A Brief History Of Motorcycles

The history of the motorcycle will forever be linkedOtto's four stroke internal combustion engine was a
with the development of early bicycles. The bicycleremarkable breakthrough and Daimler's use of it
formed the basis for early motorbikes and helped toensured that in 1885 he produced what many see as
shape the history of these motorized machines.having been the first ever motorcycle.
In 1867 Sylvester Howard Roper invented the firstThere is often some confusion, with many believing
machine that some would recognise as a motorbike.that these machines were invented by the Harley
Roper, an American, created a machine that had twoDavidson company.
cylinder steam engine. This early bike was poweredThat company was founded by William Harley, Arthur
by coal.Davidson and Walter Davidson. Although they did play
Some experts insist that having the machinea key role in the early development of motorcycles,
powered in such a way suggests that it can't reallythey didn't start producing the machines until almost
be compared to modern motorcycles.twenty years after Daimler had created the first one.
Many suggest that the first real motorcycle wasAlthough Harley Davidsons quickly became known for
invented by Gottlieb Daimler. Daimler was, of course,their speed and performance, the inventors always
to eventually find rather more fame through his workintended that the bikes should be used for transport
on cars.purposes.
Daimler had been working for some time withToday, they remain as one of the great icons of the
Nicolaus August Otto, who was himself an earlylast century.
expert in designing and building engines. Daimler tookIt's amazing to think that the developments of more
one of Otto's engines and attached it to a woodenthan 100 years ago led to the production of modern
bicycle frame.day motorbikes.