Model: Suzuki GS500 with a clearly visible frame.



Construction:
Motorcycle construction is the engineering, manufacturing, and assembly of components and systems for a motorcycle which results in performance, cost and aesthetics, desired by the designer. With some exceptions, construction of modern mass-produced motorcycles has standardized on a steel or aluminum frame, telescopic forks holding the front wheel, and disc brakes. Some other body parts, designed for either aesthetic or performance reasons may be added. A petrol powered engine typically consists of 1-4 cylinders (and less commonly, up to 8 cylinders) coupled to a manual five or six sequential transmission drives the swing arm-mounted rear wheel by a chain, driveshaft or belt. Basic cumulative unit sales (52,61,457) for April’07-February’08

Fuel Economy:
Motorcycle fuel economy varies greatly with engine displacement and riding style ranging from a low of 29 mpg (8.1 L/100 km; 35 mpg) reported by a Honda VTR1000F rider, to 107 mpg (2.20 L/100 km; 129 mpg) reported for the Verucci Nitro 50 cc Scooter .A specially designed Matzu Matsuzawa Honda XL125 achieved 470 mpg (0.50 L/100 km; 560 mpg-imp) "on real highways - in real conditions."Due to lower engine displacements (100 cc–200 cc), motorcycles in developing countries offer good fuel economy .In the Indian market, the second most selling company, Bajaj, offers two models with superior fuel economy: XCD 125 and Patina. Both are 125 cc motorbikes with a company-claimed fuel economy of 256 mpg (0.919 L/100 km; 307 mpg) and 261 mpg(0.901 L/100 km; 313 mpg), respectively.

Electric Motorcycles:
Very high fuel economy equivalents can be derived by electric motorcycles. Electric motorcycles are nearly silent, zero-emission electric motor-driven vehicles. Operating range and top speed suffer because of limitations of battery technology. Fuel cells and petroleum-electric hybrids are also under development to extend the range and improve performance of the electric motors.