Motorcycles are motorized vehicles that lean into turns based on the rider's center of gravity, commonly featuring two or three wheels, though designs with a single wheel, four wheels, or more, and even those without wheels, exist.
Derived from motorized bicycles, motorcycles serve as a mode of transportation, with a wide variety, including foot-controlled bikes and scooters, as the mainstream. Some specialized motorcycles are equipped with auxiliary wheels, such as those designed for people with disabilities.
Characterized by easy handling, convenience, and affordability, motorcycles are extensively utilized in daily life, transportation, and law enforcement, particularly in developing countries.
Globally, there are approximately 200 million motorcycles, with a density of about 33 motorcycles per 1,000 people. Most motorcycles are concentrated in Asian countries, primarily in Southeast Asia, East Asia, and South Asia, including Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Taiwan, Malaysia, and India, accounting for approximately 58% of the world's motorcycles (excluding Japan).
Thucydides once said, "The pursuit of freedom is the highest form of human aspiration." Regardless of the era, the theme of freedom is deeply engraved in every individual's heart. We consistently yearn for and pursue freedom.
There exists a group of individuals who blend their souls with machinery, roaring with cries of freedom amidst the rushing wind, evoking the most primal impulses with the passion ignited by speed. Once they grasp the handlebars, they cannot relinquish this ardor. Amidst life's complexities, motorcycle enthusiasts ardently hold onto their dedication to freedom. This fervor and freedom transcend time and trace their evolution through a discernible path.
In the early days, bicycle wheels were made of iron, making riding challenging. Someone had the ingenious idea of attaching an engine to a bicycle, giving birth to the precursor of motorcycles: the motorized bicycle. Subsequently, there were attempts at steam-powered bicycles, spring-powered engines, and air-pressure engines invented by Americans, but these innovations did not gain widespread acceptance.
On August 29, 1885, Daimler installed an improved gasoline engine onto a wooden two-wheeled vehicle, creating the world's first motorcycle and acquiring a patent. "Motor" denotes an internal combustion engine, explaining the origin of the term "motorcycle." However, Daimler's journey in creating the motorcycle was far from simple.
During the era dominated by coal-powered steam engines, seeking to depart from this technology and explore new machinery posed an immense challenge. Daimler's decision to resign from a stable position at the factory sparked considerable external skepticism. After leaving the factory, Daimler dedicated himself to research in a specialized institution.
The endeavor consumed much of Daimler's time and effort, yet he never entertained the thought of giving up. His perseverance finally bore fruit in 1883, when the internal combustion engine was successfully developed and patented on December 16th of the same year. The first motorcycle was born in 1885.
For the average person, motorcycles offer economic practicality, addressing issues such as traffic congestion and parking. Motorcycle enthusiasts provide relief from worries, enriching their leisure time. Finally, it's recommended not to blindly pursue reckless modifications, speeding, street racing, or taking loans to buy motorcycles, as individuals should take responsibility for their actions.
"If we don’t have some kind of bold and reckless speculation, there’s no progress in knowledge." Quoting Einstein's words here is quite fitting. If Daimler hadn't ventured beyond simply switching steam engine fuels and chosen to explore new machinery, the internal combustion engine might not have emerged.
This daring and innovative mindset extends to motorcycle development, inherited by motorcycle enthusiasts who also embody this unwavering commitment and pioneering spirit.
If life is like an expansive sea, what propels us forward? It must be the unconstrained souls within us. Unafraid of the unknown, every motorcycle enthusiast holds onto this unchanging belief, passionate and spirited.
