Piece by Piece: Motorcycle Parts
While the first motorcycles were simply motorized bicycles with engines attached to bike frames, they have developed over the years into complicated machinery. As technology has advanced, so has the motorcycle, and different inventions have helped to increase fuel economy, speed, control and even comfort. Motorcycle parts each have their own purposes, but they depend on the others around them.
The Anatomy of a Motorcycle
The motorcycle chassis is one of the most important motorcycle parts. It includes the frame, suspension and front forks. The frame is typically made from welded steel or aluminum struts with the rear suspension included as an integral component. Expensive frames can even be constructed from carbon fiber or titanium. The frame includes the head tube that holds the pivoting front fork. The front suspension is often built into the front fork, but the rear suspension is optional. Chopper motorcycles usually forgo the rear suspension and use a rigid frame instead. The rear suspension can consist of several arrangements, including dual shocks, traditional monoshock suspensions or softail style suspensions. The front fork holds the front wheel and allows the rider to steer. Of all the motorcycle parts, the front fork is the most critical part for steering.
The other motorcycle parts, while invented specifically for bikes, are found in most other motorized vehicles as well'the engine, transmission, tires, brakes, final drive and instruments. Most motorcycles are powered by gasoline internal combustion engines, usually with one to four cylinders. The most common engine configurations used on modern bikes include the vertical single, vertical twin, V-twin, opposed twin, in-line triple and in-line four. Motorcycle transmissions usually include five or six forward gears?only special touring bikes include a reverse gear. The clutch is located on the handlebar, while the shift pedal is often operated by the left foot.
Final drives are motorcycle parts that transfer power from the gears to the rear wheel. A chain drive uses a roller chain and sprockets, while belt drives are a little smoother. The shaft drive is often completely enclosed, and is superior in terms of cleanliness, noise and maintenance. Motorcycle wheels are usually crafted from aluminum, and the tires used are usually pneumatic. The contact patch of motorcycle tires usually differs depending on the intent of the bike?dirt bikes will use different tires than touring, sport and cruiser bikes, but sport bikes especially will need tired capable of withstanding additional stress.
Motorcycle brakes are usually independent?one set on the front wheel and a second set on the rear. Usually, two-thirds of all stopping power comes from the front brakes. The brakes are usually either drum or disc based, with disc brakes being the most common on larger motorcycles. Some modern models do offer linked brakes, and some even offer antilock braking systems. Almost all motorcycles also have motorcycle parts geared toward information. Speedometers, odometers, tachometers and fuel gauges are included on motorcycles just as they are on cars, excluding dirt bikes.
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