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Bike Buyer's Guide: An Introduction to Motorcycles

If you are considering purchasing your first motorcycle, you should take time to learn about their history, and compare them to traditional motorcycles. The following is a list of sites that provide information on motorcycle history, the different classifications of motorcycles and the licensing requirements. Theses sites also provide information that compares motorcycles to automobiles and discusses the safety issues unique to motorcycles. Review the links as you decide whether a motorcycle will be the right purchase for you and your family.

History of the Motorcycle

Gottlieb Daimler was thought to have invented the first gas-powered motorcycle in the late 19th century. The motorcycle featured a gas-powered motor designed by Nicolaus Otto, attached to a wooden bike. The engine was a four-stroke internal-combustion engine, developed nearly a decade before it was used on the first motorbike. This is the first known instance of a motorized bicycle in history.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Motorcycles

Cars and motorcycles each have characteristics that appeal to a particular audience, but each has its advantages and disadvantages. For example, cars provide safety and stability, while motorcycles allow drivers to enjoy their excursion and the great outdoors more completely. The following five sites discuss the differences between the two in depth.

Classifications

There are various classifications of street-approved motorcycles, including cruisers, standard, choppers, sports, scooters and more. Below is a list of links that will help you make sense of the differences:

Culture

Motorcycle enthusiasts are passionate about their favorite mode of transportation. As a result, motorcycles have been paid homage in movies, music and more and have become an essential part of our culture. Below are links to motorcycles as part of American culture:

Safety

Motorcycles offer very little in terms of protection, especially when compared with cars. Because of the exposure that drivers face, special laws have been enacted to enhance and ensure the safety of motorcycle operators. The following sites discuss those laws and their effectiveness:

Licensing

Special tests may be required in order for an auto driver to be allowed to operate a motorcycle. Regulations vary by state. Below is a list of links that detail licensing require by state. You may wish to confirm your state’s requirements with your local DMV.