Motorcycle

A motorcycle (or motorbike) is a two-wheeled vehicle powered by an engine. The wheels are in-line, and at higher speed the motorcycle remains upright and stable by virtue of gyroscopic forces; at lower speeds continual readjustment of the steering by the rider gives stability. The rider sits the vehicle on a seat, with hands on a set of handlebars (either a single bar or "clip-on"s which are used to steer the motorcycle, in conjunction with the rider shifting their weight through their feet, which are supported on a set of "footpegs" or "pegs" which stick out from the frame.

Culture

Gangs and Counter-Culture Movements

Across the world, and both past and present, motorcycles have been associated with subcultures of society. 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. Others are purportedly fraternal organizations, the most well known of these being the Hells Angels. Most motorcycle organizations have law-abiding and peaceful members, and many raise money for charities through organized events and rides. Gangs represent far less than 1% of motorcyclists.

Related Topics:
Subcultures - Society - Cafe racers - 1950s - Mods - Rockers - 1960s - Fraternal - Hells Angels

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Risk Taking

Motorcycles are typically more agile, can accelerate quicker, and are generally perceived to be more fun to ride than an average car. Because of this, they sometimes attract people — typically, but not exclusively, young men — with a propensity to take great risks or behave dangerously and anti-socially. These people contribute significantly to the fatality and injury rates of motorcyclists.

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The U.S, U.K. and Europe are also seeing a surge in motorcycle ownership, thanks in large part to an older demographic, people in their 40's and 50's. Many of these riders are either new to the sport, or have not been on a motorcycle for many years; they would benefit from rider training as much or more so than any new rider. A substantial increase in the number of riders (regardless of age) indicates a greater number of inexperienced riders, who are more likely to be involved in accidents. See Born again biker.

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Public Perception

In less developed nations, motorcycles are often the only motorized transportation affordable to the majority of the population. In much of the developed world, motorcycles are thought of as a cheap and efficient means of transportation, but they are tainted by a stereotype of riders as anti-social and reckless, even though the majority are safe and law-abiding.

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This is because the very small number of events where a non-motorcyclist is offended by a motorcyclist (perhaps by excess exhaust noise, reckless behaviour, or news reporting of a motorcycle gang incident) are amplified in popular thought. This phenomenon is known by sociologists as availability error, and all minority groups in society tend to fall afoul of it.

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In American speech, the term biker has come to be associated with members of the gangs described above. Many of those who ride motorcycles prefer the more neutral terms "rider" or "motorcyclist." In Australia and New Zealand the word "bikie" is used instead of "biker".

Related Topics:
Biker - Australia - New Zealand - Bikie

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Clannishness and Brand Loyalty

Like most minority cultures, motorcyclists in developed countries "stick together." Most cities have several bars and hangouts where riders congregate. When riders pass each other in the opposite direction, riders often wave or nod. Riders will sometimes stop and help if another rider has broken down.

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Within motorcycle culture, people congregate around brand names, type of bike, and individual models.

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Brands

Most manufacuturers subsidize a club to foster a sense of community between, provide services to, and make money from the owners of their bikes. Such clubs include:

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• Harley Owners Group (HOG)
• Riders of Kawasaki (RoK)
• Honda Owners Club

BMW Motorrad has no national owners clubs, but, uniquely, has many independent clubs in different countries, such as BMW Motorcycle Owners of America (BMWMOA) and BMW Riders Association (BMWRA).

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Types

Many interest groups form around a particular type of riding or style of bike:

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• Track Racing (sport bikes)
• Adventure Touring (dual-sport bikes)
• Touring and Motorcycle camping (touring and dual-sport bikes)
• Minibikes or Pocket-Bikes as used in Pocketbike racing

Models

Some individual bikes almost develop a cult following:

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• Kawasaki KLR650
• BMW F650 G/S
• Honda Goldwing
• Norton Commando Ultimate Twin Cylinder http://jerrydoe.com/