If you think that your motorcycle is more eco-friendly than your neighbor's car, you aren't alone. A lot of Americans are switching to motorcycles, and one of the biggest reasons is because they are more eco-friendly. But that's only half right. The Mythbusters attacked the Cars Vs Motorcycles question last night on their Discovery Channel Show. Here's what they found out.
- Motorcycles are more fuel efficient than cars.
- Motorcycles emit less greenhouse gas carbon dioxide.
- BUT, motorcycles emit more smog-forming hydrocarbons and oxides of nitrogen, as well as more carbon monoxide.
As the start of the show, Mythbuster Adam Savage said:
"People are trading in their cars and driving motorcycles instead because they believe that's the more environmentally friendly choice. The logic is because motorcycles are generally more fuel-efficient than cars, they burn less gas and thus they must be better for the environment."
But at the end of the show, Savage concluded:
"At best, it's a wash. Motorcycles are just as bad for the environment as cars. At worst, they're far worse."
The Mythbusters tested cars and motorcycles from the 80s, 90s, and 2000s. They found that cars have become increasingly eco-friendly, while motorcycles have stayed relatively the same. Here are some numbers from an LA Times article. about the the 2000s test:
"Motorcycle used 28% less fuel... and emitted 30% fewer carbon dioxide emissions, but it emitted 416% more hydrocarbons, 3,220% more oxides of nitrogen and 8,065% more carbon monoxide."
Of course, how a vehicle drives is only part of its green footprint. The Motorcycle Industry Council reports that the amount of resources that go into producing a motorcycle is far less than what goes into producing a car. But then again, the MIC might be a little biased. Looks like the Mythbusters will have to tackle that one too.
Be sure to vote on our poll: Which is more environmentally friendly, cars or motorcycles?
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