The world of motorcycles did not begin until roughly 150 years ago. Since the first invention that set the motorcycle on its course from genius imagination to our garages, these motorized bikes have become a staple of luxury and adventure. This is a brief account of how motorcycles came into being and how this bike bonds people across time.
Coal and Steam
In the 1860s, a few people invented what would become the precursors to the modern-day motorcycle. One such man crafted the velocipede, a rough combination of the bike and a coal-powered steam engine. This was the beginning of the motorcycle, a vehicle more compact and maneuverable than a car, but one that still offered motorized transport. The first models, including the petrol cycle, were made with three wheels, which was a very different feel than the modern-day two-wheel motorcycles. But these were constructed for their efficiency and style more than for the thrill of balancing during a ride.
Commercialization Then Wartime
Before motorcycling was widespread and leather jackets like outerwear from Brema were a staple of the culture, the motorized bike had to enter the public market. The commercialization of the motorcycle began in the late 1880s across Britain, Russia, India, and the U.S. In fact, the infamous Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Company was founded and began producing its high-quality products at the turn of the century. However, these recent additions to public consumption quickly became effective tools in wartime during World War I and World War II. Due to its versatility and size, the motorcycle could be maneuvered in urban streets and untamed forests alike.
The Boom of Bike Culture
When the Second World War ended, veterans returned home with a taste for the vehicle. After riding them during their tours, soldiers had grown accustomed to the feel and fit of the motorcycle. At this time, motorcycle clubs began among these men, forming brotherhoods bonded by war and bike. It wasn’t until the mid-20th century that more motorcycle powerhouses began to produce their vehicles. Japanese companies like Suzuki, Honda, Yamaha, and Kawasaki all started pumping out high-quality bikes for private and racing purposes.
Hobbyists, Racers, and Beyond
Today, all kinds of people ride motorcycles now who would never be able to without the creativity of their predecessors. Hobbyists are one of the most common motorcycle riders out there—and there are thousands of them. The motorcycle clubs of the post-war period have developed into mainstays of certain regions. One of the most famous rides in the U.S. is the Tail of the Dragon that runs through North Carolina and Tennessee. Beyond the clubs, people also take their bikes onto the track for competition, harkening back to the nuanced history of motorcycle racing.
With a wider vision for how motorcycles came into being, you can appreciate the machinery we have today. Now, motorcycles are in neighborhoods, highways, and international racetracks. So many makes and models are in production—not even including the ways you can customize your motorcycle—that there’s no telling where they’ll go next!
Van Rundell is a writer and author who specializes in transportation, travel, guidance, health & fitness. With over 10 years of experience in the industry as a driver and an entrepreneur, he has seen it all. His tone is professional but friendly with a dash of humor thrown in for good measure. In past, he has been advising, educating and writing about transport for the public and professionals alike.
A qualified fitness instructor with over 5 years’ experience as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor, Van brings his deep knowledge of health and exercise science to his articles on health & fitness.
