Motorcycle ABC’s

They’ve been glamorized in the movies and on television by the likes of everyone from James Dean to Peter Fonda in movies like Easy Rider and The Wild Ones.

For years, they’ve represented freedom on the open road to several generations of Americans, but there are still those of us who don’t know much about motorcycles but would like to. Still, there’s one thing that’s undeniable. The motorcycle is part of the American way of life.

First the basics: What actually makes up what many enthusiasts refer to as the Iron Horse?’ Like many other mechanized things today, most modern motorcycles are mass-produced using aluminum for the frames. Motorcycle engines are gasoline powered and usually have a five or six speed transmission. While many of us are familiar with the North American made Harley Davidson, there are other manufacturers from various countries who sell their motorcycles in North America as well as world wide. Some well know Japanese makers are Honda and Yamaha brand motorcycles.

Although there are motorcycles for every walk of life and need, from Japanese made commuter bikes to the racing machines that come equipped with wind screens to cut down on air resistance, it’s the Harley Davidson motorcycle that has become a household name.

Harley Davidson, the most famous bike in the world of motorcycles, was started in Milwaukee in 1903. By 1917 one third of all Harleys built were sent overseas to help with the war effort. By 1918, Harley Davison had the biggest motorcycle factory in the world. But the history of one of America’s favorite pastimes goes back even further.

It is generally accepted that the very first motorcycle was a two cylinder steam engine variety invented in 1867. The first record of any type of motorcycle goes back to 1885, with an engine that was attached to a wooden bike by a man named Gottlieb Daimler.

Like many other industries, the history of the motorcycle is divided into clear divisions or time segments. The next notable era is the time between 1955 and 1985 that was characterized by some of the other big names in motorcycle history such as the Indian.

Even though the Beatles weren’t about to invade American shores with their brand of British music for another ten years, the English Indian motorcycle was out selling the American competition in the 1950s. Another big name that made its appearance in the pre-Japanese era of motorcycle production is Norton.

At one point in time, the Norton motorcycle gave the bigger names like Harley Davidson a run for their money in the motorcycle subculture.

If you’re wanting to get started riding, you’ll need to obtain a motorcycle license. While the requirements for a motorcycle license vary from state to state, there are generally some accepted prerequisites that don’t change. Most states require a commercial driver’s license before they will allow an applicant to start the procedure for getting a motorcycle license. Also, a person will usually need to pay related fees and take tests that vary from state to state.