Vintage Motorcycles

Many hardened bikers become misty eyed when confronted with a classic motorbike. They are a thing of beauty to a biker, on a par with works of art. These vintage motorcycles were constructed in an age when craftsmanship was highly valued. The interest in them is reflected in the number of motorcycle museums around the world, in addition to the machines in private collections. Some of these bikes have been lovingly restored.

Motorcycles have been ridden for many reasons. For some owners, it's a practical way to get to work, others love the social contact it brings and then, there are the military uses and the competition race bikes. Several owners clubs for bikers bring people and machines together, helping to maintain the legacy of the finest models. Unfortunately, some models of vintage motorcycles are lost to history and we are just left with the photographs.

There are many early examples of fine engineering, such as the 1908 Indian Twin Cylinder and Henderson, Traub and Hedstrom bikes from the World War I era. The use of mounted soldiers had all but disappeared by 1917 and the military made great use of motorcycles, especially during World War II when Harley Davidson, Crocker and Indian manufactured many thousands of machines.

After World War II, the servicemen returning to civilian life wanted an inexpensive means of transport to help them get around. Sales of bikes really took off, with models such as the 1948 FL Panhead and the 1949 Hot Rod Panhead. Some people consider the 1940s and 1950s to be the golden age of vintage motorcycles.

Racing is another popular biking activity. It became a formalized event when the first wooden track was opened in 1909 in Los Angeles. Other circular tracks followed with steep banking and bikes thrilling the spectators with speeds of almost 100mph. The riders were celebrities and the sport was a boon to the manufacturers, each wanting to outdo the other.

The American Motorcycles Association (AMA) brought in Class C Racing and the number of events increased. The sport was dominated by Harley Davidson, Excelsior and Indian. There were some classic vintage motorcycles from this period, including the Harley Davidson 1935 Class C 1935 RLDR and the 1941 Class C WLDR with it's stars and stripes tank.

Specialist speedway and hill climbing machines were also made and these events were very popular with the public. One of the vintage motorcycles that remain on view is the 1928 Indian Overhead 750. In fact, there were bikes for all aspects of life.