Motorcycle History Timeline

Motorcycle History 1884 Reitwagen

Motorcycles have a relatively short history, dating back to the late 19th century. However, they have evolved rapidly over the years, and today there are a wide variety of motorcycles available, from small scooters to powerful touring bikes.

1867:Sylvester Howard Roper, an American inventor, builds the first steam-powered motorcycle. (Read More)

1874: The Excelsior Motor Company was founded and known for producing some of the most powerful and innovative motorcycles of its time. (Read More)

1885: Who Invented the First Motorcycle Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach,  invented the first gasoline-powered motorcycle, the Daimler Reitwagen. (Read More)

1901: Indian Motorcycle founded by George Hendee in Springfield, Massachusetts, becoming the first American motorcycle manufacturer. (Read More)

1901: Aurora Automatic Machinery Company produced engines for Indian Motocycles from 1901 to 1907. (Read More)

1903: Harley-Davidson is founded in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, becoming the other major American motorcycle manufacturer. (Read More)

1907: The Curtiss V-8 motorcycle was built for racing and was designed to break speed records. The engine was a liquid-cooled, four-stroke V-8 that was capable of producing 40 horsepower. (Read More)

1910s: Motorcycles become increasingly popular as a form of transportation and recreation.

1920s: Motorcycles continue to evolve, with new technologies such as electric starters and front suspension becoming more common.

1930s: The Great Depression leads to a decline in motorcycle sales, but motorcycles are also used extensively by the military during World War II.

1940s: After World War II, motorcycle sales rebound, and new models such as the Harley-Davidson Panhead and the Triumph Bonneville are introduced.

1950s: Japanese motorcycle manufacturers begin to emerge as major players in the global market.

1960s: Motorcycles become increasingly popular with young riders, and new styles such as the cafe racer and the chopper are developed.

1970s: The oil crisis leads to a decline in motorcycle sales, but motorcycles also become more fuel-efficient and reliable.

1980s: Superbikes are introduced, offering unprecedented levels of performance.

1990s: Motorcycles continue to evolve, with new technologies such as fuel injection and anti-lock braking systems becoming more common.

 

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