The History of the Motorcycle, Part 2

         

Up until the First World War, the largest motorcycle manufacturer was Indian. After that, this honour went to Harley Davidson, until 1928 when DKW took over as the largest manufacturer. After the Second World War, in 1951, the BSA Group became the largest producer of motorcycles in the world. The German NSU was the largest manufacturer from 1955 until the 1970s when Honda became the most prominent manufacturer, a title it retains to this day. British manufacturers held a dominant position in some markets until the rise of the Japanese manufacturers (led by Honda) in the late 1960s and early 1970s who were able to produce designs faster, cheaper and of better quality. Today, the Japanese manufacturers Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha dominate the motorcycle industry, although Harley-Davidson still maintains a high degree of popularity in America.   

Recent years have also seen a resurgence in the popularity of many other brands, including BMW, Triumph and Ducati.

Construction Variations

Variations exist:

• There are three basic forms of motorcycles: offroad, street and dual-purpose.
• Some motorcycles have floorboards instead of footpegs.
• Some motorcycles can be fitted with a sidecar, this converting it into a 3-wheeler or “hack”.
• There are other 3-wheeled variations, commonly referred to as a trike or motortricycle.
• Motorcycle manufacturers often also produce All-terrain vehicles or ATVs. These have two or more back wheels, usually two front wheels, an open driver’s seat and a motorcycle-type handlebar. (Early models had a single front wheel, but these were prone to rollovers.) ATVs are used off-road for utility and recreation. However, a proper motorcycle has fewer than four wheels in contact with the ground.

 

Riding Position

Modern motorcycle riding positions are evolutions of horse riding saddles. The riding position of American style Cruisers and Choppers evolved from the saddle and riding position used by Western Cowboys (See Western Saddle). This position allows greater long distance comfort, with some compromise of control. In contrast, Sportbikes, Standards and Dirtbikes derive their seating position from the more sporting oriented English Saddle.

 

Chassis