Difference between revisions of "Motorcycle"

Up until the First World War, the largest motorcycle manufacturer was [[Indian (motorcycle)|Indian]]. After that, this honour went to Harley Davidson, until 1928 when [[DKW]] took over as the largest manufacturer. After the Second World War, in 1951, the [[Birmingham Small Arms Company|BSA Group]] became the largest producer of motorcycles in the world. The German [[NSU Motorenwerke AG|NSU]] was the largest manufacturer from 1955 until the 1970s when Honda became the most prominent manufacturer, a title it retains to this day. British manufacturers (Triumph, BSA, Norton) held a dominant position in some markets until the rise of the Japanese manufacturers (led by [[Honda]]) in the late 1960s and early 1970s who were able to produce designs faster, cheaper and of better quality. Today, the Japanese manufacturers [[Honda]], [[Kawasaki]], [[Suzuki]] and [[Yamaha Motor Corporation|Yamaha]] dominate the motorcycle industry, although [[Harley-Davidson]] still maintains a high degree of popularity in America.

Across the world, and both past and present, motorcycles have been associated with [[subcultures]] of [[society]]. Some of these subcultures have been loose-knit social groups such as the [[Cafe racers]] of [[1950s]] Britain, and the [[Mod (lifestyle)|Mods]] and [[Rockers]] of the 1960s. Others are purportedly  [[fraternal]] organizations, the most well known of these being the [[Hells Angels]]. Most motorcycle organizations have law-abiding and peaceful members, and many raise money for charities through organized events and rides.