| Motorcycle or motorbike is a single-track, two-wheeled motor vehicle
powered by an internal combustion engine. August 29, 1885 is
considered as date of birth of motorcycle (First patent for motorcycle
dates back to this date). German engineer Gottlieb Daimler obtained
patent for motorcycle, which was for the first-time demonstrated in
November 1885. Motorcycle was patented as "Vehicle for riding with
kerosene engine".
German engineers Gottlieb Daimler and his assistant Wilhelm Maybach
designed "Riding Car" - Bicycle with wooden frame and belt drive
weighing 50 kg with single-cylinder gas or petrol engine with working
volume of 264 cubic centimeters & reaching output of 0.5 liters a second. The rear wheel
is equipped with one small cushioning external wheel on each side (all
the wheels had iron rims with wooden sopokes). Maybach was the first
one to test ride and the wooden ancestor motorcycle set out on road at
a speed of 18 miles an hour. Daimler waited eagerly for the return of Maybach on
motorcycle and at last, they appeared. He switched-off the motor
and once again started the motorcycle and sighed: "This is not a
vehicle, but a bone pounder. Congratulations!"
Riding:
Initially, motorcycle was simply a means of transport since it was
cheaper than the car. However, in 1950-1960s, car was in reach for
almost all in developed countries and hence the manufacture of
motorcycles was badly hit. In USSR, supply of manufactured cars was
far behind the demand and hence many continued to buy motorcycles
(specially with sidecars) as a substitute of car.
But at the same time, motorcycle was used as central component of
specific life style as motorcycle was usually associated with youth,
energy and risk. Several motorcyclists - lovers are representatives of
subcultures (Bikers or rockers).
In 1980-1990's, motorcycles (especially scooters) again became popular
as a mode of transport since being cost - effective alternative to
infrequent and expensive public transport systems but now they have
once again become a means of transport to overcome the "traffic jams"
(urban congestion) in big cities.
Motorcycle is also a popular sport apparatus; Many competitions are
held in various disciplines (Road racing, Motocross, Drag Racing,
trail etc)
Standard motorcycles have constraints in application since the driver
and the passenger are vulnerable to weather conditions (special
uniform is a must) & motorcycle is unstable on snow and ice-covered
roads (apart from the motorcycles, which are equipped with sidecar).
Motorcyclist, as a rule, should at least wear a helmet. As a riding
gear, the riders usually wear leather overalls and specially styled
trousers.
Riders are found amongst the motorcyclists, who love risk and severe
sensations. Riding a motorcycle is more dangerous than in a car. In
order to prevent road accidents, it is recommended to undergo training
to handle the motorcycle and try to feel it.
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