Famous Motorcycle Manufacturers & Riding
By Bercle George
The motorcycling community has a host of subcultures that range from the brusque image of the bikers riding cruisers and choppers to the stylish ones who prefer the smaller motor scooters. But aside from the love of a particular type of bike, there are also those who prefer a specific brand over another. Here are some of the well-known motorcycle manufacturers that have gained fame because of their performance, class and significance in history.
1. Indian : was the oldest motorcycle brand in the United States until it ceased production in the 1950s. It was also the biggest motorcycle manufacturer in the world until the First World War. At the peak of its production, it was making around 20,000 bikes annually. There is a recent attempt at reviving the brand in 2006 and the company will now be known as the New Indian.
2. Harley Davidson : overtook Indian in being the largest bike manufacturer some time in the 1920s. Although it has since then lagged behind Japanese brands, it maintains a high-degree of popularity mostly due to its rumbling V-twin engines which are used in the classic models of this brand.
3. Ducati : is an Italian brand that specializes in high-performance motorcycles. Their bikes have the patented desmodromic valve design which allows for a faster operation of the valves without risking valve-float.
4. Yamaha : originally a producer of musical instruments, this company has branched out into motorcycle production. Today, it is the second-largest producer of motorcycles in the world.
Riding A Motorcycle : Now when it comes to riding a motorcycle, especially the two-wheeled ones, can be challenging particularly to those who are not familiar with riding a bicycle.
But even those who are able to ride bicycles will have to adjust to the weight of handling a motorcycle. Worry not, though, if you are just a beginner when it comes to riding a bike because this article will show you how.
a. Know thy bike : it is essential for any rider to know what each bike control does. So a good introduction on where the brakes are, for example should be done before anything else. It makes the entire process of learning to ride the bike much easier.
b. Learn how they work : so you already know where the brake, throttle and the clutch are. The next step would be to learn how to use them to make the bike run.
c. Learn to balance : those with experience riding bicycles may be surprised of the challenge of balancing a comparably heavy motorcycle. The secret here is to sit upright so that you can maintain your balance. Otherwise, you’d be zigzagging your way to a crash while trying to balance yourself on the bike.
d. Wear your safety gear : even experienced riders need to wear protective clothing that is why there’s no reason why beginners shouldn’t do the same. When practicing, they should be dressed to the nines - in protective clothing that is. So every rider should wear a crash helmet, protective clothing, gloves and boots.
e. Get an instructor : a professional motorcycling instructor will provide you with the right techniques in riding correctly and safely so make sure to avail of his/her services.
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