Motorcycles

Sylvester Howard Roper Tests First Motorcycle

Jun 1, 1867

The very first motorcycle was steam powered. There were problems with protecting the rider from the steam that came out of the side of the bike. June 1st 1867 Roper tests the bikes speed. Roper's heart fails; he crashes and dies.

First Gas Powered Motorcycle Patented

Aug 29, 1885

Production finished in 1885 by Gottlieb Daimler. Bike used comustable engine. Gas powered bike was more efficient than Roper's steam powered bike.

Harley Davidson Motorcycles

Jan 1, 1903

Harley- Davidson Website William Harley and the Davidson brothers start a motorcycle company in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1903.

Harley- Davidson Releases Their First Bike to the Public

Dec 31, 1903

Harley- Davidson releases their first production bike to the public.

Harley- Davidson XA

Period: Jan 1, 1939 to Dec 31, 1945

Produced for military use. Left hand throttle so rider could fire weapon while riding.

Cruiser Style Bikes

Period: Apr 17, 1940 to Apr 17, 2012

Harley- Davidson is one of the most popular companies that create cruiser bikes, along with BMW and Honda. During this time, many different improvements, and styles have changed certain cruisers. Based after bikes from 1930's.

Honda CB750 Dramtically Increases Perormance of Sport Bikes

Dec 31, 1969

Honda CB750 wasnt the first sport bike, but this bike dramatically increased speed, acceleration, and braking.

Scooters Become Popular for City Life

Period: Apr 17, 1979 to Apr 17, 2012

Scooters have a step-through frame and the rider sits with their feet on a platform. These machines have become adapted to city life, seeing as they are small, quick, and versitile.

Off- Road Motorcycles Become Very Popular

Period: Apr 17, 1995 to Apr 17, 2012

Off- Road bikes, also called Dirt Bikes, are becoming very popular in this decade, especially among the younger generation. These Bikes can be used for racing, or high flying stunts.

Modern Sport Bikes from Foreign Companies

Apr 17, 2012

Kawasaki Website Companies like Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Ducati are some of the more popular companies that are not based in the U.S.A that produce sport bikes.

Samson Technologies Is Set to Release Flying Motorcycle

Dec 31, 2013

Samson Tech. Website for Flying Motorcycle This motorcycle is set to release in 2013. Its rear wing contracts and extends for driving or flying. This three- wheeled machine can seat two people.