Spanish Word of the Day: Motocicleta (motorcycle)

The word motocicleta is the combination of two words, motor which means engine in English, and cicleta which is taken from the Spanish word bicicleta, meaning bicycle. The words combined refer to a bicycle powered by a motor. Looking deeper into the etymology, we know the word motor derives from Latin, which means mover (to move), referring to the engine as a device that produces power or motion. The word -cicleta derives from the Latin tern ciclus, which means circle or wheel.

Motocicleta is a feminine noun, so it takes the following definite and indefinite articles:

• la motocicleta = the motorcycle
• las motocicletas = the motorcycles
• una motocicleta = a motorcycle
• unas motocicletas = some motorcycles

In Spanish, the word motocicleta is abbreviated to moto in most Spanish-speaking countries. Some call it by other names too, such as in the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico where they informally refer to it as a motora. Similarly, a motocicleta that is used as a taxi is referred to as a mototaxi in most Spanish-speaking countries, and in the Dominican Republic it is known as a motoconcho.

A few common verbs that you’ll often see used with motocicleta include:

• ir en motocicleta = to ride a motorcycle
• viajar en motocicleta = to travel by motorcycle
• montar en / subirse a una motocicleta = to get on a motorcycle
• bajarse / descender de una motocicleta = to get off the motorcycle
• conducir una la motocicleta = to drive a motorcycle
• revisar la motocicleta = to check the motorcycle
• arrancar la motocicleta = to start the motorcycle
• acelerar la motocicleta = to accelerate the motorcycle
• frenar la motocicleta = to brake the motorcycle

Here are a few of the most common types of motocicletas we use today:

• motocicleta/moto = cruiser / touring motorcycles
• motocicleta deportiva = sportsbike
• moto de cross/ moto todoterreno = dirtbikes
• moto todoterreno = dual sports bikes
• motos de aventura = adventure (adv) motorcycles
• escúter/scooter/motoneta/ciclomotor/vespa = scooter or vespa

A motocicleta is made up of various parts that work together for functionality and safety. To make sure the motocicleta runs, you need a motor (engine) to power it. The transmisión (transmission) transfers power from the engine to the wheels. To move, you need ruedas (wheels) and frenos (brakes) for stopping. The suspensión (suspension) system absorbs shocks for a smoother ride, especially for dirt bikes. The entire frame is called a chasis. It comes with the asiento (seat) for sitting and the manillar (handlebars) for steering.

For safety and visibility, motorcycles have the faros (headlights) and luces traseras (taillights). The escape (exhaust) system directs gases away from the engine and the depósito de combustible (fuel tank) stores fuel. For added safety, it’s crucial for the person conducting the motorcycle to wear a casco (helmet) or other protective gear such as a chaqueta (jacket), guantes (gloves), special pantalones (pants), botas (boots), rodilleras y coderas (knee and elbow pads), and gafas de sol (sunglasses) or gafas de protección (protective goggles).

Motocicletas are an extremely popular and primary form of transportation in some Latin American countries such as Brazil and Colombia. They are more affordable than a car and are often the preferred navigation method in congested cities. Motocicletas are also popular in many Latin American countries for ride-hailing apps and delivery services. Those that function as a taxi are referred to as mototaxis or motoconcho in the Dominican Republic.

Fun Fact:

Did you know that it is estimated there are more motorcycles than people in some cities in Vietnam? This country’s primary mode of transportation is the motocicleta and it has millions of them on the roads, primarily the scooter. Navigating the tráfico (traffic) is chaos and crossing a street full of motorcycles is an adventure of its own that is seen nowhere else! A must-see experience!

Spanish phrases featuring ‘motocicleta’

Although the following expressions and phrases don’t all directly use the word motocicleta, they capture the spirit of adventure associated with it. Let’s look at a few.

Cambiar de marcha (to change gears) refers to shifting strategies or approaches in life or work. This is similar to how a person shifts gears for different speeds on a motorcycle.

No hay camino sin baches (there is no road without bumps) implies that there is no perfect life and that challenges are a natural part of the journey. This is similar to riding a motorcycle on a bumpy road and figuratively speaking implies that life can be a bumpy road.

La vida es una motocicleta (life is a motorcycle) suggests that life’s journey is full of twists and turns, similar to riding a motorcycle.

Spanish idioms featuring ‘motocicleta’