Protective Motorbiking

Wear Full Protective Motorbiking Gear

Ideally the pillion should wear full protective gear, no less than the driver. At the minimum, a full-face helmet, leather jacket, leather gloves and sturdy boots should be worn. Knees, shoulders and elbows are the common impact spots during a crash, so these areas should be armoured and/or padded. Helmets should never be bought second-hand due to the possibility of microfractures; for the same reason they should be replaced after being dropped, or after any crash in which the helmet collided with any surface. People with long hair should wear it contained, both for safety reasons and practical - hair whipping in the wind is less poetic during the half-hour detangling process afterwards! Helmet-friendly hair styles keep long hair safe and neat.

Don't Shift Your Weight On the Bike

It is tempting for a pillion to either try to 'help' the driver lean around corners, or endeavor to compensate by leaning the other way. Neither practice is safe. Instead, the pillion should sit 'like a sack of potatoes', neither moving his body deliberately nor trying to keep stiffly upright. If the pillion is snugly tucked against the driver and clasping the driver around the waist, the two bodies will tend to naturally lean together around corners.

Cornering and decelerating are the two most unstable conditions for a bike. If a pillion must shift his weight, he should wait until the bike is accelerating or at least travelling quickly along a straight road. Gravel roads also make motorbikes very unstable.

Using Hand Signals to Communicate on a Motorbike

Unless you have an intercom system between the driver's and pillion's helmets (an expensive option), it is useful to have a simple system of communication. Some bikers recommend tapping the driver on the thigh to indicate 'Stop the bike now' or 'Stop the bike as soon as it's convenient'. Make sure to differentiate any hand signals from pointing out items on interest along the way.

Hold Onto the Driver's Waist, Not Shoulders

It can feel intuitive to hold onto the driver's shoulders, as they are the highest point on the bike. However, pushing on his shoulders puts a lot of tiring pressure on his arms, and may interfere with his ability to steer efficiently. Hold the driver around the waist instead, or use the pillion grab rail at the back of the seat instead. A belt with pillion handles may also be worn by the driver.

Keep Your Feet Up When the Bike is Stationary

A pillion does not need to 'support' the bike by putting his feet on the ground when the bike is at a stop sign. It is safer to keep the feet on the footpegs.

Dress Warmly on a Motorbike

The wind chill on a bike, especially an unfaired model, is considerable. Woollen gloves can be purchased to wear under the protective gloves. Special motorbike balaclavas are available to be worn under helmets, as are waterproof overjackets and overpants. Other warm or waterproof gear should be considered according to the conditions in which you are likely to be riding.

Drive Only with a Biker You Trust

Being a pillion is trusting your life to the driver's reactions, skill and wisdom. Follow common sense when asked to ride—is the driver experienced? Does she encourage you to follow or ignore safety guidelines, especially as regards protective clothing? Is she completely sober, strong enough to support the bike with your added weight, and experienced at carrying pillions?

London Museum Old Motorcycles

The London Motorcycle Museum is located in a quiet suburb of the English capital. But its contents scream motorcycle history, with bikes dating back as early as 1902.

The early motorcycles on display at the London Motorcycle Museum look more like bicycles with a motor attached than they do the motorbikes of today. Highlights of the museum’s early holdings include a 1902 Ormonde Kelecom 2-1/4hp; a 1903 Clyde, also 2-1/4hp; a 1915 Harley Davidson 1000cc, and a 1919 Triumph 550cc.

Triumph Motorcycles Predominate at Museum

The museum is filled with rare and vintage motorcycles. Triumph motorcycles dominate the collection, with more than 50 manufactured down through the years. The collection also includes BSA, Norton, Velocette and Royal Enfields. The museum specializes in British motorcycles, including racing and road bikes. A complete listing of the holdings can be found on the museum’s web site.

On display are motorcycles used by the military and police over the years.

Recent additions to the collection include a 1939 Sunbeam B24S, originally billed as the “gentleman’s motor bicycle,” and a 1949 500cc AJW Gray Fox Side Valve Twin. The British Motorcycle Charitable Trust also has several rare biks, including a 1925 500cc Beardmore Precision, on display at the London Motorcycle Museum.

Founder Started Museum to Display His Collection

The museum grew out of a collection of motorcycles owned by Bill Crosby, who began collecting motorcycles in the late 1950s when he bought a motorcycle shop, according to the museum’s web site. The collection grew from there, and soon he was looking for a place to display his bikes. Many years and several moves later, Crosby found a permanent home for his motorcycles at an old farm in Greenford, a quiet suburb of London. And thus the London Motorcycle Museum was born. It is the only motorcycle museum in London.

The museum today is run by Crosby and his family, plus volunteers, as a British Motorcycle Charitable Trust. Motorcycles are mainly displayed in one building now, but there are plans to expand into several other buildings, each one devoted to a specific area, the museum’s web site notes. Motorcycle enthusiasts can plunk down £20 on a bike of their choosing through the "adopt a bike" program.

Motorcycles Borrowed for British TV Shows

The museum also is mobile, taking motorcycles to shows and exhibitions around the area. Some motorcycles have also been used in British television shows, including the popular British soap opera Eastenders, and movies.

The museum is open weekends and bank holidays, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. In 2008, admission was £3 for adults and 50p for children 5 to 14 years old. The museum is located at Ravenor Farm, 29 Oldfield Lane, Greenford.

It’s reachable by train/subway and bus. Visitors with all-zone Travel Cards can use the passes to get to the museum. It takes about an hour by train and bus combination.

Motorcycle enthusiasts may also want to visit the Sammy Miller Museum ner Southampton.

Motorbike License

Once a rider has successfully taken her compulsory bike training (CBT), an off-road class that teaches basic riding skills, she may venture out on the road. Armed with a DL196 certificate for the CBT class, she may choose to learn alone or take professional training. Either way, the DL196 is the key to moving forward on two wheels.

All learner riders in the United Kingdom, regardless of age, must ride with special "L" plates, a very obvious placard attached to the vehicle that shows the rider is a learner. Welsh riders may use D-plates instead, the "D" in question standing for "dysgwr."

Learning to Ride Mopeds in the United Kingdom

According to the DVLA, a moped is a vehicle that goes no faster than 31mph and is no more than 50cc. A moped rider must be aged at least 16, and must obtain the DL196 unless he has passed his car test before 1 February 2001, in which case the provisional license is automatic. Otherwise, he must then pass the theory and moped riding tests, at which point he gets a "P" on his license to prove he may legally ride mopeds.

Under normal circumstances, the DL196 is valid only for two years. However, for those who passed a car driving test while the DL196 was still current or who did the CBT after passing a car test, the DL196 is permanent – but only for mopeds. Those wanting to get a motorcycle endorsement still only have two years from completion of the CBT to pass the theory and riding tests.

Learning to Ride Light Motorcycles in the United Kingdom

The DVLA splits motorcycle licenses up into two classes. The A1 class is for light motorcycles – no larger than 125cc with 11kW/14.6 bhp. (Until the mid-1990s, 125cc was the largest motorcycle that any learner rider could operate.) To get an A1 license, the rider must be at least 17 years old, and must have either a CBT certificate or have passed the moped test. If, however, she obtained her moped license after July 1, 1996, she does not have to do another theory test.

The riding test must be taken on a motorcycle between 75 and 125cc, after which the rider may ride a motorcycle up to 125cc and up to 14.6 bhp.

Learning to Ride Medium Motorcycles in the United Kingdom

The A license is for "medium" motorcycles. It is available from the age of 17, and is valid on motorcycles with maximum 33 bhp and a maximum power-to-weight ration of 16kW/kg. In the case of A licenses, the CBT requirement is waived for riders with either a moped or an A1 license, and the theory test is waived for those with an A1 or moped license. In other words, the rider need not take the theory and CBT tests repeatedly as he upgrades to larger motorcycles.

The riding test is carried out on a motorcycle between 120 and 125 cc which can go at least 62 mph. After passing the test, the rider is restricted to machines of 33 bhp for two years and can then upgrade to larger motorcycles without taking a new test.

The above rules were introduced to help prevent accidents in younger, statistically more rash, motorcyclists. However, there is a provision for older riders on larger bikes, with somewhat restrictive requirements.

Direct Access Options for Older Motorcycle Riders

The Direct Access license allows a rider aged at least 21 to learn on and take a riding test on a motorcycle over 35kW/46 bhp. He must have a provisional motorcycle license, and must take a CBT and theory test unless he has passed a moped or A1 riding test since July 1, 1996.

The beauty of the Direct Access system is that the rider can learn on a larger motorcycle. Its major drawback is that the rider can only ride that motorcycle if accompanied with an qualified instructor in radio contact at all times. This means that if she wants to practice alone, she will also need a smaller motorcycle – 125cc or less. On the other hand, once she passes the test there are no restrictions on what size and power of motorcycle she can ride.

Those who turn 21 before the two-year license restriction ends have an "Accelerated Access" option. They can get a larger motorcycle, riding it only with a qualified instructor, and can take the riding test a second time to get past the two-year restriction. If they fail, their existing A1 or P license remains mercifully intact.

Buying and Renting an Enfield

The Royal Enfield is the classic British motorbike that was produced in Britain until the Enfield Factory in the Indian city of Chennai took over production in 1970's. Many foreigners come to India wanting to buy an Enfield but most come without knowing much about the process of buying a motorbike in India and end up having problems when trying to sell it on after their bike trip.

Costs of Buying and Renting an Enfield in India

The prices for 350 CC Enfields start at INR 25 000 (under US$600), and it is possible to get a 500 CC Enfield from INR35 000 - 40 000 (US$ 800-950). Renting a bike costs from INR500/day (just under US$12) although for better bikes one should be prepared to pay up to INR1000/day. For a shorter trip renting a bike makes more sense, but if the bike trip is going last more than three months buying a bike becomes more economical.

How to Buy an Enfield in India

Even though a foreigner can buy a motorbike in India s/he cannot legally register the bike under his/her own name without being a legally registered resident in India. The following documents are required when buying or selling a motorbike in India:

• sales receipt
• registration book
• insurance certificate
• forms no. 29 and 30
• insurance transfer receipt

Those who want to sell the bike on after the trip also need a No Objection Certificate (NOC). The seller should be able to provide these papers. Foreigners who buy a bike in India without the necessary paperwork won't be able to sell the bike after their trip except to another foreigner or for a very low price.

How to Rent an Enfield in India

For shorter trips renting a bike is an easier option. The documents to keep on the bike (the papers that will be checked by the police if you get stopped, which is very likely) include the registration book and the insurance certificate. Insist on original papers.

Fitness test must be up to date and this will be recorded in the registration book. An emission test is required for entering some Indian states including Goa. Foreigners need an international driver's licence to drive a motorbike in India and not having one means fines or bribes if stopped by the police.

How to Ride an Enfield in India

The Enfield's engine is based on the model that was designed in 1948 and has been updated very little since, so it is essentially an old dinosaur of a motorbike. In most Enfields the gearshift is on the right side and rear brake is on the left side, opposite to modern bikes.

Enfields need a lot of maintenance and a lot of care and most drivers will have to spend hours at the mechanic. Riding the Enfield in Indian traffic is not for the faint-hearted either.

Shipping an Enfield from India to Europe or the US is a big bureaucratic headache and involves so much paperwork that it is best to get professional help from a company such as Lalli Singh.

Learn to Ride a Motorbike - iStockphoto Learn To Ride A Motorbike

Changes in the law from September 29th, 2008 means there is a new practical test to pass before you can ride a motorbike. This is being introduced to improve standards of road safety for bikers. There is currently a high injury and death rate on UK roads and the government is committed to reducing the number of accidents on by 40% in 2010.

The new practical test has two elements. Higher speed exercises will be tested on safe off-road sites (at new Multi-Purpose Training Centres). The on-road element follows, consisting of a ride covering a variety of road and traffic conditions and includes stops, angles and hill starts. New special exercises are as follows: -

• Two exercises carried out at slow speed, including a slalom (cone weaving)
• Two exercises carried out at a higher speed, at which one should be in second or third gear, at a speed of 19mph+ and one exercise avoiding an obstacle at a minimum speed of 32mph.
• Two breaking exercises including an emergency break at a minimum speed of 32mph.

Your bike needs to be no less than 75cc for the practical test.

Motorcycle Skills Test

In April 2009, the United Kingdom introduced a new practical test or driving test for motorcycles. The test is now a three-part process, with one segment each for theory, maneuvers and riding. Riders must first take their Compulsory Basic Training, and once they feel ready to take the other components, they schedule the theory test.

Each of the three components has a separate fee, meaning that obtaining a motorcycle license will ultimately cost the rider more than £200 when coupled with the CBT. If she takes private training, the cost will be significantly higher.

Theory Test and Hazard Perception Test for the British Motorbike License

The theory test has two parts – a multiple-choice section and a hazard perception section. The multiple choice module consists of 50 multiple choice questions, answered on a touch-screen computer. 57 minutes is allowed for the test and only seven wrong answers are allowed.

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The video-based hazard perception test is answered by clicking a mouse. Fourteen video clips are shown and the rider must point out the developing hazard soon enough to avoid it. Each hazard is worth five points, with higher points scored for earlier recognition, and one of the clip has two hazards. The rider must earn at least 44 out of 75 points to pass.

Before a rider takes the motorcycle theory test, she must present both the paper and photograph components of her driver's license. If she has an old-style paper-only license, a passport is also required. Results are given on the same day and the motorbike theory test remains valid for two years. The DVA has a mock test that can be taken online. Learner riders can also purchase a test quiz book, riding handbook and a test DVD.

Motorcycle Skills Test Module of the British Motorbike Riding Test

The second part of the motorcycle test must take place within two years of passing the theory test. The rider presents his driver's license, CBT certificate and theory test certificate. He must wear proper protective gear including helmet, gloves and boots. The motorcycle riding skills module is performed in a parking lot or other designated off-road space. The rider must demonstrate her ability to wheel the motorcycle and put it on its stand; she must do a slalom and figure-of-eight, and perform an emergency stop and U-turn.

Other maneuvers include a slow ride, a swerve to avoid a hazard, and must demonstrate cornering and stopping skills. Additionally, the emergency stop and hazard avoidance must be done from a speed of at least 32 mph.

This section of the test was originally done as part of the on-road riding test but was moved off-road for safety reasons. The motorcycle test is around 20 minutes.

Motorcycle Riding Test Module of the British Motorbike Riding Test

The final stage of riding a motorcycle in the United Kingdom is an on-road riding test, taken on a separate day from the skills test. The rider presents all the documents listed above, as well as his skills test certificate. He must wear appropriate safety gear; however, a Sikh rider is exempted from wearing a helmet if he wears a turban. Before setting out, the rider must demonstrate good eyesight by reading a car's number plate at a set distance.

Rider and instructor then embark on a 40-minute ride together. The rider has a radio in her helmet and the instructor issues directions as they continue. The person being tested must demonstrate safe riding and satisfactory observation techniques such as looking over his shoulder and using mirrors. He must also perform maneuvers like pulling out into traffic and a hill start.

Finally, the rider is asked questions about balance and safety; however, these questions are available for download online. A verdict of success or failure is delivered after the test. Those who pass are given a certificate to exchange for an A1 or A endorsement on his license.

Motorbike cartoon 10

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motorbike Variation #2

motorbike Variation #1

Pose on a Harley Davidson motorbike

wonderfully motorbike

Ready To Race motorbike

In the motor sport sensation of the year KTM, the world-famous motorbike manufacturer, has chosen a venue in Hungary for its international festival, to be held between the 7th and 9th of September. KTM is Europe’s second largest motorbike manufacturer, producing 84,000 motorbikes a year. KTM will hold its 7th motorbike festival at the Hungaroring racing circuit near Budapest in 2007. KTM enthusiasts and dedicated bikers across the world are already feverishly reparing for the event.The last KTM Festival was held in 2004 at the KTM headquarters in Mattinghofen. The event was a great success with participants arriving from all four corners of the world. It is therefore a great honour for Hungaroring to host the next event.

No motorbike mega-event would be complete without stars from the bike world and the Budapest event will welcome Cyril Després – double winner of the Dakar Rally, Marc Coma – winner of the Dakar Rally, Stefan Everts –ten-time motocross world champion, Heinz Kinigadner – motocross world champion and Dakar Rally rider, Mika Kallio – Moto GP rider, Hiroshi Aoyama – Moto GP rider, Giovanni Sala – enduro world champion and David Knight – enduro world champion. Of the many Hungarian stars it is enough to mention the names of Péter Kátai– the most successful pilot in the Dakar Rally motorbike category, Ákos Varga ¬
– Dakar Rally rider and Péter Sebestyén, who competes in the KTM Red Bull Rookies Cup.

It is difficult to list all the things that the organisers will pack into the three days to ensure that everyone – young and old, boys and girls, bike fanatics and on-lookers – will have a good time. The attractions will include streetfighter and freestyle shows and bikers can try out all of the tracks at Hungaroring. The 4.4 km long race track, the European Championship motocross track, the Adventure Park off-road course and the tricky supermoto track will all roar to the sound of motorbikes from morning until night.

Concerts and parties will be held every evening for all those who haven’t exhausted themselves during the exciting motorbike events of the day.
As the organisers expect many visitors from outside Budapest and abroad they will organise special city tours during the festival, which is a fantastic opportunity to strengthen Budapest’s international reputation.

The full program of events and the most up-to-date information about the festival can be found at the official website of the event.

Daimler SP250 Dart

The desicion to create a sports car was a change of tack for Daimler when, under new management, the company decided to build the SP250 'Dart'. The Chassis and layout of the SP250 was taken from the Triumph TR3. The body was made from fibreglass and featured some unusual and awkward styling elements.

The 'Dart' name had to be dropped from the SP250 as Dodge held the patent to the name.

Alpine A110

Alpine sold their A110 through Renault dealerships and the A110 came with a full warranty.
In competition spec the Alpine A110 was a formidable and successful rally car and in 1971 Alpine was named Renaults competition arm.

Albar Sonic

The 1982 Albar Sonic is based on Volkswagen Beetle running gear.

The Alfa Romeo Disco Volante

The Alfa Romeo Disco Volante was an extremely voluptuous sports car which was unveiled in 1952.

The name of the Alfa Romeo Disco Volante meant 'Flying Saucer' in Italian. A very appropriate name for such a striking vehicle.

Only four examples were built, and its primary mission was to win races. Which it did, but not many. You see, the gorgeous, slippery shape of the vehicle - while it created very little drag - it also generated lift at speed. This made the handling more than a little bit precarious!

Three different bodystyles and two different drivetrains were used for the car, including; one open roadster and two different coupe styles. Most of the cars features a 1.9 litre inline 4 cylinder which produced 158 horsepower. One car, which was specially built for Juan Manuel Fangio (a legendary old-school F1 driver), featured a 260 horsepower, 3.5 litre inline 6 cylinder.

APAL Coupe 1200

APAL, standing for 'Application Polyester Armé de Liège' were a Belgian sports car company founded in 1961 by glass-fibre specialist Edmond Pery. The Apal Coupe 1200 was one of his first models and is an attractive coupe with curvaceous styling. In total roughly 150 Apal Coupe's were made, they were based on a VW floorplan and power came from either a 1200 cc Volkswagen aircooled engine or a rarer Porsche power unit was also available. The car pictured here is an early version of the Apal Coupe 1200 restored in 2005 and is owned by Roland Buyse of Belgium.

Stock Illustration Of motorbike

motorbike

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'Soiling your pants every time you ride your bike fast isn't a medical condition. It's probably a mixture of fear and excitement.'

Motorbike cartoon 2

Motorbike cartoon 1

My wife bought me this helmet when I told her I was buying a bike. She's a little over protective.'

Classic American Car

Classic American Car on the street, Havana, Cuba, North America
Red Classic Chevy Sedan

Environmental impact

In 2007 and 2008, motorcycles and scooters, due to good fuel efficiency, attracted interest in the United States from environmentalists and those affected by increased fuel prices.^[71][72] Piaggio Group Americas supported this interest with the launch of a "Vespanomics" website and platform, citing lower per-mile carbon emissions of 0.4 lb/mile (113 g/km) less than the average car, a 65% reduction, and better fuel economy.^[73]

Other sources, however, claim that while motorcycles produce much less pollution in terms of greenhouse gases, a motorcycle can in some cases emit 10–20 times the quantity of nitrogen oxides (NOx) when compared to the NOx emissions of a car.^[71][74] This is because many motorcycles lack a catalytic converter to reduce NOx emissions, and while catalytic converters have been used in cars long enough that they are now commonplace, they are a relatively new technology in motorcycles.^[71] Many newer motorcycles (such as later models of the Yamaha R1 and Suzuki GSXR1000, as well as most BMWs which have included catalytic converers since the 1990s) now have factory fitted catalytic converters. Along with other technologies that have taken longer to appear in motorcycles (e.g. fuel injection, anti-lock brake systems),^{[citation needed]} catalytic converters are becoming increasingly commonplace.

United States Environmental Protection Agency 2007 certification result reports for all vehicles versus on highway motorcycles (which also includes scooters),^[75] 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, for a difference of about 16%, not the claimed 10X factor. Likewise, if one looks at how many of the 2007 motorcycles tested were also catalytic equipped, 54% of them, 2,092, were equipped with a catalytic converter.

United States emissions limits

The following table shows maximum acceptable legal emissions of the combination of hydrocarbon and nitrous oxides, as well as carbon monoxide, for new Class III motorcycles (280 cc or larger displacement) sold in the United States.^[76]

Tier	Model year	HC+NOx (g/km)	CO (g/km)
Tier 1	2006–2009	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 cc–169 cc and 170 cc–279 cc respectively) sold in the United States are as follows:^[76]

Model year	HC (g/km)	CO (g/km)
2006 and later	1.0	12.0

Europe

European emission standards for motorcycles are similar to those for cars. New motorcycles must meet Euro III standards,^[77] while cars must meet Euro V standards. Therefore, the difference in total pollution between motorcycles and cars that pass European emission standards would be small, certainly much smaller than the 10X factor claimed by the referenced LA Times article. Motorcycle emissions controls are being updated and it has been proposed to update to Euro IV in 2012 and Euro V in 2015^[78]

Types of motorcycles

A boulevard cruiser (front) and a sportbike (background)

French police motorcyclist

There are three major types of motorcycle: street, off-road, and dual purpose. Within these types, there are many different sub-types of motorcycles for many different purposes.

Street bikes include cruisers, sportbikes, scooters and mopeds, 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.

Motorcycle rider postures

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.^[65]

• Sport — the rider leans forwards into the wind and the weight of the upper torso is supported by air pressure as long as the motorcycle is travelling at speed, typically above 50 mph (80 km/h). The footpegs are below the rider or to the rear. The reduced frontal area cuts wind resistance and allow higher speeds. However, at low-speed this position throws the weight of the rider onto the arms instead, and this is quickly tiring to the wrists of unfamiliar riders. Moreover, the sports position makes it more difficult for the rider to look around and foot through traffic. Many sport bikes have narrow, swept-back handlebars, or clip-ons (short stubs clamped to the telescopic fork tubes). Following the style of racing bikes, most have full-fairings and often come with almost complete engine enclosure, although motorcycles with a sport riding position are becoming more diverse with the marketing of factory naked bikes, streetfighters, retro cafe racers, and other blends of styles, having varying riding positions somewhere in the range from sport to standard.^[66]
• Standard — the rider sits upright or leans forwards slightly. The feet are below the rider, not too far to the front or back. These are straightforward, versatile motorcycles that are not too specialised for one task, but don't excel in one area either.^[67] The standard posture is used with touring and commuting as well as dirt and dual-sport bikes, and is good for beginners.^[66] The rider enjoys the benefits of freedom of head movement, good visibility in all directions, and easier use of the feet while moving through stationary traffic.
• Cruiser — the rider sits at a lower seat height with the upper torso upright or leaning slightly rearwards. Legs are extended forwards, sometimes out of reach of the regular controls on cruiser pegs. The low seat heights can be a consideration for new or short riders. Handlebars tend to be high, and wide. Harley-Davidsons are exemplars of this style.^[68] 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 types of motorcycles can do.^[69][70]

Factors of a motorcycle's 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.

Legal definitions and restrictions

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 cc and the more powerful, larger, vehicles (scooters do not count as a separate category). Many jurisdictions include some forms of three-wheelers as motorcycles.

Social Aspects

Popularity

Motorbikes are the primary form of transportation in Vietnam.

In numerous cultures, motorcycles are the primary means of motorised transport. According to the Taiwanese government, for example, "the number of automobiles per ten thousand population is around 2,500, and the number of motorcycles is about 5,000."^[37] In places such as Vietnam, motorised traffic consist of mostly motorbikes^[4] due to a lack of public transport and low income levels that put automobiles out of reach for many.^[3]

The four largest motorcycle markets in the world are all in Asia: China, India, Indonesia, and Vietnam.^[3] The motorcycle is also popular in Brazil's frontier towns.^[5] Amid the global economic downturn of 2008, the motorcycle market grew by 6.5%.^[38]

Recent years have seen an increase in the popularity of motorcycles elsewhere. In the USA, registrations increased by 51% between 2000 and 2005.^[39] This is mainly attributed to increasing fuel prices and urban congestion.^[40] A Consumer Reports subscribers' survey of mainly United States motorcycle and scooter owners reported that they rode an average of only 1,000 miles (1,600 km) per year, 82% for recreation and 38% for commuting.^[41] Americans put 10,000–12,000 miles (16,000–19,000 km) per year on their cars and light trucks.^[42]

Subcultures

Sunbeam motorcycle owners rally, 2008.

A Hells Angels wall mural in Southampton, UK

Motorcycle club, Outlaw motorcycle club, and Category:Motorcycling subculture

Around the world, motorcycles have historically been associated with subcultures. Some of these subcultures have been loose-knit social groups such as the cafe racers of 1950s Britain, and the Mods and Rockers of the 1960s. A few are believed to be criminal gangs.

Social motorcyclist organisations are popular and are sometimes organised geographically, focus on individual makes, or even specific models. Example motorcycle clubs include: American Motorcyclist Association, Harley Owners Group and BMW MOA. Some organisations hold large international motorcycle rallies in different parts of the world that are attended by many thousands of riders.

Whereas many social motorcycle organisations raise money for charities through organised events and rides, some other motorcycle organisations exist only for the direct benefit of others. Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA) is one example. BACA assigns members to individual children to help them through difficult situations, or even stay with the child if the child is alone or frightened.^[43]

In recent decades, motorcyclists have formed political lobbying organisations in order to influence legislators to introduce motorcycle-friendly legislation. One of the oldest such organisations, the British Motorcycle Action Group, was founded in 1973 specifically in response to helmet compulsion, introduced without public consultation.^[44] In addition, the British Motorcyclists Federation (BMF), originally founded in 1960 as a reaction to the public perception of motorcyclists as leather-jacketed hooligans, has itself moved into political lobbying. Likewise, the U.S. has ABATE, which, like most such organisations, also works to improve motorcycle safety, as well as running the usual charity fund-raising events and rallies, often for motorcycle-related political interests.^[45]

At the other end of the spectrum from the charitable organisations and the motorcycle rights activists are the Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs. These are defined by the Provincial Court of Manitoba as: "Any group of motorcycle enthusiasts who have voluntarily made a commitment to band together and abide by their organisations' rigorous rules enforced by violence, who engage in activities that bring them and their club into serious conflict with society and the law".^[46] The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Criminal Intelligence Service Canada have designated four MCs as Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs (OMGs), which are the Pagans, Hells Angels, Outlaws MC, and Bandidos,^[47][48] known as the "Big Four".^[49]

Mobility

A couple ride on a motorcycle in Udaipur, India. Annual sales of motorcycles in India are expected to exceed 10 million by 2010.^[50]

While people choose to ride motorcycles for various reasons, those reasons are increasingly practical, with riders opting for a powered two-wheeler as a cost-efficient alternative to infrequent and expensive public transport systems, or as a means of avoiding or reducing the effects of urban congestion.^[51] In places where it is permitted, lane splitting, also known as filtering, allows motorcycles to use the space between vehicles to move through stationary or slow traffic.^[52]

In the UK, motorcycles are exempt from the £8 per day London congestion charge other vehicles must pay to enter the city during the day. Motorcycles are also exempt from toll charges at some river crossings, such as the Severn Bridge, Dartford Crossing, and Mersey Tunnels. Some cities, such as Bristol, allow motorcycles to use bus lanes and provide dedicated free parking. In the United States, those states that have high-occupancy vehicle lanes also allow for motorcycle travel in them. Other countries have similar policies.

In New Zealand motorcycle riders are not required to pay for parking that is controlled by a barrier arm;^[53] the arm does not occupy the entire width of the lane, and the motorcyclist simply rides around it.^[54] Many car parks controlled in this way supply special areas for motorcycles to park, so as not to unnecessarily consume spaces.

In many cities that have serious parking challenges for cars, such as San Francisco, US and Melbourne, Australia, motorcycles are generally permitted to park on the sidewalk, rather than occupy a space on the street which might otherwise be used by a car.^{[citation needed]}

Safety

Motorcycle safety and Motorcycle safety clothing

Motorcycles have a higher rate of fatal accidents than automobiles. 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 – four times higher than for cars.^[55] 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 – 28 times higher than for cars (37 times more deaths per mile travelled in 2007).^[56] Furthermore for motorcycles the accident rates have increased significantly since the end of the 1990s, while the rates have dropped for passenger cars.

Wearing a motorcycle helmet reduces the chances of death or injury in a motorcycle crash

The two major causes of motorcycle accidents in the United States are: motorists pulling out or turning in front of motorcyclists and violating their rights-of-way and motorcyclists running wide through turns. The former is sometimes called a SMIDSY, an acronym formed from the motorists' common response of "Sorry mate, I didn't see you".^[57] The latter is more commonly caused by operating a motorcycle while intoxicated.^[58] Motorcyclists can anticipate and avoid some of these crashes with proper training, increasing their conspicuousness to other traffic, and separating alcohol and riding.

The United Kingdom has several organisations which are dedicated to improving motorcycle safety by providing advanced rider training over and above what is necessary to pass the basic motorcycle 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 often benefit from reduced insurance costs.

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.^[59]

An MSF rider course for novices

Motorcycle Safety Education is offered throughout the United States by organisations ranging from state agencies to non-profit organisations to corporations. The courses, designed by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF), include a Basic Rider Course, an Intermediate Rider Course and an Advanced Rider Course.

In the UK (except Northern Ireland) and some Australian jurisdictions, such as Victoria, New South Wales,^[60] the Australian Capital Territory,^[61] Tasmania^[62] and the Northern Territory,^[63] it is compulsory to undertake a rider training course before being issued a Learners Licence.

In Canada, motorcycle rider training is compulsory in Quebec and Manitoba only, but all provinces and territories have Graduated Licensing 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. 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.^[64] Training course graduates may qualify for reduced insurance premiums.