The Taliban, who have expanded their control in the south in recent years, are also fond of the motorcycle. Although they increasingly use pickup trucks and Humvees taken from Afghan forces, the motorcycle remains a staple of their offensives.

The Taliban’s use of the motorcycle in hit-and-run assassinations led to a crackdown. A former police chief in Tirin Kot banned the use of motorcycles for several months. In Kandahar, the police banned double-riding.

“It’s a bit difficult for us now to take a second person — the police stop you and give you a hard time,” said Bismillah Khan, who bought his motorcycle for about $300 two years ago. Children and women, he added, are not a problem.