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Pros and Cons of Gasoline Alternative Motorcycles

Pros and Cons of Gasoline Alternative Motorcycles

To help better protect the environment from further damage due to carbon emissions, you can opt for Gasoline powered motorcycles to reduce air and noise pollution.

1. What are Gasoline Powered Motorcycles?

Gasoline powered motorcycles help reduce the ongoing excessive use of gasoline nowadays. Despite Gasoline-based motorcycles being more efficient and faster, they tend to be detrimental to the environment. Meanwhile, gasoline powered motorcycles use electricity, diesel, and water to run.


It is a big time to convert to gasoline powered sources that are quite helpful in keeping the environment safe. Plus, it can be costly so switching to other resources is better for your pocket.

2. Sudden Rise in the Use of Gasoline Powered Motorcycles

Reducing the harmful effects of fuel on the environment, such as climate change or air pollution, is the main reason for the rise of gasoline powered motorcycles. Also, the rising costs of fuel has made it more prudent to use gasoline powered vehicles instead of constantly refueling.

3. Electric Motorcycles

Invented in 1975, electric motorcycles have rechargeable batteries that power the electric engines. Electric motorcycles do not require large engines, instead relying on electric batteries to ensure efficiency and propel forward.


The battery used in electric motorcycles has the following elements:

  • Lithium Ion
  • Lithium Phosphate
  • Lead Acid
  • Nickel Metal Hydride

3.1 Pros and Cons of Electric Motorcycles

Pros

  • Despite being expensive, electric motorcycles are more environmentally friendly.
  • Do not emit harmful gasses.
  • Electric motorcycles offer better comfort.
  • Electric motorcycles come with trendy and stylish designs.
  • Electric motorcycles are lighter than other motorcycles.
  • Electric motorcycles do not emit loud noises and store energy. The loud noise that comes from gasoline-powered motorcycles can be disturbing for people.
  • Electric motorcycles run efficiently for at least 100 to 120 km.
  • Electric motorcycles are easy to operate due to having only a few technical features and they don’t need maintenance as gasoline-powered motorcycles often need.
  • Electric motorcycles are safer than fuel-powered motorcycles.

Cons

  • Electric motorcycle batteries take longer to fully recharge.
  • There are few public charging stations to recharge electric motorcycles. 
  • Electric motorcycles are more expensive than fuel-powered motorcycles.
  • Electric motorcycles producing little to no noise can make it hard for pedestrians and other drivers to spot them which may increase the risk of getting into an accident.
  • Most electric motorcycle batteries can run between two to five years, but their lifespans may decrease over time.
  • You must recharge your motorcycle’s battery after every ride since it has a small power capacity. And the battery life depends on how much you ride the motorcycle.

4. Diesel Motorcycles

Diesel motorcycles are named based on the type of fuel they run on. Diesel is composed of 75% aliphatic and 25% aromatic hydrocarbons, usually being more expensive than gasoline.

4.1 Pros and Cons of Diesel Motorcycles

Pros

  • Diesel motorcycles run more efficiently than gas powered motorcycles. The diesel engine provides 5000 to 6000 rpm, greater than the gasoline running motorcycle.
  • Diesel motorcycles can run for longer durations.
  • Diesel motorcycles don’t require constant maintenance.
  • Diesel motorcycle engines do not have spark plugs so you don’t have to worry about tune ups. Your motorcycle will work fine without going to the mechanic every month.
  • Diesel motorcycles are environmentally friendly as they don’t emit carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gasses.

Cons

  • There are few public diesel stations and are harder to find.
  • Diesel motorcycles are notorious for noise pollution. They don’t start smoothly when turning on the ignition. These motorcycles emit noise.
  • Diesel motorcycles do not look as good as other motorcycles. 
  • Diesel motorcycles are not environmentally friendly since they release carbon fumes into the atmosphere.
  • A diesel motorcycle’s engine is heavier than a gas-powered motorcycle’s engine.
  • Diesel is much heavier than gasoline due to having more carbon atoms per molecule.
  • Diesel burns at higher temperatures, creating more friction while the motorcycle is traveling at high speed. The excess friction can damage the cylinder walls.
  • Diesel motorcycles require shifting more gears due to the wheels having less revolutions per minute (rpm).

5. Hydrogen-Powered Motorcycles

First invented in 2007, hydrogen-powered motorcycles have been built with efficient designs. These motorcycles have a battery called a hydrogen fuel cell. This battery contains an anode and cathode. Despite storing energy, the hydrogen cell consumes oxygen and powers the motorcycle.


Oxygen from the air is blown into the cathode, while hydrogen travels through the anode. Due to the presence of a catalyst, hydrogen molecules are divided into electrons and protons. The electrolyte membrane present between the cathode and anode allows the protons to pass through the cathode. The electrons travel along the electric circuit to reach the cathode. At the cathode, the hydrogen and oxygen molecules combine and water is formed. This process creates a steady current that powers the hydrogen fuel cell.

5.1 Pros and Cons of Hydrogen-Powered Motorcycles

Pros

  • Hydrogen-powered motorcycles are environmentally friendly as they do not release carbon and nitrogen emissions. It doesn't pollute the environment because the only thing that remains behind is ash.
  • The combustion of hydrogen creates water that makes it the most easily manufactured fuel to drive our motorcycles.
  • Hydrogen-powered motorcycles are 2.5 times more efficient than fuel-powered motorcycles.
  • Hydrogen-powered motorcycles do not need to have their batteries charged.
  • Hydrogen-powered motorcycles are suited for traveling on city streets and highways.

Cons

  • The battery requires a lot of energy to create hydrogen.
  • It is difficult to store hydrogen fuel because the gas manufactured from that fuel is highly toxic. Extra precautions are necessary to avoid leakage of the harmful gas.
  • The mechanical work is reduced to zero due to the revolution of technology which means that the technologists need to be double sure so that nothing goes wrong.
  • The production of the harmful gas is absolutely a drawback.

6. Hybrid Motorcycles

Hybrid motorcycles consist of an electric engine that transfers electricity to the gas-powered engine. You don't have to charge the electric engine of hybrid motorcycles like with electric motorcycles. Rather the electric engine consumes power from the regenerative braking of the other engine which is the gasoline one.

6.1 Pros and Cons of Hybrid Motorcycles

Pros

  • Hybrid motorcycles are affordable 
  • Hybrid motorcycles have the technological advantages of gasoline powered and electric motorcycles.
  • Hybrid motorcycles produce less noise and are more efficient.
  • Hybrid motorcycles can switch from the fuel-powered engine to the electric engine if the former runs out of fuel.

Cons

  • Air motorcycles are more expensive than standard electric and fuel-powered motorcycles.
  • The purchase price of hybrid motorcycles is higher than other motorcycles because the customization of two engines is costly.

7. Air-Powered Motorcycles

Air-powered motorcycles have engines made of a fiberglass tank that contains compressed air and draws power from solar panels to drive the pistons. The engine is composed of a fiberglass tank.

7.1 Pros and Cons of Air Motorcycles

Pros

  • Air-powered motorcycles are smaller than fuel-powered motorcycles.
  • Air-powered motorcycles do not require a cooling system so motorcyclists don’t need to invest money to cool down the engines.
  • Air-powered motorcycles are lightweight due to their engines being made of aluminum or low friction Teflon.

Cons

  • Air-powered motorcycle parts and equipment are hard to find due to being available in low quantities.
  • Air-powered motorcycle parts are expensive and rare.
  • Air-powered motorcycle engines have low power outputs, making these vehicles unfit for long-distance travel.

8. FAQs

8.1 What is the Best Alternative to Gasoline?

The best alternative to gasoline can be either hydrogen or natural gas that does not pollute the environment.

8.2 Is It Better to Use Natural Gas Instead of Gasoline?

Natural gas contains less hydrocarbons so it improves engine combustion and efficiency, making it a better option than gasoline.

8.3 Which Type of Motorcycle is Best for Long Trips?

Fuel-powered motorcycles are best for long trips as it is easier to find fuel stations along almost every highway, street, etc.

9. Takeaway

As of late, there has been a sudden rise in the use of gasoline powered motorcycles. Gasoline-powered motorcycles use hydrogen, electricity, air, and diesel instead of gasoline to function. However, it can be difficult to find parts for gasoline powered motorcycles in case of malfunctioning. You can check Viking Bags for motorcycle luggage and parts, such as sissy bars, handlebars, saddlebags, and more.

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