Motorcycles are an excellent way to get from A to B, and are available in a wide range of styles. Some are designed for speed and agility, while others are aimed more at design or thrills.
A motorcycle has two wheels like a bicycle, but it has a motor like a car. It is normally driven by a single person, but a passenger can ride on the back.
They can be fast and powerful, but they are not as aerodynamic as cars. The sloping rear end and engine means that the airflow around them is messy, and the drag forces increase as the square of your velocity.
It’s not all bad though – a big sports bike can do 0-60 in three seconds or less, and many middleweight bikes will out-accelerate most supercars.
You can also find a wide range of cruisers, which aren’t about speed, but instead chugging lazily along the road. These are often long, low and have a relaxed V-twin engine, reminiscent of Harley-Davidson’s.
They are a popular choice among environmentally conscious riders, as they have no emissions and are quieter than cars. However, they can cost more, and have limited battery ranges.
The word “motorcycle” has a complex history, and some authorities have excluded steam powered or electric two-wheelers from the definition of a motorcycle. But this is becoming increasingly problematic, given the rise of electric motorcycles and the fact that they are often more fuel efficient than conventional gasoline-powered vehicles.