• 1867 - An American, Sylvester Roper, successfully attaches a two-cylinder, steam-engine (powered by coal) to a bicycle. If you can allow yourself to accept a steam engine as a power source, then Roper’s invention should be acknowledged as the first motorcycle.
  
  
• 1885 – It is Gottlieb Daimler of Germany, however, who is widely considered to be the father of the motorcycle (yes, the same Daimler as Daimler Benz automobiles). His single cylinder gas engine motorcycle travels neither far, nor fast, but it’s a start. Constructed mostly of wood, it’s nicknamed ‘bone crusher’ for its jarring ride!
  
  
• Early 1900 - Two renowned American icons begin motorcycle production: Indian Motorcycles begins in 1901 and in 1903 William Harley & Arthur and Walter Davidson launch what is now the oldest motorcycle manufacturer in the world, Harley-Davidson.
  
  
• 1909 - Harley-Davidson proves to be early innovator in motorcycle technology: its V-Twin bike becomes the first mass produced motorcycle capable of climbing hills!
  
  
• Manufacturers begin to blossom throughout Europe, aiming for faster, more reliable bikes to serve as dependable transportation, such as Moto Guzzi’s 2-cylinder engine with shaft drive. Pre- WWI, Italy’s Ducati wins the majority of racing victories; Indian’s advanced technology also enables it to capture several European racing wins.
  
  
• Mass production of the motorcycle begins to face competition from another vehicle: the automobile. The affordability of Henry Ford’s Model T has a significant, adverse impact on motorcycle sales as buyers jump headfirst into the automobile craze.

World War I

• Motorcycle manufacturers like Harley-Davidson and Indian play a significant role in the war, supplying tens of thousands of bikes to troops. In addition to aiding the war effort, troops’ use of motorcycles has another effect: an increase in consumer access to bikes and growing familiarity – and affection -- for motorcycles.
  
  
• The post WWI era becomes The Machine Age, as mechanical knowledge acquired during the War is transferred to a variety of industries – including the motorcycle industry. Manufacturers, including a host of new companies from England, Belgium, Germany and Italy enter manufacturing, focusing on innovation, practicality and efficiency of bikes for everyday use by consumers.
  
  
• BMW’s R23 is an example of the era’s technological innovations. It features shaft final drive and a horizontally opposed twin cylinder engine that proves so reliable the company doesn’t introduce a four-cylinder version until 1989, well after its competitors.
• Italy’s 120 GP proto-type also integrates technological innovations, featuring four valves and an overhead cam for its single cylinder engine. Its mass production version becomes the Moto Guzzi Tipo Normale.
  
  
• Indian becomes renowned for its staying power and reliability, its 1919 Scout 600 boasting the factory slogan “You can’t wear out an Indian Scout!”
  
  
• Manufacturers across the globe continue to feel the adverse effects of mass production and consumer acceptance of the automobile. Its popularity, combined with post-War tariffs and weak economies and The Great Depression proves too formidable, forcing many US and European manufacturers out of business. By 1931, the only American motorcycle manufacturers left in existence are Harley-Davidson and Indian.
  
  
• 1936 - Harley-Davidson showcases technological innovation, creating its new 61E Advance – a 989 cc engine that can achieve top speeds of 100 mph and serves as the basis of virtually every Harley-Davidson design since.

World War II

• In the late 1930s and 1940s, motorcycle manufacturers again answer a call to war as World War II looms on the horizon. In the US, Harley-Davidson and Indian respond to wartime needs, supplying bikes and sidecars to troops. The manufacture and sale of over 90,000 Harley WLA 45, dubbed the ‘first great American bike’ helps spread across the US the popularity of motorcycling.

1940s -1960s

• The post WWII era continues to focus on auto manufacturing, as manufacturers like VW make inexpensive cars, the sales of which negatively impact motorcycle sales.
  
  
• The first motorcycle gangs form, begun by vets eager to recreate the camaraderie they experienced while riding bikes in their platoons during the war; among their bikes of choice is the Indian Sport Scout. The unease vets feel upon their return home sows the early seeds of rebellion that will grow full force in the 1960s -- as the motorcycle begins to symbolize rebellion.
  
  
• 1949 - Harley-Davidson introduces its Hydra Glide technology – and hydraulic front forks first appear on new models. Early cruiser designs take shape, as seen in lines of 1947 Indian Chief 1206cc, distinguished by its long, graceful sweep of deep fenders. Design cues begun by Indian, Harley-Davidson and others in the 1950s can still be seen in today’s designs, such as in Harley’s exaggerated fender covered wheels.
  
  
• 1953 - Plagued by financial difficulties, declining sales and nonexistent profits, Indian ceases production. Its Chief and Scout models -- its biggest sellers -- serve as the company’s legacy. Harley-Davidson stands alone as the only significant American motorcycle manufacturer.
  
  
• 1958 - Manufacturers continue to devise technology breakthroughs that improve ride quality, safety and reliability, such as the first introduction of rear brakes and hydraulic rear suspension.
  
  
• 1959 - A bellwether moment for the future of manufacturing: Japan’s Honda wins the fabled Isle of Man Grand Prix, motorcycle’s oldest race. This momentous victory portends future changes in industry dominance.
  
  
• The late ‘50’s mark the beginning of Japanese entry into the motorcycle industry; their cheaper, smaller and lighter engines offer consumers a decidedly different choice in motorcycles. Honda introduces its CB450 “Black Bomber”, the first real ‘superbike’ created for speed that beats larger engines in the industry.

1960s-1980s

• The rise of Asia signals the decline of European dominance in the motorcycle industry. Japanese bikes combine American design cues with Japanese reliability and cheap prices -- in stark contrast to the notoriously unreliable electrical and mechanical systems of European bikes.
  
  
• 1960 - A year that epitomizes the dichotomy in industry design and style: Harley-Davidson develops its FLH Duo Glide – a powerful, special-feature loaded bike that epitomizes the traditional American touring bike – as the Japanese introduce the Super Hawk 305, a middleweight motorcycle with tubular frame and reliable electrical system that exceed speeds of 100 mph. Mass production of inexpensive and fast Japanese bikes like Honda’s C102 SuperClub 50 cc allow youth to fully embrace motorcycling -- and sales soar.
  
  
• 1965 - Another Harley-Davidson technology revolution occurs with the introduction of the Electra Glide – the first electric starter, replaces the old Duo Glide, increasing ease of ridership and utility.
  
  
• The Honda CB750 transforms industry design and riding habits in the 1970s. The first bike to introduce front disc brakes used today by virtually all manufacturers, its sophisticated design, smooth ride and low price sweep the nation.
  
  
• Motorcycles begin to turn into expressions of art and owners’ personalities. Hollywood, too, escalates its love affair with the motorcycle, evidenced by starring roles of the Vespa motor scooter in Roman Holiday, the touring bike in The Wild Ones – and the Harley-Davidson 1,200 cc chopper in the era’s signature film, Easy Rider.
  
  
• 1970s - This era signals the start of custom craze, as owners modify their bikes to reflect their passions. A new class of cruiser bikes is born as Harley-Davidson introduces its FX Super Glide that combines a sporty front end with frame and power train of its FL model. Across the US, the bourgeoning highway system provides riders with newfound avenues for touring. The need for speed and lure of danger remain paramount, evidenced by the huge appeal of stunts by daredevils like Evel Knievel and the domination of “crotch rocket design” and superbikes through the 1980s. Bikes like the ’73 Yamaha RD 350 and ‘84 Kawasaki GPZ Ninja combine speed and looks, offering riders ease of handling and maintenance. The increase in market share by the Japanese causes American manufacturers to boost design and engine development in an effort maintain market share.

1990s-Today

• In the 1990s, Harley-Davidson’s investment in design and engine development pays off in spades, improving dependability of bikes across its entire line. These technological improvements combine with savvy marketing of brand heritage to create a cachet that speaks to baby boomers – and sales soar. One model that typifies the new breakthroughs is its XL1200 Sportster that provides riders a smoother, quieter ride with improved ignition, suspension, increased comfort and stability. Harley again rises to industry dominance across the US and Europe – as Japanese sales slow and market share slips.
  
  
• The Japanese continue to focus on technological improvements, as seen in the introduction in 1995 by Honda of the first liquid cooled three cylinder engine. Yamaha’s ’98 YZFR1 99cc combines radical styling with a high performance engine to compete with Harley dominance.
  
  
• BMW employs technology developments to facility entry into the cruise market. Designed by David Robb, its R1200c is quiet, with an efficient engine with retro styling cues. Technology advances include shaft drive, Boxer engine and electronic engine management.
  
  
• Recent technological improvements like improved brake systems, lighter weight chassis and engines (often made from tubular steel) make bikes much easier to ride and handle – a long way from a ‘bone crusher’ with wooden wheels with wire rims! Today’s motorcycles merge design with cutting edge technology, such as Harley-Davidson’s new 1130cc overhead cam engine developed by Porsche, in its 2002 VRSCA V-Rod bike. With radical, forward looking design it sets the standard for the next generation of cruisers. Other designs that combine design with state of the art technology include the 2002 MV Agusta F4-S 4 cylinder 1170 cc sport bike from Italy –featuring a design by Massimo Tamurino and engine by Ferrari and Cagiva Research Center.
  
  
• The quest for speed continues, embodied in the 2002 Suzuki GSX 1300 R Hayabusa. The manufacturer’s attempt at the fastest bike in the world combines elegant design with a high-speed engine that achieves speeds of almost 190 mph.

What does the future hold for the motorcycle? Only time will tell, but you can be sure manufacturers will continue their quest to improve performance, comfort and safety as technology continues to drive the evolution of the motorcycle. Check out most any motorcycle magazine and there will be articles about what’s “coming down the road”. Potential developments include: low, light grand prix racers with no frames and carbon fiber body work…a shift away from pedal bikes … ‘hub centered steering’ linked to handlebars to replace today’s front steering forks… increased use of lightweight metals like aluminum and plastics in engines… new ceramic bearings to eliminate the need for oil in engines… automatic gearboxes…plastic tires to replace rubber tires…bikes adjustable to size and position of rider – and even bikes that change color with light to make them visible at all times!