When in your definition does a motorcycle STOP being a motorcycle?

Question

my definition is simple, when it has more than 2 wheels...

trikes are NOT motorcycles...they are dune buggies with handlebars...

What's your definition?

Answer 1

that's exactly what i was gonna say when i opened this question... once it has anymore then two wheels it's no longer a motorcycle....

if you somehow put petals on a dirt bike (as an  example) it'd no longer be a motorcycle either.... just an extremely heavy bicycle.

Answer 2

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary does in fact describe the motorcycle as "a 2-wheeled automotive vehicle."

Answer 3

You are such a lovable guy.  So easy to talk to and get along with.

No wonder everyone like to have you around.

Definition: whatever the law and the insurance company says, not you, Magz.

Answer 4

The Can-Am spyder is also not a motorcycle. It isn't. If it can't fall over off it's kickstand its not a bike

lol wtf is a side-by-side...The only ones I know of are the ones for offroading

EDIT: WOW THATS WHAT I THOUGHT IT WAS

ahaha i would give him the finger too

also magz- a dingbat is a very weird thing to call someone...http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dingbat_(bu...

Answer 5

So, you wouldnt consider that behemoth V12 that Chrysler put out a few years ago as a motorcycle?? Because it had three wheels??

(remember that thing?? Two up front, right next to each other, needed due to the overall weight of the bike?)

Otherwise, Id agree with you.... trikes are not bikes.

Answer 6

Your right but in Tx we have to have a motorcycle plate & inspt on them + a lic //

I have always thought it was Bs  I can see a sidecar but not trikes & 4 wheelers

Answer 7

if it has too much d**n plastic on it, its not a motorcycle its a big wheel...hint hint, japanee bikes.....

Answer 8

When you don't need a motorcycle licence to ride it.

Answer 9

Dang it all, Magz. You keep forcing me to agree with you.

I don't like that. Gotta disagree to argue, don't ya think?

So, there's one exception: can have 3 IF the third is on a sidecar. At least it still looks like a motorcycle then.

Answer 10

When it looks like a Victory Vision.

Answer 11

When its disassembled.

Answer 12

"motorcycle" came from the original "motorised bicycle"

so therefore if you remove the engine or at least one of the wheels it is no longer a "motorcycle"

If you add a wheel (as in a sidecar) it becomes a "motorcycle with a sidecar"

trikes, quads etc are NOT motorcycles

Answer 13

When more than 2 wheels.

Answer 14

Definition by law in some states is less a 2 or 3 wheeled vehicle. Other states a car is 3 or 4 wheeled vehicle.

I still think 3 wheelers can be considered motorcycles. But in some foreign languages, bimoto is motorcycle, meaning 2 wheels.........

Answer 15

it depends, i've seen some 3 wheelers with 2 seats side by side, go-kart style, and a steering wheel.  definitely not a motorcycle.  but if its a trike with a seat and handlebars like a bike and obviously designed as a motorcycle with 3 wheels, i'll count those as motorcycles.

Answer 16

well when ya load it up doo dads and geegaws that dont need to be there, like a stereo, heated seats. h**l Goldwings are so heavy they have Reverse!!!! trailersd are supposed to be pulled by trucks not motorcycles!!!! an ol school chop is the only honest bike out there.

Answer 17

once it gets 3 wheels or no engine

Answer 18

when it has more then 2 wheels on it then it's no longer a motorcycle

Answer 19

Sidecar, ok kind of cool in a retro kind of way.  

Trike....totally retarded, not a motorcycle.

While a Goldwing offends my idea of what motorcycle touring should be, I can't argue that it isn't a good machine for what it is meant to do.

Answer 20

When you install a cab.

Answer 21

When it has more than to wheels

when it as 3 it is a trike

when it as 4 it is ATV or car

when it is a dressed up gold wing with the MP3 and the Nav and all that stuff It is a expensive Pinto

Answer 22

when it doesnt have two wheels and stops looking sporty

Answer 23

I'd have to disagree with you here.  Even if it's a trike or one with a side car, it's still a motorcycle. A modified motorcycle perhaps, but could still be looked at as in the motorcycle family.

Some may see some big touring bikes with stereo systems, big wide comfortable rider seats with floorboards, big passenger seat with back and arm rests and cupholders as nothing more than a convertible cage on two-wheels.

All depends on how you look at it , I suppose.