The Evolution of Motorcycles

The First Motorcycle

Jan 1, 1867

Sylvester Howard Roper invents the first motorcycle. It was a 2 cylinder, steam engine powered by coal

First Four stroke

Jan 1, 1876

Nicolaus Otto creates the first four-stroke piston cycle internal combustion engine which was put into the first motorcycle

First gas engine on motorcycle

Jan 1, 1885

Gottlieb Daimler creates the first gas engine powered motorcycle attached to wooden bike

First Series Production Motorcycle

Jan 1, 1894

Hildebrand & Wolfmüller created the first series production motorcycle. Made Travel easier, just as the car did in later years.

Indain Motocycle company

Jan 1, 1901

First big motorcycle company originally known as Indian Hendee Manufacturing Company but renamed to Indian Motocycle Manufacturing Company in 1928.

Bmw Motorrad

Jan 1, 1923

BMW Motorrad gets into the game as an expansion of BMW and becomes very popular throughout history. they incorperated the Boxer Engine into motorcycles paving the way for diffrent configurations in later years.

Kawasaki

Jan 1, 1937

Originally known as Meguro Manufacturing Co, the oldest japanese motorcycle company. The Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Meguro Manufacturing Co merged in 1962 to form Kawasaki Motorcycle Co.

Yamaha

Jan 1, 1955

Yamaha launches their first production of motorcycles in 1955. They helped create larger advances in CC's of engines. Also a big influnce in motorsports to this day.