, provide services to, and make money from the owners of their bikes. Additional factory endorcement, combined with a new chassis, gearbox and more reliable Good Year tires contributed to the team's success. There are many brands of motorcycles currently produced as well as vintage brands which can be found here List of motorcycle manufacturers. From 1988 to 1989, the Nissan GTP ZX-Turbo dominated in IMSA GTP racing. Within motorcycle culture, people congregate around brand names, type of bike, and individual models. A series of crashes attributed to tire blowouts combined with difficulty of working on the T810 chassis caused less than stellar performance both seasons. Riders will sometimes stop and help if another rider has broken down. From 1985 to 1987, the Electramotive-developed GTP ZX-Turbo was raced in the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) GTP class using a Lola T810 Chassis and a production-based VG30ET engine.

When riders pass each other in the opposite direction, riders often wave or nod. The car scored their only Trans Am win in 1986 at Lyme Rock by Paul Newman for Bob Sharp Racing. Like most minority cultures, motorcyclists in developed countries "stick together." Most cities have several bars and hangouts where riders congregate. In 1984 to 1985 showroom stock racing, the 300ZX (Z31) was a potent competitor and captured wins on numerous occasions. He encourages more people to engage in such an experience. From the year it was introduced, it won many comparison tests against similar Japanese sports cars such as the Mitsubishi 3000GT/Dodge Stealth and the Mazda RX-7, as well as the Chevrolet Corvette and the Porsche 968. In an article called, "Arizona Road Trip Fulfills Lifelong Dream," a Massachusetts man travels all over Arizona on a Harley Davidson Dyna Low Rider and explains the joy of his trip. It was critically acclaimed by many magazines as being a complete turnaround from the Z31, which many critics felt was a sloppy-handling GT, far from the agile, sporty 240Z of years past.

Often, motorcyclists just love the thrill of traveling the world on the back of a bike. The Z32 Turbo was also Motor Trend's Import Car of the Year for 1990. Many of those who ride motorcycles prefer the more neutral terms "rider" or "motorcyclist." In Australia and New Zealand the word "bikie" is used instead of "biker". The Z32 300ZX Turbo was on Car and Driver magazine's annual Ten Best list every year it was available, from 1990 through 1996. In American speech, the term biker has come to be associated with members of the gangs described above. Production of the Z32 continued in Japan until 1999 through a major redesign in 1998, in naturally aspirated 2-seater, 2+2 seater, and "R" versions, which were 2+2 twin turbo models (as pictured above). This phenomenon is known by sociologists as availability error, and all minority groups in society tend to fall afoul of it. The price of a Twin Turbo 300ZX rose to US $45,000 that year, too high for many consumers and far from the US $27,000 price it had started with.

This is because the very small number of events where a non-motorcyclist is offended by a motorcyclist (perhaps by excess exhaust noise, reckless behaviour, or news reporting of a motorcycle gang incident) are amplified in popular thought. The Z32 was discontinued in 1996 in North America due to dwindling sales figures, heightened smog regulations, and rising production costs. In much of the developed world, motorcycles are thought of as a cheap and efficient means of transportation, but they are tainted by a stereotype of riders as anti-social and reckless, even though the majority are safe and law-abiding. These cars had features such as flamboyant bodywork and paint and extensive performance upgrades, resulting in 460 bhp (343 kW) 1991 edition and 365 bhp (272 kW) 1995 edition. In less developed nations, motorcycles are often the only motorized transportation affordable to the majority of the population. In 1991, as well as in 1995 for the Z's 25th anniversary, Steve Millen, a famous race-car driver from New Zealand, built a limited-edition run of 300 tuned 300ZXs, known as the SMZ, through his company Stillen. The upsurge in extreme sports and hobbies coincides with the upsurge in workplace and home safety. Twin Turbo models featured electronically adjustable shock absorbers, and Nissan's all-wheel-steering system SUPER HICAS (Super High Capacity Actively Controlled Suspension), which could turn the rear wheels a full two degrees at speed.

It has been theorized based on data, that humans have some innate need for risk. The platform was new, with a longer 97-in wheelbase and sophisticated multi-link suspension front and rear. See Born again biker. One major difference between the VG30E(T) in the Z31 and the VG30DE(TT) placed in the Z32 was the dual overhead cam design and variable valve timing system (which was removed in 1996 to meet smog regulation). A substantial increase in the number of riders (regardless of age) indicates a greater number of inexperienced riders, who are more likely to be involved in accidents. It also featured larger 245/45-16 and 16x8.5 wheels in the back as opposed to the 225/50-16 tires in front and on the NA version. Many of these riders are either new to the sport, or have not been on a motorcycle for many years; they would benefit from rider training as much or more so than any new rider. They also came with the requisite "Twin Turbo" badging in the rear and a subtle tail spoiler, which was enlarged and redesigned in 1994.

and Europe are also seeing a surge in motorcycle ownership, thanks in large part to an older demographic, people in their 40's and 50's. The twin-turbo Z32s can be spotted with a different front bumper featuring three vents for supplying air to the dual intercoolers, as opposed to the naturally aspirated (NA) models. The U.S, U.K. Twin Turbo models were not offered as a 2+2 or convertible in the United States. See also: Squid_(motorcycle) Hooligan. A naturally aspirated convertible model was also introduced in 1993. These people contribute significantly to the fatality and injury rates of motorcyclists. It featured a naturally aspirated engine rated at 222 hp, and a top-of-the-line Twin-Turbo version rated at 300 hp (224 kW) at 9.5 lbf/in² (66 kPa) of boost through two intercoolers.

Because of this, they sometimes attract people — typically, but not exclusively, young men — with a propensity to take great risks or behave dangerously and anti-socially. The Z32 was a complete redesign. Motorcycles are typically more agile, can accelerate more quickly, and are generally perceived to be more fun to ride than an average car. Nissan replaced this very successful car with an upgraded (and much more expensive) version in 1990, dubbed the Z32 but also called 300ZX because it kept the same 3.0L of displacement. Gangs represent far less than 1% of motorcyclists. The Z31 was in production until 1989 and sold more cars than any other Z car made to date. Most motorcycle organizations have law-abiding and peaceful members, and many raise money for charities through organized events and rides. The Z31 was slightly restyled in 1987 due to its quickly aging design.

Others are purportedly fraternal organizations, the most well known of these being the Hells Angels. There were no stellar differences setting the SS apart from a regular 1988 model 300ZX Turbo except for the pearl white paint, front air dam, wheels, suspension and a viscous limited-slip differential in place of the clutch type. Some of these subcultures have been loose-knit social groups such as the Cafe racers of 1950s Britain, and the Mods and Rockers of the 1960s. In 1988 Nissan released a pearl white 300ZX "Shiro Special" (AKA SS) with stiffer springs, matched shocks and no available options. Across the world, and both past and present, motorcycles have been associated with subcultures of society. In 1984, the 300ZX 50th Anniversary Edition was released in celebration of the company's 50th anniversary. For a complete discussion, see the main article: Motorcycle Safety. There were also two special models produced.

Most of these accident are caused by car drivers though who tend to underestimate the speed and acceleration of motorcycles or simply overlook them. All turbo charged models featured 3-way electronically adjustable shock absorbers. Given that motorcycles cover less distance than cars per year on average, the figure per unit distance is likely to be much worse. The chassis remained somewhat similar to the 280ZX, with the same 91.3 in (2319 mm) wheelbase and MacPherson strut/trailing arm independent suspension, however the 300ZX both handled and accelerated better than the 280ZX it replaced. The rate for motorcycles is 66.7 per 100,000. In Japan, the turbo version became the highest horsepower available in a consumer vehicle on the JDM market. According to the US Highway Safety Authority, in 2002 20.9 cars out of 100,000 ended up in fatal crashes. Later versions of the same engines were rated at 165 and 205 horsepower.

Motorcycles have a far higher rate of crippling and fatal accidents per unit distance than automobiles. It offered V6 engines (the earilier Z-cars were all powered with an I6) for the first time in the Z chassis: a naturally-aspirated VG30E and turbocharged VG30ET, which initially produced 160 and 200 horsepower (127 and 172 kW), respectively. For a complete discussion of contemporary motorcyle types, see the main article: types of motorcycle. After 1984, the 300ZX was sold under the Nissan name. Motorcyles have been built in myriad different models for innumerable different purposes. The Z31 chassis designation was first introduced in 1983 as a 1984 model and the third-generation Datsun Z-car. Riders without a fuel gauge usually learn how many miles / km they can do with a full tank of fuel, and then use a trip meter if available to judge when they must refill the tank. .

There is not actually a separate reserve tank, the intake for the petcock has two pipes, one extending higher into the fuel tank than the other, when fuel no longer covers the long pipe the rider switches to the shorter pipe. It comprises the third and fourth generations of Nissan's Z-car line-up, respectively given the chassis designations Z31 and Z32. Fuel gauges are becoming more common, however traditionally a reserve tank arrangement has been used with a petcock on the side of the motorcycle allowing the rider to switch to a reserve fuel supply when the main fuel supply is exhausted; this is typically done while the vehicle is in motion. The Nissan 300ZX, also known as the Nissan Fairlady Z is a sports car produced by Nissan Motor Company. Almost all motorcycles have a speedometer, an odometer and a tachometer. In any case, a canister of nitrous oxide is rapidly expended, and impractical for sustained use on a road-going bike by any sane rider.

Using methods like nitrous oxide are fine on dragstrips, but while not illegal, can be very dangerous on the street. It's very easy to blow the head gaskets or burn the valves of the engine with careless nitrous oxide injection. Engines using large amounts of nitrous oxide need precise mixtures and/or configurable timing and carburation. The main benefits of nitrous oxide are three-fold —.

With great care, an engine can be helped to "sprint" by injecting small amounts of nitrous oxide (N₂O). However, due to the special motorcycle dynamics, turbochargers are rarely used on production bikes. In addition, the compression ratio must be considered and adjusted accordingly, as an "overboosted" engine will destroy itself as well. Engine internals such as pistons and connecting rods must be replaced with stronger ones for all but the smallest boost.

On low boost settings, the turbocharger can increase power and fuel range. Since more air is being forced into the engine, the air/fuel ratio must be changed to prevent the engine from running lean [and potentially destroying itself]. Turbochargers are generally more effective than superchargers because turbos spin using the exhaust gases while a supercharger uses engine power to spin it directly (usually via a belt system), robbing power. One of the most effective ways of increasing power is forced induction.

There is even a school of thought that louder systems are safer, as they attract the attention of (car) drivers, who might otherwise have failed to notice the motorcyclist. Most countries have limits on how much noise can legally be produced by vehicles, however this usually does not deter motorcyclists from fitting louder exhaust systems. Aftermarket exhaust systems are usually louder, by varying degrees, than stock systems. A "custom" tuned exhaust will often operate only at a narrower range of engine RPM, and therefore more suited to more specialised applications, usually racing (road or drag).

However many modern production bikes already have tuned exhausts. This helps evacuate the exhaust from the engine more rapidly, and permits a longer power-stroke. Another way to increase performance is to install a tuned exhaust system. Replacing stock shocks and fork springs as well as changing damping and valving rates will result in dramatic improvements in motorcycle stability and increased speed and rider confidence as a result.

Suspension is typically the one element of the motorcycle that will receive the least amount of engineering attention from the factory. More usable improvements can be had by improving and upgrading suspension components. Done correctly, this increases the velocity of the fuel / air mixture entering the cylinder, packing more mixture in per revolution. Enlarging cylinder head ports, while common practice amongst many tuners, is often unnecessary (unless a big-bore kit has been fitted) to the extent that many engines benefit from decreasing the volume in the cylinder head.

Blueprinting, or meticulous restoration of an engine to (or beyond) factory tolerances can help to improve an engine's efficiency and restore power that would otherwise be lost. Improper attempts at tuning can yield benefits in one particular part of an engine's power band, while impairing performance everywhere else, provoking a net loss of power or handling. Engine modifications can yield appreciable performance improvements, but this is often costly and very time-consuming. This is obvious, but often neglected.

On the engine, keep the air filter and drive chain (or drive belt) clean, use high-quality lubricants and fuel with precisely-tuned spark plugs, air / fuel mixture, and timing. The right tires kept at the proper pressure will contribute to both speed and safety. The next-most-common cause of loss of speed is one of the easiest to remedy: rolling resistance. Even experienced riders can benefit from top-level instructors helping to fine-tune their skills, as well as the opportunity to practice crash-avoidance techniques in a more controlled environment (and without risking one's own motorcycle).

By attending riding schools and increasing rider education levels, a motorcyclist will be able to ride more skillfully and, thus, more safely. The most efficient way to improve the handling and speed of a motorcycle is via increased operator skill. The use of an approved helmet is required by law in many countries (or individual localities therein). Wearing a t-shirt, shorts, and sandals on a motorcycle is not advised.

The motorcyclist must, therefore, consider proper motorcycle attire such as helmet ("full-face" providing the most protection), gloves, boots, and leather or synthetic protective clothing. If a tire loses grip or goes flat, the rider may crash and make contact in a rather forceful (and very possibly a painful) manner with the road or other obstacles. In most cases street riders will actually achieve higher levels of performance using street tires than race compounds. Race compounds are designed specifically for the short life and few heat cycles of a race environment, where street tires are designed for multiple heat cycles and use in a street environment.

However, race compound tires should NOT be used in street applications. Motorcycle tires can also be found in "race compounds". Small cracks on the sidewall or bald spots on the tread are an indicators of the need to replace the tire. Tires usually have an average life expectancy of about four to five years from date of manufacture; as mentioned above, mileage is also a factor, with many street tires having a service life between 3,000 and 10,000 miles.

Tires should be maintained at the proper air pressure at all times; tire pressure is critical, the difference of a few PSI can have a dramatic impact on the handling and longevity of the tire. Some cruiser tires have raised white lettering on the sidewalls as a "retro" detail. Cruisers and "Sport Touring" tires try to find the best compromise between grip and durability. Touring tires are usually harder rubber and last longer but provide less grip (significantly less grip while cold, and the heavier rubber takes longer to warm up), while sport/performance tires provide amazing grip but may only last 1,000 miles (1,600 km) or less.

Dirtbike tires have knobby, deep treads for maximum grip on loose dirt, mud, or gravel — such tires tend to be less stable on paved surfaces. There are tires designed for dirtbikes, touring, sport and cruiser bikes. That is the small area that is in contact with the road surface while riding. Motorcycles use pneumatic tires ('tyres' in the UK) which come in many configurations, the most important part of any being the contact patch.

However, the additional gearsets are a source of power loss and add to bike weight. This arrangement is superior in terms of noise, cleanliness, and is virtually maintenance free. Inside the bell housing a bevelled gear on the shaft mates with another on the wheel mount. A shaft drive is completely enclosed, the visual cue is a tube extending from the rear of the transmission to a bell-housing on the rear wheel.

The belt is frequently toothed. However, belt drives are limited in the amount of power they can transmit. A belt drive is still subject to stretch, but operates very quietly, cleanly, and efficiently. Many manufacturers offer cruiser models with final drive options of a belt, or a shaft.

Many motorcyclists replace the chain and both sprockets as a set to maintain efficiency and safety. Chains do deteriorate, and excessive wear on the front and rear sprockets can be dangerous. The lubricant is subject to being thrown off the fast-moving chain and results in grime and dirt buildup. Final drive from the gearbox to the rear wheel is typically accomplished with a chain, which requires both lubrication and adjustment for elongation (stretch) through wear.

Advanced drivers can perform "full-throttle upshifts" on racing mounts, but this risks both the warranty and mechanical integrity. Aided by beveled edges on the gears, shifting gears is simple for novices - no double clutching or grinding of gears. The two shafts are always geared together (except in neutral), always spinning at a speed nearly approximating the next higher or lower gear ratio. Also, gear synchronizers typically found in passenger cars with manual transmissions are not necessary.

The small mass of the whole arrangement allows for extremely quick gear changes. Operating the shift lever slides individual gears on one shaft, to intersect with a matching gear on the other. One shaft is geared to the final drive mechanism, and the other to the clutch. Internally, a rotating cam on the shift lever operates cogs on two counter-rotating shafts carrying a variety of gears.

From neutral, you may select either first or second gear, but higher gears may only be accessed in order - you may not shift from second gear to fourth gear, without shifting through third gear. The most commonly used transmission is a sequential gearbox. A lever on the handlebar, through a cable or hydraulic arrangement, uses mechanical advantage to release the clutch spring, allowing the engine to freewheel with respect to the transmission. Whether wet (rotating in engine oil) or dry, the plates are squeezed together by a spring, causing friction buildup between the plates until they rotate as a single unit, driving the transmission directly.

The clutch is typically an arrangement of plates stacked in alternating fashion, one geared on the inside to the engine, and next geared on the outside to the transmission input shaft. Only the largest touring motorcycles (most prominently, the Honda Goldwing) and a few models that are routinely used with a sidecar are fitted with a reverse gear. Modern motorcycles normally have five or six forward gears. In contrast, racing motorcycles have all gears arranged "below" the first gear, thus pressing the gear lever always shifts up, while lifting it shifts down.

Neutral sits between first gear and second, so a small lift out of first causes the gearbox to change into neutral, but a large movement causes the gearbox to change into second gear. Downshifting is done by pressing the gear lever. A normal street motorcycle is put in first gear by pressing the gear lever, while second and all further gears are reached by lifting it. The gear lever operates by shifting gears when it is pressed or lifted.

The transmission is controlled by a clutch lever under the left hand in standard configurations, a twistgrip throttle on the right handlebar and a gear lever at the left foot. Motorcycles have, over time, been powered by an extraordinary array of engines, from very early models powered by steam, to the ubiquitous gasoline engines of today. Note: This technique is not recommended for public road use. Racers while hard on the front brake will feather the rear brake just enough to start a controlled rear slide, thus rendering a sharper turn angle.

The technique of steering the motorcycle in a high speed turn (or lower speeds on a dirt course) using the rear brake is called "backing it in" (or "turning" on dirt). Another variation of brake use can be seen at top level motorcycle roadracing and motorcross events. Trailbraking is a term used to describe carrying the braking action of a vehicle past the turn entry, allowing the rider to adjust speed all the way through a turn to the apex. This is a highly skilled (and generally illegal) maneuver which requires practice to perfect.

The phenomenon known as a "stoppie" may only be achieved if the front brake is used aggressively with no application of the rear brake; if sufficient force is applied to the front brake, the rear of the motorcycle chassis will lift off the roadway, while the bike continues to move forward on the still-rotating front wheel. Another common misconception is that application of the rear brake will cause motorcycle instability. Riders fear that aggressive use of the front brake will stop rotation of the tire and cause loss of control, or a skid, and therefore often fail to use the front brake to its full potential. In virtually all cases, 70% to 90% of total braking force should be applied by the front brake when operated on a hard surface such as tarmac, with the remainder being simultaneously applied to the rear brake.

Some manufacturers have created Antilock braking systems (ABS). There are many brake performance enhancing aftermarket parts available for most motorcycles including brake pads of varying compounds and steel braided brake lines. Brakes can either be drum or disc based, with disc brakes being more common on large, modern or expensive motorcycles for their far superior stopping power, particularly in wet conditions. The front brake is generally much more powerful than the rear as roughly 2/3rds of stopping power can come from the front brake when properly applied and in some cases 100% depending on the model of motorcycle and operator; rear wheels can generally lock and skid much more easily than the front due to weight distribution dynamics.

However, several models have "linked brakes" which apply both at the same time, although one more than the other. In older motorcycles the rear may be on the left foot. There are generally two independent brakes on a motorcycle, one set on the front wheel, controlled by the right hand lever, and one on the rear controlled by the right foot. The rear suspension can consist of several shock arrangements:.

The rear suspension supports the swingarm, which is attached via the swingarm pivot bolt to the frame and holds the axle of the rear wheel. This is the speed at which the rider's feet can no longer be safely used to balance the bike. The rake should be chosen so that precessive force from countersteer and body steering slightly overbalance the leaning forces from the weight of the bike, at a speed near the running speed of a person. The angle of rake determines how controllable the steering is.

The front fork is the most critical part of a motorcycle. The front suspension generally consists of sliding steel tubes with long springs inside called forks which use hydraulic fluid for damping shock absorbers. Modern designs have the two wheels of a motorcycle connected to the chassis by a suspension arrangement, however 'chopper' style motorcycles often elect to forego rear suspension ("rigid frame"). Based on The control and stability analysis of two-wheeled road vehicles:.

There could be three kinds of stability problems with motorbikes:. Cabin cycle solved the problem of aerodynamics by isolating driver from outside air. However, these motorcycles still effectively push their way through the atmosphere with brute force. In the absence of a fairing or windshield, a phenomenon known as the windsock effect occurs at speeds above 100 km/h, where the rider becomes a major source of drag and is pushed back from the handlebars, tiring the rider.

Another problem is the fact that no designs have been discovered that can improve aerodynamic performance without unacceptably compromising the rider's ability to control the machine. As can be seen from the streamlined appearance of new performance motorcycles, there is much aerodynamic technology included in the design, but unfortunately no one has been able to overcome the effect from the turbulence caused by the spinning front wheel which disallows the motorcycle from cutting a clean path through the air. Drag is the major factor that limits motorcycle speed, as it increases at the square of the velocity, with the resultant required horsepower increasing with the cube of velocity. A plastic or fiberglass shell, known as a fairing, is placed over the frame in some models to shield the rider from the wind.

Performance racing motorcycles often use carbon-fiber wheels, but the expense of these wheels is prohibitively high for general usage. The wheel rims are usually steel (generally with steel spokes and an aluminium hub) or 'mag' type cast or machined aluminum. At least one motorcycle manufacturer (Buell) offer models that use a hollow frame as the fuel tank, and various manufacturers offer designs which use part of the frame as an oil reservoir. This tank is generally made of stamped, brazed or welded sheet metal, or blow molded high-density polyethylene.

The fuel tank is usually mounted above the engine. Some motorcycles include the engine as a load-bearing (or stressed) member; this has been used all through bike history but is now becoming more common. Carbon-fiber is used in a few very expensive custom frames. The chassis (or frame) of a motorcycle is typically made from welded aluminium or steel (or an alloy) struts, with the rear suspension being an integral component in the design.

Variations exist:. Recent years have also seen a resurgence in the popularity of many other brands, including BMW, Triumph and Ducati. Today, the Japanese manufacturers Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha dominate the motorcycle industry, although Harley-Davidson still maintains a high degree of popularity in America. British manufacturers held a dominant position in some markets until the rise of the Japanese manufacturers (led by Honda) in the late 1960s and early 1970s who were able to produce designs faster, cheaper and of better quality.

The German NSU was the largest manufacturer from 1955 until the 1970s when Honda became the most prominent manufacturer, a title it retains to this day. After the Second World War, in 1951, the BSA Group became the largest producer of motorcycles in the world. After that, this honour went to Harley Davidson, until 1928 when DKW took over as the largest manufacturer. Up until the First World War, the largest motorcycle manufacturer was Indian.

As the engines became more powerful and designs outgrew the bicycle origins, the number of motorcycle producers reduced. In the early period of motorcycle history there were many manufacturers as producers of bicycles adapted their designs for the new internal combustion engine. In 1894, the Hildebrand & Wolfmüller was the first motorcycle that was available for purchase. This machine predates the invention of the safety bicycle by many years, so its chassis is also based on the "bone-crusher" bike.

It's powered by a charcoal-fired two-cylinder engine, whose connecting rods directly drive a crank on the rear wheel. There is an existing example of a Roper machine, dated 1869. One such machine was demonstrated at fairs and circuses in the eastern US in 1867, built by one Sylvester Howard Roper of Roxbury, Massachusetts. However,if one counts two wheels with steam propulsion as being a motorcycle, then the first one may have been American.

They had not set out to create a vehicle form but to build a simple carriage for the engine which was the focus of their endeavours. It was the first petroleum-powered vehicle ever and, but for the provision of a pair of stabilizing wheels, a motorized bicycle, although they called their invention the Reitwagen ("riding car"). The inspiration for the earliest motorcycles, and arguably the first motorcycle, was designed and built by the German inventors Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach in Bad Cannstatt (a city district of Stuttgart) in 1885. .

The rider sits astride the vehicle on a seat, with hands on a set of handlebars which are used to steer the motorcycle, in conjunction with the rider shifting his weight through his feet, which are supported on a set of footpegs which stick out from the frame. The wheels are in-line, and at higher speed the motorcycle remains upright and stable by virtue of gyroscopic forces; at lower speeds continual readjustment of the steering by the rider gives stability. A motorcycle is a two-wheeled vehicle powered by an engine. Parry Sound Sportbike Rally.

Sturgis Motorcycle Rally [5]. Port Dover Friday the 13th [4]. Laconia Motorcycle Week [3]. Daytona Bike Week [2].

Minibikes or Pocket-Bikes as used in Pocketbike racing. Adventure Touring (dual-sport bikes) Ontario Dual Sport Club. Extreme Distance Events (competitive long distance riding, including Iron Butt events). Touring and Motorcycle camping (touring and dual-sport bikes).

Cruising (cruisers, or motorcycles that resemble Harley-Davidson models). Street Racing (sport bikes). Classic Racing (Racing bikes from an earlier era). Track Racing (sport bikes).

The Single Overhead Cam Owners Club dedicated to SOHC4 Hondas. East Coast Bikers Forum. FJRForum. Katriders.

[1]. V4HondaBBS. Suzuki Intruder-Boulevard Owners Club. Honda Owners Club.

Riders of Kawasaki (RoK). Harley Owners Group (HOG). Yamaha Owners Club. Boss Hoss Riders Association.

This colder mixture helps to keep the engine running cooler, which is very useful as nitrous oxide is almost exclusively used in stressful, high RPM situations, primarily drag racing. This chilling effect raises the density of the mixture, packing more fuel and oxygen into the combustion chamber. As nitrous oxide is stored in liquid form, it is still very cold when it evaporates and is mixed with fuel. More oxygen is introduced into an engine's combustion chamber.

'Softail' style monoshock, which is mounted horizontally in front of the swingarm, below the swingarm pivot bolt. traditional monoshock, which is placed at the front of the swingarm, above the swingarm pivot bolt. dual shocks, which are placed at the far ends of the swingarm. Rear load assemblies with appropriate stiffness and damping were successful in damping out weave and wobble oscillations.

Degraded damping of the rear suspension, rear loading and increased speed amplifies cornering weave tendencies. Amongst others, stiff frames, a long wheelbase, a long trail and a flat steering head angle were found to increase weave mode damping. The largest contribution to the weave damping came from the cornering and camber stiffnesses and relaxation length of the rear tyre and not so much from the same parameters of the front tyre. Lateral distortion should be opposed as much as possible by locating the front fork torsional axis as low as possible.

Common levels of lateral stiffness at the wheel spindle deteriorates the wobble mode damping substantially with significant changes in the wobble frequency as well, and slight reduction in the weave mode damping at high speeds. From a stability point of view it is desirable to make the lateral stiffness as large as possible, with the possibility of an optimum value for the torsional stiffness of the rear frame. Tyre (tire) characteristics and inflation pressures are important variables in the behaviour of the motorcycle at high speeds. The weave oscillations damp out once the rider reduced the roll angle.

It can become unstable at higher speeds with fatal results. Weaving (AVI movie) is a low frequency (2-3 Hz) oscillation of the whole vehicle. It can appear at moderate speeds. It is often relatively harmless but annoying (and quite frightening if previously inexperienced).

Wobbling (AVI movie) is a high frequency (7-9 Hz) oscillation of the front wheel. Capsizing is well known in low speeds, and easy to overcome by the rider using their feet support themselves. However, a proper motorcycle has fewer than four wheels in contact with the ground. (Early models had a single front wheel, but these were prone to rollovers.) ATVs are used off-road for utility and recreation.

These have two or more back wheels, usually two front wheels, an open driver's seat and a motorcycle-type handlebar. Motorcycle manufacturers often also produce All-terrain vehicles or ATVs. There are other 3-wheeled variations, commonly referred to as a trike or motortricycle. Some motorcycles can be fitted with a sidecar, this converting it into a 3-wheeler or "hack".

Some motorcycles have floorboards instead of footpegs. There are three basic forms of motorcycles: offroad, street and dual-purpose.