torcycle by Indian.The first U.S. motorcycle was the Orient-Aster. It was built by the Metz Company in 1898. The engine used was a copy of the De Dion-Buton engine.The United States used motorcycles to support the infantry in World War I. Harley-Davidson and Indian were the only American companies that survived the Great Depression of the 1930s. Harley once again provided motorcycles for World War II (www.harley-davidson.com “Harley-Davidson History”, 1). English bikes flooded the American market in the 1940s. “British bikes were lighter, faster, and sportier than the domestic machines (Wilson, 17). BMW, Triumph, and Ducati are some of the most popular and well-known European motorcycle manufactures today.“Motorcycles have been built in Japan since 1909 (Wilson, 111). Japan makes small, well-made machines. America began importing Japanese motorcycles in the late 60s and early 70s. The main Japanese manufactures are Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha, and Kawasaki. Honda is one of the biggest motorcycle manufactures in the world today.Motorcycle racing began in Richmond, Surrey, England in 1897. The International Federation of Motorcyclists was founded in 1904. The I.F.M. is the international governing body for racing. The first real motorcycle racetrack was made in 1907 (www.comptons.com “Motorcycles”, 3). During the 1950s and 60s, black leather jackets became associated with motorcyclists. Motorcycle riders began wearing the heavy leather jackets for warm during the long rides and protection, in case they happened to fall while riding. The thick jackets would help prevent the tearing of their flesh on the hard, rough road. Now, to most motorcyclists, black leather jackets are used for the above mentioned reasons as well as a fashion statement and a lifestyle (www.harley-davidson.com “Harley-Davidson History”, 1).Nowadays, motorcycles are used very often in the world. Police use them to serve and prote...
