VINTAGE CYCLE WORLD MAGAZINE APRIL 1969 VOL 8 NUM 4 ~ KAWASAKI 500, LYNX, HONDA For Sale

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VINTAGE CYCLE WORLD MAGAZINE APRIL 1969 VOL 8 NUM 4 ~ KAWASAKI 500, LYNX, HONDA:
$6.99

VINTAGE CYCLE WORLD MAGAZINE APRIL 1969 VOL 8 NUM 4 ~ KAWASAKI 500, LYNX, HONDA CL350, KAWASAKI 90 G3SS, THE ISLE OF MAN TT,
SPINE, FRONT & BACK COVER HAVE SOME WEAR AND MINOR DAMAGE (AS SHOWN)MAGAZINE IS COMPLETEPAGES ARE IN VERY GOOD CONDITION WITH SOME TANNING AND EDGE ROUNDING (AS SHOWN)
*DETAILED PICTURES PROVIDED - WHAT YOU SEE IS WHAT U GET*
*INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING DONE THROUGH GLOBAL SHIP**HAPPY offerDING!!!*

Amotorcycle, often called amotorbike,bike, orcycle, is a two or three-wheeledmotor vehicle.[1][2][3]Motorcycle design varies greatly to suit a range of different andoff-roadriding.Motorcyclingis riding a motorcycle and related social activity such as joining amotorcycle cluband attendingmotorcycle rallies.

The 1885Daimler Reitwagenmade byGottlieb DaimlerandWilhelm Maybachin Germany was the first internal combustion, petroleum fueled motorcycle. In 1894,Hildebrand & Wolfmüllerbecame the first series production motorcycle.[4][5]

In 2014, the three top motorcycle producers globally by volume wereHonda(28%),Yamaha(17%) (both from Japan), andHero MotoCorp(India).[6]In developing countries, motorcycles are considered utilitarian due to lower prices and greaterfuel economy. Of all the motorcycles in the world, 58% are in the Asia-Pacific and Southern and Eastern Asia regions, excluding car-centric Japan.

According to theUS Department of Transportation, the number of fatalities per vehicle mile traveled was 37 times higher for motorcycles than for cars.[7]

TypesMain article:Types of motorcyclesAcruiser(front) and asportbike(background)AUralmotorcycle with asidecarFrench gendarmemotorcyclist

The term motorcycle has different legal definitions depending on jurisdiction (see§Legal definitions and restrictions).

There are three major types of motorcycle: street, off-road, and dual purpose. Within these types, there are many sub-types of motorcycles for different purposes. There is often aracingcounterpart to each type, such asroad racingand street bikes, ormotocrossincluding dirt bikes.

Street bikes and many other types. Off-road motorcycles include many types designed for dirt-oriented racing classes such asmotocrossand are not street legal in most areas. Dual purpose machines like thedual-sportstyle are made to go off-road but include features to make them legal and comfortable on the street as well.

Each configuration offers either specialised advantage or broad capability, and each design creates a different riding posture.

In some countries the use ofpillions(rear seats) is restricted.

HistoryMain article:History of the motorcycleExperimentation and inventionReplica of the Daimler-MaybachReitwagen

The firstinternal combustion,petroleumfueled motorcycle was theDaimlerReitwagen. It was designed and built by the German inventorsGottlieb DaimlerandWilhelm MaybachinBad Cannstatt, Germany in 1885.[8]This vehicle was unlike either thesafety bicyclesor theboneshakerbicycles of the era in that it had zero degrees ofsteering axis angleand nofork offset, and thus did not use the principles ofbicycle and motorcycle dynamicsdeveloped nearly 70 years earlier. Instead, it relied on two outrigger wheels to remain upright while turning.[9]

The inventors called their invention theReitwagen(\"riding car\"). It was designed as an expedient testbed for their new engine, rather than a true prototype vehicle.[10][11]

Butler\'s Patent Velocycle

The first commercial design for a self-propelled cycle was a three-wheel design called the Butler Petrol Cycle, conceived ofEdward ButlerinEnglandin 1884.[12]He exhibited his plans for the vehicle at theStanley Cycle Showin London in 1884. The vehicle was built by theMerryweather Fire Enginecompany inGreenwich, in 1888.[13]

The Butler Petrol Cycle was a three-wheeled vehicle, with the rear wheel directly driven by a5⁄8hp (0.47kW), 40cc (2.4cuin) displacement,21⁄4in ×5in (57mm ×127mm) bore × stroke,flat twinfour-stroke engine(withmagneto ignitionreplaced by coil and battery) equipped withrotary valvesand a float-fedcarburettor(five years beforeMaybach) andAckermann steering, all of which were state of the art at the time. Starting was by compressed air. The engine was liquid-cooled, with aradiatorover the rear driving wheel. Speed was controlled by means of athrottlevalve lever. No braking system was fitted; the vehicle was stopped by raising and lowering the rear driving wheel using a foot-operated lever; the weight of the machine was then borne by two small castor wheels. The driver was seated between the front wheels. It wasn\'t, however, a success, as Butler failed to find sufficient financial backing.[14]

Many authorities have excludedsteam powered,electric motorcyclesor diesel-powered two-wheelers from the definition of a \'motorcycle\', and credit the DaimlerReitwagenas the world\'s first motorcycle.[15][16][17]Given the rapid rise in use of electric motorcycles worldwide,[18]defining only internal-combustion powered two-wheelers as \'motorcycles\' is increasingly problematic. The first (petroleum fueled) internal-combustion motorcycles, like the GermanReitwagen, were, however, also the first practical motorcycles.[16][19][20]

If a two-wheeled vehicle with steam propulsion is considered a motorcycle, then the first motorcycles built seem to be the FrenchMichaux-Perreaux steam velocipedewhich patent application was filled in December 1868,[10][11]constructed around the same time as the AmericanRoper steam velocipede, built bySylvester H. RoperRoxbury, Massachusetts.[10][11]who demonstrated his machine at fairs and circuses in the eastern U.S. in 1867,[8]Roper built about 10 steam cars and cycles from the 1860s until his death in 1896.[17]

Summary of early inventionsYearVehicleNumber of wheelsInventorEngine typeNotes1867–1868Michaux-Perreaux steam velocipede2Pierre Michaux
Louis-Guillaume PerreauxSteam

One made

1867–1868Roper steam velocipede2Sylvester RoperSteam

One made

1885Daimler Reitwagen2 (plus 2 outriggers)Gottlieb Daimler
Wilhelm MaybachPetroleum internal-combustion

One made

1887Butler Petrol Cycle3 (plus 2 castors)Edward ButlerPetroleum internal-combustion1894Hildebrand & Wolfmüller2Heinrich Hildebrand
Wilhelm Hildebrand
Alois WolfmüllerPetroleum internal-combustion

Modern configuration
First mass-produced motorcycle
First machine to be called \"motorcycle\"

First motorcycle companiesDiagram of 1894 Hildebrand & Wolfmüller

In 1894,Hildebrand & Wolfmüllerbecame the first series production motorcycle, and the first to be called a motorcycle Motor Company, originally a bicycle manufacturing company based inCoventry,England, began production of their first motorcycle model in 1896. The first production motorcycle in the US was the Orient-Aster, built byCharles Metzin 1898 at his factory inWaltham, Massachusetts.

In the early period of motorcycle history, many producers ofbicyclesadapted their designs to accommodate the new internal combustion engine. As the engines became more powerful and designs outgrew the bicycle origins, the number of motorcycle producers increased. Many of the nineteenth-century inventors who worked on early motorcycles often moved on to other inventions. Daimler and Roper, for example, both went on to develop automobiles.

At the end of the 19th century the first major mass-production firms were set up. In 1898,Triumph Motorcyclesin England began producing motorbikes, and by 1903 it was producing over 500 bikes. Other British firms wereRoyal Enfield,NortonandBirmingham Small Arms Companywho began motorbike production in 1899, 1902 and 1910, respectively.[22]Indianbegan production in 1901 andHarley-Davidsonwas established two years later. By the outbreak of World War I, the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world was Indian,[23][24]producing over 20,000 bikes per year.[25]

First World WarTriumph MotorcyclesModel H, mass-produced for the war effort and notable for its reliability

During the First World War, motorbike production was greatly ramped up for the war effort to supply effective communications with front line troops. Messengers on horses were replaced withdespatch riderson motorcycles carrying messages, performing reconnaissance and acting as a military police. American company Harley-Davidson was devoting over 50% of its factory output toward military contract by the end of the war. The British company Triumph Motorcycles sold more than 30,000 of itsTriumph Type Hmodel toallied forcesduring the war. With the rear wheel driven by a belt, the Model H was fitted with a 499cc (30.5cuin) air-cooledfour-strokesingle-cylinder engine. It was also the first Triumph style=\"margin: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(32, 33, 34); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);\">The Model H in particular, is regarded by many as having been the first \"modern motorcycle\".[27]Introduced in 1915 it had a 550cc side-valve four-stroke engine with a three-speed gearbox and belt transmission. It was so popular with its users that it was nicknamed the \"Trusty Triumph\".[28]

Postwar

By 1920, Harley-Davidson was the largest manufacturer,[29]with their motorcycles being sold by dealers in 67 countries.[30][31]

Amongst many British motorcycle manufacturers, Chater-Lea with its twin-cylinder models followed by its large singles in the 1920s stood out. Initially, using converted a Woodmann-designed ohv Blackburne engine it became the first 350 cc to exceed 100mph (160km/h), recording 100.81mph (162.24km/h) over the flying kilometre during April 1924.[7] Later, Chater-Lea set a world record for the flying kilometre for 350 cc and 500 cc motorcycles at 102.9mph (165.6km/h) for the firm. Chater-Lea produced variants of these world-beating sports models and became popular among racers at the Isle of Man TT. Today, the firm is probably best remembered for its long-term contract to manufacture and supply AA Patrol motorcycles and sidecars.[citation needed]

By the late 1920s or early 1930s,DKWin Germany took over as the largest manufacturer.[32][33][34]

NSU Sportmax streamlined motorcycle, 250cc class winner of the1955 Grand Prix season

In the 1950s, streamlining began to play an increasing part in the development of racing motorcycles and the \"dustbin fairing\" held out the possibility of radical changes to motorcycle design.NSUandMoto Guzziwere in the vanguard of this development, both producing very radical designs well ahead of their time.[35]NSU produced the most advanced design, but after the deaths of four NSU riders in the 1954–1956 seasons, they abandoned further development and quitGrand Prix motorcycle racing.[36]

Moto Guzzi produced competitive race machines, and until the end of 1957 had a succession of victories.[37]The following year, 1958, full enclosure fairings were banned from racing by theFIMin the light of the safety concerns.

From the 1960s through the 1990s, small two-stroke motorcycles were popular worldwide, partly as a result ofEast GermanMZsWalter Kaaden\'s engine work in the 1950s.[38]

TodayRoyal Enfield Bullet

In the 21st century, the motorcycle industry is mainly dominated by theIndian motorcycle industryand by Japanese motorcycle companies. In addition to the large capacity motorcycles, there is a large market in smaller capacity (less than 300cc) motorcycles, mostly concentrated in Asian and African countries and produced in China and India. A Japanese example is the 1958Honda Super Cub, which went on to become the biggest selling vehicle of all time, with its 60 millionth unit produced in April 2008.[39]Today, this area is dominated by mostlyIndian companieswithHero MotoCorpemerging as the world\'s largest manufacturer of two wheelers. ItsSplendormodel has sold more than 8.5million to date.[40]Other major producers areBajajandTVS Motors.[41]

Technical aspectsASuzuki GS500with a clearly visible frame, painted silverConstructionSee also:Motorcycle componentsandMotorcycle design

Motorcycle construction is the engineering, manufacturing, and assembly of components and systems for a motorcycle which results in the performance, cost, and aesthetics desired by the designer. With some exceptions, construction of modern mass-produced motorcycles has standardised on asteeloraluminiumframe,telescopic forksholding the front wheel, anddisc brakes. Some other body parts, designed for either aesthetic or performance reasons may be added. A petrol-poweredenginetypically consisting of between one and fourcylinders(and less commonly, up to eight cylinders) coupled to amanualfive- or six-speedsequential transmissiondrives theswingarm-mounted rear wheel by achain,driveshaft, orbelt. The repair can be done using aMotorcycle lift.

Fuel economy

Motorcycle fuel economy varies greatly with engine displacement and riding style.[42]A streamlined, fully faired Matzu Matsuzawa Honda XL125 achieved 470mpg‑US(0.50L/100km; 560mpg‑imp) in theCraig Vetter Fuel Economy Challenge\"on real highways– in real conditions.\"[43]Due to low engine displacements (100–200cc (6.1–12.2cuin)), and high power-to-mass ratios, motorcycles offer good fuel economy. Under conditions of fuel scarcity like 1950s Britain and modern developing nations, motorcycles claim large shares of the vehicle market.

Electric motorcyclesMain article:Electric motorcycles and scooters

Very high fuel economy equivalents are often derived by electric motorcycles. Electric motorcycles are nearly silent,zero-emissionelectric motor-driven vehicles. Operating range and top speed are limited by battery technology.[44]Fuel cellsand petroleum-electrichybridsare also under development to extend the range and improve performance of the electric drive system.

Reliability

A 2013 survey of 4,424 readers of the USConsumer Reportsmagazine collected reliability data on 4,680 motorcycles purchased new from 2009 to 2012.[45]The most common problem areas wereaccessories,brakes, electrical (includingstarters,charging,ignition), andfuel systems, and thetypes of motorcycleswith the greatest problems were touring, off-road/dual sport, sport-touring, and cruisers.[45]There were not enough sport bikes in the survey for astatistically significantconclusion, though the data hinted at reliability as good as cruisers.[45]These results may be partially explained by accessories including such equipment as fairings, luggage, and auxiliary lighting, which are frequently added to touring, adventure touring/dual sport and sport touring bikes.[46]Trouble with fuel systems is often the result of improper winter storage, and brake problems may also be due to poor maintenance.[45]Of the five brands with enough data to draw conclusions, Honda, Kawasaki and Yamaha were statistically tied, with 11 to 14% of those bikes in the survey experiencing major repairs.[45]Harley-Davidsons had a rate of 24%, while BMWs did worse, with 30% of those needing major repairs.[45]There were not enough Triumph and Suzuki motorcycles surveyed for a statistically sound conclusion, though it appeared Suzukis were as reliable as the other three Japanese brands while Triumphs were comparable to Harley-Davidson and BMW.[45]Three-fourths of the repairs in the survey cost less than US$200 and two-thirds of the motorcycles were repaired in less than two days.[45]In spite of their relatively worse reliability in this survey, Harley-Davidson and BMW owners showed the greatest owner satisfaction, and three-fourths of them said they would buy the same bike again, followed by 72% of Honda owners and 60 to 63% of Kawasaki and Yamaha owners.[45]

DynamicsRacing motorcycles leaning in a turnMain article:Bicycle and motorcycle dynamics

Different types of motorcycles have different dynamics and these play a role in how a motorcycle performs in given conditions. For example, one with a longer wheelbase provides the feeling of more stability by responding less to disturbances.[47]Motorcycle tyreshave a large influence over handling.

Motorcycles must be leaned in order to make turns. This lean is induced by the method known ascountersteering, in which the rider momentarily steers the handlebars in the direction opposite of the desired turn. This practice is counterintuitive and therefore often confusing to novices– and even many experienced motorcyclists.[48][49][50]

With such shortwheelbase, motorcycles can generate enough torque at the rear wheel, and enough stopping force at the front wheel, to lift the opposite wheel off the road. These actions, if performed on purpose, are known aswheeliesandstoppies(or endos) respectively.

AccessoriesMain article:Motorcycle accessories

Various features and accessories may be attached to a motorcycle either asOEM(factory-fitted) oraftermarket. Such accessories are selected by the owner to enhance the motorcycle\'s appearance, safety, performance, or comfort, and may include anything frommobile style=\"list-style-image: margin: 0.3em 0px 0px 1.6em; padding: 0px; color: rgb(32, 33, 34); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);\">

The world record for the longest motorcycle jump was set in 2008 byRobbie Maddisonwith 107 metres (351ft).[51]

Since late 2010, the Ack Attack team has held themotorcycle land-speed recordat 376.36mph (605.69km/h).[citation needed]

SafetyMotorcycle equipmentsMain articles:Motorcycle safetyandMotorcycle safety clothingWearing a motorcycle helmet reduces the risks of death or head injury in a motorcycle crash

Motorcycles have a higher rate of fatal accidents than automobiles or trucks and buses.United States Department of Transportationdata for 2005 from theFatality Analysis Reporting Systemshow that for passenger cars, 18.62 fatal crashes occur per 100,000 registered vehicles. For motorcycles this figure is higher at 75.19 per 100,000 registered vehicles– four times higher than for cars.[52]The same data shows that 1.56 fatalities occur per 100 million vehicle miles travelled for passenger cars, whereas for motorcycles the figure is 43.47 which is 28 times higher than for cars (37 times more deaths per mile travelled in 2007).[7]Furthermore, for motorcycles the accident rates have increased significantly since the end of the 1990s, while the rates have dropped for passenger cars.

The most common configuration of motorcycle accidents in the United States is when a motorist pulls out or turns in front of a motorcyclist, violating their right-of-way.[53]This is sometimes called aSMIDSY, an acronym formed from the motorists\' common response of \"Sorry mate, I didn\'t see you\".[54]Motorcyclists can anticipate and avoid some of these crashes with proper training, increasing their visibility to other traffic, keeping to the speed limits, and not consumingalcoholor otherdrugsbefore riding.[55]

The United Kingdom has several organisations dedicated to improving motorcycle safety by providing advanced rider training beyond what is necessary to pass the basic motorcycle licence test. These include theInstitute of Advanced Motorists(IAM) and theRoyal Society for the Prevention of Accidents(RoSPA). Along with increased personal safety, riders with these advanced qualifications may benefit from reduced insurance costs[56]

Young woman riding a motorcycle in Laos, with four young children passengers

In South Africa, theThink Bikecampaign is dedicated to increasing both motorcycle safety and the awareness of motorcycles on the country\'s roads. The campaign, while strongest in the Gauteng province, has representation in Western Cape, KwaZulu Natal and the Free State. It has dozens of trained marshals available for various events such as cycle races and is deeply involved in numerous other projects such as the annual Motorcycle Toy Run.[57]

Motorcycle safety education is offered throughout the United States by organisations ranging from state agencies to non-profit organisations to corporations. Most states use the courses designed by theMotorcycle Safety Foundation(MSF), whileOregonand Idaho developed their own. All of the training programs include a Basic Rider Course, an Intermediate Rider Course and an Advanced Rider Course.

An MSF rider course for novices

InIreland, since 2010,[58]in the UK and some Australian jurisdictions, such asVictoria,New South Wales,[59]theAustralian Capital Territory,[60]Tasmania[61]and theNorthern Territory,[62]it is compulsory to complete a basic rider training course before being issued a Learners Licence, after which they can ride on public roads.

In Canada, motorcycle rider training is compulsory inQuebecandManitobaonly, but all provinces and territories havegraduated licenceprograms which place restrictions on new drivers until they have gained experience. Eligibility for a full motorcycle licence or endorsement for completing a Motorcycle Safety course varies by province. Without the Motorcycle Safety Course the chance of getting insurance for the motorcycle is very low. TheCanada Safety Council, a non-profit safety organisation, offers the Gearing Up program across Canada and is endorsed by the Motorcycle and Moped Industry Council.[63]Training course graduates may qualify for reduced insurance premiums.

Motorcycle rider posturesBMW C1, with a more upright seating positionBombardier Can-Am Spyder, showing location of rider on the trike

The motorcyclist\'s riding position depends on rider body-geometry (anthropometry) combined with the geometry of the motorcycle itself. These factors create a set of three basic postures.[64]

Sport– the rider leans forward into the wind and the weight of the upper torso is supported by the rider\'s core at low speed and air pressure at high speed.[65]The footpegs are below the rider or to the rear. The reduced frontal area cuts wind resistance and allows higher speeds. At low-speed in this position the rider\'s arms may bear some of the weight of the rider\'s torso, which can be problematic.
Standard– the rider sits upright or leans forward slightly. The feet are below the rider. These are motorcycles that are not specialised to one task, so they do not excel in any particular area.[66][67]The standard posture is used withtouringand commuting as well as dirt and dual-sport bikes, and may offer advantages for beginners.[68]
Cruiser– the rider sits at a lower seat height with the upper torso upright or leaning slightly rearward. Legs are extended forwards, sometimes out of reach of the regular controls on cruiser pegs. The low seat height can be a consideration for new or short riders. Handlebars tend to be high and wide. The emphasis is on comfort while compromising cornering ability because of low ground clearance and the greater likelihood of scraping foot pegs, floor boards, or other parts if turns are taken at the speeds other motorcycles can more readily accomplish.[69][70]

Factors of a motorcycle\'sergonomicgeometry that determine the seating posture include the height, angle and location of footpegs, seat and handlebars. Factors in a rider\'s physical geometry that contribute to seating posture include torso, arm, thigh and leg length, and overall rider height.

Legal definitions and restrictionsMain article:Legal definition of motorcycle

A motorcycle is broadly defined by law in most countries for the purposes of registration, taxation and rider licensing as a powered two-wheel motor vehicle. Most countries distinguish between mopeds of 49cc and the more powerful, larger vehicles (scooters do not count as a separate category). Many jurisdictions include some forms ofthree-wheeled carsas motorcycles.

Environmental impact

Motorcycles and scooters\' low fuel consumption has attracted interest in the United States from environmentalists and those affected by increased fuel prices.[71][72]Piaggio Group Americassupported this interest with the launch of a \"Vespanomics\" website and platform, claiming lower per-mile carbon emissions of 0.4lb/mile (113g/km) less than the average car, a 65% reduction, and better fuel economy.[73]

However, a motorcycle\'sexhaust emissionsmay contain 10–20 times moreoxides of nitrogen (NOx),carbon monoxide, andunburned hydrocarbonsthan exhaust from a similar-year passenger car or SUV.[71][74]This is because many motorcycles lack acatalytic converter, and theemission standardis much more permissive for motorcycles than for other vehicles.[71]While catalytic converters have been installed in most gasoline-powered cars and trucks since 1975 in the United States, they can present fitment and heat difficulties in motorcycle style=\"margin: 0.5em 0px; color: rgb(32, 33, 34); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);\">United States Environmental Protection Agency2007 certification result reports for all vehicles versus on highway motorcycles (which also includes scooters),[75]the average certified emissions level for 12,327 vehicles tested was 0.734. The average \"Nox+Co End-Of-Useful-Life-Emissions\" for 3,863 motorcycles tested was 0.8531. 54% of the tested 2007-model motorcycles were equipped with a catalytic converter.

United States emissions limits

The following table shows maximum acceptable legal emissions of the combination of hydrocarbons, oxides of nitrogen, and carbon monoxide for new motorcycles sold in the United States with 280cc or greaterpiston displacement.[76]

TierModel yearHC+NOx (g/km)CO (g/km)Tier 12006–20091.412.0Tier 22010 and later0.812.0

The maximum acceptable legal emissions of hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide for new Class I and II motorcycles (50cc–169cc and 170cc–279cc respectively) sold in the United States are as follows:[76]

Model yearHC (g/km)CO (g/km)2006 and later1.012.0Europe

European emission standardsfor motorcycles are similar to those for cars.[77]New motorcycles must meet Euro 4 standards,[78]while cars must meet Euro 6D-temp standards. Motorcycle emission controls are being updated and it has been proposed to update to Euro 5 in 2020.[79]

Thehistory of the motorcyclebegins in the second half of the 19th century.Motorcyclesare descended from the \"safety bicycle,\" a bicycle with front and rear wheels of the same size and a pedal crank mechanism to drive the rear wheel.[1]Despite some early landmarks in its development, the motorcycle lacks a rigid pedigree that can be traced back to a single idea or machine. Instead, the idea seems to have occurred to numerous engineers and inventors around Europe at around the same time.

Early steam-powered cycles[edit]Lucius Copeland 1894

In the 1860sPierre Michaux, ablacksmithin Paris, founded \'Michaux et Cie\' (\"Michaux and company\"), the first company to constructbicycleswithpedalscalled avelocipedeat the time, or \"Michauline\".[2]The first steam powered motorcycle, theMichaux-Perreaux steam velocipede, can be traced to 1867, when Pierre\'s son Ernest Michaux fitted a small steam engine to one of the \'velocipedes\'.[3]

The design went to America whenPierre Lallement, a Michaux employee who also claimed to have developed the prototype in 1863, filed for the first bicycle patent with the US patent office in 1866.[4]In 1868 an American,Sylvester H. RoperofRoxbury, Massachusetts, developed a twin-cylindersteam velocipede, with a coal-fired boiler between the wheels. Roper\'s contribution to motorcycle development ended suddenly when he died demonstrating one of his machines inCambridge, Massachusettson June 1, 1896.[3]

Also in 1868, a French engineerLouis-Guillaume Perreauxpatented a similar steam powered single cylinder machine, theMichaux-Perreaux steam velocipede, with an alcohol burner and twin belt drives, which was possibly invented independently of Roper\'s. Although the patent is dated 1868, nothing indicates the invention had been operable before 1871.[3]

In 1881,Lucius CopelandofPhoenix, Arizonadesigned a much smaller steam boiler which could drive the large rear wheel of anAmerican Starhigh-wheelerat 12mph. In 1887 Copeland formed the Northrop Manufacturing Co. to produce the first successful \'Moto-Cycle\' (actually a three-wheeler).[3]

Experimentation and invention[edit]Butler\'s Patent Velocycle

The very first commercial design for a self-propelledbicyclewas a three-wheel design called theButler Petrol Cycle, conceived of and built byEdward ButlerinEnglandin 1884.[5]He exhibited his plans for the vehicle at theStanley Cycle Showin London in 1884, two years earlier thanKarl Benzinvented his first automobile who is generally recognized as the inventor of the modern automobile. Butler\'s vehicle was also the first design to be shown at the 1885International Inventions Exhibitionin London.

The vehicle was built by theMerryweather Fire Enginecompany inGreenwich, in 1888.[6]the ButlerPetrol Cycle(first recorded use of the term)[6]It was a three-wheeled vehicle, with the rear wheel directly driven by a5/8hp (466W) 600 cc (40 in3; 2¼×5-inch {57×127-mm})[6]flat twinfour strokeengine (withmagnetoignition replaced by coil and battery),[6]equipped withrotary valvesand a float-fedcarburettor(five years beforeMaybach),[6]andAckermann steering,[7]all of which were state of the art at the time. Starting was by compressed air.[6]The engine was liquid-cooled, with aradiatorover the rear driving wheel. Speed was controlled by means of athrottlevalve lever. No braking system was fitted; the vehicle was stopped by raising and lowering the rear driving wheel using a foot-operated lever; the weight of the machine was then borne by two small castor wheels. The driver was seated between the front wheels.[6]It wasn\'t, however, a commercial success, as Butler failed to find sufficient financial backing.

Replica of the 1885 Daimler-MaybachReitwagen

Another earlyinternal combustion,petroleumfueled motorcycle was thePetroleum Reitwagen. It was designed and built by the German inventorsGottlieb DaimlerandWilhelm MaybachinBad Cannstatt, Germany in 1885.[8]This vehicle was unlike either thesafety bicyclesor theboneshakerbicycles of the era in that it had zero degrees ofsteering axis angleand nofork offset, and thus did not use the principles ofbicycle and motorcycle dynamicsdeveloped nearly 70 years earlier. Instead, it relied on two outrigger wheels to remain upright while turning.[9]The inventors called their invention theReitwagen(\"riding car\"). It was designed as an expedient testbed for their new engine, rather than a true prototype vehicle.[10][11]

First commercial products[edit]

In the decade from the late 1880s, dozens of designs and machines emerged, particularly in Germany and in England, and soon spread to America.[12]During this early period of motorcycle history there were many manufacturers, since bicycle makers were adapting their designs for the newinternal combustion engine.

Diagram of 1894 Hildebrand & Wolfmüller.

In 1894Hildebrand & Wolfmüllerbecame the first series production motorcycle, and the first to be called a \"motorcycle\" only a few hundred examples of this motorcycle were ever built. The first instance of the term \"motor cycle\" also appears in English the same year in materials promoting machines developed byE.J. Pennington,[15]although Pennington\'s motorcycles never progressed past the prototype stage.[16]

Excelsior Motor Company, originally a bicycle-manufacturing company based inCoventryin Warwickshire (England), began production of their first motorcycle model in 1896, available for purchase by the public. The first production motorcycle in the US was the Orient-Aster, built byCharles Metzin 1898 at his factory inWaltham, Massachusetts.

In 1898,Peugeot Motocyclespresents at theParis Motorshowthe first motorcycle equipped with a Dion-Bouton motor. Peugeot Motocycles remains the oldest motorcycle manufacturer in the world.

In the early period of motorcycle history, many producers ofbicyclesadapted their designs to accommodate the new internal-combustion engine. As the engines became more powerful and designs outgrew the bicycle origins, the number of motorcycle producers increased. Many of the nineteenth-century inventors who worked on early motorcycles often moved on to other inventions. Daimler and Roper, for example, both went on to develop automobiles.

At the turn of the 20th century the first major mass-production firms emerged.

A 1913 FN (Fabrique National), Belgium, 4 cylinders and shaft drive

In 1901 English quadricycle- and bicycle-makerRoyal Enfieldintroduced its first motorcycle, with a 239cc engine mounted in the front and driving the rear wheel through a belt. In 1898 English bicycle-makerTriumphdecided to extend its focus to include motorcycles, and by 1902 the company had produced its first motorcycle—a bicycle fitted with a Belgian-built engine. A year later it was the largest motorcycle-manufacturer, with an annual production of over 500 units. Other British firms includedNortonandBirmingham Small Arms Companywho began motorbike production in 1902 and 1910, respectively.[17]

In 1901 theIndian Motocycle Manufacturing Company, which had been founded by two former bicycle-racers, designed the so-called \"diamond framed\" Indian Single, whose engine was built by the Aurora Firm inIllinoisper Indian\'s specifications. The Single was made available in the deep blue. Indian\'s production was up to over 500 bikes by 1902, and would rise to 32,000, its best ever, in 1913.[18][19]Indian produced over 20,000 bikes per year.[20]The oldest surviving Russian-manufactured motorcycle, the Rossiya, dates from 1902.[21]The American companyHarley-Davidsonstarted producing motorcycles in 1903.

During this period, experimentation and innovation were driven by the popular new sport ofmotorcycle racing, with its powerful incentive to produce tough, fast, reliable machines. These enhancements quickly found their way to the public\'s machines.[12]

ChiefAugust Vollmerof theBerkeley, CaliforniaPolice Departmentis credited with organizing the first officialpolice motorcycle-patrol in the United States in 1911.[22]By 1914, motorcycles were no longer just bicycles with engines; they had their own technologies, although many still maintained bicycle elements, like the seats and suspension.

The First World War[edit]Triumph MotorcyclesModel H, was mass-produced for the war effort and notable for its reliability.

The Model H in particular, is regarded by many as having been the first \"modern motorcycle\".[24]Introduced in 1915 it had a 550cc side-valve four-stroke engine with a three-speed gearbox and belt transmission. It was so popular with its users that it was nicknamed the \"Trusty Triumph.\"[25]

Postwar[edit]A pre-war PolishSokół 1000An historicV-twinAmerican motorcycle — a 1941CrockerPostwar[edit]

By 1920,Harley-Davidsonbecame the largest manufacturer,[26]with their motorcycles being sold by dealers in 67 countries.[27][28]

Amongst many British motorcycle manufacturers Chater-Lea with its twin-cylinder models followed by its large singles in the 1920s stood out. Initially, using converted a Woodmann-designed OHV Blackburne engine it became the first 350 cc to exceed 100 mph (160 km/h), recording 100.81 mph (162.24 km/h) over the flying kilometre during April 1924.[7] Later, Chater-Lea set a world record for the flying kilometre for 350 cc and 500 cc motorcycles at 102.9 mph (165.6 km/h) for the firm. Chater-Lea produced variants of these world beating sports models and became popular among racers at the Isle of Man TT. Today, the firm is probably best remembered for its long-term contract to manufacture and supply AA Patrol motorcycles and sidecars.[citation needed]

By the late 1920s or early 1930s,DKWin Germany took over as the largest manufacturer.[29][30][31]BMW motorcyclescame on the scene in 1923 with a shaft drive and anopposed-twin or \"boxer\"engine enclosed with the transmissionin a single aluminum housing.

By 1931, Indian and Harley-Davidson were the only two American manufacturers producing commercial motorcycles.[32]This two-company rivalry in the United States remained until 1953, when the Indian Motorcycle factory inSpringfield, Massachusettsclosed andRoyal Enfieldtook over the Indian name.[33]

There were over 80 different makes of motorcycle available in Britain in the 1930s, from the familiar marques likeNorton, Triumph andAJSto the obscure, with names like New Gerrard, NUT, SOS, Chell and Whitwood,[34]about twice as many motorcycle makes competing in the world market during the early 21st century.

In 1937, Joe Petrali set a newland speed recordof 136.183mph (219.165km/h) on a modified Harley-Davidson 61cubic inch (1,000cc) overhead valve-driven motorcycle.[32]The same day, Petrali also broke the speed record for 45cubic inch (737cc) engine motorcycles.

In Europe, production demands, driven by the buildup to World War II, included motorcycles for military use, andBSAsupplied 126,000BSA M20motorcycles to the British armed forces, starting in 1937 and continuing until 1950. Royal Enfield also produced motorcycles for the military, including a 125cc lightweight motorcycle that could be dropped (in a parachute-fitted tube cage) from an aircraft.

After World War II[edit]An originalVespawithsidecar

After the World War II, some American veterans found a replacement for the camaraderie, excitement, danger and speed of life at war in motorcycles. Grouped into loosely organized clubs, motorcycle riders in the US created a new social institution—themotorcyclistsor \"bikers\"—which was later skewed by the \"outlaw\" personaMarlon Brandoportrayed in the 1953 filmThe Wild One.[35]

In Europe, on the other hand, post-war motorcycle producers were more concerned with designing practical, economical transportation than the social aspects, or \"biker\" image.[35]Italian designerPiaggiointroduced theVespain 1946, which experienced immediate and widespread popularity. Imports from the UK, Italy and Germany, thus found a niche in US markets that American bikes did not fill.

TheBSA Grouppurchased Triumph Motorcycles in 1951 to become the largest producer of motorcycles in the world claiming \"one in four\".[citation needed]The GermanNSUwas the largest manufacturer from 1955[citation needed]until 1959 whenHondabecame the largest manufacturer.[36][37]

A 1962 Triumph Bonneville represents the popularity of British motorcycles at that time

British manufacturers Triumph, BSA, andNortonretained a dominant position in some markets until the rise of the Japanese manufacturers, led by Honda, in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The role of the motorcycle shifted in the 1960s, from the tool of a life to a toy of a lifestyle. It became part of an image, of status, a cultural icon for individualism, a prop in Hollywood B-movies.[12]

The motorcycle also became a recreational machine for sport and leisure, a vehicle for carefree youth, not essential transportation for the mature family man or woman, and the Japanese were able to produce modern designs more quickly, more cheaply, and of better quality than their competitors. Their motorbikes were more stylish and more reliable, so the British manufacturers fell behind as mass-market producers.

Honda, which was officially founded in Japan on September 24, 1948, introduced theirSOHCinline-four engineCB750in 1969, which was inexpensive and immediately successful.[citation needed]It established the across-the-frame-four engine configuration as a design with huge potential for power and performance. Shortly after the introduction of the SOHC, Kawasaki demonstrated the potential of the four-stroke four-cylinder engine with the introduction of theKZ900.

Suzuki,Kawasakiand theYamahaeach started producing motorcycles in the 1950s. Meanwhile, the sun was setting on British dominion over the big-displacement motorbike market.

Japanese dominance[edit]TheHonda CB750revolutionized motorcycle marketing and was emblematic of Japanese dominance

The excellence of Japanese motorcycles caused similar effects in all Western markets: many Italian bike firms either went bust or only just managed to survive. As a result, BMW\'s worldwide sales sagged in the 1960s, but came back strongly with the introduction of a completely redesigned\"slash-5\"series for model year 1970.

From the 1960s through the 1990s, small two-stroke motorcycles were popular worldwide, partly as a result of the pioneering work of theEast GermanDaniel Zimmermann (rotary disc valve) andMZ\'s Walter Kaaden who developed the two-stroke expansion chamber in the 1950s. These ideas were taken up by Suzuki whenErnst Degner, the MZ engineer and rider, defected to the West on 13 September 1961 after retiring from the 125cc Swedish Grand Prix at Kristianstad. Degner, an excellent engineer, immediately joined Suzuki and his knowledge became their technology springboard.

Harley-Davidsonin the US at the time suffered from the same problems as the European firms, but its unique product range, American tariff laws and nationalism-driven customer loyalty allowed it to survive. One alleged flaw, however, was retaining the characteristic Harley-Davidson 45°engine vee-angle, which causesexcess vibrationas well as the loping Harley-Davidson sound.

A factory full fairing was introduced by BMW motorcycle in the R100RS of 1977, the first factory fairing produced in quantity.[38]In 1980, BMW stimulated the \"adventure touring\" category of motorcycling with itsdual-sportmodel, theR80G/S. In 1988, BMW was the first motorcycle manufacturer to introduceanti-lock-brakes (ABS)on its sporting K100RS-SE and K1 models.[citation needed]

The present[edit]A 2004KawasakiZX-7RR

Today the Japanese manufacturers, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha dominate the large motorcycle industry, althoughHarley-Davidsonstill maintains a high degree of popularity, particularly in the United States.

Recent years have seen a resurgence in the popularity around the world of many other motorcycle brands, including BMW, Triumph andDucati, and the emergence ofVictoryas a second successful mass-builder of big-twin American cruisers.

In November 2006, the Dutch company E.V.A. Products BV Holland announced that the first commercially availablediesel-powered motorcycle, its Track T-800CDI, achieved production status.[39]The Track T-800CDI uses an 800cc three-cylinder Daimler Chrysler diesel engine. However, other manufacturers, including Royal Enfield, had been producing diesel-powered bikes since at least 1965.[40]

In the developing world[edit]Motorcycle traffic inBangkok

There is a large demand for small, cheap motorcycles in the developing world, and many of the firms meeting that demand now also compete in mature markets, such as China\'sHongdouwhich makes a version of Honda\'s venerableCG125.[41]

Motorcycle taxis are commonplace in the developing world. Scooters, mopeds and motorcycles offer a fast, cheap and risky way around snarled traffic and scarce mass transit, as they can easily squeeze through jams.[42]

The firstethanolflex fuelmotorcycle in the world was launched to the Brazilian market by Honda in March 2009, theCG 150 Titan Mix[43][44]During the first eight months after its market launch the CG 150 Titan Mix had captured a 10.6%market share, and ranking second in sales of new motorcycles in the Brazilian market in 2009.[45]In September 2009, Honda launched a second flexible-fuel motorcycle,[46]and by December 2010 both Honda flexible-fuel motorcycles had reached cumulative production of 515,726 units, representing an 18.1% market share of the Brazilian new motorcycle sales in that year.[47][48]As of January 2011 there were four flex-fuel motorcycle models available in the market,[49]and production reached the one million milestone in June 2011.[47][48][50]