| The history of the motorcycle will forever be | | | | as having been the first ever motorcycle. |
| linked with the development of early bicycles. The | | | | There is often some confusion, with many |
| bicycle formed the basis for early motorbikes and | | | | believing that these machines were invented by |
| helped to shape the history of these motorized | | | | the Harley Davidson company. |
| machines. | | | | That company was founded by William Harley, |
| In 1867 Sylvester Howard Roper invented the | | | | Arthur Davidson and Walter Davidson. Although |
| first machine that some would recognise as a | | | | they did play a key role in the early development |
| motorbike. Roper, an American, created a | | | | of motorcycles, they didn't start producing the |
| machine that had two cylinder steam engine. This | | | | machines until almost twenty years after Daimler |
| early bike was powered by coal. | | | | had created the first one. |
| Some experts insist that having the machine | | | | Although Harley Davidsons quickly became known |
| powered in such a way suggests that it can't | | | | for their speed and performance, the inventors |
| really be compared to modern motorcycles. | | | | always intended that the bikes should be used for |
| Many suggest that the first real motorcycle was | | | | transport purposes. |
| invented by Gottlieb Daimler. Daimler was, of | | | | Today, they remain as one of the great icons of |
| course, to eventually find rather more fame | | | | the last century. |
| through his work on cars. | | | | It's amazing to think that the developments of |
| Daimler had been working for some time with | | | | more than 100 years ago led to the production of |
| Nicolaus August Otto, who was himself an early | | | | modern day motorbikes. |
| expert in designing and building engines. Daimler | | | | If you're interested in purchasing bluetooth |
| took one of Otto's engines and attached it to a | | | | motorcycle helmets then you can find out more |
| wooden bicycle frame. | | | | information, including more articles by Keith |
| Otto's four stroke internal combustion engine was | | | | Barrett. This article may be published on any |
| a remarkable breakthrough and Daimler's use of it | | | | website but this resource box must be included in |
| ensured that in 1885 he produced what many see | | | | full. The author retains all copyright. |