How To: Maintain & Change your Motorcycle Chain & Sprockets

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Some of the most important parts of your drivetrain are your chain and sprockets - so give them the attention they deserve. How to clean them, check them, and change them, all in one place!

If its time to replace your chain and sprockets...you've come to the right place.

Chain Maintenance

First of all, in order to properly maintain your chain, you'll need to know what kind of chain your bike is running with.
Non-Sealed Chains The most simple type of chain is a standard, non-sealed chain. This chain will require the most maintenance because it doesn't have any way of keeping itself lubricated like an O-ring chain does. If your bike has one of these chains, you'll need to keep a closer eye on it for wear and attend to it more often.
So why would anyone want a non-sealed chain? There are a few advantages to having a these chains depending on the type of riding you will be doing. Many racers prefer this type of chain because they tend to have less friction than their sealed counterparts. Also, many older bikes are not compatible with O-ring chains. While you may want to try to switch your chain over to the less demanding of the types, your engine may be better off staying with its original non-sealed chain.
O-Ring Chains An O-ring chain is a whole lot less needy. This chain has little o-rings between the link plates and rollers of the chain that are used to keep grease and lube inside of your chain while keeping dirt out. While these chains require less upkeep and tend to not need to be replaced as often, they do require some care. Over time, O-rings will lose lubrication and eventually will dry out, crack or even fall off. The best way to slow this process down is with regular lubrication with an o-ring safe lubricant.
There are a few variations in the O-ring family. For example, an X-ring chain is designed to reduce the extra friction over an O-ring chain by the shape of its cross section. X-rings have less contact area between the X-ring and the link plates and rollers, and because of this reduction in friction, X-rings also have a tendency to last longer than O-rings.

Cleaning Your Chain

No matter the type of chain you have, it'll still need to be maintained. Gunk and grease can have a tendency to build up around the chain along with dirt and will increase the wear.
Before lubing up your chain, check it for any build up that may need to be cleaned off. If you find that you chain needs to be bathed, put your bike up on a stand so that the rear wheel is off the ground. Rotate the rear wheel to inspect your chain. If you notice that your chain is at the maximum adjustment, is worn down, or has any excessive rust or kinks, it may be time for a new one altogether.
If your chain is still in good condition but just needs to be freshened up, you should use a mild soap and a brush to scrub off any dirt or excess grease build up. While you can use a wire brush on a non-sealed chain, be sure to use a much softer brush on a chain with rings. We really like to use a Simple Solution's Grunge Brush.

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5 things to know about motorcycle gangs after the Waco shooting

 

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Law enforcement continue to investigate the motorcycle gang related shooting at the Twin Peaks restaurant, Monday, May 18, 2015, in Waco, Texas, where 9 were killed Sunday and over a dozen injured. Waco police on Monday announced the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission closed Twin Peaks for a week amid safety concerns. (AP Photo, Jerry Larson)

1. They don’t like to be called gangs

Related

• Bail set at $1 million for Waco biker gang shooting suspects
• Twin Peaks franchisee has rights terminated following deadly biker gathering
• 9 bikers killed in rival gang shootout outside Waco restaurant

“It’s the same reason a burglar doesn’t want to be called a burglar or a rapist doesn’t want to be called a rapist,” said Greg Knox, director of the National Gang Crime Research Center in Illinois.
Knox said the groups believe they are above the law, and want to be known as “1-percenters.”
The term is believed to have come from American Motorcyclist Association after a 1947 riot in Hollister, Calif. Allegedly, the group claimed that 99 percent of motorcyclists are law-abiding. The other groups took that to mean they were part of the 1 percent. But the association’s spokesman said Monday he hasn’t been able to find any original attribution to the 1 percent figure.
“I think it’s less than one percent, myself,” said spokesman Peter terHorst.
2. Motorcycle gangs are organized
Unlike some of the Dallas street gangs, motorcycle gangs are organized and have a military-like hierarchy.
The Bandidos — along with the Hell’s Angels, the Black Pistons, the Mongols, the Outlaws, the Pagans, the Sons of Silence and the Vagos Motorcycle Club — are on the FBI’s list of outlaw gang groups.
Those are the big groups — the 1-percenters. If a smaller group like the Cossacks wanted to become a 1-percenter group, they’d have to go through the Bandidos or one of the larger groups.
“If you don’t, they will shut you down,” Knox said.
The fee could be monetary, or some other kind of “quid pro quo” such as providing reinforcements if necessary.
They’ll also form strategic alliances with other criminal groups or cartels or anyone else that helps advance their interests.
3. There is a difference between outlaw biker gangs and motorcycle clubs
Want to know who is naughty or nice? Look for the “three-patch rocker” on their vests: patches for the the motorcycle club name, the logo, the territory and perhaps a 1-percenter patch. Those are likely for an outlaw group.
The Cossacks gang was wearing “Texas” on their lower rocker, which could be seen as disrespectful to the Bandidos, the larger group that considers the state its territory, experts said.
Other motorcycle riding groups may just have their names on their backs. Some motorcycle clubs are around just for social purposes or for riding or for public and volunteer services.
terHorst said the AMA has 215,000 members and that they don’t associate with the outlaw groups. He said he doesn’t think people should look at bikers and think they are criminals.
“It’s unfortunate, any time a mode of transportation is used to profile anyone,” terHorst said.
4. The gangs aren’t here to hurt you (directly)
Motorcycle gangs are tied up in drugs, bike stealing and prostitution, Knox said.
Knox said the victims, when violence does erupt, are mainly other biker groups or people associated with whatever criminal enterprises they are engaged in. They’re territorial, he said. They can’t stand other groups.
But you’re not going to see them rob someone on the street or kill a civilian just for fun. If you leave them alone, they’ll leave you alone, said James F. Quinn, a University of North Texas professor who has studied biker gangs.
“If you’re not involved in the kinds of activities they’re interested in, they don’t really want anything to do with you,” Quinn said.
Still, they’re criminal enterprises make victims out of everyone, Knox said. The FBI says such groups “pose a serious national domestic threat.” And the Texas Department of Public Safety claims the group is one of several that are “responsible for a disproportionate amount of crime across urban, suburban, and rural areas of Texas.”
“The community itself is a victim,” Knox said.
5. Dallas had a motorcycle gang shootout this year, too.
Two biker clubs showed up in March in South Dallas for some kind of a meeting in the 4900 block of Military Parkway. The groups — one from Dallas and one from Fort Worth — started shooting at each other.
Two men on opposite sides of the dispute were left dead, and another man was wounded. The two men who died had both been arrested numerous times in the past.
Dallas Assistant Chief Cynthia Villarreal said Dallas motorcycle gangs have been low-key since she joined the police department 40 years ago. But she said police are on their toes after the Waco incident.
“We’re always going to be on our high alert status on a situation like this,” she said.

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Types of clubs, groups and organizations

 
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Most clubs are either organized around a brand or make, or around a type of riding (e.g. touring).^[1] Motorcycle clubs vary a great deal in their objectives and organizations. Mainstream motorcycle clubs or associations typically have elected officers and directors, annual dues, and a regular publication. They may also sponsor sports events and annual or more frequent motorcycle rallies where members can socialize.
There are a great many brand clubs, i.e. clubs dedicated to a particular marque, including those sponsored by various manufacturers, modeled on the original brand club, the Harley Owners Group. There are also large national independent motorcycle clubs, for example, the BMW Motorcycle Owners of America. There are also specific clubs for women, such as Women's International Motorcycle Association, and clubs for lesbians and gays, such as Dykes on Bikes.
Clubs catering for those interested in vintage machines such as the Vintage Motor Cycle Club are also popular as well as those centered around particular venues. Clubs catering for riders' rights such as the Motorcycle Action Group, and charities like the The Royal British Legion Riders Branch are also popular. Many affiliate with an umbrella organization, such as the British Motorcyclists Federation in the UK, or FEMA in Europe. Producing national and local branch club magazines and events are typical activities of such clubs.
Other organizations whose activities primarily involve motorcycles exist for specific purposes or social causes such as the Patriot Guard Riders, who provide funeral escorts for military veterans, and Rolling Thunder, which advocates for troops missing in action and prisoners of war. While neither of the latter two groups require a motorcycle for membership, they are motorcycling-oriented and much of their activity involves rides.^[2][3][4]
There are numerous religiously oriented clubs such as the Christian Motorcyclists Association, a biker ministry, charities such as Freewheelers EVS, which use motorcycles to provide an out-of-hours emergency medical courier service, and clubs which attract membership from specific groups, such as the Blue Knights Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club, for law enforcement personnel.^[5]

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Last updated on 8/13/2015, 10:36:45 PM

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The purpose of this information guide is to provide the members of the Motorcycle community with information that will assist in bringing and maintaining a peaceful and respectful understanding between  members of motorcycling organizations that share the roadways.
This document is for education and information purposes only. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of all information presented and will make any corrections and updates as we get new information or as inaccuracies are pointed out.  We would also like to say that we understand that you may or may not agree with some or any of the things contained within this document and only ask that you read it with an open mind and consider that while you may or may not agree, you are at least gaining some insight as to what an MC type club is about. I will say that the only true way to really get the full story on what being in a MC Club is like is to go through the process to actually become a member.  It should be noted that different areas and different motorcycle clubs each have their own set of rules they follow. No disrespect is intended toward any individual, group, club or organization with the presentation of this information.
Q: Who are you?
A: Just a group of people that, with this site, do not claim any club affiliation at all.  We are just trying to pass along a little knowledge that may help someone somewhere answer a few questions they may have.  We will never claim to know everything about every club. We will not share any internal club business, just generalities about clubs. We welcome constructive comments from all. If an inaccuracy is found, please contact our webmaster. Thank You
Additions to this site will gladly be reviewed, edited, and added as we see fit.  If you have an article you feel would be a good addition to this site, by all means send it to us for review.  I've had several e-mails since this site went active asking us to add certain articles.  We do have our own clubs, jobs, and lives that keep us all busy.  We also may not have the familiarity of the subject matter to compile a proper write up to give the subject the respect it deserves. We are always looking for people to submit to this site to promote a better understanding of the MC world.   
We are not responsible for pages that may provide links to us with or without our permission. Nor do we endorse, warrant or guarantee the products, services or information described or offered at these other sites or the content of those external sites. For those of you that "borrow" information to use on your web site or message group, please reference the link to this site where you got the information from.  It's the courteous and respectful thing to do. Thank You
Special Note:  
This site has gone over better than any of us had hoped.  We are happy we could help so many around the world with a better understanding of the basics of the MC world and lifestyle.  After several requests over the years since this site went active, we now have our own web site so it should be available all the time now, instead of getting shutting down halfway through the month for going over its allotted bandwidth.

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About Motorcycle Insurance

It's a great day for a ride.

Whether you're still riding with a death grip or have so many bikes in your garage there's no space for the car, GEICO offers a motorcycle insurance policy that is right for you. We insure most types of motorcycles including: sport bikes, cruisers, touring bikes, Enduros, scooters, dirt bikes, trikes and some custom bikes.

Stay Vertical With Cycle Insurance From GEICO

Of course you don't plan on crashing your bike or having it stolen but if bad luck gives you the nod, you'll be glad you have top notch cycle insurance coverage.
Having motorcycle insurance coverage benefits you, your bike and others on the road. Here is a rundown of the coverages included in a GEICO motorcycle insurance policy (in as simple terms as our lawyers will allow):
Accessories coverage provides protection for your accessories. You must, however, carry comprehensive or collision coverage on your policy. Accessories may include: saddlebags, backrests, seats, chrome pieces and CB radios. If needed, additional coverage can be purchased. Collision coverage provides protection for your helmet as well. (Coverage amounts vary by state.)
Bodily injury liability coverage insures you against certain damages if you injure or kill someone while operating your motorcycle and also provides you with a legal defense if another party in the accident files a lawsuit against you. We have multiple limits of protection from which to choose.
Collision coverage pays for covered damage to your motorcycle when it hits, or is hit by, another vehicle.
Comprehensive physical damage coverage pays for covered losses resulting from incidents other than collision, such as theft, fire or vandalism.
Medical payments, no-fault or personal injury protection coverage provide medical coverage for yourself and your passengers. You may select medical coverage in most states.
Property damage liability coverage insures you against certain damages caused to someone else's property while operating your motorcycle and provides you with a legal defense for such claims if another party files a lawsuit against you. We have multiple limits of protection from which to choose.
Uninsured/Underinsured motorist coverage pays for injuries caused by an uninsured driver in a crash that is not your fault.

Motorcycle Insurance From GEICO

Whether you're a hard-core motorcyclist or a weekend road warrior, GEICO® Motorcycle insurance gives you big protection without a big price. You'll find us to be a solid, stand-up company, insuring motorcycles and riders since 1978. We offer affordable rates, 24/7 customer service and fast, fair claim handling. Don't just take our word for it. Check out our motorcycle insurance reviews and ratings.
With GEICO you can stand out from the crowd by customizing your motorcycle policy to meet your personal requirements. Choose the type of coverage you need for your bike, the deductibles you want, and the payment plan that suits your wallet.
And wait, there's more! You may qualify for some of our special discounts that will make your motorcycle insurance premiums even lower.
Don't hang back. Get a free online motorcycle insurance quote or call (800) 442-9253 to discuss your options with a licensed insurance professional in the GEICO Motorcycle division.

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Study: Lane Splitting is Safer Than Riding in Traffic

Though it's banned in most states (and technically not illegal in California), the act of lane-splitting is actually safer than riding in traffic according to a recent study by UC Berkeley. Spearheaded by the Safe Transportation Research and Education Center (SafeTREC), Dr. Thomas Rice's study examined just under 6,000 motorcycle wrecks between June 2012 and August 2013. Of those spills, 997 involved riders who were splitting lanes.

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• Motorcycle Service
• Motorcycle Safety Class
• Motorcycle Law
• Motorcycle Helmets
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The study concludes that lane splitting riders had fewer incidences of head and torso injuries, and were less likely to experience fatal injuries.

The study uncovered some surprising facts about lane-splitting, including the following:

• If the speed differential between the motorcycle and automotive traffic was 15 mph or less, there was no association with the change in the frequency of injury.
• Nearly 70 percent of lane-splitters involved in accidents were going more than 15 mph faster than traffic.
• Lane-splitters were less likely to suffer injuries. Head injury rates were 9 percent (vs 17 percent), torso injuries were 19 percent (vs 29 percent), and fatalities were 1.2 percent (vs 3 percent).
• Riders were nearly half as likely to be rear-ended when they were lane splitting; the incidence of getting rear-ended was 2.6 percent among lane splitters vs 4.6 percent.
• Lane-splitters were also likelier to be wearing a full-face helmet (81 percent vs 67 percent).

In addition to the diminished danger of maneuvering in between cars, riders who split lanes were also likelier to be riding slower, riding on weekdays and during commuting hours, and abstaining from alcohol while on two wheels.
Whether or not you personally support the practice, statistics support the notion that limiting your differential speed between traffic to 15 mph can help reduce your risks while lane splitting.

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Victory Goes Racing

 
Victory wants to race at the Pike's Peak International Hillclimb, and to tackle that legendary circuit they've teamed up with Roland Sands Designs to create a bespoke, one-off race machine.
Dubbed Project 156 (for the 156 turns at Pike's Peak-- aka, the Race to the Clouds), the bike will be piloted by Cycle World hotshoe and Lead Test Rider Don Canet. Unlike typically low-slung Victory fare, this bike is a more upright naked with solid clearance that sho

The manufacturer coyly says the liquid-cooled v-twin prototype engine "represents the future performance of the Victory brand." Though official specs haven't been released, the mill's titanium valves and twin 67mm throttles with downdraft runners suggests it will be able to breath deeply and push hard through those high mountain altitudes.

Will Victory emerge victorious at at Pike's Peak? We'll have to wait until June 28, 2015 to find out. In the meantime, let's hope Victory is working on a production bike that looks half as cool as this one-off racer.
UPDATE: To paraphrase a Victory press release, the brand had more than their share of highs and lows at the legendary Pike's Peak International Hillclimb event. After qualifying first in the Exhibition Class and fourth overall, Cycle World scribe/rider Don Canet suffered an unfortunate incident which involved chilly ambient temperatures (and subsequently meager tire grip), resulting in a lowside crash after his bike kissing the slick paint lines at Brown Bush corner.

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It took him 23 seconds for Canet to hit the course again, and had he sustained his pre-crash pace, Canet would have been on target for a podium finish. He reflects on his efforts, saying, "I was off to a strong start and competitive with the fastest bikes on the mountain. My disappointment is more for the team and how much work they put into Project 156 from the very beginning. The bike was working really well today despite being a prototype and being rebuilt after the practice crash a few weeks ago," he added.

At the end of the day, Victory's Pike's Peak adventure will likely prove to be a mutually beneficial exercise in product exploration, brand development, and marketing between manufacturer and publishing entity; not only was the opportunity a chance for the brand to collaborate with customizer Roland Sands (who has also huddled with manufacturers like BMW Motorrad), it was a chance for Cycle World to tell the story of what it takes to build, develop, and compete with a race machine built from scratch (inside scoop: they opted for Victory's fledgling race team story over an opportunity to cover a more tried and true Aprilia bike).
uld allow for steep lean angles.

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How Products Are Made | 1999 | Copyright

 

Motorcycle

Background

The motorcycle is "a form of entertainment that can appeal only, one would think, to the most enthusiastic of mechanical eccentrics," Engineering magazine stated in 1901. "We think it doubtful whether the motorcycle will, when the novelty has worn off, take a firm hold of public favour."
Last year, four million motorcycles were in use in the United States alone. Whether relied upon as a primary means of transportation, used to provide weekend recreation, souped up and sped along for racing, or displayed as antique, millions of people across the world have shown that the novelty most definitely has not worn off.

History

As might be imagined, the motorcycle evolved from a vehicle powered by sheer human energy—the bicycle. French bicycle maker Pierre Michaux and his sons Ernest and Henri first fitted a bicycle with cranks and pedals—precursors to the modern-day motor—in 1861. The Michauxes' velocipede was an instant hit and the family became the largest velo producer in Europe with a large factory at Bar-le-Duc in France. Working with Michaux, L.G. Perreaux devised a steam-powered motorcycle engine, called a velo-a-vapeur, which was patented in 1868. Sylvester Howard Roper of Roxbury, Massachusetts pioneered a similar invention in the United States around that time as well.
In 1879, Giuseppe Munigotti of Italy patented the first gas-burning internal combustion four-stroke engine for the new motorcycles, although his invention existed only on paper. Meanwhile, two Germans, Dr. Nicolaus Otto and Eugen Langen were developing four-stroke stationary engines, which ran on coal gas supplied from mains. Gottlieb Daimler took the invention further by developing an engine that ran on benzine. Since benzine could carry a vehicle approximately 25 miles on one gallon, only a small tank would need to be attached to the machine. Daimler later abandoned the motorcycle business to concentrate on another invention—the first automobile that became the basis for his company, Daimler Benz, maker of the luxury Mercedes Benz automobile.
Several innovators improved upon these inventions over the next 30 years, and in 1901 the machine that is still regarded as Carl Hedstrom, a Swedish immigrant to the United States, developed the first modern motorcycle. Hedstrom fitted an Indian bicycle with a 1.75-horsepower single-cylinder engine, and the legendary Indian motorcycle was born. Several other U.S. makers came out with similar models, including the company whose name is synonymous with the motorcycle—Harley-Davidson—in 1903. William Harley and Arthur Davidson were students in Milwaukee when they built their first motorcycle on a borrowed lathe from patterns they had made. Davidson's older brothers, both toolmakers, assisted, as did Ole Evinrude, who later became famous as a designer and producer of outboard motor boat engines.
Other makers included Royal, Merkel, Yale, Reading-Standard, Rambler, Tribune and Curtiss. By 1904, motorcycle manufacturers had begun to construct bulkier, sturdier frames, stronger wheels, bigger engines and reinforced forks for their bikes and a clear distinction between motorcycles and bicycles emerged. Around this time, the sidecar, affixed to a light, tubular frame extending from the main motorcycle frame, began to be popularized. Based on a similar accessory for the bicycle, his device allowed the driver of a motorcycle to carry a passenger.
By 1905, the focus was on power, and manufacturers begin to beef up their engines. That year, Hedstrom produced a machine boasting a 500 cc twin engine that featured twist-grip control for the throttle and ignition. That same year saw the development of "free engine" devices, which eased the starting and launching of a machine, and variable gears, which eased use on hills and at slow speeds. Chain drive followed, and the stage was set for production of the motorcycle that is currently in use.
Motorcycles continued to grow in popularity for decades, although production for civilians tapered off during World War II. During World War II, however, a need arose for lightweight, collapsible models to be used by parachutists once they had landed. Royal Enfield produced a Flying Flea model for this purpose, while Excelsior came up with its Welbike, which could fit into a small air-drop container. The Welbike was later marketed to civilians as the Corgi, spawning the post-war popularity of the motor scooter, especially in Europe.
The 1950s were regarded as a "golden age" for the motorcycle, with its use being popularized by such prominent figures in popular culture as James Dean in his movie "Rebel Without a Cause." The United States and Europe dominated the motorcycle industry through 1960, at which time Japanese manufacturers, including Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawasaki, rose to a prominence they maintain to this day.
The Europeans took the lead in developing the motorcycle in the early twentieth century. One Englishman proclaimed his countrymen loved the cycle because they enjoyed mechanical things. However, Americans enjoyed their motorcycles as well. An American gentleman could have purchased this home-grown motorcycle manufactured in 1911 by the Hendee Manufacturing Co. of Springfield, Massachusetts. Hendee made early American motorcycles, which featured Native American names indicating a proud ruggedness. Red with gold striping, this one cylinder 3.5 horesepower loop-framed cycle weighs 140 lb (63.6 kg), has a wheel diameter of 23.5 in (59.7 cm) and cost a whopping $225.00 back in 1911. Founded in 1901, the company ceased operation in 1953. However, Indian motorcycles are still beloved—enthusiasts claim that there are still 50,000 Indian motorcycles on the road.
Indian bikes might reach 60 m.p.h., but handbooks cautioned riders to not exceed 10 m.p.h. through town. These early handbooks are full of advice and etiquette for the motorcyclist. Some period gems include: don't ride with the muffler open as "the noise scares restive horses, and worries invalids and nervous people," don't run away in case of accident but "stand by like a man … don't get rattled," and don't ride by a motorcyclist who is stalled by the side of the rode as "you may be in the same fix yourself some day."
Nancy EV Bryk

Raw Materials

The primary raw materials used in the manufacture of the body of motorcycle are metal, plastic and rubber. The motorcycle frame is composed almost completely of metal, as are the wheels. The frame may be overlaid with plastic. The tires are composed of rubber. The seat is made from a synthetic substance, such as polyurethane. The power system consists of a four-stroke engine, a carburetor to transform incoming fuel into vapor, a choke to control the air-fuel ratio, transmission, and drum brakes. The transmission system contains a clutch, consisting of steel ball flyweights and metal plates, a crankshaft, gears, pulleys, rubber belts or metal chains, and a sprocket. The electrical system contains a battery, ignition wires and coils, diodes, spark plugs, head-lamps and taillights, turn signals and a horn.
A cylindrical piston, made of aluminum alloy (preferred because it is lightweight and conducts heat well), is an essential component of the engine. It is fitted with piston rings made of cast iron. The crankshaft and crankcase are made of aluminum. The engine also contains a cylinder barrel, typically made of cast iron or light alloy.

The Manufacturing
Process

1. Raw materials as well as parts and components arrive at the manufacturing plant by truck or rail, typically on a daily basis. As part of the just-in-time delivery system on which many plants are scheduled, the materials and parts are delivered at the place where they are used or installed.
2. Manufacturing begins in the weld department with computer-controlled fabrication of the frame from high strength frame materials. Components are formed out of tubular metal and/or hollow metal shells fashioned from sheet metal. The various sections are welded together. This process involves manual, automatic, and robotic equipment.
3. In the plastics department, small plastic resin pellets are melted and injected into molds under high pressure to form various plastic body trim parts. This process is known as injection molding.
4. Plastic and metal parts and components are painted in booths in the paint department using a process known as powder-coating (this is the same process by which automobiles are painted). A powder-coating apparatus works like a large spray-painter, dispersing paint through a pressurized system evenly across the metal frame.
5. Painted parts are sent via overhead conveyors or tow motor (similar to a ski lift tow rope) to the assembly department where they are installed on the frame of the motorcycle.
6. The engine is mounted in the painted frame, and various other components are fitted as the motorcycle is sent down the assembly line.
7. Wheels, brakes, wiring cables, foot pegs, exhaust pipes, seats, saddlebags, lights, radios, and hundreds of other parts are installed on the motorcycle frame. A Honda Gold Wing motorcycle, for example, needs almost as many parts to complete it as a Honda Civic automobile.

Quality Control

At the end of the assembly line, quality control inspectors undertake a visual inspection of the motorcycle's painted finish and fit of parts. The quality control inspectors also feel the motorcycles with gloved hands to detect any bumps or defects in the finish. Each motorcycle is tested on a dynamometer. Inspectors accelerate the motorcycle from 0-60 mph. During the acceleration, the "dyno" tests for acceleration and braking, shifting, wheel alignment, headlight and taillight alignment and function, horn function, and exhaust emissions. The finished product must meet international standards for performance and safety. After the dyno test, a final inspection is made of the completed motorcycle. The motorcycles are boxed in crates and shipped to customers across North America and around the world.

The Future

Motorcycles remain popular and the collecting and riding of antique models is just as popular as riding the new versions. While sleek, new versions will continue to be produces, it is anticipated that the value of older models will continue to rise.

Where to Learn More

Books

Ayton, Cyril, Bob Holliday, Cyril Posthumus and Mike Winfield. The History of Motorcycling. London: Orbis Publishing, 1979.
Lear, George and Lynn S. Mosher, Motorcycle Mechanics. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall, 1997.
—Kristin Palm

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For other uses, see Motorcycle (disambiguation).

A motorcycle (also called a motorbike, bike, moto or cycle) is a two^[1] or three wheeled^[2] motor vehicle. Motorcycle design varies greatly to suit a range of different purposes: long distance travel, commuting, cruising, sport including racing, and off-road riding. Motorcycling is riding a motorcycle and related social activity such as joining a motorcycle club and attending motorcycle rallies.
In 1894, Hildebrand & Wolfmüller became the first series production motorcycle, and the first to be called a motorcycle. In 2012, the three top motorcycle producers globally by volume were Honda, Bajaj Auto, and Hero MotoCorp.^[3]
Motorcycles are mainly a luxury good in the developed world, where they are used mostly for recreation, as a lifestyle accessory or a symbol of personal identity. In developing countries, motorcycles are overwhelmingly utilitarian due to lower prices and greater fuel economy. Of all the motorcycles in the world, 58% are in the Asia Pacific and Southern and Eastern Asia regions, excluding car-centric Japan.
According to the United States Department of Transportation the number of fatalities per vehicle mile traveled was 37 times higher for motorcycles than for cars.^[4]

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​Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Motorcycle Safety Gear

 

Capable of keeping you dry when it's wet, cool when it's hot, warm when it's cold and alive in a crash, motorcycle safety gear is the most advanced apparel this side of a space suit.

This guide is going to focus on street motorcycle gear and the kind worn on dual-sport and adventure bikes. Maybe we'll look at dedicated dirt bike or track gear in the future.

Why Wear Motorcycle Gear? "But what happens when it rains?!" That's one of the questions I get asked most often when people find out I don't do cars. For purposes of talking about something else (and appearing tough), I usually just say, "Well, you get wet." But, that's not really true. When it rains, I just make sure I'm wearing a waterproof full-body suit, waterproof gloves, waterproof boots and, if it's really coming down, maybe a silk scarf to seal the gap around the top of my neck. Then, I'm as dry and toasty as you would be in your minivan and you can thank me because I'm incrementally reducing the congestion you face.

Before we get into the nitty gritty, there's a couple things you need to understand about motorcycle gear: 1) It's expensive. But, 2) It's nearly as fundamentally important to the act of riding a bike as the motorcycle itself, so you simply need to factor its cost into your overall budget. If you've got, say, $5,000 budgeted to buy your first bike, expect to spend $1,200 to $1,500 of that on stuff like a helmet, suit, boots and all that. Over time, the financial burden will decrease as you acquire new items separately; you know, a new helmet here, a better back protector there and so on.

Those guys you see riding around without any gear or the ones who go helmet-only to satisfy minimal legal regulations? Well, those guys are total poseurs who are riding around in wide-eyed terror, even just traveling in a straight line at moderate speed.

The very act of riding without motorcycle gear is so ridiculous that it serves to demonstrate a total lack of comprehension about what it's like to operate a bike with skill, what it's like to spend a lifetime on two wheels, the effect weather has on the human body and even compromises their ability to control and operate the motorcycle itself. You are not able to fully appreciate your motorcycle unless you are wearing gear.

This applies no matter what kind of bike you're riding. While yes, a one-piece leather race suit is going to be more applicable to a sportsbike than a cruiser, the laws of physics remain the same whether your bike goes "vroom vroom" or "potato potato." Our bodies evolved to travel no faster than about 25mph; even at that speed, hitting something hard can hurt or kill you and, if you're going any faster, your bones and organs simply can't handle the forces on their own.

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