Motorized bicycle

A motorized bicycle is a bicycle with an attached motor used to assist with pedalling. Generally considered to be a vehicle, sometimes as a motor vehicle or a class of hybrid vehicle, motorized bicycles are usually powered by electric motors or small internal combustion engines. Some can be propelled by the motor alone if the rider chooses not to pedal, while in others the motor will only run if the rider pedals.

Some early motorized bicycles were powered by internal combustion engines whereas some utilized electric motors. With lighter batteries and better storage density, the electric motor has recently seen an increase in popularity.

Motorized bicycles are distinguished from motorcycles by being capable of being powered by pedals alone if required. The actual usage of the pedals varies widely according to the type of vehicle. Those known as mopeds mostly have pedals for emergency use or because of legal requirements and these are not normally used. Those known as power-assist bikes have the pedals as the main form of propulsion with the motor used to give a bit of extra speed, especially uphill. Many motorized bicycles are based on standard bicycle frame designs and technologies, although the modifications to the design to support motorization may be extensive.

In countries where there is a strong bicycle culture (notably in Asia), the motorized bicycle is particularly popular; in 1996 Shanghai had 370,000 motorized bicycles and 470,000 other vehicles.[1]

Electric bicycle history

In the 1890s, electric bicycles were documented within various U.S. patents. For example, on 31 December 1895 Ogden Bolton Jr. was granted U.S. Patent 552,271 for a battery-powered bicycle with “6-pole brush-and-commutator direct current (DC) hub motor mounted in the rear wheel.” There were no gears and the motor could draw up to 100 amperes (A) from a 10-V battery.[1]

Two years later, in 1897, Hosea W. Libbey of Boston invented an electric bicycle (U.S. Patent 596,272 ) that was propelled by a “double electric motor.” The motor was designed within the hub of the crankshaft axle.[2] This model was later re-invented and imitated in the late 1990s by Giant Lafree electric bicycles.

By 1898 a rear wheel drive electric bicycle, which used a driving belt along the outside edge of the wheel was patented by Mathew J. Steffens. Also, the 1899 U.S. Patent 627,066 by John Schnepf depicted a rear wheel friction “roller-wheel” style drive electric bicycle.[3] Schnepf's invention was later re-examined and expanded in 1969 by G.A. Wood Jr. with his U.S. Patent 3,431,994 . Wood’s device used 4 fractional horsepower motors; each rated less than ½ horsepower and connected through a series of gears.[4]
A Google Trends chart showing an increase in the use of the term "ebike".

Torque sensors and power controls where developed in the late 1990s. For example, Takada Yutky of Japan filed a patent in 1997 for such a device. In 1992 Vector Services Limited offered and sold an electric bicycle dubbed Zike.[5] The bicycle included Nickel-cadmium batteries that were built into a frame member and included an 850 g permanent-magnet motor. Despite the Zike, in 1992 hardly any commercial electric bicycles were available. It wasn’t until 1998 when there were at least 49 different bikes. Production grew from 1993 to 2004 by an estimated 35%. By Contrast, according to Gardner, in 1995 regular bicycle production decreased from its peak 107 million units. Some of the less expensive electric bicycles used bulky lead acid batteries, whereas newer models generally used NiMH, NiCd and/or Li-ion batteries which offered lighter, denser capacity batteries. The end benefits usually varied from manufacturer; however, in general there was an increase in range and speed. By 2004 electric bicycles where manufactured by Currie Technologies, EV Global, Optibike, Giante Lite, Merida.

By 2001 the terms, E-Bikes, power bike, pedelec, assisted bicycle and power-assisted bicycle where commonly used to describe electric bicycles. E-bike, according to Google, is a term that has increased in trend. This term generally referred to an electric bicycle which used a throttle. Pedelec is a European term that generally referred to an electric bicycle that incorporated a torque sensor and/or a power controller that delivered a proportionate level of assist and only ran when the rider pedaled. Finally, Assist Bicycle is the technical term used to describe such a vehicle and Power-Assisted Bicycle is used in the Canadian Federal Legislation, but is carefully defined to only apply to electric motor assist, and specifically excludes internal combustion engines.

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Other motorized bicycles

The origins of the motorized bicycle can be traced back to the latter part of the 19th century when experimenters began attaching steam engines to stock tricycles and quadracycles.[citation needed] This moved into attempts to fit the newly-invented internal combustion engine (ICE) to the bicycle form.[2]
Félix Millet's 1897 motorcycle, showing the common ancestry of motorized bicycles and motorcycles. Note the radial engine built into the back wheel.

Development diverged into two distinct streams: motorcycles, which are powered solely by their engines, and motorized bicycles as defined above. The closeness of the two forms in early years is demonstrated by Félix Millet's machines of 1892/93 and on. These had both pedals and an ingenious fixed crankshaft radial engine built into the back wheel. Within a few years motorized bicycles and motorcycles were recognisably divergent, with for example early motorcycles being longer, heavier and with a markedly different riding position from that of a contemporary pedal cycle. Later, development forked again with the advent of mopeds, small motorcycles fitted with pedals that can be used as a starting aid but which cannot, practically, be ridden under pedal power alone. This development appears to have been largely in order to exploit ambiguities between the regulatory framework for bicycles, powered bicycles and motorcycles - in jurisdictions where pedals were not required to meet the legal framework they were often simply omitted on otherwise identical models.
Derny motor-pacing cycle (motor mounted in frame, drive via chain to rear wheel).

In the case of motorized bicycles, too, there were soon two parallel streams of development: motor assistance as an addition to existing machines, and purpose-built motor-assisted bicycles like the Derny and VéloSoleX, with stronger frames and sometimes with only token ability to be wholly human powered. In these cases some assert that the product is more formally a motorcycle or moped than a motorized bicycle, and some jurisdictions also take this view.

Modern motorized bicycles follow both trends, with conversions being applied by hobbyists as well as commercial manufacturers. Hub motors in particular facilitate after market conversion, being built into the wheel and not requiring modifications to the drivetrain or frame, as well as having a low centre of gravity. Converting bicycles or tricycles has proven useful for some people with physical disabilities such as arthritis. The strength of tricycles is that they will balance even while stationary, but some people find it harder to drive a tricycle and claim it lacks agility. Portability is also compromised compared to bicycles.
                                       
The modern electric bicycle is true to the concept of a pedal bicycle with assisting propulsion, being ridable without power. Batteries have finite capacity, which means that the hybrid human / electric power mix is much more likely to be emphasised than is the case with an ICE. Electric bicycles are gaining acceptance, especially in Europe and Asia, in response to increasing traffic congestion, an ageing population and concern about the environment. Electric vehicle conversion – converting conventionally-powered vehicles to electric or hybrid vehicles – is also increasingly common.

Motorized bicycles' popularity has waxed and waned largely in response to local regulatory requirements. For example, the French "vélomoteur" could be ridden by young riders without need for a license, making it very popular during the 1960s and 1970s.

Autocycle manufacturers were well established in countries such as Britain and Australia before the second world war, but the hiatus of the war appears to have set the market back, although the American bolt-on Whizzer continued until 1962. The motorized bicycle saw a resurgence of popularity in Britain during the 1950s and such bolt-on motors as the Cyclaid and the Cyclemaster motor wheel saw brief periods of immense popularity. The Cyclemaster, which was a hub motor which could be fitted to an ordinary bike, started at 25cc (painted black), but later the size went up to 32cc (painted grey). Elsewhere in Europe the motorized bicycle continued to be popular. The Italian, Vincenti Piatti had designed a 50 cc engine for driving portable lathes and this was also used to in the form of the Mini Motore to power bicycles. Piatti later licensed the design to Trojan for production in Britain as the Trojan Minimotor. Production of The French VELOSOLEX began in 1946 and continued until 1988. After French production ceased, the VELOSOLEX continued to be produced in China and Hungary. In 2003 production ceased in Hungary. Today production continues in China and has restarted in France. Velosolex America is the company that markets the VELOSOLEX worldwide.
     
Currently there are several companies manufacturing aftermarket Internal Combustion (IC) motorisation kits for Bicycles. These include both 4-Stroke and 2-Stroke. Notably there was also a Compression-Ignition engine kit produced using an 18 cc variable head engine - this was made by Lohmann in Germany.

Current manufacturers include Golden Eagle Bike Engines using a rack mounted belt drive, Stanton who use a rack mount with a chain drive geared transmission , and various similar kits using 49/60/70cc 2-stroke engines made to have the engine centrally frame mounted in a position echoing that of Motorbikes (again generally using chain drive, or in the case of Whizzer, a belt drive. Companies marketing the latter types include Dax, Spooky Tooth Cycles and Kings. These generally have a top speed of between 25 mph (40 km/h) and 40 mph (64 km/h) (using aftermarket tuning and higher gearing ratios).

Moped

Mopeds are a class of low-powered motorized vehicle under 50cc, generally two-wheeled. A Moped is driven in an upright position with the rider's back at a right angle to the seat. Moped classification is designed to allow the use of small motorized vehicles, avoiding the safety restrictions and license requirement of larger motorcycles. In many countries[citation needed] microcars like Aixam and Piaggio Ape are classified as mopeds because of their low top speed and small capacity engine.


In legal literature, mopeds are normally defined by limits on engine displacement, speed, power output, transmissions, or the requirement of pedals. In some countries, the legal driving age for a moped is lower than for larger motorcycles, and consequently mopeds are popular among the youth. Typically, mopeds are restricted to 30-75 km/h (18-47 mph) and engines less than 50 cc. Some localities require pedals, thus making them a form of hybrid vehicle, using both human power and machine power. Because of their small size, many jurisdictions consider them "limited speed motorcycle."


History
Early moped, a bicycle with a helper motor on the rear hub.

The earliest mopeds, introduced in the early 1950s, were standard bicycles with a helper motor in various locations, for example on top of the front wheel; they were also called cyclemotors. An example of this type is the VéloSoleX brand, which simply had a rubber roller driving the front tire. A more innovative design was known in the UK as the Cyclemaster. This had a complete powered rear wheel which was simply substituted for the bicycle rear wheel, which originated from a design by two DKW engineers in Germany. Slightly larger machines, commonly with a 98 cc engine were known as autocycles. However, some mopeds, such as the Czech-made Jawa, were derived from motorcycles.

A further category of low-powered two-wheelers exists today in some jurisdictions for bicycles with helper motors—these are often defined as power-assisted bicycles or motorized bicycles; see full article there. Some jurisdictions, however, may categorize these as a type of moped, creating a certain amount of confusion.

Some mopeds have been designed with more than two wheels, similar to a microcar, or the three wheeled (two front, one back) transport moped.

Batavus Starflite HS
 
Mopeds and the United States of America

In 1974, the United States was in the midst of a national fuel crisis due to the OPEC oil embargo. Travellers were forced to wait in lines for hours just to get fuel. Most cars at that time were not very fuel-efficient and people looked for a new method of transportation, which could allow them to travel efficiently and reasonably.

The moped, which was half bicycle / half motorcycle had existed for years in Europe but had not made it to the United States, in part because of safety restrictions implemented by the Department of Transportation. In 1972, Serge Seguin of France wrote his Masters thesis on the European moped. After receiving two mopeds and a small amount of money from a company called Motobecane, Seguin travelled throughout the United States promoting the vehicle. After lobbying Congress on its fuel efficiency benefits, Seguin was able to get more than 30 states to devise a specific vehicle classification for the bikes.

The bikes had very small engines and often could not exceed 40 miles per hour. What they could do, however, was run for up to 220 miles (350 km) on one tank of fuel. Because of the problems caused by the aforementioned energy crisis, mopeds quickly became popular, with more than 250,000 people in the United States owning one in 1977. However, as gas prices eventually moved down and automobile companies devised more efficient cars, the moped's popularity and usefulness began to fade.

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The original moped – a bike equipped with a motor


The word moped was coined by Swedish journalist Harald Nielsen in 1952, as a portmanteau of motor and pedal. It is however often claimed to be derived from "motor velociped", as Velocipede is an obsolete term for bicycle that is still being used in some languages such as Russian.[1] According to Douglas Harper, the Swedish terms originated from "(trampcykel med) mo(tor och) ped(aler)", which means "pedal cycle with engine and pedals." (the earliest versions had auxiliary pedals).[2]

Other terms used for low-powered cycles include: Mofa (Motor-Fahrrad, German for motor-bicycle), Mokick (equipped with kick-start), Motorbicycle, Motorized Bicycle, Motor-Driven Cycle, and Goped (motorized inline skateboard with T-bar), Mopo (Moottoripolkupyörä, Finnish meaning motor-powered bicycle).

Electric motorcycles and scooters

Power source
Yamaha FC Aqel


                          
Generally, the source of power for the electric motor has been batteries, but development in fuel cell technology has created several prototypes. Some examples are: the ENV from Intelligent Energy, Honda's scooter using the Honda FC Stack, and the Yamaha FC-AQEL. Also, petroleum hybrid-electric motorcycles are under development. Some examples are the Ecycle, and Yamaha's Gen-RYU.

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Advantages and disadvantages This article or section reads like a review and may need a cleanup.
Please help improve this article to make it neutral in tone and meet Wikipedia's quality standards. (April 2008)


Electric motorcycles and scooters are rising in popularity because of higher gasoline prices. Battery technology is gradually improving making this form of transportation more practical.[1]

Advantages of electric over gasoline power:
The fuel costs for electric power are approximately 25% the cost of gasoline power (US, mid-2008; see Electric car, "Running costs" for the calculation)[2]
Nearly silent.
Environmental friendly (no exhausted gases at point of use)
Can ride indoors.
No trips needed to a gas station. Plug in and recharge at home.
Lower maintenance costs and fewer maintenance activities. For example, there is no need to change the oil.
Using grid power to charge batteries displaces less pollution than gasoline scooters. The amount of emissions displaced depends on the sources of electricity. Check your electricity bill to see where it comes from.

Disadvantages:
Up front costs are higher than comparative gasoline powered motorcycle or scooter.
Shorter range before refueling.
Longer "fill up" or recharge time.
Comparatively lower maximum speed. In other words lower speeds at similar price points.
Few electric power outlets are conveniently located near streets or driveways. It is often difficult or impossible to bring the battery into an apartment, for example, for recharging.
Battery capacity can be as low as 20% on a cold winter day with -20 °C (lead battery)

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History
Electric scooter at the 2005 Vancouver EV gathering
Main article: History of electric motorcycles and scooters
Late 1860s: Earliest references to electric motorcycles can be found in patents.
1911: Electric motorcycle available according to early Popular Mechanics article.[3]
2007:
A123 Li-Ion cell-powered Killacycle makes new quarter mile (400-metre) record of 7.824 seconds and 168 mph (270 km/h) in Phoenix, AZ at AHDRA 2007.[4]
Axle Corporation plans to start selling a mini-scooter version of the EV-X7 in 2008, which will be priced at about $2100.[5]

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Types
50+ mph fun-ev electric scooter

A scooter is a type of motorcycle with a step-through frame and usually with smaller wheels designed for urban transportation.

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Various types of scooters

Scooters are divided into categories as per the particular niche that they are designed to operate in and speed requirements:
2 wheeled Vespa-styled scooters 0-60 mph (0-100 km/h)
2 wheeled Stand-up scooters (like a kick scooter) 0-25 mph (0-40 km/h)
2 wheeled-side-by-side stand-up scooters like manufactured by Segway PT 0-10 mph (0-15 km/h)
2 wheeled Seated scooters 0-25 mph (0-40 km/h)
3 wheeled standup scooters like manufactured by Zap 0-15 mph (0-25 km/h)
3 through 4 wheeled Mobility scooter (disability riders) 0-10 mph (0-15 km/h)
3 through 4 wheeled Seated scooters/golf carts 0-25 mph (0-40 km/h)

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Electric motorcycle or electric bicycle
Electric motorcycle "Electrocat"

2 wheeled motorcycles are generally differentiated from motorized bicycles and mopeds (motorized pedal cycles) by speed, with motorcycles having greater speeds—usually greater than 30 mph (about 50 km/h). Although, this line for what constitutes a 2 wheeled motorcycle has blurred due to marketing, styling, and public opinion.

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Main categories of 3-wheeled motorcycles

Due to vagueness in motor vehicle laws, any 3-wheeled vehicle that can travel over 30 mph (50 km/h) may be classified as a motorcycle. This classification does not depend whether the operator is fully enclosed by a "cage" or exposed to the elements. But for design purposes, three wheeled vehicles are divided into 2 categories:
1 wheel in front and 2 in back, known as a delta design or the traditional trike (tricycle) design
2 wheels in front and 1 in back, known as a tadpole design.

Some three wheeled motorcycles enclose the rider in a "cabin" or cockpit. These include the Gizmo, Twike, NmG.

Some three wheeled motorcycles have independent suspension allowing the vehicle to tilt or lean.

Custom motorcycle

A custom motorcycle is a motorcycle that is highly stylized or which treats aspects such as frame geometry or engine design in an unusual way compared to standard manufacturing. Custom motorcycles are unique or individually produced in a very limited quantity, as opposed to "stock" bikes or "stockers," which are mass produced. In the 1990s and early 2000s, very expensive customs such as those built by Orange County Choppers, Jesse James's West Coast Choppers or Ian Barry's Falcon Motorcycles became fashionable status symbols. There are also companies that are bringing back pin striping, such as Kenny Howard (also known as Von Dutch) and Dean Jeffries from the 1950s, with a continued effort to keep pin striping alive with Von dutch kustom cycles. Some motorcycle enthusiasts feel that the only true customs are those built in a home garage by the person who will ride his or her own creation. The choppers of the 1960s and 1970s fit into this category. Jan Bachleda (originally from Slovakia) of JBIKEZ builds highly customized Triumph choppers from the 70's era. [1]

Some motorcycle manufacturers, such as Harley-Davidson and Honda, include the word "custom" as part of a model name. If capitalized, "Custom" does not denote a custom motorcycle as described above; rather, it is part of the model name of a mass-produced motorcycle.

The "factory custom" segment has become the most visable in the custom industry in recent years. Higher volume producers like American IronHorse, Bourget, Big Dog and BMC build custom motorcycles that also must meet basic safety requirements set by the D.O.T. "Factory customs" allow the buyer to select from a wide range of options, paint styles, engine sizes and accessories while still having the confidence, support, warranty and finance options that typically are associated with major production manufacturers. "Factory customs" typically do not offer the total individuality of a home built bike or a "one off custom", but they share much of the appeal that comes with a custom bike and many of the benefits of a factory production motorcycle.

Motorcycle rider postures

                                        
A motorcycle is broadly defined by law in some countries for the purposes of registration, taxation or licensing riders as a two-wheel motor vehicle "fit to drive." Other countries distinguish between mopeds and other small bikes and the larger, more powerful vehicles. In Canada and some U.S. jurisdictions, three-wheeled motor vehicles fall under the auspices of motorcycle regulations.
In some jurisdictions, the term "motorcycle" includes trikes

In the United Kingdom, the rules on which motorcycle may be ridden by whom are complex.[25] A "moped", which can be ridden at age 16, has a maximum design speed not exceeding 50 km/h (31 mph) and engine capacity no greater than 50 cc. A "learner motorcycle", which can be ridden from age 17, has an engine up to 125 cc with a power output not exceeding 11 kW (15 hp). Only a Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) licence is needed to ride a learner motorcycle with an L plate. A "large restricted motorcycle" has a power output of not more than 25 kW (34 hp). Riders are restricted to riding large restricted motorcycles or smaller for two years after passing their initial motorcycle test. A "large motorcycle" has a power output of at least 25 kW.

For riders over age 21 there is a direct access route to gaining a licence to ride a large motorcycle, which allows somebody with no motorcycle experience to train and pass a test in around five days. All motorcycle riders in the UK must first take a one-day CBT course, regardless of which class of motorcycle they intend to ride. In addition a theory test must be taken prior to taking a practical test for any type of motorcycle licence.
A scooter and a motorcycle

In New Zealand, "learner" and "restricted" motorcycles may only have a 250 cc engine capacity. This distinction draws some criticism, as it allows 15-year-old learner riders to operate bikes capable of reaching speeds in excess of 250 km/h (160 mph).

The legal age to be eligible to apply for a New Zealand motorcycle licence is 15 years and over. New Zealand employs a three stage system for motor vehicle licensing. At age 15, an individual can gain their first licence known as their "learner licence". They must hold this for at least 6 months before they are able to move on to their "restricted licence". They must then hold this "restricted licence" for one and half years. After a period of 6 to 18 months, depending on age and additional training, a holder of a restricted licence may sit the third and final stage known as the "full licence". Until an individual has their "full licence" they are only able to ride a motorcycle which has an engine capacity of 250 cc or less.[26]

The laws of some countries allow anyone with a car licence to legally ride mopeds not exceeding 50 cc in capacity, meaning that they do not need to show any competency in handling such a vehicle.

The laws and regulations for legal moped usage in the U.S. vary by state.[27] The specifics of the motorcycle and moped laws in the U.S. can be obtained from each individual state's Department of Motor Vehicles' websites.[28]

Technical aspects

Construction


Motorcycle construction is the engineering, manufacturing, and assembly of components and systems for a motorcycle which results in performance, cost and aesthetics desired by the designer. With some exceptions, construction of modern mass-produced motorcycles has standardised on a steel or aluminium frame, telescopic forks holding the front wheel, and disc brakes. A one- to eight-cylinder gasoline powered engine coupled to a manual, five- or six-speed sequential transmission drives the swingarm-mounted rear wheel by a chain, driveshaft or belt.

 
Fuel economy



Motorcycle fuel economy benefits from the relatively small mass of the vehicle. This, of course, relates to how the motorcycle is used. One person on a small motorcycle travelling a small distance is generally very economical. However a large motorcycle generally has bad aerodynamics compared with a typical car, poor aerodynamics of exposed passengers and engines designed for goals other than fuel economy can work to reduce these benefits.[citation needed] Riding style has a large effect on fuel economy. Some riders[who?] report being able to double fuel economy by using low accelerations and lower speeds than usual.

Fuel economy varies greatly with engine displacement and riding style ranging from a low of 29 mpg (US) (12 km/l/35 mpg imp) reported by a Honda VTR1000F rider,[6] to 107 mpg (US) (45 km/l/129 mpg imp) reported for the Verucci Nitro 50 cc Scooter.[7] A specially designed Matzu Matsuzawa Honda XL125 achieved 470 mpg (US) (200 km/l/560 mpg imp) "on real highways - in real conditions."[8]

 
Fueling This section does not cite any references or sources. (May 2008)
Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unverifiable material may be challenged and removed.


Fueling a motorcycle can be difficult in that many of today's fueling nozzles are designed specifically for automobile and truck fueling. Motorcycles frequently have smaller fuel tanks with capacities between 2 gallons and up to 6 gallons on some models.

Many motorcyclist can easily overflow or spill fuel during fueling because the filler necks are exposed and an inefficient seal is formed.

Additionally, many of today's fuel nozzles are equipped with automatic shut off sensors which tend to over respond and cause a constant clicking off effect when filling a motorcycle.

In the United States the EPA has mandated the use of "Vapor Recovery" nozzles which augment the problem of fueling in that these nozzles tend to have a black accordion-like covering on the outside of the nozzle. This requires the covering to be held back manually with one hand to override the auto shut-off system allowing for a constant uninterrupted flow of fuel into the tank.

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Dynamics
Racing motorcycles leaning in a turn.
Main article: Bicycle and motorcycle dynamics

Motorcycles must be leaned in order to turn. This lean can be induced by a method known as countersteering, in which the rider turns the handlebars in the direction opposite of the desired direction of turn. In other words, press forward on the handgrip in the desired direction—press right to go right, press left to go left. This concept is counter-intuitive and often very confusing to novices—and even to many experienced motorcyclists.[9]

Short wheelbase motorcycles, such as sport bikes, can generate enough torque at the rear wheel and enough stopping force at the front wheel to lift the other wheel off the pavement. These actions, if performed on purpose, are known as wheelies and stoppies respectively. If carried past the point of recovery the resulting upset is known as "looping" the vehicle.

Different types of motorcycles have different dynamics and play a huge role in how a motorcycle performs in given conditions. For example, a shorter wheelbase would generally make a bike lean faster and would be quicker around corners compared to a longer wheelbase.[citation needed] Longer wheelbase on the other hand provides more stability in a straight line.

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Additions

Various additions may be attached to a motorcycle or come as an integral part of a motorcycle from the factory.
Fairing on a Honda Gold Wing
Fairing / screen

A plastic or fibreglass shell, known as a "fairing", is placed over the frame on some models to shield the rider from the wind, aid in aerodynamics and protect engine components in an accident. Drag is the major factor that limits motorcycle speed, as it increases at the square of the velocity, with the resultant required power increasing with the cube of velocity. As evident in the streamlined appearance of new performance motorcycles, there is much aerodynamic technology included in the design. Since the 1958 FIM ban on motorcycle designs that cover the wheels or the rider, e.g., "dustbin" fairings, no major manufacturer has provided fairing to overcome the effect of the turbulence caused by the spinning front wheel, which prevents the motorcycle from cutting a clean path through the air. "Dustbin" fairing can improve aerodynamic performance without substantially compromising the rider's ability to control the machine, if the fairing is designed and tested for the effects of side winds.

Screens, also called windshields or windscreens, can be built into a fairing or be attached to an otherwise unfaired bike. They are usually made from transparent high-impact acrylic plastic. They may be shaped specifically to direct air flow over or around the head of the rider even if they are much shorter than the seated rider.
An example of a fairing on a Honda CBR1000F

In the absence of a fairing or screen, a phenomenon known as the windsock effect occurs at speeds above 100 km/h (62 mph), where the rider becomes a major source of drag and is pushed back from the handlebars, tiring the rider.[citation needed] However, these motorcycles still effectively push their way through the atmosphere with brute force. A cabin cycle, which has a hull that wraps around the basic cycle frame, solved the problem of aerodynamics by isolating driver from outside air.

Modern fairings on touring and sport-touring motorcycles dramatically improve a rider's comfort and attention on long rides by reducing the effect of the wind and rain on the body. They also help keep a rider warm in cold weather or high wind chill conditions, reducing hypothermia. Heated hand grips, and even heated seats, also improve rider comfort in cold weather. Motorcycles from a number of manufacturers now have electric screens, introduced on the 1986 BMW K100LT, which raise and lower the screen with the push of a button to the optimum height for conditions.
Craven's Golden Arrow panniers
Saddlebags or panniers

Saddlebags or panniers mount on either side of the rear wheel behind the saddle to carry parts, tools, and/or travel gear. They can be made of fiberglass, ABS, leather, Cordura, or other appropriate sturdy material. They are normally standard items on touring motorcycles, but are usually optional on other types of motorcycles. They can be model-specific and available from a motorcycle's manufacturer, or after-market and designed to fit on numerous models.
Heated handgrips on a BMW
Heated hand grips/seats

As motorcycles lack climate control or proper protection from the wind, some manufacturers offer heated seats or hand grips to relieve the discomfort of low temperatures experienced during night riding or the colder months. They can also be added on as after-market accessories and are powered by the bike's electrical system.
Luggage rack

A common addition to many bikes is an attachment onto which bags or other luggage can be fastened. This removes the need for rider backpacks and is generally a more secure and safe way to add carrying capacity to a motorcycle.
Sidecar
Main article: Sidecar
IMZ-Ural motorcycle with sidecar

                                    
A sidecar is a one-wheeled device attached to the side of a motorcycle, producing a three-wheeled vehicle. Early sidecars were removable devices that could be detached from the motorcycle. Sidecars gradually superseded forecars and trailers. The forecar comprised a two-wheeled attachment at the front of the motorcycle. The trailer was just that, pulling the passenger along behind. In neither case could rider and passenger converse easily, and early sidecars were often called 'sociable' attachments.
Trailer hitch
Main article: Motorcycle trailer

A trailer hitch or tow hitch is a device mounted on a motorcycle that enables it to tow a motorcycle trailer, usually to haul additional gear. No motorcycle manufacturer recommends trailer towing because it creates safety hazards for motorcyclists.
Trunk
Main article: Trunk (motorcycle)

A motorcycle trunk is a storage compartment in the vicinity of the seat, other than panniers or saddlebags. A trunk mounted above and at the rear of the seat is called a top box.

Old Bikes

History :

                                                         
 

Arguably, the first motorcycle was designed and built by the German inventors Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach in Bad Cannstatt (since 1905 a city district of Stuttgart) in 1885.[1] The first petroleum-powered vehicle, it was essentially a motorised bicycle, although the inventors called their invention the Reitwagen ("riding car"). However, if a two-wheeled vehicle with steam propulsion is considered a motorcycle, then the first one may have been American. One such machine was demonstrated at fairs and circuses in the eastern U.S. in 1867, built by Sylvester Howard Roper of Roxbury, Massachusetts.[1]

In 1894, Hildebrand & Wolfmüller became the first motorcycle available for purchase.[2] In the early period of motorcycle history, many producers of bicycles adapted their designs to accommodate the new internal combustion engine. As the engines became more powerful, and designs outgrew the bicycle origins, the number of motorcycle producers increased.
An historic 1941 Crocker

Until the First World War, the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world was Indian, producing over 20,000 bikes per year. By 1920, this honour went to Harley-Davidson, with their motorcycles being sold by dealers in 67 countries. In 1928, DKW took over as the largest manufacturer.

After the Second World War, the BSA Group became the largest producer of motorcycles in the world, producing up to 75,000 bikes per year in the 1950s. The German company NSU Motorenwerke AG held the position of largest manufacturer from 1955 until the 1970s.
NSU Sportmax streamlined motorcycle, 250 cc class winner of the 1955 Grand Prix season

In the 1950s, streamlining began to play an increasing part in the development of racing motorcycles and held out the possibility of radical changes to motorcycle design. NSU and Moto-Guzzi were in the vanguard of this development both producing very radical designs well ahead of their time.[3] NSU produced the most advanced design, but due to the deaths of four NSU riders in the 1954–1956 seasons, they abandoned further development and quit Grand Prix racing.[4] Moto-Guzzi produced competitive race machines, and by 1957 nearly all the GP races were being won by streamlined machines.[citation needed]

From the 1960s through the 1990s, small two-stroke motorcycles were popular worldwide, partly as a result of East German Walter Kaaden's engine work in the 1950s.[5]

Today, the Japanese manufacturers, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha dominate the motorcycle industry, although Harley-Davidson still maintains a high degree of popularity in the United States. Recent years have also seen a resurgence in the popularity of several other brands sold in the U.S. market, including BMW, KTM, Triumph, Aprilia, Moto-Guzzi, MV Agusta and Ducati.

Outside of the USA, these brands have enjoyed continued and sustained success, although Triumph, for example, has been re-incarnated from its former self into a modern world-class manufacturer. In overall numbers, however, the Chinese currently manufacture and sell more motorcycles than any other country and exports are rising. The quality of these machines is asserted to be somewhat lower than their Japanese, European and American counterparts[citation needed].

Additionally, the small-capacity scooter is very popular through most of the world. The Piaggio group of Italy, for example, is one of the world's largest producers of two-wheeled vehicles. The scooter culture has, as yet, not been adopted widely in North America