A History of the Motorcycle

Motorcycles can offer a lot of fun and are a great way to get around town or the countryside. Motorbikes have been around for quite a long time, but they’ve certainly evolved over the years. Whether you’re driving a classic or modern bike, if you’re hitting the road, it’s crucial to take out motorcycle insurance as it can help mitigate risks. Contact Birdsong Agency Inc., serving Snellville, GA, to discuss motorcycle policy options.

Interested in the history of motorcycles? Let’s take a quick tour.

The Early Years of the Motorcycle

A few steam motorcycles started to appear in the 1860s and beyond but largely remained impractical. The first combustion motorcycle, the Daimler Reitwagen, hit the road in 1885, at about the same time that Karl Benz was launching the first combustion automobile. Motorcycles quickly took off, and by the 1890s, factories were pumping them out.

Many of the first motorcycles were actually based on pedal bike designs. Further, many earlier inventors and companies, like Daimler, shifted from motorcycles to automobiles. Still, a few major brands that are still around, like Triumph Motorcycles, were founded in the late 19th century. In the United States, the first automobile insurance plan was sold in 1897 to Gilbert Loomis in Ohio, paving the way for motorcycle insurance.

In the United States, Indian motorcycles began production in 1901, and Harley-Davidson took off in 1903. Still, demand for motorcycles remained somewhat limited until the outbreak of World War I. During the war, messengers and others needed to get around quickly, and motorcycles became a go-to choice.

Today, motorcycles are largely seen as recreational vehicles in the United States, Canada, and North America. In other regions, like South Asia, they are a favored mode of everyday transportation. Further, by the 1970s most states were requiring vehicle operators to take out insurance policies like motorcycle insurance.

Reach Out To Us

Contact Birdsong Agency Inc., serving Snellville, GA and surrounding areas, to explore motorcycle insurance plans.