Bicycle and motorcycle geometryBicycle and motorcycle geometry is the collection of key measurements (lengths and angles) that define a particular bike configuration. Primary among these are wheelbase, steering axis angle, fork offset, and trail. These parameters have a major influence on how a bike handles. WheelbaseThe wheelbase is the horizontal distance between the centers (or the ground contact points) of the front and rear wheels.
Motorcycle forkA motorcycle fork connects a motorcycle's front wheel and axle to its frame, typically via a yoke, also known as a triple clamp, or triple tree, which consists of an upper yoke joined to a lower yoke via a steering stem, a shaft that runs through the steering head, creating the steering axis. Most forks incorporate the front suspension and front brake, and allow the front wheel to rotate about the steering axis so that the motorcycle may be steered.
Telescopic forkA telescopic fork is a form of motorcycle or bicycle front suspension whose use is so common that it is virtually universal. The telescopic fork uses fork tubes and sliders which contain the springs and dampers. The main advantages of the telescopic fork are that it is simple in design and relatively cheap to manufacture and assemble, and that it is lighter than older designs using external components and linkage systems.
Indian MotorcycleIndian Motorcycle is an American motorcycle brand controlled by the Los Angeles–based private equity firm Carolwood LP since February 2026. BackgroundThe company from which its name originated was in operation in Springfield, Massachusetts, between 1901 and 1953, although it was known as the Hendee Manufacturing Company until 1923. Its factory team took the first three places in the 1911 Isle of Man Tourist Trophy.
SidecarA sidecar is a one-wheeled device attached to the side of a motorcycle, scooter, or bicycle, making the whole a three-wheeled vehicle. The combination of a motorcycle with a sidecar is sometimes called a hack, outfit, rig, tricycle, or tuk-tuk. HistoryJean Bertoux, a French army officer, secured a prize offered by a French newspaper in 1893 for the best method of carrying a passenger on a bicycle.
Hub-center steeringHub-center steering (HCS) is one of several different types of front-end suspension/steering mechanisms used in motorcycles and cargo bicycles. Hub-center steering is characterized by the steering pivot points being inside the hub of the wheel, rather than above the wheel in the headstock as in the traditional layout. Most hub-center arrangements employ a swingarm that extends from the bottom of the engine/frame to the center of the front wheel.
MotorcycleA motorcycle (motorbike, bike, or, if three-wheeled, a trike) is a two or three-wheeled motor vehicle steered by a handlebar from a saddle-style seat. Motorcycle designs vary greatly to suit a range of different purposes: long-distance travel, commuting, cruising, sport (including racing), and off-road riding. Motorcycling is riding a motorcycle and being involved in other related social activities such as joining a motorcycle club and attending motorcycle rallies.
Motorcycle handlebarA motorcycle handlebar is a tubular component of a motorcycle's steering mechanism. Handlebars provide a mounting place for controls such as brake, throttle, clutch, horn, light switches and rear view mirrors; and they help to support part of the rider's weight. Even when a handlebar is a single piece it is usually referred to in the plural as handlebars.
Motorcycle frameA motorcycle frame is a motorcycle's core structure. Its main function is to provide a torsionally rigid connection between the steering head at the front and the swinging-arm bearing at the rear for predictable handling and safety. It also supports the engine, the rider and any passenger or luggage. Also attached to the frame are the fuel tank and battery.
YokeA yoke is a wooden beam used between a pair of oxen or other animals to enable them to pull together on a load when working in pairs, as oxen usually do. Some yokes are fitted to individual animals. There are several types of yoke, used in different cultures, and for different types of oxen. A pair of oxen may be called a yoke of oxen, and yoke is also a verb, as in "to yoke a pair of oxen". Other animals that may be yoked include horses, mules, donkeys, and water buffalo.
BMW R32The BMW R32 was the first motorcycle produced by BMW under the BMW name. An aircraft engine manufacturer during World War I, BMW was forced to diversify after the Treaty of Versailles banned the German air force and German aircraft manufacture. BMW initially turned to industrial engine design and manufacturing.Motorcycle suspensionA motorcycle's suspension serves a dual purpose: contributing to the vehicle's handling and braking, and providing safety and comfort by keeping the vehicle's passengers comfortably isolated from road noise, bumps and vibrations. The typical motorcycle has a pair of fork tubes for the front suspension, and a swingarm with one or two shock absorbers for the rear suspension.*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.