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The first steam cycle was built by Sylvester Howard Roper
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The first gasoline motorcycle was invented, the 1885 Daimler Reitwagen. Consisting of a single-cylinder internal combustion engine mounted on a wooden frame with iron-banded wooden wheels, it was called the “boneshaker”, and noted for toppling people off the bike.
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Rather than using solid iron as the tread, John Boyd Dunlop invents the first inflatable tyre, paving the way for motorcycles alike.
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Charles H.Metz is the first to mass produce the motorbike in America. He is also credited with coining the term 'motorbike'.
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French automobile manufacturer DeDion-Buton introduces a lightweight, 4-stroke engine that makes mass-production of the motorcycle possible.
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The Indian Motocycle company begins mass-producing motorcycles, using a 1.75hp engine based on the DeDion-Buton design. They are the world's best-selling motorcycles up until World War 1.
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Harley-Davidson was launched, along with their signature V-Twin engine.
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World War 1 begins. The motorbike becomes an invaluable tool for gathering intelligence, as well as delivering messages.
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The film 'The Wild One' starring Marlon Brando is released. From this film, the motorcycle becomes a symbol of rebellion.
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Yamaha enters the motorcycle industry
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The Baby boomers come of age, creating the biggest sales boom in motorcycling history.
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Grey Advertising launches its iconic campaign, “You Meet the Nicest People on a Honda.” The wildly successful campaign positions motorcycles as a casual, everyday vehicle, rather than one associated with lawlessness and discontent. Motorcycle registrations soar.
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Bell helmets invent the first full-faced motorcycle helmet, the Star.
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Honda reveals the CB750, with its revolutionary 4-cylinder, single overhead cam engine, it is considered the first “superbike.”
