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Difference between revisions of "Motorcycle"
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The chassis (or frame) of a motorcycle is typically made from welded | The chassis (or frame) of a motorcycle is typically made from welded aluminum or steel (or an alloy) struts, with the rear suspension being an integral component in the design. Carbon-fiber is used in a few very expensive custom frames. | ||
Some motorcycles include the engine as a load-bearing (or ''stressed'') member; this has been used all through bike history but is now becoming more common. | Some motorcycles include the engine as a load-bearing (or ''stressed'') member; this has been used all through bike history but is now becoming more common. | ||
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===Wheels=== | ===Wheels=== | ||
The wheel rims are usually steel or aluminum (generally with steel spokes and an | The wheel rims are usually steel or aluminum (generally with steel spokes and an aluminum hub) or 'mag' type cast or machined aluminum. At one time, motorcycles all used spoke wheels built up from separate components (see [[wheelbuilding]]), but, except for [[Dirtbikes]], one-piece wheels are more common now. Performance racing motorcycles often use carbon-fiber wheels, but the expense of these wheels is prohibitively high for general usage. | ||
===Engine=== | ===Engine=== | ||
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Almost all commercially available motorcycles are driven by conventional gasoline [[internal combustion engine]]s, but some small scooter-type models use an [[electric motor]], and a very small number of diesel models exist (e.g., the USMC M1030 M1). | Almost all commercially available motorcycles are driven by conventional gasoline [[internal combustion engine]]s, but some small scooter-type models use an [[electric motor]], and a very small number of diesel models exist (e.g., the USMC M1030 M1). | ||
The [[Engine displacement|Displacement]] is defined as the total volume of air/fuel mixture an engine can draw in during one complete engine cycle. In a piston engine, this is the volume that is swept as the pistons are moved from top dead center to bottom dead center. To the layperson this is the "size" of the engine. Motorcycle engines range from 50 cc ([[cubic centimetre]]s), commonly found in many small scooters, to 2294 cc, the largest production engine currently made by Triumph for its '''[[Triumph Rocket III|Rocket III]]''' cruiser-style motorcycle. | The [[Engine displacement|Displacement]] is defined as the total volume of air/fuel mixture an engine can draw in during one complete engine cycle. In a piston engine, this is the [[swept volume|volume that is swept]] as the pistons are moved from top dead center to bottom dead center. To the layperson this is the "size" of the engine. Motorcycle engines range from 50 cc ([[cubic centimetre]]s), commonly found in many small scooters, to 2294 cc, the largest production engine currently made by Triumph for its '''[[Triumph Rocket III|Rocket III]]''' cruiser-style motorcycle. | ||
Motorcycles have mostly, but not exclusively, been produced with one to four cylinders, and designers have tried every imaginable layout. Engines with more cylinders provide more power for the same displacement, and feel smoother to ride. Engines with fewer cylinders are cheaper, lighter and easier to maintain. | Motorcycles have mostly, but not exclusively, been produced with one to four cylinders, and designers have tried every imaginable layout. Engines with more cylinders provide more power for the same displacement, and feel smoother to ride. Engines with fewer cylinders are cheaper, lighter and easier to maintain. | ||
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===Tires=== | ===Tires=== | ||
Motorcycles mainly use [[pneumatic tire]]s (' | Motorcycles mainly use [[pneumatic tire]]s ('tires' in the UK) however, in some cases with off road motorcycles, the tires are filled with a type of mousse which helps prevent punctures. Both types of tires come in many configurations, the most important characteristic of any tire being the [[contact patch]]. That is the small area that is in contact with the road surface while riding. | ||
There are tires designed for dirtbikes, touring, sport and cruiser bikes. | There are tires designed for dirtbikes, touring, sport and cruiser bikes. | ||