単車 vs. オートバイ

[Winged Scarab]

This has been perplexing me for some time. I know of two definitions for "Motorcycle" and I am not sure which one is the proper term for a given object. Is "Tansha" for an actual "motorcycle" and "Ootobai" for something smaller such as a moped? Are the nouns CC-based instead of vehicle-type based? I seem to find that オートバイ is more commonly used than 単車. Any information is greatly appreciated, thanks! ^ _ ^

 

[Morphling]

Technically オートバイ means motorcycle and is the most common term.

単車 is a technical term for any motorized 2 wheeler. Probably appear on insurance statements rather than used in everyday speech.

 

[Toritoribe]

Another common one (or more likely the most common term) is バイク. 二輪車 is used in formal situations (e.g., in the law or driver's license). 単車 is rare nowadays. There is no difference among what these words refer to.

 

[Winged Scarab]

Ah, I see. This does dispel my confusion. Thank you both so much for your assistance! ^ _ ^

 

[Morphling]

単車 vs. オートバイ

Technically 二輪車 is any vehicle with 2 wheels. 単車 is motorized 二輪車. But nobody is counting.

 

[Toritoribe]

Yeah, the proper term is 自動二輪車. 二輪車 usully only refers to バイク, and is not used for another 二輪車 such like 自転車, though.

中高年ライダー急増、二輪復調の兆し 「若者のバイク離れに歯止めかけたい」 (1/5ページ) - SankeiBiz（サンケイビズ）