Motorcycle History

Replica of the Daimler-Maybach Reitwagen

A 1913 Fabrique National in-line four with shaft drive from Belgium

Arguably, the first motorcycle was designed and built by the German inventors Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach in Bad Cannstatt (since 1905 a city district of Stuttgart) in 1885. The first petroleum-powered vehicle was essentially a motorised bicycle, although the inventors called their invention the Reitwagen ("riding car"). However, if a two-wheeled vehicle with steam propulsion is considered a motorcycle, then the first one may have been American. One such machine was demonstrated at fairs and circuses in the eastern U.S. in 1867, built by Sylvester Howard Roper of Roxbury, Massachusetts.

A pre-war Polish Sokół 1000

In 1894, Hildebrand & Wolfmüller became the first motorcycle available for purchase.In the early period of motorcycle history, many producers of bicycles adapted their designs to accommodate the new internal combustion engine. As the engines became more powerful and designs outgrew the bicycle origins, the number of motorcycle producers increased.

Until the First World War, the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world was Indian, producing over 20,000 bikes per year. By 1920, this honour went to Harley-Davidson, with their motorcycles being sold by dealers in 67 countries. By the late 1920s or early 1930s, DKW took over as the largest manufacturer.

After the Second World War, the BSA Group became the largest producer of motorcycles in the world, producing up to 75,000 bikes per year in the 1950s. The German company NSU held the position of largest manufacturer from 1955 until the 1970s.

NSU Sportmax streamlined motorcycle, 250 cc class winner of the 1955 Grand Prix season

In the 1950s, streamlining began to play an increasing part in the development of racing motorcycles and the "dustbin fairing" held out the possibility of radical changes to motorcycle design. NSU and Moto-Guzzi were in the vanguard of this development both producing very radical designs well ahead of their time. NSU produced the most advanced design, but after the deaths of four NSU riders in the 1954–1956 seasons, they abandoned further development and quit Grand Prix motorcycle racing. Moto-Guzzi produced competitive race machines, and by 1957 nearly all the Grand Prix races were being won by streamlined machines. The following year, 1958, full enclosure fairings were banned from racing by the FIM in the light of the safety concerns.

From the 1960s through the 1990s, small two-stroke motorcycles were popular worldwide, partly as a result of East German Walter Kaaden's engine work in the 1950s.

Today, the motorcycle industry is mainly dominated by Japanese companies such as Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha, although Harley-Davidson and BMW continue to be popular and supply considerable markets. Other major manufacturers include Piaggio group of Italy, KTM, Triumph and Ducati.

In addition to the large capacity motorcycles, there is a large market in smaller capacity (less than 300 cc) motorcycles, mostly concentrated in Asian and African countries. An example is the 1958 Honda Super Cub, which went on to become the biggest selling vehicle of all time. Its 60 millionth unit produced in April 2008. Today, this area is dominated by mostly Indian companies with Hero Honda emerging as the world's largest manufacturer of two wheelers.For example, its Splendor model which has sold more than 8.5 million to date.

Technical aspects

A Suzuki GS500 with a clearly visible frame (painted silver).

Construction

Motorcycle construction is the engineering, manufacturing, and assembly of components and systems for a motorcycle which results in performance, cost and aesthetics desired by the designer. With some exceptions, construction of modern mass-produced motorcycles has standardised on a steel or aluminium frame, telescopic forks holding the front wheel, and disc brakes. Some other body parts, designed for either aesthetic or performance reasons may be added. A petrol powered engine typically consisting of between one and four cylinders (and less commonly, up to eight cylinders) coupled to a manual five- or six-speed sequential transmission drives the swingarm-mounted rear wheel by a chain, driveshaft or belt.

Fuel economy

Motorcycle fuel economy varies greatly with engine displacement and riding style ranging from a low of 29 mpg_-US (8.1 L/100 km; 35 mpg_-imp) reported by a Honda VTR1000F rider, to 107 mpg_-US (2.20 L/100 km; 129 mpg_-imp) reported for the Verucci Nitro 50 cc Scooter. A specially designed Matzu Matsuzawa Honda XL125 achieved 470 mpg_-US (0.50 L/100 km; 560 mpg_-imp) "on real highways - in real conditions." Due to lower engine displacements (100 cc–200 cc), motorcycles in developing countries offer good fuel economy. In the Indian market, the second most selling company, Bajaj, offers two models with superior fuel economy: XCD 125 and Platina. Both are 125 cc motorbikes with a company-claimed fuel economy of 256 mpg-US (0.919 L/100 km; 307 mpg-imp) and 261 mpg-US (0.901 L/100 km; 313 mpg-imp), respectively.

Electric motorcycles

Very high fuel economy equivalents can be derived by electric motorcycles. Electric motorcycles are nearly silent, zero-emission electric motor-driven vehicles. Operating range and top speed suffer because of limitations of battery technology. Fuel cells and petroleum-electric hybrids are also under development to extend the range and improve performance of the electric motors.

Dynamics

Racing motorcycles

Different types of motorcycles have different dynamics and these play a role in how a motorcycle performs in given conditions. For example, a longer wheelbase provides more stability in a straight line. Motorcycle tyres have a large influence over handling. Motorcycles must be leaned in order to make turns. This lean is induced by the method known as countersteering, in which the rider steers the handlebars in the direction opposite of the desired turn. Because it is counter-intuitive this practice is often very confusing to novices—and even to many experienced motorcyclists. Short wheelbase motorcycles, such as sport bikes, can generate enough torque at the rear wheel, and enough stopping force at the front wheel, to lift the opposite wheel off the pavement. These actions, if performed on purpose, are known as wheelies and stoppies respectively. If carried past the point of recovery the resulting upset is known as "looping" the vehicle.

Accessories

Various features and accessories may be attached to a motorcycle either as OEM (factory-fitted) or after-market. Such accessories are selected by the owner to enhance the motorcycle's appearance, safety, performance, or comfort, and may include anything from mobile electronics to sidecars and trailers.

Social aspects

Popularity

Motorbikes are the primary form of transportation in Vietnam.

In many 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."In places such as Vietnam, motorcycle use is extremely high due to a lack of public transport and low income levels that put automobiles out of reach for many. In Vietnam, motorised traffic consist of mostly motorbikes. The four largest motorcycle markets in the world are all in Asia: China, India, Indonesia, and Vietnam. The motorcycle is also popular in Brazil's frontier towns. Amid the global economic downturn of 2008, the motorcycle market grew by 6.5%.

Recent years have seen an increase in the popularity of motorcycles elsewhere. In the USA, registrations increased by 51% between 2000 and 2005. This is mainly attributed to increasing fuel prices and urban congestion, but is also partly due to television programmes such as reality show American Chopper, or adventure-travel shows such as Long Way Down.

Subcultures

A motorcycle rally in Ontario

A Hells Angels wall mural in Southampton, UK

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.

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. 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.

At the other end of the spectrum from the charitable organizations 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 organizations' rigorous rules enforced by violence, who engage in activities that bring them and their club into serious conflict with society and the law".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, known as the "Big Four".

Mobility

A couple ride on a motorcycle in Udaipur, India. Annual sales of motorcycles in India is expected to exceed 10 million by 2010.

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. 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.

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; the arm does not occupy the entire width of the lane, and the motorcyclist simply rides around it. Many car parks controlled in this way supply special areas for motorcycles to park, so as not to unnecessarily consume spaces.

Safety

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.The same data show 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. 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". The latter is more common when motorcyclists mix drinking with riding. 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.

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 New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory,Tasmania and the Northern Territory, 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.Training course graduates may qualify for reduced insurance premiums.

Types

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

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.

• 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.
• 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 specialized for one task, but don't excel in one area either. Standards are used in touring, commuting, and sporting, and are good for beginners.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. 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.

Important factors of a motorcycle's ergonomic geometry that determine the seating posture include the height, angle and location of footpegs, seat and handlebars. Likewise, 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.

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. Piaggio Group Americas supported this interest with the launch of a "Vespanomics" website and platform, citing lower per-mile carbon emissions (40 lb/mile less than the average car, a 65% reduction) and better fuel economy.

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. This is because many motorcycles lack a catalytic converter to reduce NOx emissions, and whilst catalytic converters have been used in cars long enough that they are now commonplace, they are a relatively new technology in motorcycles. However, 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), 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.

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:

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. Motorcycles must meet Euro III standards, while cars must meet Euro IV 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.

Brake vibration can throw you off track

If any car or bike driver notices brake vibration, it is very important for them to determine where the vibration is situated. Obviously, it may be coming from the front of the vehicle or it could be hailing from the rear of the vehicle. It may seem as though it wouldn’t matter where it comes from because any vibration should be viewed as serious, but there may be different solutions to the problem depending on where the brake vibration is originating from.

If the vibration appears to be coming from the front of the car, there is a very good chance that it may be noticeable as a flutter of the steering wheel. This is likely to be very off putting to the driver but it may have more serious consequences than just being uncomfortable or unpleasant. It has been noticed that a driver who is experiencing a front brake vibration may be inclined to take their foot away from the brake in the hope that this would be enough to stop the vibration from occurring. Anything which interferes with the way a driver usually commands their vehicle is not welcome and could lead to problems or difficulties. This means that this is a very serious condition and if it is noticed, should be focused on and fixed as quickly as possible.

If however, the vibration feels as though it is originating from the rear of the vehicle, through the pedals of the brake or even the bodywork or seats if the vehicle, then the problem is likely to be coming from the rotors at the rear of the vehicle. It can be seen that knowing which rotors to examine first is of use as it is not of benefit to start messing about with brakes and rotors if it is not required. If one pair are clearly struggling to work at full power, then focusing on them may be enough to rectify any problems and leaving the good brakes in working order. Brake vibration may not seem to be the most serious condition or ailment that can affect a car, but with the brakes being one of the most important components of a vehicle, it is obvious that any problem needs to be rectified fast.

Although the brake vibration may have occurred because of an incident or jarring, a common reason for this vibration is the car having covered a lot of mileage, and this should be noted by the owner. If long distances are being covered, it is important to continually check and service many of the key components of the vehicle to ensure that everything remains in good working order. It is easy to believe that everything is ticking along smoothly because there does not appear to be any issues or problems, but the only time you may find out if there is a problem is when it is too late. In this case, it is always better to stay ahead of the situation and ensure that your car or bike parts are checked on a regular basis.

Still Excellent Scooter Electric UK

Scooters sales have continued to climb even in a dodgy world economy. There are several reasons for this ranging from affordability to fuel efficiency to the fact that they're lovable and fashionable. Scooters have developed since their early days in the 1920s when they were invented to alleviate the problem of the daily commute for workers during the 20 th century industrial revolution. Today, major world towns owe the scooter for their many thousands of daily workers getting to and work. Even in the West where many folks own motor autos, the draw of scooters has charmed many [**]. The escalation of fuel prices has also contributed to this.

On internet you can find many uk electric scooter. These have continued to be very talked-about even in this age of auto innovation. What makes it so inviting?

One of the reasons why the electric scooter is favored is due to the proven fact that there is no need to worry about gas. We are all conscious of the fact that gasoline prices have continued to climb notwithstanding repeated guarantees by congressmen and economic experts that they won't. This has placed an incredible fiscal burden on many homes. Those that have cars had to cut down on the places they drive to while others have sold the kind of automobiles that they had particularly SUVs.

In the States, where folk do almost all their commute using personal automobiles, the squashing burden of motor fuel has been intolerable particularly to the low-income.

The scooters are also straightforward to maintain. This battery can easily get replaced or recharged.

We have also seen the attract that comes from electrical scooters comes about due to trends. Albeit, scooters are trendy. While in the past they used to be considered primitive and only fit for the elderly, this is not the case today. In the West, it's not uncommon to see folks who own stylish vehicles also investing in one or two electrical scooters. These are used to ride at the beach, the picnic or the area for short distances. Different colours are now available from the maker and folk can now order explicit accessories to come with the scooter. This makes the bikes a trendy pasttime for teens and adults a like. It's also common to see fogeys buying the scooters for their youngsters so they can ride together and do recreational activities.

The impact of modern asphalt on motorcycle road safety

Motorcycling can be fast, furious fun, even for the over 50s but it is also dangerous; over 50 times more dangerous than driving a car!

Statistics collected in the UK show that while the average age of motorcyclists has increased, their safety track record has improved only marginally in recent years. Rather than the pursuit of young tearaways, motorcycling is conducted by mature individuals who are also quite likely to own a car. While statistically they like to live dangerously once in a while, the research suggests they would prefer to get from ‘A to B’ in one piece and remarkably few claim to be reckless speed addicts.

In fact, ‘human error’ remains the main cause of death and injury but poor road design and surface condition can be contributory factors. Motorcycling associations have shown widespread concern about these issues and highways authorities across Europe have come under attack from the Federation of European Motorcycling Associations (FEMA). FEMA has even accused engineers and maintenance staff of being unaware of the hazards presented to riders.

In the European Agenda for Motorcycle Safety, FEMA highlights several problem areas which it feels require more attention. These include lack of friction of some asphalt types when wet, poor drainage which increases the risk of aquaplaning and bad kerb design. Bituminous asphalt sealers, potholes and the rutting caused by heavy lorries are also singled out for criticism. The biggest problems are, as might be expected, with older highways.

Specialists within the CEMEX UK technical team are well aware of these issues and point out that good design and construction practice ensures highways are safer for all users, not just motorcyclists.

Roads are created by building up layers of different types of coated stone. Basic construction comprises sub base, base, binder course and the surface or ‘wearing’ course. The base courses have larger diameter aggregate to help withstanding the heavy loads and to ensure the underlying ground is not subjected to stresses from the traffic. Modern surface course formulations, such as stone mastic asphalt (SMA), are able to resist the rutting often seen - and felt - on the inside carriageway of major roads. The final surface layer can be comparatively thin and formed using sizes and types of aggregate that provide very good grip, even in wet weather, which is imperative for the motorcyclist.

When correctly applied, these thin surfacings - including Viatex and Viapave from CEMEX’s ‘Via’ range - are also resistant to wear, which means fewer cracks or potholes develop and less remedial work is needed between re-surfacing. Historically, it is the remedial ‘overbanding’ with bitumen used in crack repairs and repairs to joints between running lanes that creates small, smooth or ‘slick’ areas. These areas can catch out the unwary motorcyclist, especially in the wet. Under some conditions these patches are just as hazardous as the unfilled cracks as this may undermine the motorcycle and its rider.

In the past road builders relied on hot rolled asphalt or macadam (sometimes tarmacadam Bitmac or - incorrectly - just tarmac) as the mainstay for road construction. The more recent additions to the ‘blacktop’ list such as thin surfacing systems such as CEMEX Viapave and Viatex, coupled with a range of proprietary brands, mean it is possible to design each road specifically for the type and amount of traffic it handles, particularly where heavy goods vehicles are concerned.

Take a 2km section of the M9 in Sterling, Scotland for example. This contract was one of the first to be carried out by CEMEX Surfacing to newly introduced specifications aimed at improving the durability of roads. This was achieved in part by sealing the road against water through techniques such as edge compaction; using an edge roller helps to close any voids left through the traditional method of ‘cutting back’.

Detailed planning of all aspects of the project included staggering the joints, painting all joint faces, over-band sealing of the lower base and binder course layers and placing a tack/bond coat between all layers to stop water penetrating the road. Ensuring water runs off the road, not into it, is an important factor in reducing the problems highlighted by FEMA. While potentially uncomfortable for the car driver, these faults tend to be little more than inconvenient for the motorist but can be a significant hazard for the motorcyclist when they result in the appearance of potholes in the surface of the carriageway.

In total, 34,000 tonnes of material was removed on this section of the M9 and the carriageway was reconstructed with 11,000 tonnes of recycled sub base and 23,000 tonnes of bituminous material. While safety is paramount, with this volume of materials and the design of the materials installed (such as CEMEX Viapave and Viatex), improved road pavement durability and longevity also gives financial benefits.

Motorcyclists can justifiably claim their machines impose very little wear and tear on road surfaces; however it is paramount in terms of safety that the motorcycle tyres have as much contact with the road surface course layer particularly in wet weather. With the possible exception of noise pollution, motorbikes are an eco-friendly form of transport. The steady expansion in motorcycle traffic can therefore be seen as a welcome trend. But with an average of over 6000 motorcyclists killed or seriously injured each year on British roads there

The Motorcycle Gear Every Biker Needs

The hobby of owning and operating a motorcycle has become so popular over the past couple of decades that the accessory world has boomed too. The responsibilities of people owning a motorcycle include purchasing a helmet, eye protection, a Full face guard, long pants, boots, driving gloves, goggles, an insurance policy and other items. Some states in the country require all motorcycle riders to wear a helmet when operating the bike no matter what their age is.

Motocross helmets and BMX helmets are some of the motorcycle gear that can be purchased by customers at stores such as the ones operated by Harley Davidson of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Fiberglass is used to make some helmets these days while other ones are carbon fiber helmets.

The replacement of the motorcycle's tires after wear and tear is one aspect of maintenance that needs to be performed along with filling the gas tank, changing the oil, and having the bike inspected. Icon gear is one of the most popular categories of motorcycle gear available for purchase on the market today. Biker jackets, patches, gloves, boots and other items are just some of the things that fall into the category of icon gear. Bike exhausts, motorcycle covers, battery charges, a bike stand, luggage to be stored on the bike and tie downs are just some of the extra equipment that can be purchased for a motorcycle. Some motorcycles come equipped with storage compartments for the biker to store his or her wallet, insurance card, cell phone and other items while riding on the bike. A Harley Davidson store and stores on the Internet sell side compartments for motorcycles if the bike does not come equipped with these helpful storage items. Finding a motorcycle accessory shop near where the biker lives isn't hard to do. Just type in what accessory the biker needs in a search engine and begin looking through the results. All bikers should consider purchasing goggles or driving sunglasses to protect their eyes from road debris if they do not wear a full face mask on their helmet. Making sure that the driver is shaded from the sun will help ensure his or her safety when on the road.

History of Yamaha

Yamaha began life in 1887 when Torakusu Yamaha repaired a school organ and decided to try starting a business building and selling these musical instruments. Torakusu had always been good working with machinery as after training as a watch maker he worked repairing hospital equipment.

He founded the Yamaha Organ Company then built and sold his first reed organ and with its success orders for the instrument started to come in with a substantial export of 78 organs to be shipped to Asia in 1892. By 1897 the business was expanding and the name was changed to the Nippon Gakki Company Limited with Torakusu Yamaha its first president. In the early 1900s they produced quality musical instruments and also began to design and make top quality furniture winning an award in 1904 at the St Louis World Fair for their pianos and organs. The company continued to grow and introduce new products although most were aimed at the music and sound market. 1922 saw hand operated phonographs produced and research into acoustics was well established keeping them at the forefront of sound technology and manufacturing.

Genichi Kawakami was a 1934 graduate from Takachiho Commercial School and in July 1937 joined the company and proceeded to work his way to manager of the musical instruments factory from there to the general manager. By the age of 38 in 1950 he became the companies president and this was to be a great turning point in the direction of this company. At this point the business was doing well and Genichi decided to look at other products and foreign markets for the company to diverse into.

After looking at many products to start designing and manufacturing from sewing machines to automobile spares and accessories he decided that motorcycles were the market to pursue. He along with some of his managers and engineers visited many motorcycle factories throughout Europe and America on fact finding missions before setting up a motorcycle production factory to produce their own machines. The first to be built was in 1955 a 125cc machine called the YAI and nick named the Akatombo which when translated means the red dragonfly. This was thoroughly tested including being taken on a 10,000km drive to ensure that the machine was reliable and hardy. The same year it was produced it was entered in Japan's motorcycle racing competitions and won over established manufacturers. This machine proved popular and the factory immediately began work on a larger machine a 175cc motorcycle which would be called the YCI.

Genichi was determined to press on fast and in 1958 entered a Japanese built machine in a grand prix race in Catalina in the USA in which it finished an impressive sixth. Wasting no time he exploited this recognition by importing motorcycles through a distributor into the American and European markets. The motorcycle proved a success and he expanded into the marine sector in 1960 looking to produce both engines and build boats using new plastics technologies like fiberglass. Shortly after stepping into the marine sector both a boat the CAT-21 and Yamahas first outboard engine the P-7 were produced and the company is now one of the biggest powerboat and outboard motor manufacturers in the world today.

Types of Motorcycles to Choose From

With so many different models of motorcycles to choose from, it can be quite confusing if you don’t know what you are looking for. Each motorcycle is classified by a particular type. This helps clarify what you will be getting with a particular model that falls under that particular category.

The most common type of motorcycle is the cruiser. These are very easy to handle and long lasting motorcycle models. This category also offers the consumer the most choice when it comes to style and design. The basic design of a cruiser features a standard seat, basic handle bars, and comfort. They are designed for easy turning as well as excellent handling even at top speeds. One draw back of cruisers is that they tend to be on the heavy side compared to other types of motorcycles.

Most custom motorcycles also fall under the category of a cruiser because of some of the design features and what the use they are designed for. Radically modified custom motorcycles referred to as choppers are also a type of cruiser bike. Another popular type of cruiser is the tour bike. This is designed for comfort at they are used for cross country trips and other long travels that you will want to be comfortable for.

Sport bikes are defined by their speed. If you are looking more for sheer power than for comfort, this is the category of bike for you. This type of bike generally isn’t recommended for long rides as they are designed for racing. Most sport bikes feature a sturdy suspension, and they are very light. They offer the operator the ability to make tight turns at neck breaking speeds.

A great combination option is the dual-sport style of motorcycle. This type of model features large tires and it can be ridden on any street or off road surface with ease. This is a great feature for someone who enjoys riding their motorcycle for commuting purposes as well as enjoys the off road excitement.

Many foreign sport bikes are referred to as Crotch Rockets. This is because the design of them requires the individual to lean forward towards the handle bars while riding. While many owners of these bikes find the position to be very comfortable so individuals find that it is uncomfortable compared to the position on a cruiser.

Off Road motorcycles are enjoyed by individuals of all ages as you don’t have to have a motorcycle license to legally ride one. They are illegal to ride on streets though. These types of bikes are often used for climbing dirt hills or racing around dirt tracks. They are commonly called dirty bikes by those who ride them. These types of motorcycles don’t feature headlights or turn signals.

Deciding which category of motorcycle you wish to purchase is only the beginning of the selection process. You will also need to determine the amount of money you wish to spend on a motorcycle, then compare the various models in that category that fit your price range. Take your time and try out several different models as well as brands of motorcycles. This will help you determine which ones feel the best to you. Once you have narrowed down your selection, take each for a test run to help you make a final decision.

Being Preparing For A Motorcycle Trip – A Personal Reflection

Motorcycle trips can be a wonderful experience for any rider especially if that trip involves beautiful scenery, a great route with perfect roads, and perfect weather. They can also become a nightmare if you find yourself to be improperly equipped and unprepared to handle any type of weather situation that may occur. One of my favorite trips took place in Tennessee and extended southeast to western North Carolina. Throughout this trip I was able to see some of the most beautiful countryside that Tennessee and North Carolina have to offer. The mountains and rolling rocky landscape all seemed so surreal to me when comparing them to the primarily flat agricultural landscape that exists in the upper Midwestern state of Wisconsin.

The days started out cool and crisp and I found myself doubting that I had dressed appropriately as I felt the chill of the morning air run through me. My long sleeve shirt and light neoprene jacket combo didn’t quite seem to be doing the trick. The shorty motorcycle helmet I was wearing also proved inadequate as the cool air whipped past my neck and ears, contributing to the chill that was flowing through my body. I had packed my full face motorcycle helmet, but it was strapped to the luggage rack on the back of my motorcycle, and there wouldn’t be a stop for quite some time. Just when I thought I would have to pull over on my own to switch helmets, and possibly throw on a heavier jacket, the coolness seemed to subside and the warm air would start to flow in. Finally, I began to feel relief from the coolness that the morning had brought on. I had learned an important lesson about the mornings in this type of landscape, and that is that you should not dress based on the temperature that is forecasted because the low lying areas surrounding the mountains tend to be much cooler. Perhaps the right thing to do would have been to start out the morning trip wearing a heavier jacket and a full face helmet, or at least a heavier jacket and maybe a face mask to accompany the half helmet.

We continued on our journey up and around and through the massive hills of the Blue Ridge Parkway, twisting and turning every couple hundred feet, or so it seemed. I was not used to this type of riding since the roads traveled closer to home consist primarily of a straight stretch and then a corner which brings you around the backside of a cornfield to yet another straight stretch. I was mesmerized by the cliffs and bluffs and I sometimes found myself drifting to the side of the road as a gazed out over the hillsides. As we descended down toward the bottom of the Parkway I could see off in the distance a group of dark storm clouds. It was at that point I realized that I had forgotten to pack my rain gear when we left camp that morning and I could be in for a good soaking. Luckily, the clouds had moved off before we reached them and we were saved from having to ride in the rain and possibly delay our trip in order to take shelter from bad weather. I realized that from then on it would be best to leave my rain gear in the saddlebag where it belongs.

We put on over 1100 miles during the trip to Tennessee and it proved to be one of my most enjoyable trips. I was able to see some of the most beautiful country that the eastern United States has to offer. I also had the privilege of enjoying the company of some great fellow riders throughout the entire journey, and I took home some valuable lessons about being prepared for a motorcycle trip. One of the most important lessons I learned is that you can never be too prepared and you should always consider every possibility when it comes to riding your motorcycle. Always take a few moments to make sure you have everything you need for the ride that day. Consider whether or not you have the right equipment, for example, a full face helmet or a half helmet. If you’re going to be traveling in cooler temperatures, a full face helmet will offer more protection from the wind and cold air. If there is any rain in the forecast, make sure you have your rain gear packed. Taking these few precautionary steps will help to make your next trip, wherever that may be a much more enjoyable one.

Electric Scooter Reviews Before You Buy

Many people buy products on emotion without waiting and doing the necessary research. Read, ask, be patient, and look at electric scooter reviews before making major purchases.

It is your personal responsibility as a wise consumer to do your due diligence before making any big purchases. This principle also applies when it comes to buying electric scooters. Thus it is always a good idea to do some comparisons and look at reviews before making that big purchase.

You probably will not see every electric scooters on display at your local store, so it will be a challenge to evaluate everything. However, you can begin making your evaluations of the variety of scooters based on the reviews you find online.

One of the tactics of some marketers is to fabricate their reviews in order to promote the product they are affiliated with. Even by reviewing many sites, it still can give you at least a general idea on certain scooters.

If don't want to rely on just any kind of review. You can always check with Consumer Reports or Best Buy for up to date and well researched assessments of various products, including electric scooters. These sources are reliable because they truly test the products they review. So are sure to be getting just the right kind of information

Here are some things to look for in your electric scooter reviews First, when the review and testing was done. Second, who did it and how. Third, his observations regarding the electric scooter's maneuverability, stability, features, safety, price, and the manufacturer's customer service offerings. Fourth, if the scooter is eligible for upgrades and add-ons.

Externally, many scooters look great, but it does not mean they are good quality. If you want to find a reliable electric scooter that will not give you headaches in the future, reviews on a variety of scooters is necessary. Take advantage of all possible resources before you make your choice.

GPS and Headsets for Motorcycles

Anyone who has ever been for a ride on a motorcycle knows there is no ride that compares. The purr of the bike’s engine in your ear while the wind rushes across your skin; hitting the open road on a motorcycle truly is an amazing experience. After about twenty or thirty minutes of riding though, the purr turns to a dull hum and the rushing wind sensation is all but gone. Midland Motorcycle Bluetooth Headsets are a great way to stay entertained while on the great open road. Whether by yourself or riding with a buddy, these headsets are great. They come with a boom microphone and wired microphone that are wind resistant. Now talking to your riding buddy on the back of the bike, or on the bike next to you, is easy. For solo riding you can stay entertained by listening to music from an MP3 player, using a Bluetooth cell phone or simply navigating your way on a GPS system. Enjoying a ride on a motorcycle is a fun experience, but if you are planning a long trip, these Midland Bluetooth Headsets are a good buy.

When planning a long trip on a motorcycle, checking a map for directions will be rather challenging. In order to follow the mapped out directions you will need to pull over, take out the map, read the directions, then get back on the road. With a Garmin GPS Navigation unit for motorcycles, long trips are simplified. Now there is no need to pull over; program the GPS system at home and cruise to the destination in mind. You can even program desired stops in between your home and destination. These portable GPS Nav units are easy to install and use, and no external antenna is required. They are also easy to remove when you reach your destination so you can safely store the unit.

With all the new 12 volt items on the market, adding a 12Volt accessory outlet to your bike is a good idea. Phone chargers and IPods can be plugged into the outlet. GPS units or Midland Headset can even be recharged with this. Having a 12V outlet on your bike allows for purchasing items that are very useful while traveling. With this outlet a 12V LED rechargeable flashlight can be used. As long as the weather is good, plug the flashlight in for recharging and you have a light to help in finding things packed on the bike when it is dark out.

Motorcycles are nice to look at. Whether they are the traditional looking bike, or a custom made look, motorcycles demand attention. When the weather is ideal passing a motorcycle is very common though. LED lighting for motorcycles gives your bike personality. No one wants to blend into the crowd and a motorcycle lighting kit is just the thing to change any bike from ordinary to head turning. There are even different colors available so your bike can reflect a little of your personality. Whether you choose a bold color like orange, or a casual color like white, your bike is sure to stand out at night or in any dark area.

The impact of modern asphalt on motorcycle road safety

Motorcycling can be fast, furious fun, even for the over 50s but it is also dangerous; over 50 times more dangerous than driving a car!

Statistics collected in the UK show that while the average age of motorcyclists has increased, their safety track record has improved only marginally in recent years. Rather than the pursuit of young tearaways, motorcycling is conducted by mature individuals who are also quite likely to own a car. While statistically they like to live dangerously once in a while, the research suggests they would prefer to get from ‘A to B’ in one piece and remarkably few claim to be reckless speed addicts.

In fact, ‘human error’ remains the main cause of death and injury but poor road design and surface condition can be contributory factors. Motorcycling associations have shown widespread concern about these issues and highways authorities across Europe have come under attack from the Federation of European Motorcycling Associations (FEMA). FEMA has even accused engineers and maintenance staff of being unaware of the hazards presented to riders.

In the European Agenda for Motorcycle Safety, FEMA highlights several problem areas which it feels require more attention. These include lack of friction of some asphalt types when wet, poor drainage which increases the risk of aquaplaning and bad kerb design. Bituminous asphalt sealers, potholes and the rutting caused by heavy lorries are also singled out for criticism. The biggest problems are, as might be expected, with older highways.

Specialists within the CEMEX UK technical team are well aware of these issues and point out that good design and construction practice ensures highways are safer for all users, not just motorcyclists.

Roads are created by building up layers of different types of coated stone. Basic construction comprises sub base, base, binder course and the surface or ‘wearing’ course. The base courses have larger diameter aggregate to help withstanding the heavy loads and to ensure the underlying ground is not subjected to stresses from the traffic. Modern surface course formulations, such as stone mastic asphalt (SMA), are able to resist the rutting often seen - and felt - on the inside carriageway of major roads. The final surface layer can be comparatively thin and formed using sizes and types of aggregate that provide very good grip, even in wet weather, which is imperative for the motorcyclist.

When correctly applied, these thin surfacings - including Viatex and Viapave from CEMEX’s ‘Via’ range - are also resistant to wear, which means fewer cracks or potholes develop and less remedial work is needed between re-surfacing. Historically, it is the remedial ‘overbanding’ with bitumen used in crack repairs and repairs to joints between running lanes that creates small, smooth or ‘slick’ areas. These areas can catch out the unwary motorcyclist, especially in the wet. Under some conditions these patches are just as hazardous as the unfilled cracks as this may undermine the motorcycle and its rider.

In the past road builders relied on hot rolled asphalt or macadam (sometimes tarmacadam Bitmac or - incorrectly - just tarmac) as the mainstay for road construction. The more recent additions to the ‘blacktop’ list such as thin surfacing systems such as CEMEX Viapave and Viatex, coupled with a range of proprietary brands, mean it is possible to design each road specifically for the type and amount of traffic it handles, particularly where heavy goods vehicles are concerned.

Take a 2km section of the M9 in Sterling, Scotland for example. This contract was one of the first to be carried out by CEMEX Surfacing to newly introduced specifications aimed at improving the durability of roads. This was achieved in part by sealing the road against water through techniques such as edge compaction; using an edge roller helps to close any voids left through the traditional method of ‘cutting back’.

Detailed planning of all aspects of the project included staggering the joints, painting all joint faces, over-band sealing of the lower base and binder course layers and placing a tack/bond coat between all layers to stop water penetrating the road. Ensuring water runs off the road, not into it, is an important factor in reducing the problems highlighted by FEMA. While potentially uncomfortable for the car driver, these faults tend to be little more than inconvenient for the motorist but can be a significant hazard for the motorcyclist when they result in the appearance of potholes in the surface of the carriageway.

In total, 34,000 tonnes of material was removed on this section of the M9 and the carriageway was reconstructed with 11,000 tonnes of recycled sub base and 23,000 tonnes of bituminous material. While safety is paramount, with this volume of materials and the design of the materials installed (such as CEMEX Viapave and Viatex), improved road pavement durability and longevity also gives financial benefits.

Motorcyclists can justifiably claim their machines impose very little wear and tear on road surfaces; however it is paramount in terms of safety that the motorcycle tyres have as much contact with the road surface course layer particularly in wet weather. With the possible exception of noise pollution, motorbikes are an eco-friendly form of transport. The steady expansion in motorcycle traffic can therefore be seen as a welcome trend. But with an average of over 6000 motorcyclists killed or seriously injured each year on British roads there is an obvious responsibility for all those involved in road building - from the planner to the asphalt supplier - to consider their particular requirements.

Something You Should Know About Motorcycle Helmets

Imagine the thought of your loved ones receiving the terrible news of your fatal accident and how it could have been prevented if you were wearing a motorcycle helmet. Motorcycle helmets are one of the most important pieces of safety equipment that you can have when you ride a motorcycle. The length of the trip is completely irrelevant because you simply never know when an accident could occur. Why take the risk? Sure it might mess up your hair, or it may not look cool to some people, but at least you'll be safer than if you weren't wearing one. Plus, chances are you'll save your loved ones from having to deal with all of the emotional pain and suffering as well.

Motorcycle helmets come in a variety of shapes, sizes, styles, and colors, which means that choosing the right one for you can sometimes be quite confusing. The important thing to remember is that you should always look for helmets that meet DOT standards and specifications. No, this does not mean that the DOT approves the helmet. It simply means that the helmet meets or exceeds the minimum safety standards set forth by the DOT and will help in protecting you in the event of a crash. DOT motorcycle helmets are often times required in some cases. One example would be if you are going to take a riders course to get your motorcycle license. More often than not you will be required to bring your own DOT motorcycle helmet. Another motorcycle helmet characteristic to consider when making a purchase is the material that the helmet is composed of. A good solid helmet will be made of fiber-reinforced composites (fiberglass) or a thermoplastic like polycarbonate. Regular old plastic helmets will not do the trick. If you're not sure what the helmet is made of, here is a simple test that you can try out to get an idea if the helmet is good enough to buy. Turn the helmet over, grab the edges of the shell just below the ear pockets, and pull outward with both hands. A strong helmet should not bow easily. If it does, you probably should try out a different helmet.

Time and time again I hear about motorcycle crashes that resulted in fatality because the rider wasn't wearing a helmet. It's true, helmets are not a guaranteed life saver, but they do help in protecting one of your greatest assets, your head. If you're worried about look and comfort, don't sweat it, millions of others have faced the same dilemma, and have made the right decision by choosing to wear a motorcycle helmet whenever they ride.