Motorcycles
| Motorcycles have played a significant role in the culture of America, Harley's have become the symbol of the freewheeling outlaw, mostly through the influence of Hollywood movies. In most other countries, and to an extent in America, they are generally considered an economical means of transportation. Motorcycle use has increased greatly in recent years as a result of the development of the inexpensive, lightweight motorcycle, manufactured chiefly in Asia. Dirt bikes, motorcycles specially designed and outfitted for off-road use, have also become popular. |
History - Clubs & Associations - General Interest - Manufactures - Purchasing - Repairs & Maintenance -Vintage Parts
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Motorcycle historians consider the Petroleum Reitwagen, designed and built by the German inventors Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach in Bad Cannstatt, Germany in 1885 to be the first motorcycle. This vehicle relied on two outrigger wheels to remain upright while turning. The inventors called their invention the Reitwagen ("riding car"). It was actually designed as a testbed for their new engine, rather than as a production vehicle. Prior to 1920 Indian Motorcycles was the world's largest manufacturer, Harley Davidson then took over until the early 1930's when DKW from Germany had the honor. From 1955 in to the 1970's the BSA group dominated until the market was taken over by Asian manufactures such as Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha, although Harley-Davidson and BMW still had a considerable share. Condor 100 Years of Motorcycle History History Of Trev Deely Mororcycles Ian Chadwick's Triumph Motorcycle Timeline Vintagebike.com.uk - Site For Classic Bikes American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association Association Of Injured Motorcyclists Canadian Vintage Motorcycle Group Indian Motorcycle Club of America Triumph Owners Motorcycle Club Motorcycles And Riding, Chuck Hawks American Ace - Crocker - Buell - Harley Davidson - Indian British BSA - Matchless -Norton - NSU - Royal Enfield - Triumph German BMW - DKW - Hortex - Neander - Zundapp Italy Aprila - Benelli - Bimota - Cagiva - Ducati - Ghezzi-Brian - Moto Guzzi Japan Honda - Kawasaki - Yamaha - Suzuki Russia How To Buy A Motorcycle (Epinions) Used Motorcycle Evaluation guide How To Pick Up Your Motorcycle Information Center of Dunlop Motorcycle Tires Winter Storage Guide For Motorcycles PartsN'More (Japanese Vintage) Motorcyclist Safety Tips: Drive Defensively - Assume motorists do not see you and plan escape routes. Make Yourself Visible - Wear bright colored and reflective clothing. Do not linger in "blind spots". Adjust your lane position. Give Yourself Time and Space to React - Do not tailgate. Use the "Two Second Rule" or the "Four Second Rule" to create space between you and vehicles ahead of you. Avoid Sudden Braking or Turning When Driving on Wet Roads or Gravel - With only two tires, motorcycles have less tire traction than other vehicles. An unhelmeted rider is 40 percent more likely to sustain a fatal head injury compared with a helmeted rider. To obtain the best mileage from your motorcycle tires: obey the speed limit; avoid quick acceleration and hard braking; maintain recommended tire pressures; and do not overload your bike or tow a trailer. |
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