The roar of the engine, the wind in your face and the sense of freedom are enough to hook most people on motorcycling. It’s also good for the environment, saves on fuel and is cheaper than driving a car. And it’s fun, engaging and involves all your senses – negotiating curves, playing along with the rhythm of the road, shifting, accelerating and braking precisely. It’s a unique and exhilarating experience for every type of rider.
While cars are large and slow, motorcycles are agile and slim, making them easier to maneuver through traffic and avoid obstacles. Plus, their small frames can fit into parking spots that a car may not be able to, and some places even have dedicated motorcycle spaces.
Many people in developing countries use motorcycles as their main mode of transportation, and they can often be purchased at much lower prices than cars. In some parts of the world, especially in cities, traffic is so bad that motorcycles are the only way to get around, and they’re also a popular mode of transportation for weekend excursions.
As more and more people embrace the joys of riding, manufacturers have reinvented motorcycles away from their image as gigantic, intimidating machines for tough guys into bikes that are small and friendly for everyone. Honda, for instance, turned its motorcycle business into a billion-dollar industry by reinventing the category away from big, noisy bikes and into a line of models that appealed to mainstream consumers.
