| A motorcycle (also called a motorbicycle,
motorbike, bike, or cycle) is a single-track, two-wheeled motor vehicle
powered by an engine. Motorcycles vary considerably depending on the task
for which they are designed, such as long distance travel, navigating congested
urban traffic, cruising, sport and racing, or off-road conditions. In many
parts of the world, motorcycles are among the least expensive and most
widespread forms of motorised transport. In general, motorcycles use less
fuel than cars. |
| 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. Apart from these high capacity motorcycles, there is a very huge
market for low capacity (less than 300 cc) motorcycles, mostly concentrated
in Asian and African countries. This area is dominated by mostly Indian
companies with Hero Honda being the world's largest manufacturer of two
wheelers. Its Hero Honda Splendor model is the highest selling motorcycle
in automotive history, having sold more than 8.5 million to date.
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 U.S., 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.
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. |
