Hogs, crotch-rockets, dream machines…we all have a chosen moniker for our motorcycle. Whether you are a fan of modern day street bikes or vintage cruisers, motorcycles have a storied and fascinating history.
Here’s a brief overview of how the motorcycle movement began and why they remain so popular today.
The Beginning
Based off the bicycle, invented in 1817, motorcycles don’t have a clear and agreed-upon start date. It is understood that motorbikes began in the second half of the 19th century, when cycles were designed with a front and rear wheel of the same size and a pedal crank mechanism used to drive the rear wheel.
If you’re looking for a date, try 1866. In Paris, a blacksmith by the name of Pierre Michaux’s son who a bicycle with a steam-powered engine. That same year, a co-worker of Michaux’s named Pierre Lallement filed a patent in the United States. In 1868, Sylvester H. Roper of Roxbury, MA developed a twin-cylinder steam velocipede, with a coal-fired boiler between the wheels. The first successful motorcycle production company began in Arizona under the guidance of Lucius Copeland. He designed a smaller steam boiler and called the company the Northrop Manufacturing Co.
The Progression
After the initial attempts to produce a motorized, two-wheel bike, the 1880’s saw a flurry of activity. Particularly in England and Germany, there was a race to advance the design and make it a commercial success. Names like Wilhelm Maybach, Gottlieb Daimler and Karl Benz are all referenced when it comes to the origins of the modern-day motorcycle. In 1896, the Excelsior Motor Company began production of their first motorcycle model that was available for purchase to the public. The first commercially produced motorcycle was built in the U.S. in 1898 by Charles Metz at his factory in Waltham, MA.
Before, most ‘motorcycles’ were modified bicycles, but now, with engines getting bigger, designs began to shift to focus on an entirely new vehicle. In 1901, the English company Royal Enfield introduced its first motorcycle with a 239 cc engine mounted in the front and driving the rear wheel through a belt. By 1902, the company was producing over 500 motorcycles a year. Legendary American motorcycle manufacturer Indian Motorcycles also set up shop in 1901 in Illinois.
The novelty of motorcycle racing was a big boost for motorcycles; the new sport that led to experimentation and innovation from fans who saw motorcycles as more than a fad.
The first and second World Wars were instrumental in forwarding the design and mass production of motorcycles. These historical events also led to the creation of Harley-Davidson, one of the most recognized motorcycle brands in the world. Following America’s dominance of cruiser-type motorcycles, Japan became a major player during the 1960’s with small, two-stroke models, ideal for urban travel and made household names out of Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawasaki.
Harley-Davidson Motorcycles
One of the most famous motorcycle brands is Harley-Davidson. Born in 1906 when the company manufactured its first 50 motorcycles, Harley-Davidson has become an iconic symbol and a true American success story. Under the stewardship of William S. Harley and William and Walter Davidson, a foundation was laid that allowed Harley-Davidson to become as American as baseball and apple pie!
Surviving the Great Depression and two World Wars, the company persevered through many hardships and by the 1960s would be the motorcycle for serious bikers. From the Hells Angels to police departments, the Harley attracted a diverse range of riders who were enamored with its design, engineering and pure power. The brand has been featured in several famous Hollywood films, including Easy Rider, TV shows such as Harley and the Davidsons and numerous references in music, books and pop culture.
The Future
Today, motorcycles can be found everywhere in all shapes and sizes. From the expensive Ducati to more affordable Honda, you can find a motorcycle that suits your style and budget!