Motor cycle body work

The motor cycle has been evolved from a motorized cycle which is a basic bicycle with an engine into a sophisticated high performance machine. In 1901, the Werner brothers established the most viable location for the engine by positioning it low in the centre of the chassis; the new Werner became the basis for the modern motorcycle body work. Motor cycles are used for many purposes for communicating, delivering the messages, touring and racing and different machines have been developed according to the demands of different types of riders. The Vespa scooter for instance is small wheeled and economical and easy to ride which was designed to meet the needs of the commuter.

The motor cycle chassis is the main body of the motor cycle to which the engine is attached. Consisting of the frame, a wheel, suspension and brakes, the chassis performs various functions. The frame which is built from steel or alloy keeps the wheels in line to maintain the handling of the motor cycle and serves as a structure for mounting other components. The engine and the gearbox unit is bolted into place, while items such as the seat, the mud guards and the fairing are more easily removable. Suspension cushions the rider from irregularities in the road surface. In most suspension systems, coil springs controlled by an oil damper separate the main mass of the motor cycle from the wheels. At the front the spring and the damper are usually incorporated in a telescopic fork, the rear employs a pivoted swingarm. The suspension also helps to retain the maximum contact between the tyres and the road necessary to effective braking and steering. Drum brakes were common until the 1970 but modern motor cycles use disc brakes which are more powerful.

Sidecars provided the transport for the family until the arrival of the cheap cars caused their popularity to decline. Enthusiast riders generally favor larger capacities machines that are capable of greater performance and offer more comfort. Four cylinder machines have been common since the Honda CB750 appeared in 1969. Despite advances in motorcycle technology, many riders are attracted to the traditional looks of motor cycles like the twin cylinder Harley Davidson. The Harley Davidson Glides exploit the style of the classic American VB twin engine where the cylinders are placed in a v - formation.

The motor cycle engines must be light weight and compact and have a good powerful output. They have between one and six cylinders, can be cooled by air or water and the capacity of the combustion chamber varies from 49cc to 1500cc. two types of internal combustion engine are common: the four stroke which is used in cars and the two stroke. Power is conveyed from the engine to the rear wheel by the transmission system. This usually consists of a clutch, a gear box and a final drive system. Shaft and belt drive systems are used in some cases but chain drive to the rear wheel is most common.