The History of Kids Riding Motorbikes and How It's Evolved Over Time

Motorcycles have come a long way since 1901 when the first successful motorcycle was made by Indian Motorcycles in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Today, major manufacturers such as Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha, and the well-known American company, Harley-Davidson, have continued to innovate and produce exciting new models.

But did you know that the first internal combustion, petroleum-fueled motorcycle was the Daimler Reitwagen, designed by German inventors Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach in 1885?

Let's take a trip down memory lane and explore the history of kids  motorbikes and how it's evolved over time.

Early Motorcycles

Before the iconic Indian motorcycle, there were other important designs in motorcycle history. One such example is the Butler Petrol Cycle, created by Edward Butler in England in 1884.

Butler showcased his plans at the Stanley Cycle Show in London that year, and the vehicle was later built by the Merryweather Fire Engine company in 1888.

In 1894, Hildebrand & Wolfmüller introduced the first series production motorcycle, known as the Motorrad.

Meanwhile, in the US, Charles Metz built the first production motorcycle, the Orient-Aster, in 1898 at his factory in Waltham, Massachusetts.

Motorcycles in the First World War

Motorcycle production significantly increased during the First World War.

Despatch riders on motorcycles replaced messengers on horses, providing a quicker and more efficient means of communication with front-line troops. Harley-Davidson, for example, devoted over 50% of its factory output to military contracts during the war.

Triumph Motorcycles also played a significant role, selling more than 30,000 of its Triumph Type H model to allied forces.

The Model H was an innovative design, featuring a 499 cc air-cooled four-stroke single-cylinder engine and being the first Triumph model without pedals.

Related: What Does CC Mean in Motorcycles? Learn About CC in Bikes?

Post-War Developments

By 1920, Harley-Davidson became the largest motorcycle manufacturer, with dealerships in 67 countries. However, by the late 1920s or early 1930s, German manufacturer DKW took over as the largest producer.

Streamlining and Racing in the 1950s

In the 1950s, racing motorcycles began incorporating streamlined designs.

The dustbin fairing was a particularly important development, promising radical changes to motorcycle design. Companies like NSU and Moto Guzzi were at the forefront of this revolution.

However, after a series of fatalities during the 1954 –1956 seasons involving NSU riders, the company halted development and withdrew from Grand Prix motorcycle racing.

21st Century Motorcycle Industry

Fast forward to the 21st century, and the motorcycle industry is now mainly dominated by Indian and Japanese manufacturers.

In addition to large-capacity motorcycles, there's a thriving market for smaller-capacity bikes (under 300 cc), primarily concentrated in Asian and African countries.

The Honda Super Cub, introduced in 1958, has become the best-selling vehicle of all time, with over 60 million units produced as of April 2008.

Today, Indian companies dominate this sector, with Hero MotoCorp being the world's largest manufacturer of two-wheelers.

Its Splendor model alone has sold more than 8.5 million units. Other major producers include Bajaj and TVS Motors.

In Summary

The history of kids riding motorbikes is fascinating and varied, evolving from the invention of the Reitwagen to the current dominance of Indian and Japanese manufacturers. Throughout the years, companies and inventors have pushed the boundaries of motorcycle design, making bikes more efficient, faster, and safer for riders of all ages.

FAQs

What was the first successful motorcycle?

The first successful motorcycle was made by Indian Motorcycles in 1901.

Who were the inventors of the Daimler Reitwagen?

The German inventors Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach designed the Daimler Reitwagen in 1885.

What role did motorcycles play during the First World War?

Motorcycles were used by despatch riders for communication with front-line troops, reconnaissance, and military policing.

Which motorcycle had the first dustbin fairing?

NSU and Moto Guzzi were among the early pioneers of dustbin fairing in the 1950s.

Which company is the largest manufacturer of two-wheelers today?

Hero MotoCorp, an Indian company, is the world's largest manufacturer of two-wheelers.