Motorcycle

Benefits of Motorcycles

Sense of Connection
Driving a car means that you are essentially moving around in a metal box. You can feel like you are hermetically sealed off from your surroundings. You view your surroundings like you're watching television. One of the wonderful things about motorcycling is that you are in the open air and far more connected to your environment. This is especially great when you are cruising through the countryside, as you absorb all of the scenery and feel part of nature.

Affordable
Motorcycles are generally much more affordable than cars and trucks to buy, register, insure, maintain, and repair. Driving two wheels instead of four can save you a lot of money over time even when you add in any additional costs for safety gear.

Easy to Maintain
Compared to cars and other four-wheeled vehicles, motorcycles are much easier to maintain. For example, a regular procedure like an oil change is way easier with a motorcycle. The engine and other elements of the bike are much more accessible. You can often do your own repairs, and when you can't, the parts are usually easy to get hold of, reducing labor costs.

Easy to Park and Store
One of the things that makes motorcycles particularly practical in built-up urban areas is that they are much easier to park than cars. That's because they are smaller and can fit into tighter spaces. They're also more maneuverable. There are fewer accidents associated with a parking a motorcycle than with a car. It's also safer when you pull out of a parking space, because you have better visibility than four-wheeled vehicles.

Great in Traffic
Motorcycles are more versatile when it comes to dealing with driving in heavy traffic. When you're sat on your machine and faced with a sea of stationary cars and trucks, you can often find ways through the parked vehicles and therefore get to your destination quicker.

There's a Social Side to Riding
Motorcycles aren't purely a form of transport for many people. They provide social opportunities to meet up and ride in groups. Road trips with a club can be a rewarding way to drive, explore, meet new people, and spend time with friends.

They Use Less Gas
Motorcycles are smaller and lighter than cars and trucks, which means that they are more efficient and use less gas. The gas mileage of an individual motorcycle varies but it can often exceed 50-60 MPG. That compares with many four-wheeled vehicles that can typically only manage 20-30 MPG. As well as saving you money on gas, it means that you also have to make fewer stops to refill.

They Hold Their Value
Take good care of your motorcycle and its value won't depreciate as rapidly as with a car or truck. On average, a motorcycles will lose around 10% of its value each year. In comparison, cars lose about 15%.

Main Components of Motorcycles

Chassis
The chassis forms the foundation of any motorcycle and consists of the mainframe, front forks, rear suspension/swingarm and subframe. Frames can be manufactured from a range of materials including steel, aluminium, magnesium and even more exotic materials such as carbon fibre and Kevlar. Depending on cost and application, manufacturers could use any of the abovementioned materials to build a frame. The frame has a head tube up front which houses the front fork assembly. Some motorbikes may have a rigid rear suspension built into the frame (common on choppers), however in most cases, the rear suspension consists of a swingarm bolted to the frame. The subframe is the section where the seats and rear cowl are mounted, completing the basic structure of the bike.

Engine
In some cases, the engine forms part of the structural integrity for the chassis, as this allows manufacturers to reduce cost and build lighter motorcycles. They all have unique performance characteristics and the engine type you choose is largely based on preference.

Transmission
Various forms of motorcycle transmissions exist, with the most common being foot-operated sequential manuals found in most bikes, and CVT systems which are very common on scooters and e-bikes. There are some bikes that run stand-alone transmissions, however, in most cases, transmissions are built directly into the engine casing.

Final Drive
Power is transferred from the transmission output shaft to the rear wheel in a number of ways. Some motorcycles use a chain drive, some use driveshafts and some even use belts. They all have different benefits and disadvantages, but it has been found that the chain-driven system is the most versatile, as the final drive ratio can be adjusted to suit the bike's application through differently-sized sprockets.

Wheels and Tyres
Wheels transfer power from the final drive to the surface you are riding on. Off-road bikes make use of knobbly motorcycle tyres to improve grip on loose surfaces, and road bikes make use of motorbike tyres designed for use on tarmac and concrete.

Body Panels
Body panels are what give a bike its aesthetics. Some bikes have full fairings that cover most of the exposed parts and some are semi-naked. These panels are mostly made of high-quality moulded plastics and include side fairings, top fairings, rear cowls, tanks/ tank covers and windscreens.

Mudguards
Mudguards sit on top of both wheels, with the rear wheel mudguard referred to as a hugger. These pieces protect both the bike and the rider from potential debris coming off the tyres.

Lights
Not only do motorcycle lights provide illumination in the dark, but they also add to your bike being visible during daylight hours. Furthermore, there are various types of lights that make up motorbike lighting systems. Arguably one of the most important is the turn signal of the motorbike. These lights are found on both the front and back of the motorbike and indicate to other drivers the direction in which you intend to turn. Another key motorbike light is the rear light, whose function is to indicate to other drivers that you are applying the brakes. A further important light to consider is the licence plate light; this light can be found above the licence plate holder and can sometimes be integrated into the tail light.

Handlebars
Handlebars for motorcycles come in many different styles but ultimately serve the same purpose. Handlebars not only allow you to control the front end of the motorcycle but also house all the switchgear and most of the controls. On the right handle, you will find your throttle which, when twisted towards you, opens the throttle. Switchgear found on the right-hand side typically includes an on/off switch, a starter button and a light switch. On the left side, you will find controls for turn signals, low/full beams, horn and hazard lights. These are some of the basic functions that one would find on most bikes, although some manufacturers may have more features built into the switchgear. On the right handle, you will also find the front brake lever with the master cylinder, and on the left side, you will find the clutch lever with its master cylinder in the case of a hydraulic clutch. On some smaller automatic bikes and scooters, it is common to find the rear brake lever on the left handlebar. Above the handlebar will be the dashboard which displays all the driving data you need and any warning lights.

Footpegs
Footpegs/rearsets allow you as the rider or pillion/passenger to position your feet in the correct spot to allow your body to balance correctly on the bike. For the rider on a manual bike, the footpegs also include a rear brake lever on the right-hand side and a gear lever on the left.

Things to Consider Before Choosing a Motorcycle

 

Experience Level

It is essential to determine what type of motorcycle would be suitable for your skill level. Beginners should opt for less powerful, manageable and easier-to-handle motorcycles.

 

Riding Style

Choosing the right motorcycle for your riding style is important to ensure a comfortable and safe experience. Your riding style determines the type of motorcycle you should choose, as different motorcycles cater to different types of riding styles. It's essential to understand the type of riding you plan to do, such as off-road, touring, cruising, or sport riding, and choose a motorcycle that suits your preferences. This will ensure that you have control and comfort on the road, making your riding experience enjoyable and safe.

 

Budget

When it comes to purchasing a motorcycle, budget is an essential factor to consider. Motorcycles are available in a wide range of prices, from affordable to high-end models. It's important to set a budget and stick to it to avoid overspending and financial stress. Owning a motorcycle goes beyond the purchase price. There are additional costs such as insurance, registration fees, maintenance, and repairs, which can add up over time. Before making a decision on a motorcycle, new riders should research the associated costs and factor them into their budget.

 

Performance, Reliability & Quality

Performance parameters are critical to consider when selecting a motorcycle. Braking, engine performance, handling, suspension, ergonomics, and fuel efficiency are all important factors to consider. Look for a motorcycle that meets your performance needs and provides a comfortable and safe riding experience. It's important to choose a motorcycle from a reputable brand to ensure quality and reliability.

 

Physical Size

This helps determine what size motorcycle will be comfortable and safe for you to ride. Choosing a motorcycle that is the right physical size is crucial for a comfortable and safe riding experience. Riders should consider their height, weight, and inseam length when choosing a motorcycle. A motorcycle that is too large or too small can make it difficult to control, leading to discomfort and even accidents. Tall riders may prefer a motorcycle with a higher seat height, while shorter riders may prefer a lower seat height. Inseam length is also important, as riders should be able to touch the ground with both feet while seated. Riders should also consider the weight of the motorcycle, as heavier bikes may be more difficult to control and maneuver, especially for new riders. It's important to choose a motorcycle that is comfortable to handle, and riders should be able to sit and stand comfortably while riding. Another important aspect to consider is the placement of the footpegs and handlebars. These should be positioned comfortably, allowing the rider to maintain a proper riding position without straining their back or arms.

 

Riding Environment

Different types of motorcycles are better suited for different environments, so this helps determine what type of motorcycle to choose. Riders should consider the type of riding they plan to do, such as city streets, highways, off-road trails, or mountain roads, and choose a motorcycle that suits their needs. It's also important to consider weather and climate conditions when selecting a motorcycle, ensuring that the bike has features that will make it comfortable and safe to ride in different conditions.