Motorcycle Speed
Motorcycle speed is one of the most important aspects of motorcycle control. Every motorcyclist must be trained on the importance of the various concepts regarding motorcycle speed. There are numerous variables to consider on the subject, such as engine size, motorcycle type, driving conditions, and weather. These are just some of the factors that play a role in maintaining safe motorcycle speed.
Handling and maneuverability are both substantially affected by what speed the motorcyclist is driving. If the motorcyclist is not careful with motorcycle speed then it becomes very easy for them to cause an accident. For example, special attention is required while turning since something simple, like an over application of the brakes, can cause a motorcyclist to fall. Furthermore, it is a liability to those around them if the motorcyclist does not maintain a safe motorcycle speed that is within the speed limit.
Motorcycle Classification
There are several different systems for describing the types of motorcycles. The two key classifications are the engine size and the style of the motorcycle. The engine size is important because it is the main factor affecting motorcycle speed. The engine size is described in cc’s which is short for cubic centimeters. It is a measure of the volume, or amount of space, the engine occupies. Common engine sizes are 150cc’s, 250cc’s, and 350cc’s, with higher numbers representing more power.
The other main aspect of motorcycle type is style. The main motorcycle styles are cruiser, sport, touring, standard, dual-purpose, and dirt-bikes. Motorcycle speed is not determined as much by a motorcycle’s style than it is by engine size. However, something like a sport motorcycle is more likely to have a larger engine size and be otherwise designed for high speeds. All the different motorcycle types have different engine sizes for better customization.
Driving Conditions & Speed
Another important aspect of motorcycle speed is adjusting to accommodate driving conditions. Motorcycles can be an enjoyable mode of transport, but adverse driving conditions, such as weather and traffic, can make motorcycles a less than ideal choice for the road. For beginners, it is advised to avoid being on the road during rainfall. Avoiding difficult driving situations is the best idea if uncertain. In these circumstances, motorcycle speed becomes a much more important issue.
Wet roads are particularly unsafe during the first 20 minutes of rainfall. This is because of oil and other fluids that falls from other vehicles. If a motorcyclist is not careful with their motorcycle speed they can easily lose traction and go out of control. Other obstacles that can compromise motorcycle speed are puddles, potholes, and metal surfaces, such as sewer covers.
Another liability from motorcycle speed is other drivers on the road. According to research, drivers are less adept at understanding how to avoid collision with motorcycles than automobiles. This discrepancy is also more prevalent with night driving. Part of the reason for this is because motorcycle speed is more difficult to gauge for many people so they are not able to predict when there could be a possible impact.
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Gould, Mark, John Wann, Damian Poulter, and Shaun Helman. “Judging the approach speed of motorcycles and cars in night-time driving conditions.” Translational Vision Science & Technology. (2011): n. page. Web. 28 Jul. 2013. <http://www.journalofvision.org/content/11/11/931.short>.
United States. Department of Motor Vehicles. Motorcycles and Weather Conditions. Web. <http://www.dmv.org/how-to-guides/motorcycle-weather-conditions.php>.
United States. Department of Motor Vehicles.Understanding CCs. Web. <http://www.dmv.org/how-to-guides/motorcycle-ccs.php>.
United States. Department of Motor Vehicles. Which Bike Is Best For You?. Web. <http://www.dmv.org/how-to-guides/choosing-a-motorcycle.php>.