| -> | | | | them such as you can now get heated handle bars |
| Until World War One the largest manufacturer of | | | | and heated seats to make your motorcycle journey |
| motorcycles was Indian who produced over 20,000 | | | | more comfortable in cold weather and when riding late |
| bikes per year. By 1920 this honour went to Harley | | | | at night. With the advancements within the motorcycle |
| Davidson. Today, the Japanese manufacturers, Honda, | | | | industry there are now a wide range of motorcycle |
| Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha dominate the | | | | types that are available to you such as the Cruiser. |
| motorcycle industry, although Harley-Davidson still | | | | This motorcycle is mainly produced in the Harley |
| maintains a high degree of popularity in the United | | | | Davidson range and is designed for comfort/looks as it |
| States. | | | | has a relaxed upright reclined seating position. |
| Motorcycles have historically been associated with | | | | The mini bike can't really be called a proper motorcycle |
| subcultures i.e. Cafe Racers of the 1950's and the | | | | as it is extremely small in size and is designed to be |
| Mod's and Rockers of the 1960's. In the times we live | | | | used by both adults and children. It also doesn't have a |
| in today motorcycle events are annually held at places | | | | hand operated clutch or gearbox. These bikes are |
| across the globe in which money is raised for charity. | | | | prohibited to be drove on the roads in certain countries |
| Motorcycle rallies are also held internationally, which | | | | and are mainly used for off-road for racing. Another |
| attract riders from all over the UK. | | | | smaller version of a motorcycle is a moped. This small |
| A motorcycle is a single-track, two-wheeled vehicle | | | | and inexpensive bike is very popular across the UK |
| which is powered by an engine. Styles of motorcycles | | | | amongst younger riders especially. This is because |
| vary depending on the task for which they were | | | | they are small, light and inexpensive. The engine of a |
| designed, such as long distance travel, urban traffic, | | | | moped is mounted to its frame with a chain supplying |
| cruising, sport and racing, or off-road conditions. In | | | | the driving force. |
| many parts of the world, motorcycles are among the | | | | Another highly popular form of motorcycle is the |
| least expensive and most widespread forms of | | | | scooter. These have a step through frame and |
| motorised transport. | | | | generally smaller wheels than a traditional motorcycle |
| The construction of motorcycles, with just a few | | | | with an engine mounted near the rear wheel on the |
| exceptions involves using steel or aluminum frames, | | | | swingarm. These scooters are available in various |
| telescopic forks holding the front wheel, and disc | | | | varieties such as sport, commuter and touring models |
| brakes. A one- to eight-cylinder gasoline powered | | | | with a wide variety of engine sizes from the standard |
| engine coupled to a manual, five- or six-speed | | | | 50cc to 850cc. The main scooters that still remain |
| sequential transmission drives the swingarm-mounted | | | | highly popular are the Vespa scooter and the Piaggio. |
| rear wheel by a chain, driveshaft or belt. | | | | If you are thinking about getting a motorcycle make |
| Since motorcycles have been around they have | | | | sure that you feel comfortable with riding one as |
| constantly been modified and up-dated and new | | | | motorcycles are more likely to become involved in |
| accessories are constantly being produced to better | | | | road traffic accidents than any other vehicle. |