The motorcycle is an iconic symbol of freedom and a vehicle of personal expression. But while riding a motorcycle can be incredibly exhilarating and freeing, it’s important to understand the unique risks of this type of transportation. This article will provide some helpful tips on how to ride safely and avoid dangerous situations.
The first true motorcycles were bicycle-styled vehicles with gas engines invented by Gottlieb Daimler, Wilhelm Maybach and Nicolaus Otto in 1885. These early motorbikes were not wildly successful, but the concept of powering a cycle with an engine was a huge leap forward.
As the industry grew, manufacturers began to offer small models that could be driven on public roads, and in the 1970s the 1969 road movie Easy Rider starring Dennis Hopper and Peter Fonda helped fuel the popularity of bikes. The biker culture of the time was a diverse group of people from different socioeconomic levels who banded together to form clubs and share their love for the sport. Although the bikers of the time did not necessarily identify with violence, their association with motorbikes limited how they were perceived by society.
Today, small-displacement motorcycles such as Honda’s Grom and 125cc Kawasaki Z125 Pro are popular because they can be ridden with a regular driver’s license. Modern technology also helps make riding a motorcycle safer. From adaptive headlights that adjust illumination on the fly to computerized throttles that prevent stalling, riders can stay safe and enjoy their rides even more than in the past.