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The Beginning
Founded in a small shed by William S. Harley and brothers Arthur and Walter Davidson in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Originally the motorcycles were going to be transport bikes but their engines proved to be speedy, winning races. The first Harley-Davidson would be distributed and sold in Chicago.
(http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/2008/02/article/harley-davidson-motorcycle-history/) -
World War Motorcycles
During the first World War, motorcycles productions greatly increased. They were replacing horses for messengers and reconnaissance actions. They were used to deliver messages, supplies, and equipment. Harley-Davidson was devoting over 50% of it's product output to military contract by the end of the war.
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_motorcycle) -
A Rare Invention
The world's rarest motorcycle known the Traub was created by a mysterious and unknown inventor. The motorcycle featured unique technology that was oddly advanced for its time, it was the only one made, and was not discovered for over half a century.
(https://www.motorcycleclassics.com/classic-american-motorcycles/traub-motorcycle-zmmz07jfzraw) -
Recognition
Between the 1920's and the 1930's the motorcycle was embraced dramatically. This is when well-known companies like Moto Guzzi and BMW stepped into the industry.
(https://blog.rumbleon.com/history-of-motorcycles) -
The American Motorcyclist Association
The AMA is a nonprofit organization of more than 200,000 motorcyclists that organizes numerous motorcycling activities and campaigns for motorcyclists' legal rights.
(https://www.americanmotorcyclist.com/About-The-AMA/Story/history-of-the-ama) -
Germany's Takeover
Germany's DKW Company managed to become the largest motorcycle maker in the world.
(http://www.bicyclehistory.net/motorcycle-history/motorocycle-timeline/ -
Women Riders
Sally Robinson becomes the first woman to ever receive her motorcycle license.
(https://blog.rumbleon.com/first-woman-biker-sally-robinson) -
Veteran Motorcycles
At end of World War II, American and European sales of the motorcycles skyrocket. This is due to the large number of veterans returning home after having ridden them during the War, and returning home with the passion of two wheels. This is when the cruiser style and design becomes popular.
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_motorcycles_of_the_1940s) -
Motorcycle Superstitions
After brotherhoods and motorcycle clubs began to take off, the development of many popular motorcycle superstitions become popular such as the green motorcycle curse.
(http://folklore.usc.edu/?p=16253) -
Motorcycle Clubs
American War veterans began forming loosely organized motorcycle clubs.
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_motorcycle) -
Marlo Brando's Film
Motorcycle clubs being famous after their portrayal in Marlo Brando's Film "The Wild One."
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_motorcycle) -
More Brands Emerge
The brands Honda and Yamaha merge into the marketplace to shake things up and try to prove that they could create as advanced motorcycles as mainstreams American brands like Harley-Davidson and Indian.
(https://blog.carsforsale.com/a-look-back-in-history-motorcycle-brands/) -
Japanese Honda
Japans Honda company became the world's largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world.
(https://global.honda/heritage/episodes/1959establishingamericanhonda.html) -
Kawasaki's First Bike
Kawasaki releases their first bike making waves in the racing industry kicking the stereotype of "green being an unlucky color."
(https://bikez.com/1960s/kawasaki.php) -
Honda and Grey Advertising
Honda works with Grey Advertising on their "You Meet the Nicest People on a Honda" campaign to help eliminate most of the false misconceptions for motorcycle riders.
(https://world.honda.com/history/challenge/1959establishingamericanhonda/page08.html) -
Custom Motorcycles
Custom motorcycles become exceedingly popular with varying styles and custom paint.
(https://blog.rumbleon.com/history-of-motorcycles) -
4 Cylinder Motorcycles
Honda creates a 4-cylinder motorcycle that becomes the first “superbike.”
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_CB750) -
Electric Motorcycle
Harley-Davidson takes a stake in the electric motorcycle industry by announcing a new, electric bike to debut in 2019.
(https://blog.rumbleon.com/history-of-motorcycles)
