MOTORBIKES

PART ONE

Nivel: intermedio, avanzado

30 minutos cada ejercicio

1. Motorbikes often get bad publicity in the media and they cause a great deal of concern to parents and many other adults.

But they are tremendously popular because there is no other mode of transport that offers such a cheap and enjoyable way to travel over fairly long distances. And they’re fun!

The Honda Cub: 120.000.000 sold! Modern superbike

2. Motorbikes are not only relatively cheap to buy but are also cheap to run; the price of gasoline is not a big consideration to the owner of a motorbike, especially if it is one of the smaller models with an engine capacity of less than 200cc.

A MOTORBIKE FOR EVERYONE

3. The motorbike market offers something for everyone, from a ‘utility bike’ of 49cc to a super deluxe machine of some 1500cc.

The smaller motorbikes are the most practical choice because of the economies mentioned above and because they are easier to handle than medium-range bikes.

I would say that the medium range includes anything from 350cc to 500cc, and big bikes are anything over 500cc.

4. There is no need to buy a really big bike because an engine of around 100-150cc is quite capable of going for reasonably long distances reliably and safely.

But of course, the purchase of a super bike may be the realization of a lifetime ambition – a deserved luxury.

Most bikers may be content simply to dream about the big bikes, and many never think about them at all. Their interest is in getting to work every day, visiting friends, going to the country and so on.

Stunt bike

As all bikers know, even the smallest motorcycle gives that exhilarating rush of fresh air on the face, which few other forms of transport can provide.

MOTORCYCLE SAFETY

5. The main concern of the biker – at least in city traffic – is safety. Motorbikes must be handled carefully and riders need to be sensible.

On the other hand, motorists need to be careful too, and it is a common complaint that motorists do not give enough consideration to motorbikes on the road.

This complaint is also made about motorists’ treatment of pedal cyclists, of course.

6. The motorist owes a duty of care to the biker but the bikers also have a responsibility to themselves: they must obey the traffic laws and not do stupid things.

Of course the speed and mobility of a motorbike enables it to use narrow spaces in a way that the motorist cannot, but the rider must use intelligence and foresight. He or she must not treat the street like a racetrack.

QUESTIONS:

1. para. 1: The writer uses two words to describe motorcycling as a method of travel. What are they?

2. para. 2: In your own words, what does the writer mean by ‘relatively cheap to buy’?

3. para. 3: Only one of the following statements is TRUE:

a) Motorbikes are offered from local food stores.

b) Smaller motorbikes are impractical.

c) Big bikes are easy to control.

d) The article describes big bikes as those over 500cc capacity.

4. para.4: What does the writer say about the need to purchase a big motorbike?

5. para 4: To whom does ‘Their’ refer? (line 6).

6. para 5. Only one of the following statements is UNTRUE:

a) Motorbike riders are interested in safety.

b) Motorcycle users must be careful.

c) The rider uses only one hand on a motorbike.

d) Drivers of cars are alleged to be inconsiderate.

7. para. 5: What kind of vehicle does a ‘pedal cyclist’ use?

8. para. 6: What must bikers do about the law relating to the use of public roads?

9. para. 6: Apart from foresight, what should the motorcyclist use?

Key Words, phrases:

1. Cheap and enjoyable.

2. Compared to the cost of a car, or to wages or salary.

3. d)

4. ‘There is no need.’

5. ‘Most bikers’

6. c)

7. a bike (bicycle)

8. They must obey the law.

9. intelligence

Motos Parte 2