It is challenging to comprehend that battles were fought primarily on horseback just over a century ago when troops went to war.Today, countries could battle their enemies half a world away virtually with the press of a button, thanks to advances in technology.
Before World War I, technological advancements brought the motorcycle into military service, and it continues to serve in various capacities today.Though it could be argued that battles, if not entire wars, were won on the back of a bike, the motorcycle does not receive the credit it deserves for its loyal military service.
Through the long and complicated history of Harley-Davidson, there have been several infamous yet well-loved engines.
Among the most infamous and yet the most sought after today is the Harley-Davidson shovelhead. Name for its unique head design that looks like an old coal shovel flipped upside down, the shovelhead represented a troubling time for Harley-Davidson. Despite the challenges, Harley-Davidson sold motorcycles with the shovelhead engine from 1966 to 1984 and enjoyed an ever-increasing market share.
When you’ve been making products for over 300 years, you learn a thing or two about making things last and making things count. For Husqvarna, this journey of making things that count began way, way back in 1689. Founded in the Swedish town of Huskvarna, they originally began producing muskets for the Swedish army. In fact, their logo is still an H with a set of gun sights on top of it! Their march towards domination of the off-road motorcycle racing world wouldn’t take place until well into the mid-1950s when a new form of racing known as “Motor - Cross” (today known as “Motocross”) was taking over post World War II Europe. At the core of their growth and dominance was the 250CC off-road motorcycle. Later known as the CR 250, it was simple, durable, and fast. We can’t wait to tell you all about this amazing machine:
There are plenty of products out there that like to call themselves game-changers, but few can really live up to that lofty title.
Honda’s CB750, however, absolute can and could be considered one of the most influential motorcycles to ever roll down the American road. From the comfortable, upright style seating, to the incredibly durable yet powerful 4 cylinder engine, and fade-free disc brakes; the CB750 was the first mass-market, large displacement bike to earn the “Superbike” moniker. It would even go on to form the basis of what a Universal Japanese Motorcycle (UJM) design would be for decades and decades to come.
Sure, you may have heard of the muscle car wars of the 1960s but what about the muscle bike wars of the 1980s?
That’s right! Here in America, the 1980s were significant for many reasons (some that we shouldn’t be so proud of) and the decade of excess and innovation spawned some fascinating creations in both the automotive and the motorcycle world. Chief among these exercises in excess was none other than the subject of this deep dive; the Yamaha VMAX.
