Are motorcycles better for the environment than cars?

Question

Assume that each vehicle only carries one person, and they each travel the same number of miles. Say, 1000 miles.

I heard that motorcycles use 2-cycle engines, which causes for worse pollution, but considering motorcycles' better gas mileage, my guess is that motorcycles would still be better than cars. Does anyone know for sure?

Apperently I'd heard wrong that motorcycles have 2 cycle engines. But I've yet to get a real answer to the question.

If a motorcycle and a car each travel 1000 miles, which is going to pollute more, why, and by how much?

Answer 1

Depends on the motorcycle. You can purchase road bikes that have Cat converters on them (BMW for one) - good for the environment and use less fuel than a car carrying only 1 person.

Older bikes, out of tune or 2 strokes - not better for the environment.

Answer 2

Considering they use less fuel generally, i would think that they are more environmentally friendly. But my friends say that they are worse in the noise pollution field!
I'm a motorcycle person, so I hope they are better. Hope it helps! :)

Answer 3

no catalytic converters on bikes..The pollute like crazy...2 cycle motorcycles? u know little, 95 % are 4 stroke

Answer 4

some dirt bikes are 2 stroke, but all road bikes are 4 strokers. theyre smaller engines and give off way less emissions