The Origin & Development of Motorcycle

Motorcycle has different names in different regions.It’s called locomotive, mechanical bicycle in Taiwan; scooter in Hong Kong and southeast Asia and motorcycle in China mainland.It’s characterized by simple operation, convenience, low prices, therefore, in daily life, motorcycles are widely used in transportation, police administration and military. At present there are about 200 million motorcycles in the world, including light duty cycle, pedal motorcycle, general motorcycle and other two or three wheeled vehicles.Most of the motorcycles are concentrated in Asia (about 58%, excluding Japan).

The motorcycle originated from Germany, France, Britain, Italy and the United states. The first market oriented motorcycle----Butler Petrol Cycle, was designed by Edward Butler in 1884 , who is from the United Kingdom. This motorcycle was driven by a 466 Watt, 600 CC water-cooled four stroke engine, produced by the Merryweather fire-fighting vehicle manufacturing company. But later, this motorcycle failed due to the lack of funds.

Since 1885, Daimler invented the first motorcycle, the development of the motorcycle has gone through 100 years of stupendous changes.

During the first World War, as the motorcycle played a great role in the battlefront communication, European military had an increasing demand for the motorcycle; the motorcycle production surged again. On the battlefield, the intelligence officers would like ride a motorcycle rather than ride a horse. About 50% motorcycles produced byAmerican Harley Davidson were for the war supplies. The British Triumph company sold over 30000 H motorcycle to the Triple Entente during the war. H motorcycle equipped with 499 CC single cylinder air-cooled four stroke engine and rear wheel driven by a belt. This is the first motorcycle which without the use of bicycle pedal. H motorcycle is usually considered to be the first modern motorcycle.

By 1920, Harley Davidson was the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world, its motorcycles were exported to 67 countries. At the end of 1920s to 1930s, German DKW company replaced Harley and became the largest motorcycle manufacturer.

Japanese motorcycle manufacturing industry started from 1940, It was the "Honda A" motor bike produced by the Honda technology research industry. In 1948, Honda started producing motorcycles. In the 1950s, each manufacturer has developed their own style, and Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki gradually dominated in the Japanese motorcycle manufacturing industry. The motorcycles from the four companies are exported to Europe, America, Southeast Asia, which gradually makesJapan become the world motorcycle manufacturing center. At present, Japanese motorcycle exports ranks first among the world.

In the 1960s, due to the gradual rise of the industry in Taiwan, the overall demand for motorcycles has expanded again and again.In November 1961, Taiwan San Yang industrial Co., Ltd cooperated with Japanese Honda to produce Taiwanese first motorcycle. Since then,San Yang began producing both 50cc and 150cc motorcycles, becoming Taiwan's first motorcycle manufacturing company. Since 1988, Taiwanese motorcycles have exported to the Chinese mainland. On July 8, 1951, China made the first batch of motorcycle, which was made by the Beijing sixth automobile manufacturing factory, “Jinggangshan”motorcycle. After the reform and opening up, there were many motorcycle manufacturers, and most of them were joint ventures, the self-developed motorcycle is very few, and the quality varies. On December 15,2000, the first large displacement road race was produced by Chongqing Zongshen Group. At present, China is one of the countries, which total motorcycle quantity the world"s largest manufacturing motorcycle one of the country.

Since the invention of motorcycle from 1885, there are over 2500 motorcycle brands in the world. Famous foreign brands: Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha, KTM, Ducati, BMW, Harley, Dodge, Peugeot, etc.

Famous domestic brands: Jialing, Zongshen, Qianjiang, Lifan, Haojue, Longxin, Qingqi, Tai Fook, the Eagle, Sanyang, etc;joint venture brands: Haojue Suzuki, Jincheng Suzuki, Sundiro Honda, Qingqi Suzuki, Wuyang Honda, Zongshen Piaggio, Qingqi Peugeot, Jianshe Yamaha, Qianjiang Benelli.

Motorcycle is the product of the era; is the model of the scientific and technological level.The reason why the original motorcycle is not practical is that the science& technology can not satisfy the basic needs of its normal driving parts, and can only be placed in the laboratory. 100 years ago, motorcycle was created as a new means of transport; today, it is a luxury item.

Type

The classification methods and standard of motorcycle vary in different countries. Generally, it’s classified bydisplacement (CC) and the highest rate. If classified by the use and the appearance, it can be divided into the following categories:

streetcar

It refers to the motorcycle which is suitable on city streets in daily driving. It’s equipped with integrated seat and high handle, making driving posture more natural. Since its parts are often exposed, it’s called Naked in Japan. In general, the streetcar is cheaper, manned, practical and feasible. But it’s not suitable for high speed driving.

Sports car

Sports car refers to the motorcycle which has great speed, accelerated speed, better braking and cornering performance, its durability, environmental protection, driving comfort is lower than the streetcar. It’ s equipped with a large area of body shell and front goggles. To reduce wind drag and increase speed, the drivers need to lean forward or completely lean on the tank. Therefore its handle position is relatively low.  

 Cruiser

Cruiser also known as American cruiser, American motorcycle or American hippie car, refers to the motorcycle which has larger displacement and weight. It originated from the United States in the 1930s. Usually, cruiser has  handle higher pedal forward, the driver usually takes the hands and feet stretched forward, while the back straight or to the back. The most representative brand is Harley-Davidson.The American press often calls these motorcycles Hell Angels, Thunder runners. In the 1980s, cruiser was introduced to Japan and manufacturers began to manufacture cruiser. They reduced the displacement and price, made this kind of curiser popular in Southeast Asia. It’s called “Harley Scooter” in China.

In the United States, cruiser is usually divided into Bobber, Chopper, Bagger.

  off-road

Off-road is a motorcycle can travel in all terrain. Usually it’s light, less equipment; can travel in longer and higher distance from the ground. Off-road is suitable for driving in the wild and mountainous areas, and for the use of multinational army, mountain field workers & extreme sports. Off-road can be divided into motocross, enduro, rally raid, trail and track racing.

Supermoto is the modification of off-road; equipped with 17-inch road tires. It combines the advantages of sports cars and off-road, it’s full of enjoyment and fun because of its light body, enough power, exaggerated cornering movements, therefore it becomes more an more popular among motorcycle enthusiasts.   

Pedal motorcycles & electric scooter

Pedal motorcycles, just as the name implies, is a kind of motorcycle with pedal. It’s also called “little sheep” (below 50cc) in Hong Kong and “scooter” in Taiwan. And electric scooter is driven by electromotor, usually equipped with high capacity battery for long use. These two kinds of motorcycle is simple, flexible and practical, thus becoming the most common transport in Southeast Asia.

  Snowmoto

Snowmoto is specially used in snowy environment and driven by the friction movement of belt and the ground. The earliest snowmoto was produced by Canadian Bombardier Inc.

Tricycle, is a kind of motorcycle with three wheels, which is widely used for cargo and passenger transport in Southeast Asia.

 

Sidecar refers to the motorcycle with a single tire on the side, making the motorcycle three wheeled. It was often used as transportation by German, Japanese and the Soviet armies during the Second World War.Nowadays, it’s used in the army and patrol as well as the disable.

Reverse tricycle refers to the motorcycle with two front wheels and one rear wheel, which is originated from Italian Piaggio MP3.

Racing is a motorcycle specifically designed for racing, focusing on performance, but not on durability and environmental protection, and is not suitable for general road travel.

What makes people worry is how to choose a satisfactory motorcycle. There are several principles to follow:

（1）Choose the motorcycle model according to economic conditions,use environment and usage.
 ①If used by young man in city and plain road, moderate displacement and high speed motorcycle is best, such as Honda 70, Yamaha 80.This motorcycle is steady and less-noise, however it’s complex and costly. 

②If used by the female or the older people to work, smaller displacement and slower speed motorcycle is best, such as Weiyang WY-50, Jialing CJ-50. This motorcycle is light, convenient, safe and cheaper.

③If used in rural or mountainous areas and need to overcome greater resistance while riding, then it’s best to select larger displacement models. This motorcycle is durable, stable, manned and not costly.

④Except the power &displacement, the most important consideration is quality. Before buying, it’s best to learn the quality of different manufacturers,the repair rate and maintenance convenience of different models.

（2）To identify the quality of the engine.The quality of the engine is the key determinant to the quality of motorcycle. When selecting, observe the location of the engine, whether the engine is agile and whether there is noise ,etc. Besides, the appearance of the body should be reasonable layout, novel and beautiful, complete parts and paint and electroplating should be smooth and bright.

Although there are many types of motorcycle, but the general driving skills are not much different. The driving skills under different weather and road conditions as follows:

1.Driving in the rain & snow

Driving in the rain & snow, especially in storm,hearing and sight of the drivers and pedestrians must be affected and with the slippery road,these will make driving more difficult and unsafe. We should learn the road situation and avoid blind wading  when the road is full of water. When encountering heavy rain in the complex mountain area,we should choose a safe place and stop driving to prevent the rolling rocks, landslide, also turn on the lights to attract the attention of pedestrians and other vehicles. In short, we must slow down in the rain &snow days, and observe situation of the road, pedestrians and vehicles, keep away from other cars, honk and try to avoid emergency braking.

2．Driving in the wind &dust

Driving in the wind & dust will affect the hearing and sight of the drivers. Therefore, the drivers should pay attention to the wind direction and slow down. When the wind is larger, the drivers should notice the influence of the wind and avoid sideslip and overturn. If above situation happens, then we should suspend driving and wait clear sight.

 
 3. Driving in the alpine region.

In the alpine region, as the temperature is low and the road is usually icy and snowy, we should slow down, and keep warm to avoid accidents caused by numbness, improper operation. Do not turn off the engine when stopping for a short break; do keep the motorcycle in the room at night and protect the battery from cracking.

Driving in different road conditions

1． Driving on the flat roads

When on the flat road, the driver should travel at economic speed, avoid the sharp stones, edges, etc. Strictly observe the speed limit, adjust the speed.Take the initiative to slow down and avoid the coming car and overtaking. In addition, to pay attention to the conditions of other cars and pedestrians, and properly handle different situations. Only by doing these, can we ensure safety and reduce unnecessary fuel consumption and damage to parts. When driving, we should keep distance with other vehicles, pedestrians and obstacles. Keep 30m in the same direction; 50m in icy road; longer in poor weather or special road.

2.Driving on the country roads

As most country roads are irregular, narrow, even and complex; safety awareness of pedestrians is poor, so there is more prone to traffic accidents. Driving on the country should observe the movements of pedestrians & animals; slow down in advance or stop when encountering children, the old and the disabled,

3．Driving on the city roads

The city is where the population is highly concentrated, and alleys can be seen everywhere, which is characterized by mixture of vehicles and pedestrians, complex traffic situation. Therefore, it requires a sober brain, agile reaction, skilled driving and familiarity with various traffic signals and signs. Besides, the drivers should strictly observe traffic rules and have the ability to handle emergencies.

4．Driving on the mountainous roads

Mountainous roads are difficult terrain, long slope and steep, curved as well as poor vision. Therefore,when going uphill, the driver should step on the gas and accelerate the motorcycle; when going downhill, oneshould control the selected gear, and do not make neutral gear. One mote thing, forbid reverse driving on mountainous roads to avoid car collision.

Riding a motorcycle is just like driving a car, the cost of regular tire replacement and braking system maintenance can not be saved. Because the tire and brake system is a vital factor for the safety. Therefore, we should learn more about the motorcycle brake pads.

1.When replacing brake pads , it’s best to use high performance brake pads, although its price is higher than cheap brake pads, but its material is better and has long working life & high safety. Try to use the same brake pads or better ones; not to replace semi-metallic brake pads with NAO materials. 

2.Generally, the replacement cycle of brake pads is according to the type of vehicles, driving conditions, weather, road conditions,load weight, type of brake pads,usage habits, etc. Therefore, it’s hard to confirm the specific working life, but one thing for certain is that we should always check the wear situation of brake pads.

3.Replace the brake pads if the following situations happen:

①When the thickness of the brake pad is less than the minimum maintenance standard permitted by the vehicle manufacturer. In general case, replace the pads if the thickness difference reaches 1.5mm on the fixed brake caliper; 3.00mm on the floating brake caliper.

②When the wear indicator on the brake pads touches the brake disc;

③When the brake pads are contaminated by oil or grease;

④　When abnormal wear happens.

In daily life, people won’t fix the pads until the above situations happen, which is extremely unfavorable to both vehicles and the drivers. Thus, it’s necessary to learn more about the brake pad and pay more attention to its selection and usage specification.

The brake pads are essential to the motorcycle. Excellent pads are the key to ensure safe driving. But how to choose the brake pads and how to brake perfectly?

Braking is intended to reduce the speed or stop the vehicle. There are ever-changing situations in actual driving, in many cases we are forced to hit the brake. In that case, we should consider to reduce the time and frequency of brake. 

1. It’s more quickly to brake with front brakes than rear brakes.

2. It’s safer to brake with front brakes than rear brakes.

3. It’s more quickly to brake with two-wheel brake than one wheel brake.

4. It’s more quickly to brake on dry ground than on wet ground.

5. It’s more quickly to brake on the asphalt road than the cement road.

6. Please do not try point brake as well as brake in the corners.