Annually, Americans purchase 500,000 motorcycles. This fact goes to show that in the most progressive country in the world, cars do not reign supreme over the other modes of transportation. With this, motor clothing has become important than ever because of the drivers’ need for proper clothing and gears. California has the most number of registered motorcycles since there are 830,000 motorcycles registered. In 2018, the projected motorcycle sale in North America alone is 930000. This is a significant increase after so many decades especially in the USA. And a 75 percent growth was even posted. It came from 3,826,373 to 6,678,958 in 2006 as reported by the United States Department of Transportation. And as per numbers and statistics that included private, commercial, and publicly owned vehicles, California ranks first in the most number of registered motorcycles and then followed by Florida. With this, big manufacturing companies provide different motorcycles that cater to the needs of the American people. Harley-Davidson holds the biggest percentage of 55 percent in the motorcycle market. This company had gone a long way from surviving the Great Depression to outperforming all emerging companies in the market. Thanks perhaps to their continued innovation, classic design, and of course the quality of their motorcycles. The headstrong Japanese brand “Honda” holds 15 percent, coming in second. While in 2014, emerging brands Yamaha and Kawasaki had 13 and 9 percent respectively. Polaris and Suzuki both share a promising 5 percent in market share. These numbers project development in the economy; however, there is a downside. With having more motorcycles in the road comes a number of recorded motorcycle accidents. Last 2014, 4,500 motorists died from crashes in American roads and in the previous year a greater number was even recorded.
Motorcycles are irresistible for the masses, especially for the male populace. The number one reason for this is not about the image of a person riding a motorcycle and how he looks so cool while driving, but it is mostly about the experience of driving that makes everyone go gaga over motorcycles. In driving a motorcycle, you feel freedom and an exhilarating experience which a roofed and bulky car cannot give. Sure in cars you are safe and comfortable, but motorcycles give this ecstatic vibe that drives men crazy. You get to feel the air, the environment, and the journey.
It is exciting to note that motorcycles have a rich history. Before we got to ride this cool stuff, decades ago, it was more like a dream for other people. The concept of motorcycle started in the nineteenth century, stemming from the concept of bikes. From a wooden bicycle with a small engine popularly known as the “Daimler Reitwagen” by German inventors Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach, the world has been a willing witness in a boom of developments in the field of motorcycles. Although American brands like Harley-Davidson reign in the Americas, nowadays, Japanese brands are the leaders of the world market.
With regard to innovation, motorcycles are not behind the line but it is also not in the frontlines either. For car manufacturing, manufacturers go head to head just to…well…get ahead in the game because buyers welcome the thought of having a super high-tech super car as shown in science fiction narratives. In the motorcycle manufacturing, there are still apprehensions in the side of both the manufacturers and the consumers. For one, motorcycle riders are contented and more than happy with the current developments of motorcycles and just want it to remain basically the same. Well, the engine and overall system of a motorcycle have faced a lot of improvements already but some do not want to change the overall aspect that makes a motorcycle a league of its own.
But as the common adage does say, change is constant and always looms around. Famed American motorcycle manufacturer, Harley-Davidson, is embracing the change with open arms. The formidable company was founded in 1903 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The motorcycles are characterized by their irresistible chopper motorcycle style. It has its famous heavyweight air-cooled cruiser motorcycles with awesome engine displacements which are greater than 700 cubic centimeters. Harley-Davidson operates its factories in key power cities in the world such as York, Pennsylvania; Kansas City, Missouri; Manaus, Brazil; and Bawal, India. Known around the world, the Harley-Davidson brand licenses and markets numerous merchandise like home décor and ornaments, toys, scale figures of the motorcycles, and even video games. This 2018, the company is planning to release its first electric motorcycle, bringing in affordability and capability within the masses reach. Actually, the company has somewhat tested this concept with their introduction of LiveWire, a sleek bike that has 74-horsepower, 56 pound feet of torque, and a range of 50 miles. This is a bright move for a company that records a decline in profit and now losing customers. Well everyone can say that that Harley-Davidson has been left in the past and newer customers who are composed of young buyers are no longer interested in a simple and laid-back riding. A classic Harley-Davison motorcycle being always savagely depicted in action movies and other pop culture outlets is famously characterized for its loud engine sound. This idea has been around for four years already and the company is spearheading such a trailblazing move.
In what will be an optimistic future for motorcycles, it is better to know what to expect in an electricity-powered motorcycle.
Power
A typical Harley-Davidson will take you to places in the most efficient and comfortable way. But with an electric one, the possibilities are endless. As reports say, an electric motorcycle is going to be powerful when it comes to speed and machining system. It is safe to say that it is not impossible that we will be seeing one day motorcycles with LED screens complete with a computerized system. Also, speed is going to be gamestrong. High-powered engine will power up an electric motorcycle, so surely, motorcycles can run faster than ever. This will come with a higher torque compared with the traditional ones. And with higher torque, there will be a greater acceleration in the motorcycles and this is what excites motorcycle enthusiasts. Battery capacity is expected to be efficient, knowing that this is going to be a source of power for the motorcycle. For this, batteries will come smaller than usual and charging time is shorter. Some in-development models can go up to 120 or 200 kilometers in just one charge.
Sound
For drivers, they might love the way their Harley-Davidson sounds. The minute the engine turns on, there is this loud burbling sound. Well sometimes this attracts some, but this also annoys many. In an electric motorcycle, the sound would be a reminiscent of a jet engine sound: subtle screech but tolerable and sophisticated.
Intelligent System and Design
If someone is trying to learn how to drive a motorcycle, aside from ensuring balance, the hard part would be learning how to shift gears. This will not be case for automatic motorcycles but this is a big deal for those learning manual ones. If finally introduced, an electric motorcycle will solve these woes. The system will be computerized and so changing gears will surely be a one click away. And there is so much more! Lights are going to be programmed in such a way that they will cater to driver’s needs while driving. With regard to the design of the motorcycle, it will be futuristic but not missing the classical touches of the previous models. It is not going to be more on how it is going to be designed. It will retain the original concept but it is all about the materials that are going to be used.
Environment-friendly
A motorcycle like cars emits a considerable amount of dangerous gas that contributes to the pollution and, if everyone will be damned, in the total destruction of the ozone layer. In a typical progressive mega city, air pollution has been the number one concern. Pollution breeds so many catastrophic events like the Greenhouse Effect that in turns causes climate change which in turn will damage the lives and livelihood of people in the different parts of the world. This time, with electric motorcycles, it will be a step forward in helping mother Earth. Electric motorcycles will most likely not have to use fuel so there will be no emitted dangerous gas in the atmosphere. With electric motorcycles, riders can take part in protecting the environment without spoiling the fun.
Cost-efficient
Cars are so expensive that people turn to motorcycles because they are cheap. And cars can be really bulky and parking it is always a pain in the head. So motorcycles give so much ease to everyday transportation life. The price varies from model, size, quality, to the brand. With electronic motorcycles, the price point is projected to be quite higher than the usual depending on some factors. But it is important to note that this is actually a good investment. Number one would be there will be no paying of fees like for some countries that impose carbon tax, road tax, and vehicle registration tax. Maintenance costs and activities are going to be lowered down because this type of motorcycle is not as demanding as the traditional ones. The motorcycle will be efficient and smart enough to live up to one’s lifestyle when riding.
In motorcycle driving regardless if it is electric or not, there is this feeling that drivers always look forward to: You get to feel alive especially if you look the part. When driving, it is not enough that you know how to drive and got a nice ride, it is imperative that a driver will have to be dressed properly and efficiently. If course, one could argue that a denim-on-denim combo will be alright, but of course it is not. Proper motor clothing in motorcycle driving is not vanity or frivolous, it is actually for safety and precautionary measures. Thankfully, there are companies that offer the best quality products for drivers. J2W clothing will gear drivers up in every mile of their journey. The company is offering quality custom apparel in the most breathtaking biker destinations. Their products range from men and women’s motor apparel to not only stylish but also durable accessories. J2W Clothing is more than just a clothing company. It is a passionate community that promotes proper yet enjoyable driving and a sense of family in the driving world.
The future of motorcycles is quite risky but promising. Risky in the sense that buyers will not like the turnout. For motorcycles, drivers prefer the classic one. They want the familiarity of it all. Electronic motorcycles bring the stigma of unfamiliarity of breaking of what can be compared to as an age-old tradition in motoring. It disrupts the flow and the standard. Although driving traditional motorcycles is laborious, drivers like the way they control the system. However, the times prove that going electronic is the impending future for motorcycles. BMW for instance is developing the first ever self-balancing motorcycle and others are following suit in innovating other aspects of the motorcycle. Big companies are now jumping into the bandwagon but the market is still going to be the deciding factor.
It is still going to be a challenge to manufacturers on how to come up with the perfect of even just the right electric model that will please the buyers. There are plenty to consider indeed. As for the purchasing public, they have also to consider what an electronic motorcycle offers. Aside from convenience, it brings innovation in its comfortable form. Frequent drivers have to give electronic motorcycles a chance. Perhaps it is now the high time to move on and embrace what the future holds, how electronic they can be.
