Motorcycles, driven by internal combustion engines and controlled by handlebars to steer the front wheel, are two-wheeled or three-wheeled vehicles known for their agility, speed, and versatility.
They are widely used for patrolling, transporting passengers and goods, and serving as sporting equipment. Broadly, motorcycles are categorized into street bikes, road racing motorcycles, off-road bikes, cruisers, touring bikes, and more.
Motorcycles operate by leaning into turns based on the rider's center of gravity. Derived from motorized bicycles, they come in various types, predominantly foot-operated bikes and scooters. Some specialized motorcycles incorporate auxiliary wheels, such as those designed for people with disabilities. They boast simplicity in handling, convenient maneuverability, and relatively low prices, making them extensively utilized in daily life, transportation, and law enforcement, particularly in developing countries. Globally, there are around 200 million motorcycles, with a density of roughly 33 motorcycles per 1,000 people. Most motorcycles are concentrated in Asian countries, primarily in Southeast Asia, East Asia, and South Asia, including Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and India, accounting for approximately 58% of the world's motorcycles (excluding Japan).
Motorcycles are classified in various ways:
1. Displacement-based classification: Motorcycles are categorized based on engine displacement into small, medium, and large displacement. Generally, below 500cc is considered small, below 1000cc is medium, and above 1000cc qualifies as large displacement. However, there are debates on these classifications, leading to distinctions like mid-small, mid-large, and super-large displacements. Different displacements signify variations in power performance, technical specifications, and, consequently, pricing.
2. Model-based classification:
Classification based on the structure and characteristics of motorcycles results in a wide range of types. For instance, among two-wheeled motorcycles, there are commuter bikes and recreational bikes, while three-wheeled motorcycles include cargo carriers and leisure vehicles, differing primarily in their purposes.
Recreational two-wheelers are further divided into street bikes, retro bikes, cruisers, sports bikes, off-road bikes, touring bikes, ADV, and more. These models not only differ in appearance but also showcase significant variations in recreational performance. Further subcategories exist within these, such as retro bikes branching into street retro, cruiser retro, and more.
Three-wheeled recreational motorcycles, based on technical specifications, are divided into sidecars and reverse trikes. Sidecars, commonly known as hack bikes, are exemplified by models like the Chang Jiang 750, while reverse trikes, due to their advanced technology, typically belong to higher-priced models. Their differences lie in structure and riding performance.
With the promotion of carbon neutrality and carbon peak, motorcycles are expected to be influenced. Many manufacturers have begun investing in the development of electric motorcycles. However, motorcycle enthusiasts need not worry excessively; transitions take time, and motorcycles still have many years ahead within the industry.
