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 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...