Motorcycle History RSS
6 World War I Motorcycles: The History, Models, and Uses
The first combustion engine motorcycle was invented in 1885 as an experimental consumer vehicle. As World War I broke out just three decades later, they were repurposed as core components of British, German, and American military fleets. Seemingly overnight, armies went from needing more horses to needing more horsepower. In the eyes of generals, motorcycles were agile machines capable of handling rugged terrain, transporting injured soldiers, and running mounted artillery. If you’re curious about what models played a role in WWI, this piece is for you. Competition Distributing, a leading vintage motorcycle parts supplier, takes a look at six motorcycles...
The History of the Harley-Davidson JD Engine
Harley-Davidson has come a long way since its humble beginnings. In a small wooden shed in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the first motorcycle was prototyped. Fast forward to today, and the company now produces nearly 200,000 road-ready hogs every year in factories around the globe. Whether you want to cruise in comfort or be part of a passion-fueled community of owners, you can have it all with a Harley. One of the most pivotal moments in the company’s history was the creation of the JD Engine. Not only did it add some meat to the wiry pre1920s models, but it also produced...