The Essential Parts of a Motorcycle
Motorcycles are a fast and affordable way to get around. They also offer a lot of flexibility and can be used for leisure activities. However, they come with some risks, especially on the road.
A motorcycle has an internal-combustion engine, two wheels, a seat and handlebars, and brakes. Most of these vehicles have an ignition lock to prevent theft. There are also passive safety systems to help prevent collisions.
Engine
The engine of a motorcycle is what provides the bike with its power. There are different types of engines with one, two, three or more cylinders. They may be air-cooled or water-cooled. The most common type of engine on motorcycles is the inline four.
The V-twin engine is probably the most recognizable to people not familiar with motorbikes, as it powers most American cruisers. With two big cylinders arranged side-by-side, it’s known for its thick powerband and signature “potato potato” sound.
Two-cylinder engines provide balanced power with less vibration than single-cylinder engines. They can be arranged in a parallel twin configuration or transversely (with the crankshaft perpendicular to the frame). V-twin, inline-four and inline-three engines are popular among bikes with smaller displacement. The size of a piston’s bore and stroke determines how much torque it produces. The larger the bore, the higher the torque.
Frame
The frame is the fundamental structure that supports a motorcycle’s engine, suspension and wheels. Its design and construction affects the vehicle’s performance and cost.
There are several types of motorcycle frames. The most common is a single cradle frame. It is a loop design, either with single or double tubes that fixes to the steering head and wraps around, or cradles, both the engine and gearbox.
Another style is the backbone frame, which looks more like a motorcycle bicycle frame. This is a more economical variety, using less steel and is suitable for low priced motorcycles powered by small engines.
In recent times almost all frame constructions have been switched to aluminium, usually in a twin spar (crossbeam) format. ERW and DOM tubing are the most basic forms of this material, but it is also possible to use Chrome Moly tubing which offers greater strength.
Handlebars
The handlebars are a crucial part of a motorcycle’s steering mechanism. They also serve as a mount for controls such as the brake, clutch and throttle. Handlebars come in many different shapes and sizes to suit the rider’s preferences and body types.
Choosing the right handlebar height is important for comfort, control and efficiency. High handlebars offer a more upright riding position and reduce back, shoulder and muscle pains. However, they can be difficult to maneuver when turning tight corners or making U-turns, particularly for shorter riders and novices.
Low handlebars, such as Chumps, are chinese electric car easy to maneuver for riders of all experience levels and body types. Breezers are similar to Chumps but are more angular and sweeping at the top of their inner rise. Ape hangers have a goofy name and feature an angle that encourages riders to lean back and hang on in a simian fashion, popular on chopper bikes.
Brakes
The brakes are a motorcycle’s energy absorption and dissipation system. The bike’s engine takes energy to move forward, then the wheels take it and turn it into kinetic energy as they roll through the wheels, creating friction that slows the bike and brings it to a stop.
When it comes to brake technology, manufacturers strive for a balance of efficiency and control. Brake pads are rated for their coefficient of friction (CoF), from G to HH, with the first letter quantifying the pad’s CoF at normal operating temperature and the second one specifying how much it can retain at high temperatures.
Riders can fine-tune their braking performance by practicing, preferably on flat roads with no traffic. Place a cone or other marker on the ground, and start with the front brake alone – gently at first, then firmer until you come to a stop. Repeat this a few times to get used to the feel of your bike and its ability to brake efficiently, confidently, and quickly.
Tires
The tires of a motorcycle are the only parts of the bike that touch the ground. While many riders pay little attention to these round, black hoops, they can significantly affect the riding experience and performance of the bike.
Tires are categorized based on their construction and load carrying capabilities. Bias ply tires, which are still commonly found on Harley-Davidson and other heavy cruiser models, use alternating layers of fabric cords from bead to bead to make them stiff and able to carry large loads. However, they tend to get hot and offer less agility than radial tires.
Most motorcycle tires are labeled with a set of numbers and letters (usually 77H) that relay the tire’s dimensions and speed rating. These alphanumeric codes, along with the information on the DOT rim sticker and/or owner’s manual, provide enough data to select an appropriate tire for the bike.
Lighting
Lighting on your motorcycle is essential for safety. You should have good headlights and taillights. These lights will help other drivers see you and will let you know when something is wrong with your bike.
Turn signals are also important, as they will let other drivers know that you’re turning. These come in a variety of different designs, so you can choose one that fits your style.
You should also consider the bulb type for your motorcycle’s headlights. There are three main types: halogen, LED, and Xenon HID. Halogen bulbs are inexpensive and can be very bright. LEDs are more expensive but have a longer useful life.
HID Xenon lights offer a better color temperature for the light, so it’s less harsh on the eyes. However, they don’t last as long as other bulb types. When buying headlights for your motorcycle, make sure that they’re DOT and SAE compliant.