Outline of motorcycles and motorcycling

The following outline is provided as an overview of motorcycles and motorcycling: Motorcycle — two-wheeled, single-track motor vehicle. Other names include: motorbike, bike, and cycle. Motorcycling — act of riding a motorcycle, around which a variety of subcultures and lifestyles have built up. Legal definition of motorcycle – a 'powered two-wheel motor vehicle'. Most countries distinguish between mopeds up to and the more powerful, larger, vehicles known as motorcycles. Scooters do not count as a separate category, and are deemed to be "motorcycles". Some motorcycles have paired front wheels, or paired rear wheels, three in all. Motorized tricycles and sidecar outfits are deemed "motorcycles". Most jurisdictions do not consider three-wheeled cars to be motorcycles; but some (including the UK) grant low tax and driving licence exemptions to such vehicles subject to, say, weight and power limits. Motorcycles can be described as all of the following: a component of transport a component of a mode of transport a component of road transport a type of vehicle a type of motor vehicle a type of machine sports equipment Types of motorcycles The design of a motorcycle reflects the purpose for which it is to be used. The main types of motorcycle include: Street motorcycle – designed for riding on paved roads; features smooth tyres with a light tread pattern and at least engine. Cruiser – mimics the style of American machines from the 1930s to the early 1960s, including those made by Harley-Davidson, Indian, Excelsior and Henderson; models evocative of the early cruisers make up 60% of the U.S. market Bobber – usually has had the front fender removed, the rear fender 'bobbed' or made smaller, and all superfluous items removed to make it lighter Chopper – has a longer frame design accompanied by a stretched front end (or rake). To achieve a longer front end, while the frame is being designed, the fabricator tilts the neck of the frame at less of an incline and installs a longer fork.