The History of
Motorcycles pt8
By : Melanie Schwarte
Following the Second Great War , things in the motorcycle world were changing faster than Katy Perry ’ s hair color . Across the pond , the BSA group purchased Triumph in 1951 and quickly became the world ’ s largest motorcycle producer . The German NSU was the largest manufacturer from 1955 to 1959 , only to be beat out of first place by Honda in 1960 . Norton had its own developments , with the manufacturing
of the twin cylinder Dominator with a featherbed frame – lightweight and strong this café racer was the ride of choice by numerous world champion racers . Back home in the states , Indian ceased all operations and production in 1950 . Five years later , Brockhouse Engineering purchased the rights to the Indian Motorcycle name and sold imported Royal Enfield models branded as Indian models until 1960 . While others struggled , Harley-Davidson kept on keepin ’ on and in 1952 released the side valve K model . This model featured an integrated engine and transmission to compete with sportier motorcycles coming out of Great Britain . In 1957 Harley delegated the K model the “ Sportster ”… it boasted a 55 cubic inch overhead valve engine , and within 1 year of its debut had become known as the first of the “ superbikes ”. The following year Harley introduced the first hydraulic rear brake and new rear suspension on Big Twin models , and the all new Duo- Glide .
Post war background aside … what were our Veterans doing now that the war was over and they were back on American soil ? Well they did what any one would do when out of sorts … they found a replacement for the comradery they had found during the war . That replacement came in the form of motorcycle riders grouped loosely into organized clubs … unbeknownst to them ; these veterans had just changed history in the United States . The “ biker ” came into being , a new social institution had been forever introduced into American society … and we thank you for that . Last month I mentioned the overwhelming amount of surplus bikes that remained after the war … cheap and plentiful , people started snatching them up . Now , these groups that were gathering together ( bikers if you will ) must have had some time on their hands , because they weren ’ t content with just changing social history once … Oh no my friends ... these
guys wanted far more . Now , having ridden European bikes during the war , they realized that Harley-Davison made some dependable machines , but they just couldn ’ t compete speed wise with what they had ridden during the war . So , naturally , they took these surplus bikes home and decided to modify them . These bikes were stripped down … ammunition
14 Thunder Roads Magazine Louisiana / Mississippi | April 2018 | www . thunderroadslams . com