The motorcycle is, from many years, a widespread vehicle, designed for many purposes, such as urban traffic, racing, long distance travel or sport. The first motorcycles were built by Wilhelm Maybach and Gottlieb Daimler, in 1885, in Stuttgart, Germany. It was petroleum powered motorized bicycle. In 1867, Sylvester Howard Roper, from Massachusetts, designed a vehicle on two wheels and a steam propulsion, and presented it at fairs.
The Japanese manufacturers are dominating today the motorcycle production; brands such as Yamaha, Suzuki, Honda or Kawasaki are appreciated world wide. There are other famous motorcycle manufacturers, such as Harley Davidson, Triumph, Ducati or BMW with growing popularity. Since 2006 a Dutch firm produces a diesel powered motorcycle, reliable and efficient.
Motorcyclist organizations are organized geographically; many raise money for charities organizing rides or popular events. People choose a motorcycle to avoid the effects of huge urban traffic; motorcycles are an affordable alternative to other transport vehicles. In some countries, such as UK, motorcyclists are exempt from charges in many agglomerated areas, may use the bus lanes and have dedicated free parking.
Motorcycle safety and motorcycle clothing are vital; the biker is subject to vary accidents more often than a driver. They have a rate of crippling and fatal accidents higher than cars (the ratio is 5.1 to 1 in U.S.). If we consider the distance traveled, the ration increases dramatically: 33 to 1. The causes of the motorcycle terrible accidents are the rights of way violations and the frequent use of alcohol when riding. The accidents can be prevented with proper training, and separating riding and drinking alcohol.
The insurances are also important for motorcyclists; in many countries the insurance companies are forcing the riders to undertake a motorcyclist training course. The appropriate equipments, leather clothes and gloves, are protecting the rider from rains, snow, humidity, cold and shocks. Protective gloves, boots, pants and jackets are made from nylon, Kevlar or leather. Motorcycle safety clothing includes carbon fiber knuckle protection. Boots include plastic caps and reinforcements.
Motorcycle safety clothing provides abrasion, puncture and impact protection; the cowhide is recommended for the durability and strength; kangaroo leather is supple, light and resistant. Usually, the motorcyclists wear black leather suits, decorated with metal studs. The classic American motorcycle jacket has epaulets and a few zippers; modern leather clothes have armor on the inside to protect the critical impact zones, such as spine, knees, or shoulders; the leather clothes are spreading the impact to avoid or minimize injuries.
Kevlar, Lycra or Cordura are the most popular textiles used for motorcyclist clothing to protect them against rain, cold or heat because the artificial fabrics take less time to dry out. Some bikers testify than the artificial textiles are comfortable, especially in warm weather. Bikers boots are made of heavy leather, to protect the bikers feet, legs and ankles. The bikers helmet is very important to protect his head; many helmets have also face shields, ear protection and intercom. There is full face helmets, open face helmets and half helmets, all reinforced with carbon fiber or Kevlar. There are also some other types, non certified, smaller and lighter than traditional helmets.
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