Editing Motorcycle

{{Short description|Two- or three-wheeled motor vehicle}}
{{hatnote group|
{{Other uses}}
{{Distinguish|Motocycle|Motorized bicycle}}
{{For|the song by Poppy|Zig (album)}}
}}
{{Use British English|date=January 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2020}}
[[File:Norton Motorcycle.jpg|thumb|upright=1.35|A classic [[Norton Motorcycle Company|Norton]] motorcycle|alt=]]
[[File:NSU Lambretta, 150 cm³, 6 PS, Bj. 1955 (2018-06-03 Sp sw qu).JPG|thumb|upright=1.35|1955 NSU [[Lambretta]] 150 [[Scooter (motorcycle)|scooter]]]]

A '''motorcycle''' ('''motorbike''', '''bike'''; '''uni''' (if one-wheeled); '''trike''' (if three-wheeled); '''quad''' (if four-wheeled)) is a lightweight private 1-to-2 passenger personal [[motor vehicle]] [[Steering|steered]] by a [[Motorcycle handlebar|handlebar]] from a saddle-style seat.<ref name=definitions/><ref>{{Cite web|title=Motorcycle|url=https://www.britannica.com/technology/motorcycle|access-date=29 August 2020|website=Encyclopedia Britannica|archive-date=20 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220120220629/https://www.britannica.com/technology/motorcycle|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=1 October 2010|title=Code of Federal Regulations, 49 CFR 571.3 — Definitions|url=https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/CFR-2010-title49-vol6/CFR-2010-title49-vol6-sec571-3/summary|access-date=29 August 2020|website=govinfo|page=239|quote=Motorcycle means a motor vehicle with motive power having a seat or saddle for the use of the rider and designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground.|archive-date=27 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127062722/https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/CFR-2010-title49-vol6/CFR-2010-title49-vol6-sec571-3/summary|url-status=live}}</ref>

Motorcycle designs vary greatly to suit a range of different purposes: [[Long-distance motorcycle riding|long-distance]] travel, [[Motorcycle commuting|commuting]], [[cruising (driving)|cruising]], [[Motorcycle sport|sport]] (including [[Motorcycle racing|racing]]), and [[Off-roading|off-road]] riding. [[Motorcycling]] is riding a motorcycle and being involved in other related social activities such as joining a [[motorcycle club]] and attending [[motorcycle rally|motorcycle rallies]].

The 1885 [[Daimler Reitwagen]] made by [[Gottlieb Daimler]] and [[Wilhelm Maybach]] in Germany was the first internal combustion, [[petroleum]]-fueled motorcycle. In 1894, [[Hildebrand & Wolfmüller]] became the first series production motorcycle.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bicyclehistory.net/motorcycle-history/motorocycle-timeline/|title=Motorcycle Timeline – Evolution of Motorcycles|website=bicyclehistory.net|access-date=25 February 2020|archive-date=25 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200225232913/http://www.bicyclehistory.net/motorcycle-history/motorocycle-timeline/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thehenryford.org/collections-and-research/digital-collections/artifact/23190/|title=Hildebrand & Wolfmuller Motorcycle, circa 1894 – The Henry Ford|website=thehenryford.org|access-date=25 February 2020|archive-date=25 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200225232913/https://www.thehenryford.org/collections-and-research/digital-collections/artifact/23190/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Globally, motorcycles are comparable numerically to cars as a method of transport: in 2021, approximately 58.6 million new motorcycles were sold around the world,<ref name="McD_global_sales">{{Cite web |date=2022-03-10 |title=Global Motorcycles Market – Data & Fact 2022 |url=https://www.motorcyclesdata.com/2022/03/10/world-motorcycles-market/ |access-date=2022-05-04 |website=Motorcycles Data |language=en-US |archive-date=29 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529013216/https://www.motorcyclesdata.com/2022/03/10/world-motorcycles-market/ |url-status=live }}</ref> while 66.7 million cars were sold over the same period.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Global car sales 2010–2021 |url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/200002/international-car-sales-since-1990/ |access-date=2022-05-04 |website=Statista |language=en |archive-date=29 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220429162924/https://www.statista.com/statistics/200002/international-car-sales-since-1990/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2022, the top four motorcycle producers by volume and type were [[Honda]], [[Yamaha Motor Company|Yamaha]], [[Kawasaki motorcycles|Kawasaki]], and [[Suzuki]].<ref>{{cite web |date=January 2023 |title=List of Motorcycle specifications database in the world |url=https://www.motorcyclespecs.us/ |access-date=2023-01-17 |publisher=motorcyclespecs.us |archive-date=18 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230118033738/https://www.motorcyclespecs.us/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

According to the [[United States Department of Transportation|US Department of Transportation]], the number of fatalities per [[vehicle]] mile traveled was 37 times higher for motorcycles than for cars.<ref name="www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov">{{cite web |title=Traffic safety facts, 2008. Report no. DOT HS-811-159 |publisher=NHTSA's National Center for Statistics and Analysis |year=2008 |url=http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/pubs/811159.pdf |access-date=15 September 2010 |archive-date=4 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100704221255/http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/811159.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Types==
{{Main|Types of motorcycles}}
The term motorcycle has different legal definitions depending on jurisdiction (see {{section link||Legal definitions and restrictions}}).

There are three major types of motorcycle: street, off-road, and dual purpose. Within these types, there are many sub-types of motorcycles for different purposes. There is often a [[Motorcycle racing|racing]] counterpart to each type, such as [[road racing]] and street bikes, or [[motocross]] including dirt bikes.

Street bikes include [[cruiser (motorcycle)|cruisers]], [[sportbike]]s, [[scooter (motorcycle)|scooters]] and [[moped]]s, and many other types. Off-road motorcycles include many types designed for dirt-oriented racing classes such as [[motocross]] and are not street legal in most areas. Dual purpose machines like the [[dual-sport]] style are made to go off-road but include features to make them legal and comfortable on the street as well.

Each configuration offers either specialised advantage or broad capability, and each design creates a different riding posture.

In some countries the use of [[pillion]]s (rear seats) is restricted.
<gallery heights="150" mode="packed">
File:2009-02-14 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom and Yamaha FZ6.jpg|A [[cruiser (motorcycle)|cruiser]] (front) and a [[sportbike]] (background)
File:URAL650-SPORTSMAN.jpg|A [[IMZ-Ural|Ural]] motorcycle with a [[sidecar]]
File:Gendarmerie motor officer raising arm in traffic.jpg|[[Gendarmerie Nationale (France)|French gendarme]] on a [[police motorcycle]]
</gallery>

==History==
{{Main|History of the motorcycle}}

===Experimentation and invention===
[[File:Daimler-1-motorcycle-1.jpg|thumb|Replica of the Daimler-Maybach ''Reitwagen'']]
The first [[internal combustion engine|internal combustion]], [[petroleum]] fueled motorcycle was the [[Daimler Reitwagen|Daimler ''Reitwagen'']]. It was designed and built by the German inventors [[Gottlieb Daimler]] and [[Wilhelm Maybach]] in [[Bad Cannstatt]], Germany, in 1885.<ref name="ThePast1800s">{{cite web |title=The Past – 1800s: First motorcycle |work=The History and Future of Motorcycles and motorcycling – From 1885 to the Future, Total Motorcycle Website |url=http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/future.htm#1800s |access-date=28 June 2007 |archive-date=8 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170608130856/http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/future.htm#1800s |url-status=live }}</ref> This vehicle was unlike either the [[safety bicycle]]s or the [[Boneshaker (bicycle)|boneshaker]] bicycles of the era in that it had zero degrees of [[Bicycle and motorcycle geometry#Steering axis angle|steering axis angle]] and no [[Bicycle and motorcycle geometry#Fork offset|fork offset]], and thus did not use the principles of [[bicycle and motorcycle dynamics]] developed nearly 70 years earlier. Instead, it relied on two outrigger wheels to remain upright while turning.{{sfn|Lienhard |2005|pp=120-121}}

The inventors called their invention the ''Reitwagen'' ("riding car"). It was designed as an expedient testbed for their new engine, rather than a true prototype vehicle.{{sfn|Setright |1979}}{{sfn|Falco|1998}}

[[File:Butler's Patent Velocycle.jpg|thumb|Butler's Patent Velocycle]]
The first commercial design for a self-propelled cycle was a three-wheel design called the Butler Petrol Cycle, conceived of [[Edward Butler (inventor)|Edward Butler]] in [[England]] in 1884.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia|url=https://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/394358/motorcycle|title=motorcycle (vehicle)|encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Britannica|access-date=23 June 2022|archive-date=1 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140901010157/http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/394358/motorcycle|url-status=live}}</ref> He exhibited his plans for the vehicle at the [[Stanley Cycle Show]] in London in 1884. The vehicle was built by the [[Merryweather & Sons|Merryweather Fire Engine]] company in [[Greenwich]], in 1888.{{sfn|Georgano|2002|p=22}}

The Butler Petrol Cycle was a three-wheeled vehicle, with the rear wheel directly driven by a {{cvt|5/8|hp}}, {{cvt|40|cc}} displacement, {{cvt|2 + 1/4|×|5|in}} bore × stroke, [[Flat twin engine|flat twin]] [[four-stroke engine]] (with [[magneto ignition]] replaced by coil and battery) equipped with [[rotary valves]] and a float-fed [[carburettor]] (five years before [[Wilhelm Maybach|Maybach]]) and [[Ackermann steering geometry|Ackermann steering]], all of which were state of the art at the time. Starting was by compressed air. The engine was liquid-cooled, with a [[radiator]] over the rear driving wheel. Speed was controlled by means of a [[throttle]] valve lever. No braking system was fitted; the vehicle was stopped by raising and lowering the rear driving wheel using a foot-operated lever; the weight of the machine was then borne by two small castor wheels. The driver was seated between the front wheels. It was not, however, a success, as Butler failed to find sufficient financial backing.{{sfn|Georgano|2002|pp=20-22}}

Many authorities have excluded [[steam engine|steam powered]], [[electric motorcycles]] or diesel-powered two-wheelers from the definition of a 'motorcycle', and credit the Daimler ''Reitwagen'' as the world's first motorcycle.<ref name=OED>{{Cite book |title=Oxford English Dictionary Online |publisher=Oxford University Press |date=March 2009 |chapter=motorcycle, n. |quote= 1. A two-wheeled motor-driven road vehicle, resembling a bicycle but powered by an internal-combustion engine; (now) spec. one with an engine capacity, top speed, or weight greater than that of a moped.}}</ref><ref name="Wired20110830">{{Cite news |last=Long |first=Tony |date=30 August 2007 |title=Aug.&nbsp;30, 1885: Daimler Gives World First 'True' Motorcycle |url=https://www.wired.com/2011/08/0830daimler-first-true-motorcycle/ |magazine=[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]] |issn=1059-1028 |access-date=10 March 2017 |archive-date=22 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161222102357/https://www.wired.com/2011/08/0830daimler-first-true-motorcycle/ |url-status=live }}</ref>{{sfn|Kresnak|2008}} Given the rapid rise in use of electric motorcycles worldwide,<ref name=MotorBikeWriter.com>{{Cite web |url=http://motorbikewriter.com/electric-bikes-drive-global-sales/ |title=Electric Bikes Drive Global Sales |date=24 December 2014 |access-date=5 March 2015 |archive-date=20 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150320231126/http://motorbikewriter.com/electric-bikes-drive-global-sales/ |url-status=live }}</ref> defining only internal-combustion powered two-wheelers as 'motorcycles' is increasingly problematic. The first (petroleum fueled) internal-combustion motorcycles, like the German ''Reitwagen'', were, however, also the first practical motorcycles.<ref name="Wired20110830" /><ref>{{Cite journal|last=Barnum|first=Merritt H.|date=August 1963|title=New Image in Motorcycling|journal=American Motorcyclist|volume=17|pages=5|issn=0277-9358}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last=Wineland|first=Lynn|title=The Complete Book of Motorcycling|publisher=Petersen Publishing Company|year=1964|pages=7|asin=B0007E0SN8}}</ref>

If a two-wheeled vehicle with steam propulsion is considered a motorcycle, then the first motorcycles built seem to be the French [[Michaux-Perreaux steam velocipede]] which patent application was filed in December 1868,{{sfn|Setright |1979}}{{sfn|Falco|1998}} constructed around the same time as the American [[Roper steam velocipede]], built by [[Sylvester H. Roper]] of [[Roxbury, Massachusetts]],{{sfn|Setright |1979}}{{sfn|Falco|1998}}
who had been demonstrating his machine at fairs and circuses in the eastern U.S. since 1867.<ref name="ThePast1800s"/> Roper built about 10 steam cars and cycles from the 1860s until his death in 1896.{{sfn|Kresnak|2008}}

====Summary of early inventions====
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Year !! Vehicle !! Number of wheels !! Inventor !! Engine type !! Notes
|-
| 1867–1868 ||  [[Michaux-Perreaux steam velocipede]] || 2 || Pierre Michaux<br>Louis-Guillaume Perreaux || Steam || 
*One made
|-
| 1867–1868 || [[Roper steam velocipede]] || 2 || Sylvester Roper || Steam || 
*One made
|-
| 1885 || [[Daimler Reitwagen]] || 2 (plus 2 outriggers) || Gottlieb Daimler<br>Wilhelm Maybach || Petroleum internal-combustion || 
*One made
|-
| 1887 || [[Edward Butler (inventor)|Butler Petrol Cycle]] || 3 (plus 2 castors)|| Edward Butler || Petroleum internal-combustion ||
|-
| 1894 || [[Hildebrand & Wolfmüller]] || 2 || Heinrich Hildebrand<br>Wilhelm Hildebrand<br>Alois Wolfmüller || Petroleum internal-combustion || 
*Modern configuration
*First mass-produced motorcycle
*First machine to be called "motorcycle"
|}

===First motorcycle companies===
[[File:1894 Hildebrand & Wolfmüller diagram.png|thumb|left|Diagram of 1894 Hildebrand & Wolfmüller]]
In 1894, [[Hildebrand & Wolfmüller]] became the first series production motorcycle, and the first to be called a motorcycle ({{langx|de|Motorrad}}).{{sfn|Setright |1979}}{{sfn|Falco|1998}}{{sfn|Kresnak|2008}}<ref name="Brief History of the Marque: Hildebrand & Wolfmuller">{{cite web |title=Brief History of the Marque: Hildebrand & Wolfmuller |work=Hildebrand & Wolfmuller Motorad, European Motorcycle Universe |url=http://www.cybermotorcycle.com/euro/brands/hildebrand_wolfmuller.htm |access-date=28 June 2007 |archive-date=10 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131210063248/http://cybermotorcycle.com/euro/brands/hildebrand_wolfmuller.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[Excelsior Motor Company]], originally a bicycle manufacturing company based in [[Coventry]], England, began production of their first motorcycle model in 1896.

The first production motorcycle in the US was the Orient-Aster, built by [[Metz Company|Charles Metz]] in 1898 at his factory in [[Waltham, Massachusetts]].

In the early period of motorcycle history, many producers of [[bicycle]]s adapted their designs to accommodate the new internal combustion engine. As the engines became more powerful and designs outgrew the bicycle origins, the number of motorcycle producers increased. Many of the nineteenth-century inventors who worked on early motorcycles often moved on to other inventions. Daimler and Roper, for example, both went on to develop automobiles.

[[File:1902 Orient motocycle.jpg|thumb|1902 Orient motocycle]]
At the end of the 19th century the first major mass-production firms were set up. In 1898, [[Triumph Engineering|Triumph Motorcycles]] in England began producing motorbikes, and by 1903 it was producing over 500 bikes. Other British firms were [[Royal Enfield]], [[Norton Motorcycle Company|Norton]], [[Douglas (motorcycles)|Douglas Motorcycles]] and [[Birmingham Small Arms Company]] who began motorbike production in 1899, 1902, 1907 and 1910, respectively.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bikes4sale.in/wp/756/history-of-motorbikes/|title=History of Motorbikes|website=Bikes4Sale|access-date=25 February 2020|archive-date=25 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200225233336/https://www.bikes4sale.in/wp/756/history-of-motorbikes/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Indian (motorcycle)|Indian]] began production in 1901 and [[Harley-Davidson]] was established two years later. By the outbreak of World War I, the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world was Indian,{{sfn|Walker|2006|p=66}}<ref>{{Cite book |publisher=The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum |title=George Hendee |url=http://www.motorcyclemuseum.org/halloffame/detail.aspx?RacerID=68&lpos=-410px&letter=H&txtFname=&rblFname=S&txtLname=&rblLname=S&discipline=0 |access-date=8 August 2009 |archive-date=13 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210313102045/http://www.motorcyclemuseum.org/halloffame/detail.aspx?RacerID=68&lpos=-410px&letter=H&txtFname=&rblFname=S&txtLname=&rblLname=S&discipline=0 |url-status=live }}</ref>
producing over 20,000 bikes per year.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Youngblood |first=Ed |title=The Rise and Fall |periodical=American Motorcyclist |date=June 2001 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FPsDAAAAMBAJ&q=20,000&pg=PA30 |volume= 55 |issue=6 |publisher=American Motorcyclist Assoc}}</ref>

===First World War===

During the First World War, motorbike production was greatly ramped up for the war effort to supply effective communications with front line troops. Messengers on horses were replaced with [[despatch rider]]s on motorcycles carrying messages, performing reconnaissance and acting as a military police. American company Harley-Davidson was devoting over 50% of its factory output toward military contract by the end of the war. The British company Triumph Motorcycles sold more than 30,000 of its [[Triumph Type H]] model to [[Triple Entente|allied forces]] during the war. With the rear wheel driven by a belt, the Model H was fitted with a {{convert|499|cc|abbr=on}} air-cooled [[four-stroke]] single-cylinder engine. It was also the first Triumph without [[Bicycle pedal|pedals]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.triumph1.com/triumph_history.htm|title=Triumph history |access-date=20 May 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080908002718/http://www.triumph1.com/triumph_history.htm |archive-date=8 September 2008 }}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=October 2014}}

The Model H in particular, is regarded by many as having been the first "modern motorcycle".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/689/2598/Motorcycle-Article/Triumph-Motorcycle-History.aspx|title=Triumph Motorcycle History|access-date=18 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150321013937/http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/689/2598/Motorcycle-Article/Triumph-Motorcycle-History.aspx|archive-date=21 March 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> Introduced in 1915 it had a 550&nbsp;cc side-valve four-stroke engine with a three-speed gearbox and belt transmission. It was so popular with its users that it was nicknamed the "Trusty Triumph".<ref>{{cite web|title=Triumph Motorcycles timeline|url=http://www.ianchadwick.com/motorcycles/triumph/time01.html|first=Ian|last=Chadwick|access-date=18 November 2013|archive-date=2 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180402200355/http://www.ianchadwick.com/motorcycles/triumph/time01.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Postwar===
[[File:Male Motorcycle rider posing with a Rudge racing bike, No. 45.jpg|thumb|Motorcycle rider on his [[Rudge-Whitworth]] motorbike, Australia, {{Circa|1935}}]]
By 1920, Harley-Davidson was the largest manufacturer,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pcmotors.com/harley.html|title=History of Harley-Davidson Motor Company|website=pcmotors.com|access-date=25 February 2020|archive-date=25 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200225233333/https://pcmotors.com/harley.html|url-status=live}}</ref> with their motorcycles being sold by dealers in 67 countries.<ref>{{Cite news |title=HOG WILD; U of T professor Brendan Calder is one of the legions of baby boomers who have helped to ensure the success of the Harley-Davidson brand name, not to mention its bottom line. |first=Sharda |last=Prashad |periodical=Toronto Star |location=Toronto, Ont. |date=16 April 2006 |page=A.16 |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/438968474 |access-date=7 July 2017 |archive-date=30 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170630220939/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/thestar/doc/438968474.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=&author=&pub=&edition=&startpage=&desc= |id={{ProQuest|438968474}} |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Harley-Davidson at 100 |first=Jeremy |last=Cato |periodical=Vancouver Sun|location=Vancouver, B.C. |date=8 August 2003 |page=E.1.Fro }}</ref>

Amongst many British motorcycle manufacturers, Chater-Lea with its twin-cylinder models followed by its large singles in the 1920s stood out. Initially, using converted a Woodmann-designed OHV Blackburne engine it became the first 350 cc to exceed {{convert|100|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}, recording {{convert|100.81|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} over the flying kilometre during April 1924.[7] Later, Chater-Lea set a world record for the flying kilometre for 350 cc and 500 cc motorcycles at {{convert|102.9|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} for the firm. Chater-Lea produced variants of these world-beating sports models and became popular among racers at the Isle of Man TT. Today, the firm is probably best remembered for its long-term contract to manufacture and supply AA Patrol motorcycles and sidecars.{{citation needed|date=November 2019}}

By the late 1920s or early 1930s, [[DKW]] in Germany took over as the largest manufacturer.<ref>{{cite web |last=Vance |first=Bill |url=http://www.autos.ca/classic-cars/motoring-memories-dkw-auto-union-1928-1966/ |work=Canadian Driver |title=Motoring Memories: DKW/Auto Union, 1928–1966 |date=24 April 2009 |access-date=17 May 2014 |archive-date=25 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225174552/http://www.autos.ca/classic-cars/motoring-memories-dkw-auto-union-1928-1966/ |url-status=live }}</ref>{{sfn|de Cet |2002|p=128}}{{sfn|Walker|1999|p=61}}

[[File:ZweiRadMuseumNSU NSU-SportMax 1955.JPG|thumb|left|NSU Sportmax streamlined motorcycle, 250&nbsp;cc class winner of the [[1955 Grand Prix motorcycle racing season|1955 Grand Prix season]]]]

In the 1950s, streamlining began to play an increasing part in the development of racing motorcycles and the "dustbin fairing" held out the possibility of radical changes to motorcycle design. [[NSU Motorenwerke|NSU]] and [[Moto Guzzi]] were in the vanguard of this development, both producing very radical designs well ahead of their time.{{sfn|Willoughby |1982}}
NSU produced the most advanced design, but after the deaths of four NSU riders in the 1954–1956 seasons, they abandoned further development and quit [[Grand Prix motorcycle racing]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.motorsportmemorial.org/focus.php?db=ms&n=1418 |work= Motorsport Memorial |title= Rupert Hollaus |access-date= 3 April 2008 |archive-date= 19 January 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190119053014/http://www.motorsportmemorial.org/focus.php?db=ms&n=1418 |url-status= live }}</ref>

Moto Guzzi produced competitive race machines, and until the end of 1957 had a succession of victories.<ref>{{cite web |title=Moto Guzzi History |url=http://www.motoguzzi.com/us_EN/passion/History/ |website=Moto Guzzi |access-date=23 February 2019 |archive-date=24 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190224002017/http://www.motoguzzi.com/us_EN/passion/History/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The following year, 1958, full enclosure fairings were banned from racing by the [[Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme|FIM]] in the light of the safety concerns.

From the 1960s through the 1990s, small two-stroke motorcycles were popular worldwide, partly as a result of [[German Democratic Republic|East German]] [[MZ Motorrad- und Zweiradwerk|MZs]] Walter Kaaden's engine work in the 1950s.<ref name="Motocross goes International, 1947 through 1965">{{cite web |title=Motocross goes International, 1947 through 1965 |first=Ed |last=Youngblood |work=The History of Motocross, Part Two, Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum |url=http://www.motorcyclemuseum.org/exhibits/mx/history2.asp |access-date=29 June 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071113185300/http://www.motorcyclemuseum.org/exhibits/mx/history2.asp |archive-date=13 November 2007}}</ref>
{{clear right}}

===Today===
[[File:Royal Enfield Bullet, Rewalsar 2010.jpg|thumb|[[Royal Enfield Bullet]]]]
In the 21st century, the motorcycle industry is mainly dominated by Indian and Japanese motorcycle companies. In addition to the large capacity motorcycles, there is a large market in smaller capacity (less than 300&nbsp;cc) motorcycles, mostly concentrated in Asian and African countries and produced in China and India.{{citation needed|date=July 2021}} A Japanese example is the 1958 [[Honda Super Cub]], which went on to become the biggest selling vehicle of all time, with its 60 millionth unit produced in April 2008.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.wired.com/2008/05/honda-sells-its/ |title=Honda Sells Its 60 Millionth – Yes, Millionth – Super Cub |magazine=Autopia |publisher=Wired |date=23 May 2008 |access-date=28 January 2010 |last=Squatriglia |first=Chuck |archive-date=27 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140427001611/http://www.wired.com/2008/05/honda-sells-its |url-status=live }}</ref>
Today, this area is dominated by mostly [[:Category:Motorcycle manufacturers of India|Indian companies]] with [[Hero MotoCorp]] emerging as the world's largest manufacturer of two wheelers. Its [[Hero Honda Splendor|Splendor]] model has sold more than 8.5&nbsp;million to date.<ref>{{cite web|title=Hero Honda splendor sells more than 8.5 million units |url=http://www.indiacar.net/news/n60044.htm |publisher=indiacar.net |access-date=10 August 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080221200612/http://www.indiacar.net/news/n60044.htm |archive-date=21 February 2008 }}</ref> Other major producers are [[Bajaj Auto|Bajaj]] and [[TVS Motors]].<ref>{{cite web |last=O'Malley Greenburg |first=Zack |url=https://www.forbes.com/2007/08/05/india-autos-cheapest-oped-cz_zog_0813indiaauto.html |title=World's Cheapest Car |magazine=[[Forbes]] |date=13 August 2007 |access-date=28 January 2010 |archive-date=6 September 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090906054558/http://www.forbes.com/2007/08/05/india-autos-cheapest-oped-cz_zog_0813indiaauto.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[File:"Jungle" motorbike.jpg|thumb|Yamaha Troops motorbike]]

==Technical aspects==
[[File:1997SuzukiGS500E-001.jpg|thumb|A [[Suzuki GS500]] with a clearly visible frame, painted silver ]]

===Construction===
{{See also|Motorcycle components|Motorcycle design}}
Motorcycle construction is the engineering, manufacturing, and assembly of components and systems for a motorcycle which results in the performance, cost, and aesthetics desired by the designer. With some exceptions, construction of modern mass-produced motorcycles has standardised on a [[steel]] or [[aluminium]] [[Motorcycle frame|frame]], [[motorcycle fork|telescopic forks]] holding the front wheel, and [[disc brake]]s. Some other body parts, designed for either aesthetic or performance reasons may be added. A petrol-powered [[motorcycle engine|engine]] typically consisting of between one and four [[cylinder (engine)|cylinders]] (and less commonly, up to eight cylinders) coupled to a [[manual transmission|manual]] five- or six-speed [[sequential gearbox|sequential transmission]] drives the [[swingarm]]-mounted rear wheel by a [[Chain drive|chain]], [[driveshaft]], or [[Belt (mechanical)|belt]]. The repair can be done using a [[motorcycle lift]].

===Fuel economy===
Motorcycle fuel economy varies greatly with engine displacement and riding style.<ref name="Motorcycle Fuel Consumption & Real World Performance Guide">{{cite web |title = Motorcycle Fuel Consumption & Real World Performance Guide |website = MFC Website |url = http://www.motorcyclefuelconsumption.com/ |access-date = 13 June 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080718204925/http://www.motorcyclefuelconsumption.com/ |archive-date = 18 July 2008 |url-status = dead }}</ref> A streamlined, fully faired Matzu Matsuzawa Honda XL125 achieved {{convert|470|mpgus|abbr=on}} in the [[Craig Vetter Fuel Economy Challenge]] "on real highways{{spaced ndash}} in real conditions".<ref name="Doing More with Less Energy">{{cite web|last=Vetter|first=Craig|author-link=Craig Vetter|title=Doing More with Less Energy|work=The Craig Vetter Fuel Economy Contests – 1980 through 1985|url=http://www.craigvetter.com/pages/470MPG/470MPG%20Main.html |access-date=15 August 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060822071250/http://www.craigvetter.com/pages/470MPG/470MPG%20Main.html|archive-date=22 August 2006}}</ref>
Due to low engine displacements ({{cvt|100|–|200|cc|cuin}}), and high power-to-mass ratios, motorcycles offer good fuel economy. Under conditions of fuel scarcity like 1950s Britain and modern developing nations, motorcycles claim large shares of the vehicle market. In the United States, the average motorcycle fuel economy is 44 miles per US gallon (19&nbsp;km per liter).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://afdc.energy.gov/data/10310|title=Alternative Fuels Data Center: Maps and Data - Average Fuel Economy by Major Vehicle Category|access-date=2 March 2021|archive-date=4 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210304222456/https://afdc.energy.gov/data/10310|url-status=live}}</ref>

====Electric motorcycles====
{{Main|Electric motorcycles and scooters}}
Very high fuel economy equivalents are often derived by electric motorcycles. Electric motorcycles are nearly silent, [[zero emission|zero-emission]] electric motor-driven vehicles. Operating range and top speed are limited by battery technology.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.solomotoparts.com/blog/?p=3050957472978646094 |title=Electric Motorcycles |publisher=Solo Moto |access-date=15 May 2016 |archive-date=11 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170511125256/https://www.solomotoparts.com/blog/?p=3050957472978646094 |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[Fuel cell vehicle|Fuel cells]] and petroleum-electric [[hybrid vehicle|hybrids]] are also under development to extend the range and improve performance of the electric drive system.

===Reliability===
A 2013 survey of 4,424 readers of the US ''[[Consumer Reports]]'' magazine collected reliability data on 4,680 motorcycles purchased new from 2009 to 2012.<ref name=ConsumerReports2013/> The most common problem areas were [[Motorcycle accessories|accessories]], [[Motorcycle brakes|brakes]], electrical (including [[Starter (engine)|starters]], [[Alternator#Automotive alternators|charging]], [[Ignition system|ignition]]), and [[Fuel tank|fuel system]]s, and the [[types of motorcycles]] with the greatest problems were touring, off-road/dual sport, sport-touring, and cruisers.<ref name=ConsumerReports2013/> There were not enough sport bikes in the survey for a [[statistically significant]] conclusion, though the data hinted at reliability as good as cruisers.<ref name=ConsumerReports2013/> These results may be partially explained by accessories including such equipment as fairings, luggage, and auxiliary lighting, which are frequently added to touring, adventure touring/dual sport and sport touring bikes.<ref name=Bartlett2013/> Trouble with fuel systems is often the result of improper winter storage, and brake problems may also be due to poor maintenance.<ref name=ConsumerReports2013/> Of the five brands with enough data to draw conclusions, Honda, [[Kawasaki Heavy Industries|Kawasaki]] and Yamaha were statistically tied, with 11 to 14% of those bikes in the survey experiencing major repairs.<ref name=ConsumerReports2013/> Harley-Davidsons had a rate of 24%, while BMWs did worse, with 30% of those needing major repairs.<ref name=ConsumerReports2013/> There were not enough Triumph and [[Suzuki]] motorcycles surveyed for a statistically sound conclusion, though it appeared Suzukis were as reliable as the other three Japanese brands while Triumphs were comparable to Harley-Davidson and BMW.<ref name=ConsumerReports2013/> Three-fourths of the repairs in the survey cost less than US$200 and two-thirds of the motorcycles were repaired in less than two days.<ref name=ConsumerReports2013/> In spite of their relatively worse reliability in this survey, Harley-Davidson and BMW owners showed the greatest owner satisfaction, and three-fourths of them said they would buy the same bike again, followed by 72% of Honda owners and 60 to 63% of Kawasaki and Yamaha owners.<ref name=ConsumerReports2013/>

===Dynamics===
[[File:Aleix Espargaró leads the pack 2021 Sachsenring.jpg|thumb|Racing motorcycles leaning in a turn]]
{{Main|Bicycle and motorcycle dynamics}}

Two-wheeled motorcycles stay upright while rolling due to a physical property known as [[conservation of angular momentum]] in the wheels. Angular momentum points along the axle, and it "wants" to stay pointing in that direction.

Different types of motorcycles have different dynamics and these play a role in how a motorcycle performs in given conditions. For example, one with a longer wheelbase provides the feeling of more stability by responding less to disturbances.{{sfn|Gaetano|2004|pp=34-25|ps=&nbsp;"[W]ith the same disturbance, the rider with a longer wheelbase will feel less oscillating movement on the handlebars, and therefore, will have a perception of greater stability on the motorcycle."}} [[Motorcycle tyres]] have a large influence over handling.

Motorcycles must be leaned in order to make turns. This lean is induced by the method known as [[countersteering]], in which the rider momentarily steers the handlebars in the direction opposite of the desired turn. This practice is counterintuitive and therefore often confusing to novices{{spaced ndash}} and even many experienced motorcyclists.<ref name="Steering in bicycles and motorcycles">{{cite journal |journal = American Journal of Physics |volume = 68 |issue = 7 |pages = 654–59 |date = July 2000 |author = Joel Fajans |title = Steering in bicycles and motorcycles |url = http://socrates.berkeley.edu/~fajans/pub/pdffiles/SteerBikeAJP.PDF |doi = 10.1119/1.19504 |bibcode = 2000AmJPh..68..654F |access-date = 4 August 2006 |archive-date = 1 September 2006 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060901081011/http://socrates.berkeley.edu/~fajans/pub/pdffiles/SteerBikeAJP.PDF |url-status = live  |issn = 0002-9505}}</ref><ref name="Hurt">{{Cite web |first1= H.H. |last1=Hurt |last2= Ouellet |first2=J.V. |last3=Thom |first3= D.R. |author1-link=Harry Hurt |publisher=U.S. Department of Transportation, NHTSA |title=Motorcycle Accident Cause Factors and Identification of Countermeasures, Volume 1: Technical Report |date=January 1981 |url=http://isddc.dot.gov/OLPFiles/NHTSA/013695.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140823225106/http://isddc.dot.gov/OLPFiles/NHTSA/013695.pdf|archive-date=23 August 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last = Crouch |first = Tom D. |title = The Bishop's Boys | year = 1989| publisher = W. W. Norton| location = New York| isbn = 0-393-30695-X| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=ytw11Bmxcz8C&pg=PA170 | page = 170}}</ref>

With such short [[Bicycle and motorcycle geometry#Wheelbase|wheelbase]], motorcycles can generate enough torque at the rear wheel, and enough stopping force at the front wheel, to lift the opposite wheel off the road. These actions, if performed on purpose, are known as [[wheelie]]s and [[stoppie]]s (or endos) respectively.

===Accessories===
{{Main|Motorcycle accessories}}
Various features and accessories may be attached to a motorcycle either as [[Original equipment manufacturer|OEM]] (factory-fitted) or [[Aftermarket (automotive)|aftermarket]]. Such accessories are selected by the owner to enhance the motorcycle's appearance, safety, performance, or comfort, and may include anything from [[automotive electronics|mobile electronics]] to [[sidecar]]s and [[motorcycle trailer|trailers]].

==Records==

* The world record for the longest motorcycle jump was set in 2008 by [[Robbie Maddison]] with {{convert|107|m}}.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Channell|first=Mike|date=5 August 2019|title=Is Robbie Maddison the world's sanest stuntman?|url=https://www.redbull.com/int-en/robbie-maddison-on-any-sunday-the-next-chapter-interview|access-date=29 August 2020|website=Red Bull|archive-date=25 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125054704/https://www.redbull.com/int-en/robbie-maddison-on-any-sunday-the-next-chapter-interview|url-status=live}}</ref>
* Since late 2010, the Ack Attack team has held the [[motorcycle land-speed record]] at {{convert|376.36|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite web|title=Fastest motorcycle speed achieved|url=https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/motorcycle-speed-record-(fastest-motorcycle)|website=guinnessworldrecords.com/|publisher=[[Guinness World Records]]|access-date=3 October 2021|archive-date=4 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211004005027/https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/motorcycle-speed-record-(fastest-motorcycle)|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Safety==
[[File:MotoEqipments HelmetBootsJacketAndGloves.jpg|thumb|Motorcycle equipment]]
{{Main|Motorcycle safety|Motorcycle safety clothing}}
[[File:Modular-helmet.jpg|thumb|Wearing a motorcycle helmet (which is a legal requirement in many countries) reduces the risks of death or head injury in a motorcycle crash.]]
Motorcycles have a higher rate of fatal accidents than automobiles or trucks and buses. [[United States Department of Transportation]] data for 2005 from the [[Fatality Analysis Reporting System]] show that for passenger cars, 18.62 fatal crashes occur per 100,000 registered vehicles. For motorcycles this figure is higher at 75.19 per 100,000 registered vehicles{{spaced ndash}} four times higher than for cars.<ref name="FARS trends">{{cite web |publisher= [[United States Department of Transportation]] |work= [[Fatality Analysis Reporting System]] |title= Vehicles Involved in Fatal Crashes, 1994–2011 – State: USA |url= http://www-fars.nhtsa.dot.gov/Trends/TrendsGeneral.aspx |access-date= 18 May 2014 |archive-date= 15 March 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150315002919/http://www-fars.nhtsa.dot.gov/Trends/TrendsGeneral.aspx |url-status= live }}</ref>
The same data shows that 1.56 fatalities occur per 100 million vehicle miles travelled for passenger cars, whereas for motorcycles the figure is 43.47 which is 28 times higher than for cars (37 times more deaths per mile travelled in 2007).<ref name="www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov"/>
Furthermore, for motorcycles the accident rates have increased significantly since the end of the 1990s, while the rates have dropped for passenger cars.

The most common configuration of motorcycle accidents in the United States is when a motorist pulls out or turns in front of a motorcyclist, violating their right-of-way.<ref>{{cite web |date=1981 |title=MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT CAUSE FACTORS AND IDENTIFICATION OF COUNTERMEASURES VOLUME I: TECHNICAL REPORT, Traffic Safety Center - University of Southern California |url=http://isddc.dot.gov/OLPFiles/NHTSA/013695.pdf |page=416 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140823225106/http://isddc.dot.gov/OLPFiles/NHTSA/013695.pdf |archive-date=23 August 2014}}</ref> This is sometimes called a {{linktext|SMIDSY}}, an acronym formed from the motorists' common response of "Sorry mate, I didn't see you".<ref>{{cite web |title=The 'sorry mate I didn't see you' campaign |work=South Gloucestershire Council |url=http://www.southglos.gov.uk/TransportandRoads/Motorcycling/SorryMateIDidntSeeYou/ |access-date=21 May 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081017045041/http://www.southglos.gov.uk/TransportandRoads/Motorcycling/SorryMateIDidntSeeYou/ |archive-date=17 October 2008}}</ref>
Motorcyclists can anticipate and avoid some of these crashes with proper training, increasing their visibility to other traffic, keeping to the speed limits, and not consuming [[alcohol (drug)|alcohol]] or other [[drug]]s before riding.<ref>{{citation |publisher=[[Motorcycle Safety Foundation]] |title=Quick Tips: General guidelines for riding a motorcycle safely |access-date=13 June 2012 |date=October 2006 |url=http://msf-usa.org/downloads/If_you_ride_a_motorcycle.pdf |archive-date=30 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120730103821/http://www.msf-usa.org/downloads/If_you_ride_a_motorcycle.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

The United Kingdom has several organisations dedicated to improving motorcycle safety by providing advanced rider training beyond what is necessary to pass the basic motorcycle licence test. These include the [[Institute of Advanced Motorists]] (IAM) and the [[Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents]] (RoSPA). Along with increased personal safety, riders with these advanced qualifications may benefit from reduced insurance costs.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://think.direct.gov.uk/motorcycle-training.html|title=Motorcycling : THINK! : Roadsafety|website=think.direct.gov.uk|access-date=2016-06-01|archive-date=22 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160522023759/http://think.direct.gov.uk/motorcycle-training.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In South Africa, the [[Think Bike]] campaign is dedicated to increasing both motorcycle safety and the awareness of motorcycles on the country's roads. The campaign, while strongest in the Gauteng province, has representation in Western Cape, KwaZulu Natal and the Free State. It has dozens of trained marshals available for various events such as cycle races and is deeply involved in numerous other projects such as the annual Motorcycle Toy Run.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://thinkbike.co.za/2012/index.php/about-us |title=About Think Bike |publisher=[[Think Bike]] |access-date=21 March 2010 |archive-date=8 February 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130208075840/http://thinkbike.co.za/2012/index.php/about-us |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Motorcycle safety education is offered throughout the United States by organisations ranging from state agencies to non-profit organisations to corporations. Most states use the courses designed by the [[Motorcycle Safety Foundation]] (MSF), while [[Team Oregon|Oregon]] and Idaho developed their own. All of the training programs include a Basic Rider Course, an Intermediate Rider Course and an Advanced Rider Course.

[[File:Action-w.jpg|thumb|An MSF rider course for novices]]
In [[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]], since 2010,<ref>{{cite web |title=GDL rollout |publisher=Road Safety Association of Ireland |url=http://www.rsa.ie/en/RSA/Learner-Drivers/Driver-Training/Graduated-Driver-Licensing/GDL-rollout |access-date=2015-08-15 |archive-date=29 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150729013953/http://rsa.ie/en/RSA/Learner-Drivers/Driver-Training/Graduated-Driver-Licensing/GDL-rollout/ |url-status=live }}</ref> in the UK and some Australian jurisdictions, such as [[Victoria (Australia)|Victoria]], [[New South Wales]],<ref name="Learner riders licence">{{cite web |title=Learner riders licence |work=Motorcycle Rider Training Scheme, Roads and Traffic Authority, NSW |url=http://163.189.217.150/licensing/tests/motorcycleridertrainingscheme/learnerriderslicence.html |access-date=16 May 2007 |archive-date=2 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110302033156/http://163.189.217.150/licensing/tests/motorcycleridertrainingscheme/learnerriderslicence.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>
the [[Australian Capital Territory]],<ref name="Learner Licence">{{cite web |title=Learner Licence |work=Road Transport Information Management, www.rego.act.gov.au |url=http://www.rego.act.gov.au/licensing/licencelearner.htm |access-date=16 May 2007 |archive-date=17 May 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070517154219/http://www.rego.act.gov.au/licensing/licencelearner.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[Tasmania]]<ref name="TAS Learner Licence">{{cite web |title=TAS Learner Licence |work=Department of Infrastructure, Energy and Resources |url=http://www.transport.tas.gov.au/licence_information |access-date=13 June 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090611204707/http://www.transport.tas.gov.au/licence_information |archive-date=11 June 2009}}</ref>
and the [[Northern Territory]],<ref name="Motorcyclist Education Training And Licensing (METAL)">{{cite web|title=Motorcyclist Education Training And Licensing (METAL) |work=Northern Territory Department of Planning and Infrastructure, www.ipe.nt.gov.au |url=http://www.ipe.nt.gov.au/whatwedo/mvr/licensing/metal.html |access-date=16 May 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070507002029/http://www.ipe.nt.gov.au/whatwedo/mvr/licensing/metal.html |archive-date=7 May 2007 }}</ref> it is compulsory to complete a basic rider training course before being issued a Learners Licence, after which they can ride on public roads.

In Canada, motorcycle rider training is compulsory in [[Quebec]] and [[Manitoba]] only, but all provinces and territories have [[Graduated driver licensing|graduated licence]] programs which place restrictions on new drivers until they have gained experience. Eligibility for a full motorcycle licence or endorsement for completing a Motorcycle Safety course varies by province. Without the Motorcycle Safety Course the chance of getting insurance for the motorcycle is very low. The [[Canada Safety Council]], a non-profit safety organisation, offers the Gearing Up program across Canada and is endorsed by the Motorcycle and Moped Industry Council.<ref name="MMIC Information">{{cite web |title=MMIC Information |work=Motorcycle and Moped Industry Council |url=http://www.mmic.ca/ |access-date=16 May 2007 |archive-date=22 April 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070422171133/http://www.mmic.ca/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Training course graduates may qualify for reduced insurance premiums.

Motorcyclists and motor scooter riders are also exposed to an increased risk of suffering hearing damage such as [[Noise-induced hearing loss|hearing loss]] and [[tinnitus]] (ringing ears).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Carling-Rodgers |first=Jacqui |title=Is Your Motorcycle Making You Deaf? |url=https://www.valuehearing.com.au/news/is-your-motorcycle-making-you-deaf |access-date=2024-03-26 |website=www.valuehearing.com.au |language=en-au |archive-date=26 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240326092628/https://www.valuehearing.com.au/news/is-your-motorcycle-making-you-deaf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Bikers warned to wear earplugs and avoid lifetime of tinnitus |url=https://www.carolenash.com/news/bike-news/detail/bike-news/bikers-warned-wear-earplugs-avoid-lifetime-tinnitus |access-date=2024-03-26 |website=Carole Nash UK |language=en}}</ref> The noise is caused by wind noise while riding, rolling noise from the tyres and the engine itself.<ref>{{Cite web |title=how-do-i-protect-my-ears-when-i-ride-a-motorcycle |url=https://www.campaignforbetterhearing.us/get-informed/faqs/faq-articles/how-do-i-protect-my-ears-when-i-ride-a-motorcycle |access-date=2024-03-26 |website=www.campaignforbetterhearing.us |language=en-US |archive-date=26 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240326092628/https://www.campaignforbetterhearing.us/get-informed/faqs/faq-articles/how-do-i-protect-my-ears-when-i-ride-a-motorcycle |url-status=live }}</ref> The helmet only provides insufficient protection against high sound pressure levels.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Staff |first=Hearing Review |date=2011-08-01 |title=Motorcycle Helmets Don't Protect Hearing Damage Caused by Wind Noise |url=https://hearingreview.com/inside-hearing/research/motorcycle-helmets-dont-protect-hearing-damage-caused-by-wind-noise |access-date=2024-03-26 |website=The Hearing Review |language=en-US |archive-date=26 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240326092628/https://hearingreview.com/inside-hearing/research/motorcycle-helmets-dont-protect-hearing-damage-caused-by-wind-noise |url-status=live }}</ref> Medicine (as of 2024) is not able to cure hearing damage. Wearing hearing protection, such as special earplugs for motorcyclists, can help prevent hearing damage.

==Motorcycle rider postures==
[[File:BMWC1-050918 P1030877.jpg|thumb|BMW C1, with a more upright seating position]]
[[File:JSH314.JPG|thumb|upright=0.9|Bombardier Can-Am Spyder, showing location of rider on the trike]]
The motorcyclist's riding position depends on rider body-geometry ([[anthropometry]]) combined with the geometry of the motorcycle itself. These factors create a set of three basic postures.<ref name="msf-usa.org">{{cite web|url=http://www.msf-usa.org/imsc/proceedings/b-Smith-ThreeDimensionalAnalysisofRiderPosture.pdf|title=A Three Dimensional Analysis of Riding Posture in Three Different Styles of Motorcycle |date=March 2006 |publisher=[[Motorcycle Safety Foundation]] |access-date=31 January 2008 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120327075412/http://www.msf-usa.org/imsc/proceedings/b-Smith-ThreeDimensionalAnalysisofRiderPosture.pdf |archive-date= 27 March 2012 }}</ref>

*Sport{{spaced ndash}} the rider leans forward into the wind and the weight of the upper torso is supported by the rider's core at low speed and air pressure at high speed.{{sfn|Davis|Anthony|2011|p=25|ps=&nbsp;"The [sportbike] rider posture is usually canted severely forwrd with his hands pressing onto the handlebar grips, which are designed to keep him over the gasoline tank, a position not intended to maximize comfort. This posture is aerodynamically efficient at high speeds, when wind assists the rider by supporting his body, but at lower speeds quickly results in rider fatigue and stressed wrists."}} The footpegs are below the rider or to the rear. The reduced frontal area cuts wind resistance and allows higher speeds. At low-speed in this position the rider's arms may bear some of the weight of the rider's torso, which can be problematic.
*Standard{{spaced ndash}} the rider sits upright or leans forward slightly. The feet are below the rider. These are motorcycles that are not specialised to one task, so they do not excel in any particular area.{{sfn|Maher|Greisler|1998}}{{sfn|Duglin Kennedy |2005|p=75}} The standard posture is used with [[touring motorcycle|touring]] and commuting as well as dirt and dual-sport bikes, and may offer advantages for beginners.{{sfn|Stermer|2006|p=16}}
*Cruiser{{spaced ndash}} the rider sits at a lower seat height with the upper torso upright or leaning slightly rearward. Legs are extended forwards, sometimes out of reach of the regular controls on cruiser pegs. The low seat height can be a consideration for new or short riders. Handlebars tend to be high and wide. The emphasis is on comfort while compromising cornering ability because of low ground clearance and the greater likelihood of scraping foot pegs, floor boards, or other parts if turns are taken at the speeds other motorcycles can more readily accomplish.{{sfn|Stermer|2006|p=10}}{{sfn|Duglin Kennedy|2005|p=71}}

Factors of a motorcycle's [[ergonomics|ergonomic]] geometry that determine the seating posture include the height, angle and location of footpegs, seat and handlebars. Factors in a rider's physical geometry that contribute to seating posture include torso, arm, thigh and leg length, and overall rider height.

==Customized styles and subcultures==
{{Original research section|date=April 2025}}
While motorcycles are manufactured in standard styles (sport, cruiser, enduro, etc...), certain styles of motorcycle sub-genres have been both independently created, or manufactured in accordance with a pre-existing cultural style. Styles of note include: [[Café racer]]s, [[Chopper (motorcycle)|Choppers]], and [[Streetfighter (motorcycle)|Streetfighters]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Exploring Motorcycling's Sub Cultures |url=http://www.collisionblast.com/2014/08/01/exploring-motorcyclings-sub-cultures/ |access-date=2025-04-01 |website=www.collisionblast.com}}</ref>

Cultural influence has directly led to the manufacturing of certain styles of motorcycles such as the [[Café racer]]. The stylistic choices and aerodynamic benefits of these custom bikes garnered a tremendous popularity which lead manufacturers to adopt the visual cues, and attempt to mimic the custom builds of these motorcycles. Notably, [[Harley-Davidson]] also leaned into a popular custom motorcycle culture (the [[Chopper (motorcycle)|Chopper]]), producing the Harley "soft-tail".  This design  attempted to appear as a hard tail chopper style build, while maintaining rear suspension yet having an aggressive riding angle similar to that of the custom builds.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Definitive History of the Harley-Davidson Softail |url=https://krausmotorco.com/blog/the-definitive-history-of-the-harleydavidson-softail/ |access-date=2025-04-01 |website=Kraus Motor Co. |language=en}}</ref>

==Legal definitions and restrictions==
{{Main|Legal definition of motorcycle}}
A motorcycle is broadly defined by law in most countries for the purposes of registration, taxation and rider licensing as a powered two-wheel motor vehicle. Most countries distinguish between mopeds of 49&nbsp;cc and the more powerful, larger vehicles, including [[Scooter (motorcycle)|scooter]] type motorcycles.<ref name=scooterbikes>Scooters are a type of motorcycle:
* {{cite book |url= https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/us/definition/english/motor-scooter?q=motor+scooter |title= Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary |date= 2003 |publisher= Oxford University Press |location= Oxford, UK |isbn= 978-0-19-860564-5 |quote= '''motor scooter''' ''n'' a light motorcycle, usually with small wheels and a curved metal cover at the front to protect the rider’s legs }}
* {{cite book |title= Collins English Dictionary and Thesaurus |edition= 3rd|year= 2004 |publisher= Harper Collins Publications |location= Glasgow |isbn= 0-00-718139-6 |page= 776|quote='''motor scooter''' ''n'' a light motorcycle with small wheels and an enclosed engine. Often shortened to ''scooter''}}
* {{cite book |title= Chambers Concise Dictionary |year= 2004 |publisher= Chambers Harrup Publishers |location= Edinburgh |isbn= 0-550-10072-5 |page= [https://archive.org/details/chambersconcised0000unse/page/1084 1084] |quote= '''2.''' (''in full'' '''motor scooter''') a small-wheeled motorcycle with a protective front shield curving back to form a support for the feet |url= https://archive.org/details/chambersconcised0000unse/page/1084 }}
* {{Cite web |url=https://www.honda.co.uk/motorcycles/blog/articles/types-of-motorcycles-guide.html |title=Types of Motorcycles:A beginner's guide |date=24 February 2023 |publisher=[[Honda]] |access-date=2024-05-01 |archive-date=1 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501205002/https://www.honda.co.uk/motorcycles/blog/articles/types-of-motorcycles-guide.html |url-status=live }}
* {{Cite web |url=https://unb.com.bd/category/Lifestyle/motorcycle-categories-different-types-of-motorbikes-explained/76900 |title=Motorcycle Categories: Different Types of Motorbikes Explained |publisher=[[United News of Bangladesh]] |date=2021-08-09 |access-date=20 May 2024 |archive-date=1 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501204954/https://unb.com.bd/category/Lifestyle/motorcycle-categories-different-types-of-motorbikes-explained/76900 |url-status=live }}
* {{Cite web |url=https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/news-and-views/advice/new-riders-and-training/types-of-motorcycles-guide |title=A complete guide to all motorbike types |publisher=[[Bennetts]] |access-date=2024-05-01 |archive-date=15 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240515124723/https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/news-and-views/advice/new-riders-and-training/types-of-motorcycles-guide |url-status=live }}</ref> Many jurisdictions include some forms of [[three-wheeled car]]s as motorcycles.

In [[Nigeria]], motorcycles, popularly referred to as ''Okada'' have been subject of many controversies with regards to safety and security followed by restriction of movement in many states. In 2020, it was banned in [[Lagos]], Nigeria's most populous city.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2020-02-03|title=Lagos motorbike taxi ban: Chaos as Nigerian city removes okadas|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-51353665|access-date=2021-02-17|archive-date=25 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225201900/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-51353665|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-02-23|title=Ban on 'okada' in Lagos and the security challenge|url=https://businessday.ng/opinion/article/ban-on-okada-in-lagos-and-the-security-challenge/|access-date=2021-02-17|website=Businessday NG|language=en-US|archive-date=17 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417202750/https://businessday.ng/opinion/article/ban-on-okada-in-lagos-and-the-security-challenge/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In Iran, women are not allowed to ride motorcycles.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.etemadonline.com/%D8%A8%D8%AE%D8%B4-%D8%A7%D8%AC%D8%AA%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%B9%DB%8C-23/696817-%D9%85%D9%88%D8%AA%D9%88%D8%B1%D8%B3%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%B1%DB%8C-%D8%B2%D9%86%D8%A7%D9%86-%D9%85%D9%88%D8%AA%D9%88%D8%B1%D8%B3%DB%8C%DA%A9%D9%84%D8%AA-%D8%A7%DB%8C%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%86|title=موتورسواری زنان در این کشورها ممنوع است|date=16 April 2025|website=اعتمادآنلاین}}</ref>

==Environmental impact==
Motorcycles and scooters' low fuel consumption has attracted interest in the United States from environmentalists and those affected by increased fuel prices.<ref name="LATimesEmissions">{{cite news|newspaper=LA Times|url=http://www.latimes.com/news/la-hy-throttle11-2008jun11-story.html|date=11 June 2008|title=Motorcycles and emissions: The surprising facts|access-date=8 August 2008|author-link=Susan Carpenter|first=Susan|last=Carpenter|archive-date=18 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140518152848/http://www.latimes.com/news/la-hy-throttle11-2008jun11-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://madisonmagazine.com/article.php?section_id=918&xstate=view_story&story_id=234751|title=Baby, You Can Drive My Vespa|access-date=8 August 2008|publisher=Madison Magazine |first=Judy |last=Dahl |date=September 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011162519/http://madisonmagazine.com/article.php?section_id=918&xstate=view_story&story_id=234751 |archive-date=11 October 2007 }}</ref>
[[Piaggio Group Americas]] supported this interest with the launch of a "Vespanomics" website and platform, claiming lower per-mile carbon emissions of 0.4&nbsp;lb/mile (113&nbsp;g/km) less than the average car, a 65% reduction, and better fuel economy.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vespausa.com/wwh/Vespanomics-platform.pdf|title=Vespanomics – Vespa Economics|publisher=Piaggio Group USA|access-date=8 February 2010|archive-date=13 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100113230545/http://vespausa.com/wwh/Vespanomics-platform.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>

However, a motorcycle's [[Vehicle emissions control|exhaust emissions]] may contain 10–20 times more [[NOx|oxides of nitrogen (NOx)]], [[carbon monoxide]], and [[unburned hydrocarbon]]s than exhaust from a similar-year passenger car or SUV.<ref name="LATimesEmissions"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.grist.org/article/umbra-motorcycles/ |title=On motorcycles – Ask Umbra |first=Umbra |last=Fisk |publisher=Grist |date=28 May 2003 |access-date=28 January 2010 |archive-date=29 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629082804/http://www.grist.org/article/umbra-motorcycles |url-status=live }}</ref>
This is because many motorcycles lack a [[catalytic converter]], and the [[emission standard]] is much more permissive for motorcycles than for other vehicles.<ref name="LATimesEmissions"/> While catalytic converters have been installed in most gasoline-powered cars and trucks since 1975 in the United States, they can present fitment and heat difficulties in motorcycle applications.<ref name="LATimesEmissions"/> {{better source needed|date=September 2014}}

[[United States Environmental Protection Agency]] 2007 certification result reports for all vehicles versus on highway motorcycles (which also includes scooters),<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.epa.gov/otaq/crttst.htm |title= Certified Highway Motorcycle Test Result Report Data (2007) |date= 8 January 2008 |publisher= [[United States Environmental Protection Agency|US EPA]] |access-date= 3 September 2008 |archive-date= 15 July 2008 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080715055537/http://www.epa.gov/otaq/crttst.htm |url-status= live }}</ref> the average certified emissions level for 12,327 vehicles tested was 0.734. The average "Nox+Co End-Of-Useful-Life-Emissions" for 3,863 motorcycles tested was 0.8531. 54% of the tested 2007-model motorcycles were equipped with a catalytic converter.

===United States emissions limits===
The following table shows maximum acceptable legal emissions of the combination of hydrocarbons, oxides of nitrogen, and carbon monoxide for new motorcycles sold in the United States with 280&nbsp;cc or greater [[piston displacement]].<ref name=usepa>{{cite web |url=http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?c=ecfr&SID=0a57ac29b59ade8455648e60e739a181&rgn=div5&view=text&node=40:19.0.1.1.2&idno=40#40:19.0.1.1.2.5 |title=EPA Emissions Regulations for 1978 and Later New Motorcycles, General Provisions |access-date=7 December 2013 |publisher=[[United States Environmental Protection Agency]] |archive-date=30 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140330155049/http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?c=ecfr&SID=0a57ac29b59ade8455648e60e739a181&rgn=div5&view=text&node=40:19.0.1.1.2&idno=40#40:19.0.1.1.2.5 |url-status=live }}</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Tier
! Model year
! HC+NOx (g/km)
! CO (g/km)
|-
| Tier 1
| 2006&ndash;2009
| 1.4
| 12.0
|-
| Tier 2
| 2010 and later
| 0.8
| 12.0
|}

The maximum acceptable legal emissions of hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide for new Class I and II motorcycles (50&nbsp;cc&ndash;169&nbsp;cc and 170&nbsp;cc&ndash;279&nbsp;cc respectively) sold in the United States are as follows:<ref name=usepa/>
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Model year
! HC (g/km)
! CO (g/km)
|-
| 2006 and later
| 1.0
| 12.0
|}

===Europe===
[[European emission standards#Emission standards for motor cycles (two and three wheelers) – L-category vehicles|European emission standards]] for motorcycles are similar to those for cars.<ref>{{cite report |last1=Leonidas |first1=Ntziachristos |last2=Savas |first2=Geivanidis |last3=Zissis |first3=Samaras |last4=Anastasios |first4=Xanthopoulos |last5=Heinz |first5=Steven |last6=Bernd |first6=Bugsel |title=Study on possible new measures concerning motorcycle emissions |date=September 2009 |page=16 |url=http://righttoride.eu/regulationdocuments/report_measures_motorcycle_emissions_en.pdf |access-date=27 July 2020 |archive-date=5 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201205045250/http://righttoride.eu/regulationdocuments/report_measures_motorcycle_emissions_en.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> New motorcycles must meet Euro 5 standards,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/313/1572/Motorcycle-Article/Motorcycle-Emissions-Regs-Examined.aspx |title=Motorcycle Emissions Regs Examined |publisher=Motorcycle-USA.com |access-date=28 January 2010 |date=15 February 2007 |last=Madson |first=Bart |archive-date=8 February 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100208114510/http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/313/1572/Motorcycle-Article/Motorcycle-Emissions-Regs-Examined.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> while cars must meet Euro 6D-temp standards. Motorcycle emission controls are being updated and it has been proposed to update to Euro 5+ in 2024.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dealernews.com/dealernews/article/euro-5-cycle-emissions-proposed-2015 |title=EURO 5 Cycle Emissions Proposed for 2015 |publisher=Dealernews.com |access-date=28 January 2010 |date=8 December 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150217121931/http://www.dealernews.com/dealernews/article/euro-5-cycle-emissions-proposed-2015 |archive-date=17 February 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

=== Asia ===

In [[Asia]], motorcycles are a common mode of transportation and are putting significant pressure on the region's environment.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2006-12-15 |title=Sustainable Management of Twoand Three-Wheelers in Asia |url=https://theicct.org/sites/default/files/publications/ICCT_Asia23wheelers_2011_1.pdf |access-date=2025-03-13 |website=International Council on Clean Transportation |language=en}}</ref><ref name="challenges-in-addressing-air-pollution-in-large-cities">{{Cite web |title=Challenges in addressing air pollution in large cities |url=https://vietnamnews.vn/society/1663233/challenges-in-addressing-air-pollution-in-large-cities.html |access-date=2025-03-13 |website=vietnamnews.vn |language=en}}</ref> With a massive number of motorcycles, they contribute significantly to [[greenhouse gas emissions]] and [[Air pollution|urban air pollution]].<ref name="challenges-in-addressing-air-pollution-in-large-cities" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sâm |first=Huyền |date=2024-12-18 |title=Kiểm định xe máy từ 5 năm tuổi, có quá sớm? |url=https://kinhtedothi.vn/kiem-dinh-xe-may-tu-5-nam-tuoi-co-qua-som.html |access-date=2025-03-13 |website=Báo Kinh tế đô thị - Đọc tin tức thời sự kinh tế 24h mới nhất |language=vi}}</ref> In [[India]], road transport accounts for about 12% of the country's energy-related CO₂ emissions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lượng khí thải carbon toàn cầu tăng trở lại gần mức trước đại dịch |url=https://backan.gov.vn/pages/luong-khi-thai-carbon-toan-cau-tang-tro-lai-gan-mu-dbe2.aspx |access-date=2025-03-13 |website=backan.gov.vn}}</ref> In [[Vietnam]], motorcycles contribute up to 87% of the CO emissions and 94% of hydrocarbons (HC) released by vehicles in [[Hanoi]] and [[Ho Chi Minh City]].<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2024-12-17 |title=Kiểm định khí thải xe máy liên quan đến sức khỏe người dân, không thể chần chừ |url=https://tuoitre.vn/kiem-dinh-khi-thai-xe-may-lien-quan-den-suc-khoe-nguoi-dan-khong-the-chan-chu-20241217085812373.htm#:~:text=C%C5%A9ng%20theo%20th%E1%BB%91ng%20k%C3%AA,%20t%E1%BA%A1i,c%C3%A1c%20lo%E1%BA%A1i%20xe%20c%C6%A1%20gi%E1%BB%9Bi |access-date=2025-03-13 |website=TUOI TRE ONLINE |language=vi}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2024-12-17 |title=Kiểm định khí thải xe máy liên quan đến sức khỏe người dân, không thể chần chừ |url=https://tuoitre.vn/kiem-dinh-khi-thai-xe-may-lien-quan-den-suc-khoe-nguoi-dan-khong-the-chan-chu-20241217085812373.htm |access-date=2025-03-13 |website=TUOI TRE ONLINE |language=vi}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Tong |first1=Yen Dan |last2=Maraseni |first2=Tek |last3=Nguyen |first3=Phuong-Duy |last4=An-Vo |first4=Duc-Anh |last5=Tradenta |first5=Julio Mancuso |last6=Thuy Ai Dong Tran |date=2024 |title=Potential for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions savings from replacing short motorcycle trips with active travel modes in Vietnam |journal=Transportation |volume=51 |issue=5 |pages=1999–2018 |doi=10.1007/s11116-023-10394-0 |pmid=37363369 |pmc=10166047 |language=en }}</ref> Environmental studies show that motorcycles in Vietnam contribute approximately 29% of NOx, 90% of CO, 65% of NMVOC, and nearly 38% of PM dust in total traffic emissions.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date= 2 August 2024|title=Kiểm định khí thải xe máy: Xem xét lộ trình cụ thể |url=https://www.sggp.org.vn/kiem-dinh-khi-thai-xe-may-xem-xet-lo-trinh-cu-the-post752158.html#:~:text=Tuy%20nhi%C3%AAn,%20%E1%BB%9F%20g%C3%B3c%20%C4%91%E1%BB%99,ph%C3%A1t%20th%E1%BA%A3i%20b%E1%BB%A5i%20si%C3%AAu%20m%E1%BB%8Bn |access-date=2025-03-13 |website=BÁO SÀI GÒN GIẢI PHÓNG |language=vi}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Dinh vi xe may |url=https://dinhvigps.vn/dinh-vi-xe-may |access-date=2025-03-13 |website= |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Tùng |first=Nguyên |date=2019-04-20 |title="Xe máy là nguồn gây ô nhiễm không khí lớn nhất cho TPHCM" |url=https://dantri.com.vn/xa-hoi/xe-may-la-nguon-gay-o-nhiem-khong-khi-lon-nhat-cho-tphcm-20190420083816021.htm |access-date=2025-03-13 |website=Báo điện tử Dân Trí |language=vi}}</ref> In [[Thailand]], gasoline-powered motorcycles are reported to emit significantly higher pollution per kilometer compared to gasoline-powered cars, exacerbating urban smog.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Raphael Salmi |first= |date=2024-03-06 |title=The next two-wheel revolution |url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/motoring/2753894/the-next-two-wheel-revolution |access-date=2025-03-13 |work=Bangkok Post |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Evaluation of real-world vehicle emissions and standards in Jakarta |url=https://www.trueinitiative.org/news/2022/november/evaluation-of-real-world-vehicle-emissions-and-standards-in-jakarta |access-date=2025-03-13 |website=The Real Urban Emissions Initiative}}</ref> In [[Singapore]], the NEA reported that while motorcycles account for only 15 percent of vehicles, they contribute to over 53 percent of carbon monoxide emissions from vehicles.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2018-04-12 |title=Owners of older bikes query if they can be behind more than half of vehicle emissions |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/owners-of-older-bikes-query-if-they-can-be-behind-more-than-half-of-vehicle-emissions#:~:text=NEA%20said%20its%20studies%20have,carbon%20monoxide%20emissions%20from%20vehicles. |access-date=2025-03-13 |work=The Straits Times |language=en |issn=0585-3923}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Government To Incentivise De-Registration Of Older, More Pollutive Motorcycles Over Next Five Years, Before Phasing Them Out In 2028 |url=https://www.nea.gov.sg/media/news/news/index/government-to-incentivise-de-registration-of-older-more-pollutive-motorcycles-over-next-five-years-before-phasing-them-out-in-2028 |access-date=2025-03-13 |website=www.nea.gov.sg |language=en}}</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|Companies|Transport}}
{{div col|colwidth=23em}}
* [[Bicycle and motorcycle geometry]]
*  [[List of motorcycle manufacturers]]
* [[List of motor scooter manufacturers and brands]]
* [[Motorcycle industry in China]]
* [[Scooter (motorcycle)]]
* [[Streamlined motorcycle]]
{{div col end}}
{{Clear}}

== References==
{{Reflist|refs=

<ref name=definitions>* {{cite web |url=http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/motorcycle// |title=Definition of Motorcycle by Merriam-Webster |publisher=[[merriam-webster]] |access-date=17 March 2016 |archive-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304045355/http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/motorcycle |url-status=live }}
* {{cite book |title = Motorcycle Handling and Chassis Design |url = https://archive.org/details/motorcyclehandli00foal |url-access = limited |pages = [https://archive.org/details/motorcyclehandli00foal/page/n101 4]–1 |last = Foale |first = Tony |publisher = Tony Foale Designs |year = 2006 |isbn = 978-84-933286-3-4 |ref=none}}
* {{cite web |url=http://www.in.gov/bmv/3221.htm |title=Bureau of Motor Vehicles |publisher=BMV |access-date=17 March 2016 |archive-date=18 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170918040409/http://in.gov/bmv/3221.htm |url-status=dead |ref=none}}
* {{cite book |title = Motorcycle Dynamics |last = Cossalter |first = Vittore |publisher = Lulu |year = 2006 |isbn = 978-1-4303-0861-4 |ref=none}}
* {{OED|cycle |ref=none}}</ref>

<ref name=ConsumerReports2013>{{Citation |url= http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine/2013/05/most-reliable-motorcycles/index.htm?loginMethod=auto |title= Most reliable motorcycles; Japanese bikes have fewer problems than BMW and Harley models |magazine= [[Consumer Reports]] |date= May 2013 |access-date= 26 March 2013 |archive-date= 21 February 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150221143142/http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine/2013/05/most-reliable-motorcycles/index.htm?loginMethod=auto |url-status= live }}</ref>

<ref name=Bartlett2013>{{Citation |title= Motorcycle reliability survey shows what goes wrong |date= 26 March 2013 |url= http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2013/03/motorcycle-reliability-survey-shows-what-goes-wrong/index.htm |first= Jeff |last= Bartlett |magazine= [[Consumer Reports]] |access-date= 26 March 2013 |archive-date= 3 August 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130803115019/http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2013/03/motorcycle-reliability-survey-shows-what-goes-wrong/index.htm |url-status= live }}</ref>

}}

== General references ==
{{refbegin|40em}}
* {{citation |last=de Cet |first=Mirco |year=2002 |title=The illustrated directory of motorcycles |publisher=MotorBooks/MBI Publishing Company |isbn=978-0-7603-1417-3 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wNzyIcw2vxoC }}
* {{citation|title=Motorcycle Safety and Dynamics: Vol 1|author1-first=James R.|author1-last=Davis|author2-first=Cash|author2-last=Anthony|year=2011|publisher=Master Strategy Group|location=Houston, Texas|isbn=978-1257645886|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yG4oAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA25}}
* {{citation|last1=Falco |year= 1998 |first1=Charles M. |author-link=Charles M. Falco |title=The Art of the Motorcycle |author2=Guggenheim Museum Staff |editor1-first= Thomas |editor1-last= Krens |editor2-last= Drutt |editor2-first= Matthew |editor-link2= Matthew Drutt |publisher=Harry N. Abrams |isbn=0-89207-207-5 |chapter=Issues in the Evolution of the Motorcycle|pages=24–31 |ref={{sfnref|Falco|1998}} }}
* {{citation |last=Gaetano |first=Cocco |title=Motorcycle Design and Technology |publisher=MotorBooks/MBI Publishing Company |year=2004 |location=Minneapolis |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=80oc8EjsF-4C&pg=PA34 |isbn=978-0-7603-1990-1 }}{{Dead link|date=May 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
* {{citation |author-link=G.N. Georgano |last=Georgano |first=G.N. |title=Early and Vintage Years, 1885-1930: The Golden Era of Coachbuilding |publisher=Mason Crest Publishers |year=2002 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ISBN1590844912 }}{{Dead link|date=May 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
* {{citation |last= Kresnak |first= Bill |year= 2008 |title= Motorcycling for Dummies |publisher= [[For Dummies]], [[Wiley Publishing]] |isbn= 978-0-470-24587-3 |location= [[Hoboken, New Jersey]] |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=ZPgrJByqp4wC }}
* {{citation|title=Inventing Modern: Growing Up with X-Rays, Skyscrapers, and Tailfins |first=John H. |last=Lienhard |publisher=[[Oxford University Press US]] |year=2005 |isbn=0-19-518951-5 |author-link=John H. Lienhard }}
* {{Citation |last1=Maher |first1=Kevin |last2=Greisler |first2=Ben |title=Chilton's Motorcycle Handbook |publisher=[[Haynes Manual|Haynes North America]] |isbn=0-8019-9099-8 |year=1998 |pages=[https://archive.org/details/chiltonsmotorcyc00grei/page/2 2.2&ndash;2.18] |url=https://archive.org/details/chiltonsmotorcyc00grei/page/2 }}
* {{citation |last= Setright |first=L.J.K. |author-link=L. J. K. Setright |year= 1979 |title=The Guinness book of motorcycling facts and feats |publisher=Guinness Superlatives |isbn= 978-0-85112-200-7 |pages=8–18}}
* {{Citation |last=Stermer |first=Bill |title=Streetbikes: Everything You Need to Know |publisher=MotorBooks/MBI Publishing Company |year=2006 |isbn=978-0-7603-2362-5 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NMokiWY6E00C&pg=PA10 }}
* {{citation|title=The Savvy Guide to Motorcycles|first=Shirley|last=Duglin Kennedy|publisher=Indy Tech Publishing|year=2005|isbn=978-0-7906-1316-1|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kEX7Ncd3hO4C&pg=PA75}}
* {{Cite book |author-link=Mick Walker (motorcycling) |last=Walker |first=Mick |title=Mick Walker's German Racing Motorcycles |publisher=Redline Books |year=1999 |isbn=978-0-9531311-2-9 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=t5StUPaN3jkC&pg=PA61 }}
* {{citation |author-link= Mick Walker (motorcycling) |last= Walker |first= Mick |year= 2006 |title= Motorcycle: Evolution, Design, Passion |publisher= JHU Press |isbn= 978-0-8018-8530-3 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=AHSlknpjrgAC&q=Indian+largest&pg=PA66 }}
* {{citation| title=Exotic Motorcycles |first= Vic |last= Willoughby |publisher= Osprey Publishing, Ltd |location= London |year= 1982 |isbn= 0-85045-322-4}}
{{refend}}

==External links==
{{commons|Motorcycle}}
{{wikivoyage|Motorcycling}}
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[[Category:Motorcycle technology| ]]
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