The first motorcycle in history was steam-engine, 2-cylinder machine made by Sylvester Howard Roper in the year 1867. The interesting thing is that the motorbike was not attracting much attention despite being extensively demonstrated in the U.S.
The motorbike was invented much before the safety bicycle, and its chassis was designed on the basis of the “bone-crusher” bike that was invented around 1800 and give a harsh and grating ride and had a strong propensity to toss the rider around, the reason for being called “bone-crushers.”
The first gas-powered motorcycle was invented by Gottlieb Daimler in the year 1885. It was more of a wooden bike to which an engine was fitted. Most of the inventors of the 19th century who were working on motorcycles gradually shifted to other inventions. For instance, both Roper and Daimler later on concentrated on developing automobiles.
William Harley and Davidson brothers kept working on motorcycles and their competitors were the new entrants in the market like Indian, Excelsior, Merkel, Pierce, Thor and Schickel. And, the famous Harley-Davidson Motor Company was established in 1903. Even though the new engine was capable of appearing in races, the company focused on manufacturing a transport bike. The first official Harley-Davidson sale was made by C.H. Lange in Chicago.
Coming from the early stages of development, motorcycles today are valued for their speed, looks, efficiency and economic reasons. Today, the fastest motorbikes are capable of reaching top speeds of more than 240 MPH. they are more aerodynamic in shape and cater to a wide range of customers in terms of budget and age-group. The major concern today is the increasing oil prices, and motorcycles have proven to be more economical a mode of transport than cars. Even though most of the people in North America ride motorcycles as a part of their hobby or to have fun, people in other countries, even in other first world countries, ride motorcycles to save the cost of oil, gas and insurance over cars. Only time will tell what future motorcycles will evolve into – solar powered, hybrid engine or any new integrated technology enabled.