th its cylinders going fore-and-aft. The connecting rods connected directly to a crank on the rear axle, and instead of using heavy flywheels for energy storage between cylinder-firing, it used a pair of stout elastic bands, one on each side outboard of the cylinders, to help out on the compression strokes. It was water-cooled, and had a water tank/radiator built into the top of the rear fender (www.motorcycle.com “History”, 2).”In 1897, Michel and Eugene Werner built a machine with a De Dion-style engine. The engine was located over the front wheel and it drove via twisted rawhide belt. The weight on the front forks caused steering problems. The cycle was revised in 1901. The Werners “split the frame in front of the pedals and bolted the engine into the gap. The frame was strengthened by adding a horizontal member running above the engine (Wilson, 11).” This new layout improved weight distribution and handling making a better ride. The new Werner had an electric-ignition and a spray-type carburetor. Even though it had no clutch, no suspension, poor breaks, and not much power the 1901 Werner was a major part of the real beginning in the evolution of the modern motorcycle.By 1903, motorcycles were being designed and manufactured all over Europe and America. Also in 1903, William S. Harley and Arthur Davidson completed a motorcycle prototype. The Harley-Davidson Motor Company put out “Silent Gray Fellow” in 1904 and in 1907 they built its first V-twin (Wilson, 18-20). In 1913, Indian introduced the rear suspension and Cyclone built an overhead-camshaft V-twin. “By 1914 the V-twin was established as the most popular American motorcycle engine, a position that it still retains (Wilson, 17).” Harley-Davidson, Indian, Excelsior, and many others use the V-twin. Harley-Davidson and Indian are the two largest motorcycle companies in America. Oscar Hedstrom and George Hendee developed first mo...
