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Motorcycles vary considerably depending on the task for which they are designed such as long distance travel, navigating congested urban traffic, cruising, sport and racing, or off-road conditions. There are three major types of motorcycle: street, off-road, and dual purpose. Within these types, there are many different sub-types of motorcycles for many different purposes. Street bikes include cruisers, sportbikes, scooters and mopeds, and many other types. Off-road motorcycles include many types designed for dirt-oriented racing classes such as motocross and are not street legal in most areas. Dual purpose machines like the dual-sport style are made to go off-road but include features to make them legal and comfortable on the street as well. Various features and accessories may be attached to a motorcycle either as OEM (factory-fitted) or after-market.
The most prominent of the plastic or fibreglass shells covering parts of the motorcycle is the "fairing". These systems act to protect the rider from some or all of the weather, may improve aerodynamics (reducing drag), and are an important styling element. Windshields or screens, windscreens can be built into a fairing or be attached to an otherwise unfaired bike. They are usually made from transparent high-impact acrylic plastic. They may be shaped specifically to direct air flow over or around the head of the rider even if they are much shorter than the seated rider.
The latest variation, introduced on the 1986 BMW K100LT. Saddlebags or panniers mount on either side of the rear of the motorcycle roughly beside (but not interfering with) the pillion passenger. Modern touring motorcycles often have panniers fitted as standard or they may be available as options on particular models such as the Honda Gold Wing.
Since motorcycles lack climate control or proper protection from the wind, some manufacturers offer heated seats or hand grips to relieve the discomfort of low temperatures experienced during night riding or the colder months. They can also be added on as after-market accessories and are powered by the bike's electrical system. A common addition to many bikes is an attachment onto which bags or other luggage can be fastened. This removes the need for rider backpacks and is generally a more secure and a safer way to add carrying capacity to a motorcycle.
Storage compartments are largely restricted to scooters, they may be underneath the seat, between the knees or in front of the steering head. A motorcycle trunk will normally be mounted behind the seat where it is known as a top box. A sidecar turns a motorcycle into a three-wheeled vehicle. Sidecars place a heavy strain on wheel bearings, wheel-spokes and suspension components - even frames and engines may suffer. A hinged sidecar known as the "Sidewinder" became available in the UK in the 1970s, but its popularity came about due to driver licensing requirements, its carrying capacity being approximately limited to one tool-box.
Today, the Japanese manufacturers, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha dominate the motorcycle industry, although Harley-Davidson and BMW continue to be popular and supply considerable markets. Other major manufacturers include the Piaggio group of Italy, KTM, Triumph, Aprilia, Moto-Guzzi, MV Agusta and Ducati. In overall numbers the Chinese currently manufacture and sell more motorcycles than any other country and exports are rising.