Motorcycles have been widely used all over the world and throughout history, but especially so during times of war. Harley Davidsons made up more than half of the military motorcycles in the early part of the 20th century, and British company Triumph Motorcycles made a similar effort, earning itself the nickname “Trusty Triumph”. During each war the production of motorcycles was greatly increased. In the first world war these replaced horses as transport for messenger purposes.
It was unfortunately thanks to the first and second world wars that the production of motorcycles was so rampant. In Europe, prod
uction demands started from 1937 to 1950 and produced hundreds of thousands of models, including lightweight versions to be used as a dropped vehicle from aircrafts.
Post-war, with these thousands of motorcycles in circulation, vets of war had a new found sense of excitement in relation to motorcycles. These vets then formed clubs and social institutions called bikers. In Europe, the motorcycle designs were turned into more practical uses which birthed the vespa.
As well as practical, the motorcycle became recreational, a vehicle that was associated with youth and style. It was around this time motorcycles also started appearing in Hollywood movies as an accessory of coolness.
