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Motorcycle

A drawing of motorcycle

A motorcycle, also known by its apocope motorcycle is a vehicle powered two-wheeled single track (wheels one behind the other). The pilot is seated astride , hands holding the handlebars and feet on the footrest. A passenger can stand astride behind the driver. A person driving that vehicle type is called motorcyclist or biker (e).

Can be added on the side of the bike a cart and the vehicle becomes a sidecar , supported by an additional wheel to allow the transport of an additional passenger (up to two passengers in all).


Summary

/ / History of the term "motorcycle"

Motorcycle is a proper name, introduced in 1897 by brothers Michael and Eugene Werner , manufacturers based in Levallois-Perret , then become a generic name.

While motorcycle was simply the name of a model designed and manufactured by the Werner brothers, it seems that this is the Prefect of Paris who found this name very appropriate, that authority has decided to appoint, by now, set of two-wheelers. History of Motorcycle

The bike was officially invented by Louis-Guillaume Perreaux with the first patent filed in 1868 and amended until 1885. That first bike was running steam. In fact, it was only a prototype and has never ridden in an autonomous manner, and was attached to a vertical axis and turning round, his driver was too busy to run the engine A controversial paternity

The machine of Gottlieb Daimler
That of Felix Millet
Belgian motorcycle Cseol located in the showroom of the Bois du Cazier in Marcinelle

As often when a technology is emerging, finalization occurs almost simultaneously in several places. This was the case for the plane , it was the same for the bike: 26 December 1868 , a trial record is established in the prefecture of the Seine to the issuance of a patent on a bicycle at high speed and is issued under number 83 691 16 March 1869 to Mr. Louis-Guillaume Perreaux - Engineer in Paris, 8 rue Jean Bart. However, nothing certifies that this "velocipede" is rolled before 1871. It was fitted, then an engine to steam causing the rear wheel and pedals and front wheel. A copy of this motorcycle is on display at the Museum of the Ile de France at the Chateau de Sceaux.

In 1869 , on the other side of the Atlantic, some evidence proving the existence of another two-wheeled vehicle powered by a steam engine, the Roper , who seems to have been an amusement fair. These statements allow Americans to assume authorship of the invention of the motorcycle. However, unlike the invention of Perreaux, there remains no trace, nor even a certificate proving its existence.

The invention of Daimler , dating from 1885 , was designed in order to test the engine operating at oil. It was equipped with side wheels stabilizing, so a total of four wheels. It may, however, argue that the Daimler was the first motorcycle with a internal combustion engine.

The manufacturing of motorcycles has used several technological innovations:

  • In 1887 , French Felix Millet manufactures and sells a few copies of a motorcycle equipped with a petrol engine 5- cylinder star placed in the rear wheel;
  • In 1894 , Hildebrand Wolfmuller ( Austria ) sells a motorcycle equipped with a horizontal twin 1490 cc which has the first real sales network in history;
  • In 1897 , brothers Michael and Eugene Werner market cycle motor located above the front wheel, which they give the name of a motorcycle.

Popularization

The motorcycle is very unreliable in its infancy. It requires making frequent mechanical interventions. In addition, roads are in poor condition and suspensions are non-existent (if one ignores the springs of the saddle). But very quickly, use the bike spreads starting to be a working tool for professionals. The First World War has encouraged its use for military purposes. The bikes are replaced by mopeds and motorcycles are more convenient and cheaper than cars.

From the 1960s , the practice of two-wheeler is considered dirty or degrading. The wealthy prefer when the car, which can carry more people protected from rain, wind and dirt. This era is a massacre for historical brands of motorcycles. Production disappears almost entirely in France.

However, while the 1970s saw the commoditization of access to the car with the rise of mass production of vehicles Peugeot , Renault and Citroen , a motorcycle knows a revival led by Japanese automakers that rely on dream, producing beautiful vehicles, clean, powerful and easy to drive.

While gentrification seem accessible to anyone, especially through the car, claiming access to a "great middle class" is finally a return to hard realities of social domination, as expressed during the spring May 1968 , which will ring the return of the motorcycle. Now reliable, it can express a distinction vis--vis the masses, and resentment against society full of promise. The bike is a hallmark of freedom and dissent. The oil shock of 1973 and the economic crisis caused a general rise in prices, including fuel and insurance, not wishing to bear the increased costs as a minority group (and not because of the number of accidents This category of users). This hostile environment for bikers going to give birth in 1980 to the French Federation of Angry Bikers ( FFMC ), federation responsible for defending the rights of this category of road users.

Types of motorcycles

Common types

A sport bike: Ducati 749
  • Sport : model derived from those used in competition speed and is smaller and lighter than a road thus capable of high acceleration and speed. Among the most powerful include the series of GSX-R from Suzuki , including the Hayabusa GSX 1300 R , the spearhead of the mark and first production motorcycle to have exceeded 300 km / h in its free (not clamped) and the series Yamaha YZF-R1. France is the only country to impose a limit of 100 horses. Depending on engine and calling for more or less asserted in circuit racing, there are two categories predominate in the sports world: the super-sport (600 cc), and Super-Bike (1000 cc). Obviously, there are intermediate displacement or lower or higher.

The power of their engine and chassis of their lightweight are the key selling arguments. These bikes are unsuitable for urban use because of their poor maneuverability at low speeds, often settled their suspensions hard making their erratic behavior on the road deteriorated, and the driving position "on the front" does not promote their ability to travel. The duo is possible through probate. Their selling price (technological showcase of manufacturers) and maintenance (soft tires, motor driven) brakes are prohibitive to buy for many bikers.

  • Road, Grand Touring : Designed for long road trips, favors this type of motorcycle riding comfort. It is characterized by a driving position close to vertical to allow to keep your back straight, arms outstretched and legs unfolded. The road bikes easily accommodate a large passenger and luggage ( top box , bag, tank bag ). Most have a large-displacement engine, often exceeding 1000 cc, a more or less enveloping fairing to protect the relative wind and weather, and a reservoir for a range of several hundreds of kilometers. The motorcycles in this category are available in specialty lines that leave from touring with the larger models and heavier then the road, and finally sport touring.
A roadster: Kawasaki Z1000
  • Roadster : A roadster is characterized by the lack of fairing. The emphasis here is on the sensations of acceleration, responsiveness and maneuverability. The power to weight ratio allows a high motor "torquey" (high torque ). Although intended for street use, this bike is also suitable for road trips, but the lack of fairing exposes the driver to wind pressure. It can be equipped with facilities for a more comfortable ride as a bubble (small windshield ), a windscreen or a crown. Besides motorcycles called "basic", the simple average engine roadsters are popular with beginners for their ease of handling. There are in this category more sports roadster, with more powerful engines, capable of very high accelerations.
Custom motorcycle: Harley-Davidson FXSTC
  • Custom : This motorcycle is characterized by the complete lack of fairing and riding position specific with their feet forward. She imitates the style of American machines from the 1930s to the early 1960's , such as those produced by Harley-Davidson , Indian , Excelsior and Henderson. This category has diversified with the appearance of fashionable "retro" and submitting to the current tastes of model years 1950-1960. This type of bike a little apart reflects the more assertive spirit "rebel" worn by the motorcyclist. Purists prefer the American model, and vehicle customizations are legion.
A trail: Yamaha 600 XT
  • Trail : these are bikes that can move both on road and off-road. The fashion trail was launched in late 1970 with the Yamaha XT 500 and the beginnings of the great endurance competitions taking place on African soil. These machines are derived from motorcycle enduro or motocross, but with all the equipment for power on the road. This category has diversified and adapted to the road with the appearance of trails that follow the same road construction geometry but with adaptations (tanks, luggage, protection against the weather) for versatility of use, but easy off-track lower. This segment can also include supermoto , enduro machines, but with street tires.
  • Motorcycles "green": they are machines designed for off-piste, they often lack the equipment required to operate on open roads. We can distinguish several categories in this niche very broad motorcycles of enduro motorcyclist for hiking, those of trial for crossing barriers, those of Motocross for closed circuits or the supermoto for the road-race mixed earth. Practitioners of the bike "green" must be respectful of other users (equestrian, mountain bikers, pedestrians, etc.). And places where they practice their hobby. Bikes "trial" are made to overcome obstacles to over one meter in altitude. Extremely light and handy, they do not even have the seat because the changes are most often at low speed, standing on the footrests. Today we also see the emergence of small-cross bikes format named pit bike. Their small size allows pilots to engage in freer waterfalls.
A scooter the Vespa
  • Scooter : the difference between a scooter and a motorcycle is on three points: the wheel diameter (often smaller on a scooter), the driving position (the driver puts his legs in front of him without having to ride the vehicle) and a box speed automatic drive. Maneuverability and ease of use makes small scooters popular in big cities. The "maxi-scooter ( Honda 600 Silver Wing Honda Reflex, Suzuki Burgman, Yamaha T-Max ...), appeared more recently, are equipped with an engine displacement similar to that of a motorcycle. The increased power of these machines can induce the use of a secondary channel for the transmission, replacing the typical belt drive scooters.
    BMW offers the C1 with a roll cage, which allows the driver to get rid of the helmet (a safety belt attached to the rendering machine, and the arch to protect it if dropped). It has not reached commercial success.

Types marginal

Two pocket bikes

Some other models of motorcycles, less known:

  • the Mini motorcycle (pocket bike), bike reduced in size;
  • the sidecar , fitted with a third wheel side (right or left) to add a basket, typically designed to accommodate one or more passengers;
  • Derny , specialized bike for an aerodynamic shield in front of a bicycle speed records on an oval track;

(Note: The term Derny, if they become generic is not provided to the original name used to describe motorcycles motorbikes causing the track cyclists is "Stayer", this mode of competition existed long before the Derny brand. These bikes used at the origins of the sport, absolutely huge engines, which allowed, for example, in 1924, the Belgian Leon Vanderstuyft reaching 107.7 km / h behind a motorcycle such).

  • Cafe racer , this term generally refers to a car in retro style bike, with handlebars low, and very little fairing;
  • Speedway machine unbridled especially designed for left turns. Slips made in turn are indeed systematically left speedway, involving a specific adaptation of the material. These machines are powered by methyl alcohol (also known as methanol ).
  • The single track , produced under license in France (Mauser Einspurauto) from 1926 to 1928: it is a true 2-wheeled car (convertible). At the stop, she stood with retractable wheels with a lever. The Swiss company PERAVES product for many years with his modern interpretation of its very successful "Ecomobil" and now the single-channel (4-cylinder BMW motorcycle line "K")
  • Lovers of retro style can also turn to the productions of Eastern countries, where the manufacturer Ural still produces bikes inspired by BMW after the war, coupled with a sidecar which is also driving the wheel.
  • There are also hybrid models, like Carver , who has three wheels, but the cell looks like a motorcycle when cornering, allowing better cornering stability, despite the driving pleasure.
  • In 2006 , the brand Piaggio disrupts habits by selling a vehicle with three wheels (two front, one rear) known as MP3 (M oto P iaggio 3 wheels). Designed for use in urban rather, it provides better stability and better braking than motorbikes traditional. Thirty patents were filed during the design of the front axle.

Flying

How to approach a turn?
The article on the flight details of the techniques.

Piloting a two-wheeler is governed by rules specific physical important to know for safety, performance and driving pleasure: the turning-cons, the precession of the gyro wheel forward trajectories, the importance gaze, braking and anticipation. Each field, track, road and terrain, have different requirements for safety and effectiveness.

For comfort and safety of the biker a series of equipment are recommended. The speed of the rider influences the driver's body temperature and therefore its good reactivity muscular and nervous. Table of Windchill provides a useful estimate of the combined impact of the outside temperature with the speed of movement on the human body.

The reverse steering

The reverse deflection or steering-cons, is related to the gyroscopic effect. Indeed, a mass movement of rotation around an axis composed what is called a gyroscope. When trying to change the orientation of its axis of rotation, a couple is trying to put the pin into its original position, creating a movement perpendicular to the first solicitation. The value of this torque is proportional to the mass (moment of inertia to be exact) and speed of rotation (angular velocity) of the moving mass. Thus, a motorcycle, we see that we must be above about 35 km / h for this effect is large enough to be used. It is also the gyroscopic effect that allows a bike to be stable when driven, although it has only two points of support since the position of the axis of rotation of the wheels tends to be preserved , so keep the bike straight.

Thus, a motorcycle, once sufficient speed is reached, if you turn the handlebars, the bike leans. However there is one detail which is not intuitive at all: indeed, when we turn a movement of low amplitude on the right handlebar, the bike leans to the left and turn left as well (and vice versa ). This principle is used in the exercise of siding with a motorcycle license. This technique is often used when a succession of corners, because we can raise the angle of the bike very quickly.

The contact points of the tires being fixed (laterally) and aligned, turn the handlebars in the opposite direction of the turn you want, causes displacement of the steering column to the inside of the curve, causing a shift in the center of gravity outside the line of contact of tires on the ground and thus helping to tip the bike. This is due to the caster angle. And can be verified easily stopped.

Construction

On a modified carburetor MZ TS 250
See detailed article addressing the construction of a motorcycle.

The construction of motorcycles is special, the frames are designed with the use of the vehicle and forced to undergo. Each member must find his place according to different criteria as the center of gravity. Various models of suspensions require a good set because the slightest loss of traction can lead to loss of control of the bike and they have evolved over time. Disc brakes or drum used with recently aids braking (Dual-CBS from Honda , ABS ). These systems are considered useful by some, as many riders lose their means in an emergency, and criticized by others who wish to retain control of braking even under conditions of sliding.

Engine side, the imagination of manufacturers is limitless. Besides the electric motor , there are (excluding prototypes) of single-cylinder engine, twin cylinder, three-cylinder, four-cylinder and six cylinder but the most numerous are the single-cylinder two and four times (See internal combustion engine and engine piston ). The article detailing the engine shows how this feature significantly alters the behavior of a motorcycle. Motorcycles equipped with a system of injection are now more numerous, but there is still a wide range of bikes with carburetors. The transmission is composed of a set of elements: clutch, gearbox , roller or chain or cardan or belt wheel.

Security

Accidents happen quickly
See detailed article addressing the two-wheeler safety.

Many people believe that accidents are due to reckless risk-taking or excessive speed bikers. However, according to the MAIDS study of the Association of European Motorcycle Manufacturers ( ACEM ), the speed at impact is less than 50 km / h in 70% of cases. Speeding does not contribute to the accident in a few isolated cases. In over 60% of cases, the primary cause of the accident was human error on the part of others. Among the main causes of accidents, over 70% of drivers of other vehicles who have committed human error have not detected the presence of the motorcycle.

The roads are designed primarily for cars, they rarely consider the physical characteristics of the motorcycle, which can be dangerous. The dispersion of responsibilities among the managers of the road network (state, local governments) and low standards of street furniture are the main causes of these dysfunctions.

The European Center for Security Studies and Risk Analysis (CEESAR) pushed his research in the fields of biometrics and physiology of driving, the road system in general and its infrastructure has developed scenarios and types of accidents. The center has issued proposals for improvements in protective equipment as well as related standards, including those used for the certification of helmets.

Generally, these points are important:


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