The History of Motorcycles
Where would our world be without motorcycles? I mean, we have major events all across the country devoted to these beauties. In today's Lake Bikefest blog, we take a look at the history of motorcycles. From the first invention of a motorcycle to the formation of the iconic Harley-Davidson brand, this blog takes you back through time to the beginning of something great!
The first motorcycle of sorts was invented in 1867. Francetown New Hampshire native, Sylvester Howard Roper, created a two-cylinder, steam-powered velocipede. However, it wasn't until 1885 that the first gas-powered motorcycle was invented by German Gottlieb Daimler. Consisting of a single-cylinder internal combustion engine mounted on a wooden frame with iron-banded wooden wheels, it was called the “boneshaker” for its jarring ride.
In 1902, the Indian Motorcycle Company began mass-producing motorcycles in Springfield, MA. The company was founded by bicycle racer George Hendee and Swedish immigrant Oscar Hedstrom. The earliest models looked like mopeds, and only 3 were made in 1901. In 1902, the company increased production to 143 motorcycles. Indians were the world's best-selling motorcycle up until World War I.
The iconic motorcycle brand, Harley-Davidson, launched in 1903. William Harley and the Davidson brothers founded the company out of a small shed in Milwaukee, WI. They were one of many small motorcycle startups across the country. The company was incorporated in 1907 and by the end of the decade, the company was producing bikes using its signature 45-degree air-cooled V-Twin. The company continued to expand and many sales were generated during World War I.
During World War I, motorcycle production was greatly increased for the war effort, to supply effective communications with front line troops. Messengers on horses were replaced with dispatch riders on motorcycles carrying messages, performing reconnaissance personnel and acting as military police. By the end of the war, Harley-Davidson was devoting over 50% of its factory production toward military contract.
And that's just the beginning of how motorcycles evolved into what we have now. Today, there are endless choices of motorcycle brands, colors, features and more to choose from. No matter what type of motorcycle you have, or how it came to be, one thing is for sure - Lake of the Ozarks Bikefest wouldn't be the same without you and your bike! We can't wait to see you for the ultimate mid-Missouri biker event this September 15-18!
The First Motorcycle
The first motorcycle of sorts was invented in 1867. Francetown New Hampshire native, Sylvester Howard Roper, created a two-cylinder, steam-powered velocipede. However, it wasn't until 1885 that the first gas-powered motorcycle was invented by German Gottlieb Daimler. Consisting of a single-cylinder internal combustion engine mounted on a wooden frame with iron-banded wooden wheels, it was called the “boneshaker” for its jarring ride.
Mass Production of Motorcycles
In 1902, the Indian Motorcycle Company began mass-producing motorcycles in Springfield, MA. The company was founded by bicycle racer George Hendee and Swedish immigrant Oscar Hedstrom. The earliest models looked like mopeds, and only 3 were made in 1901. In 1902, the company increased production to 143 motorcycles. Indians were the world's best-selling motorcycle up until World War I.
Harley-Davidson Motorcycles
The iconic motorcycle brand, Harley-Davidson, launched in 1903. William Harley and the Davidson brothers founded the company out of a small shed in Milwaukee, WI. They were one of many small motorcycle startups across the country. The company was incorporated in 1907 and by the end of the decade, the company was producing bikes using its signature 45-degree air-cooled V-Twin. The company continued to expand and many sales were generated during World War I.
World War I
During World War I, motorcycle production was greatly increased for the war effort, to supply effective communications with front line troops. Messengers on horses were replaced with dispatch riders on motorcycles carrying messages, performing reconnaissance personnel and acting as military police. By the end of the war, Harley-Davidson was devoting over 50% of its factory production toward military contract.
And that's just the beginning of how motorcycles evolved into what we have now. Today, there are endless choices of motorcycle brands, colors, features and more to choose from. No matter what type of motorcycle you have, or how it came to be, one thing is for sure - Lake of the Ozarks Bikefest wouldn't be the same without you and your bike! We can't wait to see you for the ultimate mid-Missouri biker event this September 15-18!
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