Motorcycles are a lot of fun to ride and can give a thrill that rivals that of flying or riding a race car. However, they can also be dangerous and are a common cause of serious injury or death in crashes. It is very important that new riders understand the risks involved and take every precaution to be safe. Follow traffic laws and always wear a helmet, even when just going around the block. Be visible to other drivers and leave plenty of space between your bike and cars, especially when changing lanes. And remember to use your horn and signal when turning.
The first motorcycles had steam or petrol powered engines and were essentially bicycles with motors attached. Gottlieb Daimler used an engine invented by Nicolaus Otto to create his Reitwagen (riding car). Daimler’s machine wasn’t very maneuverable and had a very high level of drag compared with a smooth, streamlined car design.
Most modern motorcycles have high engine power outputs for their weight and use a low-torque, high-revving engine design. This allows them to achieve excellent acceleration performance – most middleweight and big-bore bikes can go from 0-60 in less than three seconds. Motorcycles are not very aerodynamic though, with the rider sat out in the breeze and the exposed wheels and engine, so they have quite a high level of drag compared to a car.
Most motorcycles are made from steel, usually a combination of tubes and sheets, although aluminum or composite materials are becoming increasingly popular. They have a wide variety of tires, both for on and off-road use, and can be fitted with sidecars to allow family members to join in the riding fun.