Motorcycles are powered by internal combustion engines, and can carry one or two riders. They are often categorized by their intended uses, engine sizes, and styles. They are sometimes used for transportation, or for recreational riding and racing. They have many benefits, including their ability to navigate traffic jams more efficiently, and to park in spaces too small for cars. They also have lower fuel costs and emissions than cars, and are more affordable to maintain.
The first motorcycle was a three-wheel design, called the Butler Petrol Cycle, created by Edward Butler in Great Britain in 1884. This machine employed a horizontal single-cylinder gasoline engine mounted between the steerable front wheels and connected by drive chain to the rear wheel. The machine was not successful, but it was a precursor to the modern motorcycle.
After WWI, motorcycle companies geared up for production. They were a popular mode of transport among the new returning soldiers, and they provided them with the same sense of independence and freedom as cars offered to their wealthy patrons.
A motorcycle’s small size makes it more difficult for drivers of larger vehicles to see them, especially when they are turning or changing lanes. This can lead to accidents involving motorcycles and cars.
Today there are many different motorcycle models and brands, and there is a wide range of motorcycle activities. There are street motorcycles designed for urban and tarmac road use, sport bikes for canyon carving and track racing, cruiser motorcycles for leisure riding, and dirt bikes for off-roading. There are also various motorbike components, such as brakes, handlebars, and suspension, which can be customized for personal preference and riding style.