The History of the Motorcycle

Most of us take the everyday motorcycle for granted. Sure, every year the new models leave us oohing and ahhing and wondering what could possibility get any better but…Have you ever pondered the invention of the motorcycle?

For those of you who would like to know the rest of the story here is a brief synopsis of the invention of the common motorcycle. American, Sylvester Howard Roper (1823-1896) invented a two-cylinder, steam-engine motorcycle (powered by coal) in 1867. This can be considered the first motorcycle, if you allow your description of a motorcycle to include a steam engine. (By the way, Howard Roper also invented a steam engine car.) German, Gottlieb Daimler invented the first gas-engine motorcycle in 1885, which was an engine attached to a wooden bicycle. Nicolaus Otto invented the first "Four-Stroke Internal-Combustion Engine" in 1876 and called it the "Otto Cycle Engine". As soon as he completed his engine, Daimler (a former Otto employee) built it into a motorcycle. In 1903, William Harley and his friends Arthur and Walter Davidson launched the Harley-Davidson Motor Company. Their bike had a quality engine, so it could prove itself in races. And the rest as they say is history!

Here at Street Eagle Motorcycle Rentals we understand not everyone can afford their own late model motorcycle, so if you are 21 years of age and have a valid driver’s license with a motorcycle endorsement, we have a bike for you! We rent on a daily, 3 day or weekly for your convenience. Simply click on a location near you or call for a quote!

Harley, Harley-Davidson, H-D, Softail, Road King Classic, Road King, Electra Glide Standard, Electra Glide Classic, Electra Glide Ultra Classic, Sportster, VRSCA V-Rod, Night Train, Fatboy, Heritage Classic, Dyna Wide Glide, Dyna Low Rider, Deuce and HOG are registered trademarks of the Harley-Davidson Motor Company. Any reference to the above names and or trademarks is strictly intended for comparison and identification purposes only.