History of Motorcycles: Unstoppable and Victorious from Steam to Speed 2025:
image: Butler’s Patent Velocycle
The second part of the nineteenth century saw the beginning of the history of motorcycles. The “safety bicycle,” which featured two wheels of the same size on the front and back, and pedals that moved the back wheel, was the ancestor of motorcycles. The motorbike doesn’t have a single, distinct origin, despite some significant early inventions. Rather, the same idea was conceived at roughly the same period by other engineers and innovators throughout Europe, each of whom created their own variations.
Early Steam Powered Motorcycles:
image: stem powered bike
New Developments and Trials of Motorcycles:
The history of motorcycles begin to form a road when first company to manufacture bicycles with pedals was founded in the 1860s by a Parisian blacksmith named Pierre Michaux. These motorcycles were referred to as “velocipedes” or occasionally “Michaulines.” Ernest Michaux, Pierre’s son, made a novel attempt in 1867. He modified one of these pedal cycles to include a little steam engine. This was the first motorcycle powered by steam to be produced.
The first bicycle patent was filed in America in 1866 by a man named Pierre Lallement, who had previously collaborated with Michaux. Then, in 1868, Sylvester H. Roper, an American inventor, created his own steam-powered bicycle. A coal-fired boiler was mounted between the wheels of his bike. Roper tragically passed away in 1896 while demonstrating one of his inventions to the public.
source: wikipedia , image: A 1913 FN (Fabrique National), Belgium, 4 cylinders and shaft drive
Louis-Guillaume Perreaux, a French engineer, created a comparable device in 1868 as well. He also had a steam engine on his bike, although it ran on alcohol. Although he received a patent for it, the machine wasn’t operational until 1871. Another steam bike was reported in a Berlin newspaper in 1876. This one was heated by a petroleum lamp rather than coal or alcohol. The bike was somewhat safer to ride when petroleum was used.
A smaller steam engine was constructed later in 1881 by an American inventor from Arizona named Lucius Copeland. A big-wheeled bicycle could reach 12 miles per hour with his engine. Copeland even founded a business in 1887 to produce and market the first profitable three-wheeled motorcycle, the Moto-Cycle.
image: Diagram of 1894 Hildebrand & Wolfmüller.
The first self-propelled three-wheel bicycle powered by a gasoline engine was constructed in England in 1884 by Edward Butler. His creation was developed two years before to Karl Benz’s well-known automobile. Butler’s machine featured a steering mechanism, liquid cooling, and a carburetor, among other unique features. It never gained traction, though, since he was unable to locate enough backers.
Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach created the first gasoline-powered motorbike, known as the Reitwagen (“riding car”), in Germany in 1885. It was primarily used to test their new engine and has two additional wheels on the sides for balance.
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The earliest factories that produced motorcycles:
A 1962 Triumph Bonneville represents the popularity of British motorcycles at that time
By the late 1880s and early 1890s, a large number of people in America, England, and Germany were producing motorbikes. Hildebrand & Wolfmüller built the first mass-manufactured motorbike, which was formally referred to as a “motorcycle” in 1894. The Excelsior Motor Company began selling motorcycles to the general public in England in 1896.
Charles Metz created the Orient Aster motorbike in America in 1898. The first motorbike with a Dion-Bouton engine was displayed by Peugeot in France at a motor show in Paris the same year. The oldest motorbike manufacturer, Peugeot Motorcycles, is still in business today!
Motorcycle Growth in 19th Century:
The first motorbike was produced in 1901 by Royal Enfield in England. Triumph quickly rose to prominence as the biggest manufacturer after releasing its own model in 1902. BSA and Norton were among the other brands that joined.
Harley-Davidson began producing motorcycles in the United States in 1903 after the Indian Motorcycle Company did so in 1901. Indian was producing 32,000 motorcycles annually by 1913. As motorcycle racing gained popularity, manufacturers were compelled to produce stronger and faster machines.
Motorcycles in World War I:
image: showing people using bikes in world war
Motorcycles played a crucial role in supporting soldiers on the battlefield and transporting communications during World War I. The military accounted for over half of Harley-Davidson’s output. Triumph sold more than 30,000 Model H motorcycles, which were renowned for their dependability and strength. Often referred to as the first truly modern motorbike, the Model H was among the first motorcycles without pedals.
Motorcycles After World War:
Harley-Davidson was the biggest motorcycle manufacturer in the world by 1920. Later, the largest manufacturer was DKW from Germany. In 1923, BMW began producing motorbikes with a novel engine type that used a shaft drive. Many of them closed, leaving only Harley-Davidson and Indian in America. In the 1930s, there were more than 80 motorbike brands in Britain. In 1937, Joe Petrali achieved 136 mph on a modified Harley-Davidson, setting a new world speed record.
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Motorcycles at World War II and Beyond:
Before World War II, many companies built motorcycles for the military. BSA made over 126,000 motorcycles for the British Army, and Royal Enfield made lightweight models that could even be dropped from planes. After the war, motorcycles became more than just transportation. In the US, veterans found adventure and brotherhood in motorcycle clubs, which inspired the biker culture seen in movies like The Wild One. In Europe, the focus was on making practical and affordable motorcycles. Piaggio launched the famous Vespa scooter in 1946, which became hugely popular.
The Rise of Japanese Motorcycles:
image: showing evolution of japanese bikes in japan
From the 1950s, Japanese companies like Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, and Kawasaki entered the motorcycle market. They made bikes that were faster, cheaper, and more reliable than British and American ones. Honda became the largest motorcycle maker by the late 1950s. In 1969, Honda’s CB750 changed everything with its powerful four-cylinder engine. Kawasaki soon followed with even bigger and faster models. Meanwhile, European brands like Triumph, BSA, and Norton started losing popularity. Follow up Article: History of Japanese motorcycles.
Motorcycles in Today's era:
By the 1970s and 1980s, motorcycles were no longer just for transportation, they became symbols of freedom, fun, and lifestyle. Japanese brands dominated the market because of their innovative designs, better performance, and affordable prices. Motorcycles evolved into high-speed sports machines, rugged adventure bikes, stylish cruisers, and even eco-friendly electric bikes today.
Indian Motorcycle’s Full History (1901–2010s):
image:A pre-war Polish Sokół 1000
Indian Motorcycle, America’s first motorcycle company, has a storied past of triumphs and challenges.
- 1901 to 1910s: Founded in 1897 (though production began in 1901) as the Hendee Manufacturing Company in Springfield, Massachusetts, by George Hendee and Oscar Hedstrom, Indian became the world’s top maker by the 1910s. They set a speed record in 1903, won the 1911 Isle of Man TT, and peaked at 32,000 bikes in 1913.
- 1920s to 1930s: The Scout (1920–1946) and Chief (1922–1953), designed by Charles Franklin, were iconic. World War I sales to the U.S. government hurt dealers, letting Harley-Davidson take the lead. In 1930, Indian merged with Du Pont Motors, adding colors and the war bonnet logo.
- 1927 to 1942: The Indian Four, a four-cylinder bike, was made but had an unpopular engine design in 1936–1937.
- 1940s to 1953: Indian supplied military bikes during World War II, but their 841 desert bike wasn’t chosen over Harley’s. Post-war, new owners in 1945 focused on the Chief, adding the war bonnet fender light in 1947. New lightweight bikes in 1949 had quality issues, leading to bankruptcy in 1953.
- 1953 to 1999: Companies like Brockhouse Engineering, Floyd Clymer, and Alan Newman tried to revive Indian with imported bikes and mopeds, but none succeeded.
- 1999 to 2003: The Indian Motorcycle Company of America made Chiefs, Scouts, and Spirits in California but went bankrupt.
- 2006 to 2011: Stellican Limited restarted Indian in North Carolina, making exclusive Chiefs. In 2011, Polaris Industries bought Indian, moving production to Minnesota and Iowa.
- 2010s: By 2013, Indian launched modern bikes with classic style. They partnered with the Veteran’s Charity Ride (VCR) in 2015 to help wounded veterans through motorcycle journeys and offered factory tours at the Spirit Lake Experience Center. Today, based in Medina, Minnesota, Indian sells motorcycles, accessories, and apparel.
Summary of Indian Motorcycle’s History and 2010s Revival:
image: Oscar Hedstrom with the first prototype of Indian
Indian Motorcycle, originally founded in 1897 as the Hendee Manufacturing Company in Springfield, Massachusetts, is recognized as America’s first motorcycle company. Renamed the Indian Motocycle Company in 1923, it became a world leader with legendary models like the Scout and Chief, setting speed records and winning major races like the 1911 Isle of Man TT.
The company introduced innovations such as V-twin engines and the Powerplus, but after thriving for decades, it faced financial troubles and went bankrupt in 1953. Over the next few decades, several companies tried unsuccessfully to revive the brand.
In 2011, Polaris Industries acquired Indian Motorcycle and brought it back to life. Operations moved to Minnesota and Iowa, and by 2013, new models were being produced that honored Indian’s classic style while adding modern technology.
During the 2010s, Indian Motorcycle: Expanded its lineup of authentic, high-performance bikes. Strengthened its brand with accessories, apparel, and factory tours at the Spirit Lake Experience Center. Revived its military support tradition by partnering with the Veteran’s Charity Ride (VCR) in 2015, helping wounded veterans heal through motorcycle journeys.
Today, Indian Motorcycle continues to grow, blending its rich history with innovation, and remains a symbol of American craftsmanship and adventure.
Motorcycle History Timeline: Motorcycle’s Journey:
image from: wikipedia, description: 1912 Indian Board Track Racer, on display at the California Automobile Museum
Let’s take a fun ride through the history of motorcycles. You might be surprised where it all started:
1867: The First Steam-Powered Bike:
Sylvester Howard Roper, an American inventor, built a steam-powered two-wheeler called a velocipede. It had two wheels and ran on steam, pretty much the first motorcycle.
1881: A Faster Steam Bike:
Lucius Copeland from Arizona improved the idea by making a smaller steam engine that could go 12 mph. At that time, it was super fast.
1885: First Gas-Powered Motorcycle:
In Germany, Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach created the first motorcycle powered by gas. Their invention changed everything! (Fun fact: Daimler later helped start Mercedes-Benz.)
1894: The First “Motor-Cycle”:
The German company Hildebrand & Wolfmuller started the first production line for motorcycles. They even came up with the word “motor-cycle”!
1895: Better Engines:
A Frenchman named DeDion-Buton made a better four-stroke engine, which made motorcycles stronger and more reliable.
1899: Motorcycles Come to America:
Charles H. Metz built the first motorcycles in the USA.
1901: Indian Motorcycle is Born:
The Indian Motorcycle Company made their first bike, becoming the top-selling brand until World War I.
1903: Harley-Davidson Roars to Life:
William Harley and the Davidson brothers created Harley-Davidson.
Their bikes were fast and started winning races quickly.
1914-1918: Motorcycles Go to War:
During World War I, armies used motorcycles to deliver important messages.
1916: The Mysterious Traub:
The rarest motorcycle, the Traub, was made, way ahead of its time. Only one was ever found.
1920s-1930s: Motorcycle Boom:
The motorcycle world exploded with companies like Moto Guzzi and BMW joining the game. The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) was also founded.
1937: Breaking Barriers:
Sally Robinson became the first woman to get a motorcycle license!
1940s: After World War II:
Soldiers returned home and wanted their own bikes. Motorcycle sales shot up, and cruiser-style bikes became popular.
1947: The Hollister Event:
A motorcycle rally in Hollister, California, got a little wild. The media made it a big deal, creating the “bad boy” biker image.
1950s: Japan Joins In:
1951: KTM from Austria built their first bike.
1952: Suzuki entered the motorcycle world.
1955: Honda and Yamaha joined too, showing they could compete with big American brands.
1960s: Speed and Style
1960: Kawasaki launched their first bike.
1962: Honda’s “You Meet the Nicest People on a Honda” ad changed the biker image.
1965: Custom motorcycles became super popular.
1969: Honda introduced the first superbike. A powerful four-cylinder machine.
1970: Motorcycles Everywhere:
More than 5 million motorcycles were registered in the U.S. which is a record.
1980s: High-Tech Bikes:
Honda and Kawasaki added electronic fuel injection to their bikes, making them even better.
1990s: Baby Boomers Return:
Older riders got back into bikes, boosting sales. Brands like BMW, Ducati, and Triumph made big comebacks.
1998: Electric Dreams Start
Polaris introduced the Victory brand. The first electric motorbike, Lectra, was also created.
2009: The First Hybrid Bike. India’s Eko Vehicles launched the ET-120, the world’s first hybrid motorcycle.
2013: Indian Motorcycle Reborn. Polaris brought back the famous Indian Motorcycle brand!
2018-2021: Electric Future:
Harley-Davidson introduced its electric bike, LiveWire, in 2018.
In 2021, LiveWire became its own independent electric motorcycle brand!
And That’s the Ride So Far. From steam power to electric bikes, motorcycles have come a long way over 150 years. Today, they’re more than just machines, they’re part of a worldwide community and culture. And the journey isn’t over yet!
Legendary Motorcycles That Made History in Nepal:
image: image of yamaha, hero honda, pulser and honda shine
Yamaha RX 100: The True Classic:
The Yamaha RX 100 is a name that brings instant nostalgia for many Nepali riders. With its powerful 2-stroke engine and that unforgettable exhaust sound, it was the dream bike for countless enthusiasts. Families often had at least one RX 100 parked proudly at home. However, the production of this classic beauty ended around 2056 BS when new laws required bikes to have 4-stroke engines. Even today, spotting an RX 100 on the road feels like meeting an old friend.
Hero Honda Splendor: The Reliable Companion:
When Hero and Honda teamed up, they gave Nepal one of its best-selling bikes — the Splendor. This bike became famous for being affordable, fuel-efficient, and extremely reliable. With a 97.2cc engine that delivered just the right amount of power and mileage, the Splendor won the hearts of daily commuters across the country. Even after Hero and Honda ended their partnership, Hero continued to produce the Splendor, keeping its legacy alive on Nepali roads.
Bajaj Pulsar 150: The Youth Icon:
Launched in India in 2001, the Bajaj Pulsar 150 soon captured the attention of young riders in Nepal too. Its bold design, sporty feel, and strong performance made it a favorite choice among the youth. It wasn’t just a bike; it was a statement. With a starting price of around Rs. 2,66,900 at the time, the Pulsar 150 offered style and power at a reasonable price. Even today, it continues to rule the streets with the same energy.
Honda Shine (CB Shine): The Practical Star:
After the Hero-Honda partnership ended, Honda brought the Shine (now known as the CB Shine) to Nepal. This 125cc bike quickly became the best-selling motorcycle in its category. Its minimalist design, great mileage, and reliable performance made it the perfect bike for daily riders who wanted something simple yet dependable. Priced at around Rs. 2,25,900 when the article was published, the CB Shine remains a top choice for many Nepali bikers.
Conclusion: The history of Motorcycles:
image: kawasaki ninja h2
The story of motorcycles is a fascinating journey of innovation, speed, and global impact.
It all began in 1867, when American inventor Sylvester Roper created a steam-powered velocipede, a very early form of the motorcycle. A few years later in 1881, Lucius Copeland improved the design by adding a steam boiler to a penny-farthing bicycle, reaching speeds of up to 10 mph. Then in 1885, German inventors Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach introduced the “Reitwagen,” the world’s first petroleum-powered motorcycle, laying the foundation for modern motorbikes.
The rise of iconic brands soon followed. In 1900, the Werner Brothers submitted the first official patent for a motorcycle. The 1920s saw Harley-Davidson rise to international fame, highlighted by Joe Petrali’s 1937 speed record of over 136 mph. Motorcycle culture took a huge leap in 1953 with the release of The Wild One, starring Marlon Brando and the Triumph Thunderbird, which helped shape the image of biker clubs. By 1959, Honda had emerged as the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world.
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The global impact of motorcycles has been massive. The Honda SuperCub became the most popular motorcycle across Africa, Asia, and South America thanks to its affordability and reliability. Other legendary manufacturers like BMW, Victory, and Ducati also left their mark, each adding their own innovation and style to the motorcycle world.
From simple steam-powered bikes to powerful machines that connect people across continents, motorcycles have truly changed the world and the ride is far from over.
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