Motorcycles Help Save the Planet

Motorcycles are enjoying a resurgence of popularity among young Americans, and the driving force behind the two-wheeled trend is a surge of Baby Boomers with free time and expendable cash. While younger riders opt for inexpensive bikes from Honda, Suzuki, and BMW, older aficionados shell out for classic rides from Harley-Davidson. Motorcycles are one of the cheapest and most widespread forms of motorized transport in many parts of the world. Motorcycles are less safe than cars and must be operated with great caution. Because of their low crash protection and high performance capabilities, motorcycles are more likely to be involved in a severe collision.

Scooters are similar to motorcycles and are also designed for being ridden on the road. They are characterized by smaller wheels (generally less than 14" diameter), automatic transmissions, small (generally less than 125cc) engines, and a step-through configuration allowing the rider to ride with both feet on a running-board and knees together. Scooters and motorcycles are indeed half width but they are dangerous, are a drag in bad weather, and have poor aerodynamics.

Helmet and eye protection are required when operating a Class A or B motorcycle. It is recommended that helmet and eye protection be worn when operating a Class C motorcycle. Helmets perform two functions in a crash. The outer shell, which is constructed of fiberglass or injection-molded plastic, distributes energy from an impact across a wider area.

Probably a larger proportion of men ride motorcycles than women,although Harley-Davidson, for example, has established a Web site for women, sells clothing and gear for women, and sponsors "garage parties" at Harley-Davidson dealers to introduce women to motorcycling. Harley-Davidson Motor Company has built a reputation for making some of the most powerful, reliable, technically advanced, and distinctive motorcycles on the road. Most other motorcycle manufacturers look to Harley-Davidson to define what a motorcycle should look, act, and sound like. Harley-Davidson? motorcycles are as unique as the people who ride them.

Electric dirt bikes offer several compelling advantages over their current petrol-burning brethren, the most significant being they are completely silent. There is nothing more out of place in the forest than the bark of a four-stroke or the staccato rasp of a two-stroke - at complete odds with the tranquility of the wilderness and quite capable of spoiling the experience for those ten miles away, motorcycling without the noise is long overdue. Electric power has also made its debut in drag racing. A123 Systems, of Watertown, MA currently holds the record for the fastest electric drag-racing motorcycle finishing the quarter mile in 8.17 seconds and reaching 156 miles per hour. Electric motorcycles are becoming a practical alternative to the conventional ?dirty? Although they are very fuel efficient, conventional motorbikes are not equipped with emissions-control technology ?

With gas prices going through the roof, motorcycles are becoming more popular not just for fun but also for cost cutting our daily expenditure and reducing our carbon footprint.