


Off-road motorcycles include many types designed for dirt-oriented racing classes such as motocross and are not street legal in most areas. Street bikes include cruisers, sportbikes, scooters and mopeds, and many other types. There is often a racing counterpart to each type, such as road racing and street bikes, or motocross including dirt bikes. Within these types, there are many sub-types of motorcycles for different purposes. There are three major types of motorcycle: street, off-road, and dual purpose. The term motorcycle has different legal definitions depending on jurisdiction (see § Legal definitions and restrictions). Īccording to the US Department of Transportation, the number of fatalities per vehicle mile traveled was 37 times higher for motorcycles than for cars. Of all the motorcycles in the world, 58% are in the Asia-Pacific and Southern and Eastern Asia regions, excluding car-centric Japan. In developing countries, motorcycles are considered utilitarian due to lower prices and greater fuel economy. In 2022, the top four motorcycle producers by volume and type were Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, and Suzuki. In 2021, approximately 58.6 million new motorcycles were sold around the world, fewer than the 66.7 million cars sold over the same period.

Globally, motorcycles are comparably popular to cars as a method of transport. In 1894, Hildebrand & Wolfmüller became the first series production motorcycle. The 1885 Daimler Reitwagen made by Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach in Germany was the first internal combustion, petroleum-fueled motorcycle. Motorcycling is riding a motorcycle and being involved in other related social activities such as joining a motorcycle club and attending motorcycle rallies. Motorcycle design varies greatly to suit a range of different purposes: long-distance travel, commuting, cruising, sport (including racing), and off-road riding. Not to be confused with Motocycle.Ī classic Norton motorcycle 1952 Lambretta 125 D scooterĪ motorcycle ( motorbike, bike, or, if three-wheeled, a trike) is a two or three-wheeled motor vehicle steered by a handlebar from a saddle-style seat. For other uses, see Motorcycle (disambiguation).
