By: Sanjay Verma
Created in 1929 in the UK, the Douglas Model W featured a distinctive flat-twin engine layout that made it a favorite among riders. Its innovative design also influenced other motorcycle manufacturers.
In 1925, the United States introduced the Excelsior Super X, a powerful motorcycle with a 1,000 cc, 45-horsepower V-twin engine. It became an iconic symbol of speed and power by setting records and winning prestigious races.
Created in 1917 during World War I, the Harley-Davidson Model 5-D, known as the "Silent Gray Fellow," stood out for its quiet engine operation, symbolizing the brand's resilience.
Created in 1915, the Triumph Model H, known as the "Trusty Triumph," gained fame for its exceptional reliability and durability during its service with the British military in World War I.
In 1907, the Indian Single, known for its reliability and featuring a 303 cc single-cylinder engine, was a favorite among US law enforcement agencies, leaving a mark on early motorcycling culture.
In 1897, Germany introduced the Hildebrand & Wolfmüller Model 2, an upgraded version with a powerful 1,500 cc twin-cylinder engine and a top speed of 50 mph. However, production issues and competition led to its decline.
The Werner Motocyclette, created by the Werner brothers in 1897, featured a distinctive design with front-wheel pedals, a 144 cc engine, and 1.5 horsepower, leaving a notable mark in early motorcycle history.
The 1894 Hildebrand & Wolfmüller marked history as the first commercially produced motorbike. It featured a water-cooled twin-cylinder engine and reached speeds up to 28 mph, setting the stage for the motorcycle industry's growth.
In 1885, the Daimler Reitwagen, invented by Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach, marked the world's first true motorcycle. It featured a single-cylinder, four-stroke gasoline engine on a wooden frame, ushering in a new era of motorcycling.