Final Paper

Joseph Reece

ENG 191

4/24/12

Motorcycles

Ride a motorcycle you say? How is that different from a car? Why would one choose to be on two wheels instead of four? Is it better to have a two cylinder engine or a four cylinder engine?  What is the most comfortable way to ride a motorcycle? Is it better to ride on the street or should you only ride on the track? Motorcycles have been around a very long time and hold a valuable place in history. From brands to purposes to types of crashes, there is a lot most people don't know about motorcycles.

Origin:

Now that cars had been invented, a new, faster method of transport was exactly what needed be developed in order to further evolve transportation. American, Sylvester Howard Roper (1823-1896) invented a two-cylinder, steam-engine motorcycle in 1867.  If you allow your description of a motorcycle to include a steam engine, then Howard Roper could be considered the inventor of the motorcycle. German, Gottlieb Daimler invented the first gas-engined motorcycle in 1885, which was an engine attached to a wooden bike. That marked the moment in history when the dual development of a viable gas-powered engine and the modern bicycle collided.[1]

Types:

Since the motorcycle was invented, several different types of motorcycles have emerged, each with their own unique characteristics. Cruisers and choppers offer a more laid back style. They both have higher handlebars and a seating position in which you comfortably lean back into the seat. Additionally, Cruisers have a tendency to be equipped with V-Twin engines, meaning two engine cylinders. Most four-cylinder engined motorcycles are known as sportbikes. They are built strictly for performance and have recently had to be limited due to massive increases in performance due to competition.[2] They have a hunched over riding position for the best aerodynamics and stability.  For those looking to gain more power and speed than a cruiser and yet still maintain a comfortable ride for long periods of time, a new class had to be created–the Sport-Touring class. A sport-touring motorcycle has a more upright seating position than a sportbike, but still maintains the same or, sometimes, a similar engine. For those more adventurous, a dual-sport bike was made. It has a combination between road tires and offroad tires making for the maximum versatility. This is more suited for those who enjoy going offroad every once in awhile. Overall there have been many new types of motorcycles since the first one, each with their specific, vital, and unique characteristics and differences.

Unique Brands and Traditions:

When it comes to actual motorcycle production, there are countless manufacturers now, but a few of them stand out from the rest. For example, BMW is world-renowned for it’s reputation for reliability and longevity thanks to it’s impressive German engineering. Until recently, they have mainly produced Sport-Touring bikes, but BMW has now started producing a 1000cc Sportbike, the S1000rr.[3] A Japanese manufacturer, Yamaha, is known for pushing the envelop of design and technology.Yamaha brand motorcycles have earned a reputation for laser-edge technology and future-thinking design.[4] Across the globe, Ducati motorcycles are famous for their Italian heritage, striking designs and thundering V-Twin motors. Fueled by a passion for racing, red Ducati motorcycles can be found competing and winning in MotoGP and Superbike races throughout the world.[5] Back in the ol’ USA, The iconic Harley-Davidson Motor Company is known for producing heavyweight motorcycles designed for cruising on the highways. A big V-Twin engine and a throaty exhaust growl are Harley-Davidson hallmarks.[6] Choosing a motorcycle has mostly to do with personal preference, but many characteristics are specific only to a single manufacturer.

Methods of purchasing a Motorcycle:

When obtaining a motorcycle, there are a few different ways you can go about it. No matter how you purchase your motorcycle, in order to legally drive it on the road you must insure it. Insurance is one of the main factors in deciding how you want to buy your motorcycle. If you have any type of loan out on the bike it has a lien on it. This means that the bank that lent you the money reserves the rights to the bike before you. This also means that you must have full-coverage insurance on the bike at all times, which can get very expensive over time. This unfortunate scenario can be avoided completely by simply buying the bike outright without taking any loan out on it. You can do that at a dealership or; if you want the best deal, you can usually find a similar model motorcycle on craigslist from a private party for a much lower price slightly used.

Passengers:

Riding with a passenger on your motorcycle can be a lot of fun, but it is something that also ought to involve a fair amount of thought and care. As soon as you offer a person a ride, you’ve just accepted the job of controlling your bike at an operational disadvantage, and the responsibility of preserving another human life. Depending on the weight of your passenger, the bike may handle anywhere from feeling somewhat weighted to absolutely sluggish. With increased mass to manage, the center of gravity shifts rearward and higher, and braking is also affected.[7] Due to these things, you need to be even more careful and aware with a passenger, but, to conclude, it can be done safely.

Motorcycles are a wonderfully varied method of transportation. There have been many advancements, new uses, and even rivalries created from the invention of the motorcycle over the years. One would think a frame with two wheels and an engine wouldn't vary that much, but their are many different forms of motorcycle and many different purposes they serve. It has evolved a lot since it's creation and now holds a firm place in society today. A big part of that is due to riding a motorcycle being a passion rather than just a method to get from point "A" to point "B". Safety is something that can be accounted for and always should be. It is firmly engrained in the mind of a rider from day one. You have to be more aware of your surroundings when on a motorcycle, because one small mistake or detail you miss could be fatal. At the same time, riding a motorcycle is a source of joy for many riders around the world. All in all, riding a motorcycle is an experience that everyone should try at some point in their life; it is life-changing.

Works Cited

11.     http://www.clubcycle.com/who-invented-the-motorcycle.htm April 24 2012.

22.     Boule, Joe (21 July 2000), "Putting the brakes on big bikes: Kawasaki backs off 300 km/h barrier amid rumours of a speed cap; [Final Edition]", Ottawa Citizen, April 24 2012.

33.     http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/bmw.html April 24 2012.

44.     http://xtremenoz.com/weblog/yamaha-brand-motorbikes-the-reasons-why-yamaha-384.aspx April 24 2012

55.     http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/282/Motorcycles/Ducati-Motorcycles.aspx April 24 2012

66.     http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/harley-davidson.html April 24 2012

77. http://www.motorcycle.com/rider-safety/riding-with-a-passenger-88364.html April 24 2012